Posted on: in [ Service Dogs in Training ]
Sponsor Announcement
Many thanks to Ron Erwin for his generosity in the sponsorship of my training! Ron graciously donated toward a Puppy Head Start sponsorship, which provided him the opportunity to give me my wonderful name! Ron is also fostering me through the first stage of training. I hope to make him proud!!
Biscuit's Journey
Stage 1 Introduction
Hello! My name is Biscuit. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are "Rose" who is originally from Yellow Rose Labradors and is now fostered by the Feckers family, and "Whiskey" from Honey Hollow Labrador Retrievers. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 to 10 months with my new volunteer foster, Ron.
Throughout Stage 1, I will learn the basics obedience, public behavior, and a lot of socialization. I understand that it takes a very special dog to complete the program as there is a high standard to become a Service Dog. I am aware that I may be one of the dogs whose purpose is outside of service work so I will be updating my profile on a monthly basis for all that would like to follow my journey through the program.
December 2020 - 2 months old
This month I made the transition from my amazing breeding foster home to my new puppy raiser! Now that I'm settled in my foster home, I will begin working on crate training, potty training, and learning my name. Then I'll learn how to appropriately walk on a leash and what's acceptable to chew on (my toys!) and not acceptable to chew on (Ron's shoes). I'm excited to begin this journey!
January 2021 - 3 months old
I am currently working on not biting Ron's hands. I tend to think his fingers are toys and I just want to chew them! We go on many walks each day, so I'm learning very quickly how to properly walk on a leash. I've got potty training down and have been advancing my duration with the "sit" and "down" commands.
February 2021 - 4 months old
I'm getting better at performing commands the first time they are asked, I have had no accidents, and am going after Ron's hands less often. I've made lots of big strides in my training over the past month! Ron and I haven't been able to go on our daily walks due to the freezing temperatures, so we're finding creative, new ways to get my energy out inside the house. I'm working on holding commands for longer periods of time and waiting patiently for each meal.
March 2021 - 5 months old
Since I'm so social and energetic, it's difficult for me to stay focused on Ron when we're on walks and cross paths with a stranger. I always want to say hi! We are working on appropriate greetings, not jumping, and to keep my focus on the correct person when the temptation is right in front of me. Right now I'm working on controlling my demanding bark. I tend to let out loud barks when I want something - food, a toy, another dog... Ron is working with the trainers to help get this under control!
April 2021 - 6 months old
I've gotten better at remaining calm while walking around town on my leash. I have gotten a bit better at not jumping on people when they approach me. After my initial excitement, I tend to lay down and relax while Ron chats. I understand "leave it" when treats are placed on the floor around me. I need to work on my barking habit - I mostly do this when I know meal time is close.
May 2021 - 7 months old
As streets downtown become more busy with people, Ron and I continue to take walks and work on keeping my focus on him and ignoring passersby. I still have a habit of barking at Ron when I want something - when I want my dinner, when I want inside from being outside, when I want out of my kennel, and so on. We are working on this as best we can with guidance from the professional trainers!
June 2021 - 8 months old
This month I had to say a tough "see ya later" to my puppy raiser and good buddy Ron. We have been through a lot together the past 6 months and I can't thank him enough for all the time and patience he's dedicated toward my training! He dropped me off at the training facility so I can move into the next phase of the program. I hope to see you again someday, Ron!
July 2021 - 9 months old
I have been spending time at the training facility, working with the professional training staff and ensuring to spend plenty of time playing outside with my friends.
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