Phoebe

Sponsor Announcement

I am thrilled to announce my partnership with Premier Furniture & Equipment in Shell Rock, IA! They graciously donated to sponsor my journey to hopefully becoming a service dog. I hope to make them proud throughout my training. Thank you!

Phoebe's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I'm Phoebe! I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  I am from Kerrybrook Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Addie.

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. 

July 2020 - 2 months old

  

This month I transitioned from my breeder to my wonderful volunteer foster home with Addie! She and I will spend the next several months together, learning lots to help me become a service dog some day (hopefully!). First, I'll learn my name, how to walk on a leash, and where to go potty.

August 2020 - 3 months old

        

I'm learning what putting on this vest means - which is to relax and wait for the next task from Addie. This month I went on my first lunch outing and did great! I also spent time training at Retrieving Freedom and impressed everyone there with how quickly I'm catching on to things and my confidence level when introduced to new tasks!

September 2020 - 4 months old

 

Addie has had a lot of homework to do lately, which means I'm getting lots of practice with the "place" command! I'm doing great and she always rewards me with a play session when we take a break. I'm working on following Addie's pace while heeling, and not jumping on her when I get excited. 

October 2020 - 5 months old

     

Happy Fall! I love spending the cooler days outside, training and playing. Addie and I take trips into public where I perform perfectly! I always look forward to daily snuggle sessions, too. The biggest thing I'm working on right now is ignoring strangers when they try to come close and greet me.

November 2020 - 6 months old

 

Half a year old already?! Addie says it's never too early to put up the Christmas tree... and I agree! I'm doing great at performing a "sit" when Addie and I stop walking - I don't even need the command anymore! 

January 2021 - 8 months old

    

I visited Retrieving Freedom with Addie for our monthly training session and really impressed the trainers! I have a lot of confidence and tend to pick up on new tasks and commands quickly. I had no fear of the wobble board or training equipment. I'm working on keeping my attention on Addie, especially in public when people are trying to talk to or distract me.

February 2021 - 9 months old

   

March 2021 - 10 months old

   

This month I did a simulated turn in at the Retrieving Freedom facility. This is where I practiced staying overnight at the kennels, so that when it comes time for me to turn in, the kennel environment isn't scary or new to me! I did great. It was nice to go home to Addie, though, after the weekend at the kennels. We have a few weeks left together and I'm looking forward to continuing to learn from her!

April 2021 - 11 months old

 

I have improved so much with heeling lately! I keep my attention on my handler and ignore all potential distractions around me. My eye contact continues to improve and I have great recall from a distance. Addie and I are now working on performing a "sit" when the command is given but my handler keeps walking. This one is tricky but I'm catching on!

May 2021 - 1 year old!

       

Addie and I work with the trainers at Retrieving Freedom to learn new tasks. I pick up on things quickly! I learned how to target this red bowl. Next, I'll begin to pivot with my feet on the bowl and move into a "left".

June 2021 - 13 months old

  

I'm soaking up every day with Addie because she said our time together will be coming to an end soon. We have gone on lots of public trips to the store, restaurants, and for walks. We go to training sessions at Retrieving Freedom, too!

Stage 2 Introduction

Woohoo! I have officially been entered into stage 2 of training, and I am so excited!  Over the past year 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! 

Stage 2 Introduction

Wahoo!!!  I have officially been entered into stage 2 training, and I am so excited!  Over the past year 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.  This training stage will be another 8 months of working within the Retrieving Freedom Impact programs. 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! 

July 2021 - 14 months old

  

This month I had to say a difficult "see you later" to my wonderful fosters, Addie and Nolan. It was time I transitioned into formal training. I moved to the Missouri training facility where I officially entered the second stage of training. Here's to new beginnings and learning advanced tasks in new environments!