Story

Story's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hi! I'm Story. 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, Luke and Stella.

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'm so excited to be on this journey! This month I transitioned from my wonderful breeding foster home to my new puppy raiser's home. The Pint family will be taking good care of me and training with me over the next several months to give me the best start possible in my career toward hopefully becoming a service dog. So far, I've worked on loose leash walking, crate training, potty training, and learning to respond to my new name!

January 2021 - 3 months old

       

Happy New Year! I have progressed a lot over the past couple of weeks, now that I am in a good routine with my foster family. I am perfecting "sit," "heel," and "down" as well as crate and potty training. I go to work with Stella where I'm exposed to various ages of children. I get so excited to see everyone each day! Right now I'm working on not jumping on others when being greeted.

February 2021 - 4 months old

     

I got over a huge hurdle this month - I no longer jump on people when I get excited! This is great progress in my training. Stella took me to my first basketball game and I did so well! I wasn't bothered at all by the people around me or the loud, unexpected noises. Now I'm working on being comfortable during nail trims. They aren't my favorite.

March 2021 - 5 months old

           

Now that I'm old and big enough, and have all my vaccinations, I have full public access! This month I trained at Dollar General where I kept great focus on my handler, even in the dog food aisle! I have traveled to the doctor's office several times and explore with my fosters on public parks and trails. Being outside is my favorite!

April 2021 - 6 months old

       

I keep great focus on my handler during working sessions and while we train in public. This month I transitioned into my big girl vest and continue to impress my handler and trainers with how my training is coming along! My eye contact with my handlers is flawless!

May 2021 - 7 months old

                 

I have had several new experiences this month! I went to the conference track meet where I patiently ignored other dogs barking, kids playing with baseballs and frisbees, and people petting me without asking (a big no-no). I also worked on various textures at the playground and acted as a pillow while one of my favorite humans enjoyed a Sunday morning read on my back. In one weekend I went to my very first restaurant, went to the high school state track meet, a baseball game, and a softball game. I did great in all of these situations! I keep focus in busy and easily distracting environments, thanks to my amazing fosters!

June 2021 - 8 months old

     

I visited a beautifully painted Freedom Rock in Iowa! As I venture into new places each week, I continue to get better and better at maintaining focus on my handler. Stella does a great job rewarding me when I make eye contact with her! I am working on pushing things with my nose, and Stella is excited to introduce me to a handicap button soon. I am also working on the "left" command. Sometimes I don't get my feet quite where they need to be, but Stella is so encouraging and I'm such a hard worker that we eventually figure it out!

July 2021 - 9 months old

  

This month I spent some extra time at the training facility. Not only did this give my trainers an opportunity to see how far I've come so far, but it also gave me extra play time with other service friends in training! On the hot days, we get to play in the pool which is my absolute favorite!

August 2021 - 10 months old