Hope IV

Sponsor Announcement

Many thanks to Marilee Benage for her generosity in the sponsorship of my training! Marilee graciously donated toward a Puppy Head Start sponsorship, which provided her the opportunity to give me my wonderful name! I hope to make her proud!!

Hope's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi there, I'm Hope. 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 fosters, Brian and Ginger.

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 breeder foster home to my new puppy raiser! It was quite the change. I will first work on learning my name, walking on a leash, potty training, and crate training. I'm excited to begin this journey!

January 2021 - 3 months old

 

I have begun going to work with my foster, Ginger. I do great, for the most part, until I need to go potty. Then I let her know with a little whine. This is great for my potty training, as long as I don't make it a habit of whining at work! I'm currently working on not biting or chewing on my leash. Ginger says I'm very smart! 

February 2021 - 4 months old

I have been working on the "place" command - and doing well with it! I continue to keep my focus on my handler and wait for my reward (a delicious treat). I don't like my nails being clipped, but am working on sitting still through that process. I have been working on "down" without visual cues, and have been introduced to "touch" without the command.

March 2021 - 5 months old

    

Ginger and I participated in a group training session at Menards where we worked on appropriate leash walking, "place" on new items such as plywood, and ignoring strangers. I am a big chewer - I always need to be kept busy and still sometimes bite hands when playing. I'm working on this with Ginger and the RFI training staff.

April 2021 - 6 months old

 

I have been doing quite a bit of public training lately. My fosters are slowly introducing me to new environments, ensuring I'm comfortable with everything in that area, and working through potential distractions and fears. I have been working on heeling and appropriate paces when walking with my handlers, as well as sitting when they stop walking.

May 2021 - 7 months old

I had a great training session at the Retrieving Freedom facility with the trainers and a fun play group with two of my sisters afterward! I have been much more polite at waiting patiently for my food rather than jumping up on Ginger to get it. I am eager to please and love working on skills.

June 2021 - 8 months old

Though I am an easy going gal and love to meet new people, Ginger says I am a bit too friendly at times. I have been to the barber shop a few times and to various stores recently. I am working on maintaining a longer duration for my commands.