Otto

Otto's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello! My name is Otto. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are "Gracie" who is originally from Kerrybrook Labradors and is now fostered by the Ingersoll family and "Trout" from Kerrybrook Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer fosters, David and Susie.

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. 

June 2020 - 2 months old

 

This month I transitioned from my wonderful breeding foster home in Iowa to my new puppy foster home in Sedalia, Missouri. My fosters David and Susie will teach me a lot over the next several months! First, we will work on crate training, leash training, name recognition, potty training, and "sit."

July 2020 - 3 months old

This month I attended the Grand Opening event for the new RFI location in Missouri! I had fun seeing all sorts of other service dogs in training, including my sister "Suri!"

September 2020 - 5 months old

 

Look how big and handsome I'm getting! I've lost my puppy teeth and gained lots of focus. Here I am performing the "place" command at a recent puppy class. I switched fosters and have been adjusting to a schedule with my new family. 

October 2020 - 6 months old

My foster and I attended another training session at the RFI facility. We are still learning each other's routine and how we can best help each other.

November 2020 - 7 months old

   

I'm getting really great at this "under" command and ignoring distractions around me! This can be especially tricky at restaurants where everything smells so delicious. I am learning to ignore all crumbs on the ground around me. When I do that, I get a treat from my handler!

December 2020 - 8 months old

    

We had a great training session at this month's foster class! I was also able to take advantage of a great photo opportunity in front of the beautiful Christmas tree with my siblings, Suri and Daphne! I'm much taller than they are. I've perfected the "left," "right," and "under" commands. I'm working on not jumping on others when I'm off-vest, at home.

January 2020 - 9 months old

 

This is a typically scene for me when my fosters and I go out to eat. I lay patiently and don't beg for food! My fosters and I have been working on my recall and duration with the "place" command. My personality is becoming rather stubborn and I'm struggling with getting too excited when people enter the room I'm in.

February 2021 - 10 months old

When Matt and I travel into public places, he says I do very well at staying next to him and not trying to sniff or take things off shelves. I also do not get distracted by strangers in public, which is great! I still tend to greet others by jumping on them when I'm in the home environment and off-leash, but I'm improving.

Stage 2 Introduction

Woohoo! I have officially been entered into the second of training, and I am so excited!  Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to see the RFI mission first hand, and can’t wait to dig deeper in the mission of changing lives through my training for veterans with disabilities and children with autism. During this Stage, I will also work closely with the RFI professional training staff to solidify my understanding of intermediate tasks and the foundation of future commands to help mitigate a disability. Follow me through this stage learning how I continue to make an impact! 

March 2021 - 11 months old

This month I had to say a difficult "see ya later" to my fosters as they turned me in to the Retrieving Freedom facility for formal training. I can't thank my fosters enough for all they've taught me over the past several months! I learned so much under their care and hope to make them proud as I continue through the process. My next step is traveling to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility where I'll be working with a Veteran handler for the next few months. I won't be able to provide updates while I'm there, but I'm looking forward to showing off all my new tasks when I return!

April 2021 - 1 year old!

Although I can't send photo updates from CMCF, I'm happy to report that I was appropriately spoiled on my first birthday! I will head back to the training facility in June and can't wait to update you then!

June 2021 - 14 months old

I have returned to the training facility from CMCF! I am excited to show the trainers all that I learned over the past few months.

July 2021 - 15 months old

I have gotten back into the swing of things, training at the facility and in public with the professional trainers at Retrieving Freedom.