Otis

Sponsor Announcement

Many thanks to Tammy Dameron for her generosity in the sponsorship of my training! Tammy 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!!

Otis' Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello there, my name is Otis! 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, Shane and Sheila.

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

     

I had a big day transitioning from my amazing breeding foster home to my new puppy raiser's home! After a lot of traveling, I'm finally settled in with Shane and Sheila. They will first teach my how to properly walk on a leash, crate training, and potty training. I'll also work on learning and responding to my new name - Otis! 

January 2021 - 3 months old

    

Happy New Year! I'm a lucky puppy who got some new toys for Christmas. My new steak toy is bigger than me (for now)! Right now I'm working on commands such as "here," "sit," and "down." I'm doing great with these so far, even in distracting environments! I'm doing great with potty training and am working on not biting.

February 2021 - 4 months old

      

Look at my new Valentine's Day collar! This month I went on my first outing to a restaurant and worked on the "under" command by staying calm underneath the table. I did great for a first-timer! The commands I have down already are "sit," "down," "place," and "wait." I also ring the bell by the door when I need to go potty! I'm currently working on not mouthing on my fosters' hands and feet when I get over-stimulated, and sharing my toys.

March 2021 - 5 months old

       

At this month's group training, I had fun playing with friends my size! I was so sleepy from all the play time afterward. I need to work on heeling better with my handler in distracting environments. I am a bit better when I use the gentle leader versus a slip lead.

April 2021 - 6 months old

    

I had a play date and was so sleepy afterward! Shane and Sheila take me to Retrieving Freedom often to work with the trainers there. I'm usually lucky enough to see some of my siblings while at the facility! I surprised Shane and Sheila by not approaching other puppies or their handlers to get attention during the meet and greet exercise.

May 2021 - 7 months old

 

I get easily distracted at group trainings with other service dogs in training around me. I eventually stayed on my place board.