Tex

Tex's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello, I am Tex. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program.  My parents are "Annie" who is originally from Kerrybrook Labradors and is now fostered by the Card family, and "Cotton" from Yellow Rose Labradors. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Marit. 

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.   

October 2019 - 3 months old

Meet Tex from the state of Texas!  I learned my name and potty trained quickly. At home, I started with the basic commands ("sit," "down," and "heel") and cues ("yes," and "no"). Now I am practicing these commands out in public.

December 2019 - 5 months old

 

I'm really excelling with my public work! I attend appointments with my foster family, and I'm always calm as can be. Everyone we meet is impressed with my progress! Wahooo! This month I attended my first University of Northern Iowa sporting event. These types of environments are perfect for ignoring distractions, becoming acquainted with loud, unexpected noises, and navigating through crowds.

January 2020 - 6 months old

 

Being from Texas, I'm not used to this white fluffy stuff. I've made it pretty clear to my foster that I am not a big fan quite yet, but I'm told we have a ways to go until it all clears up. I go to church weekly, and other members of church can't believe how much progress I make each week (or how bigger I am every week!). Church is a great place to work on staying quiet in my "down" command.

February 2020 - 7 months old

 

I'm working on the "leave it" command - you can see here how great I'm doing at ignoring treats placed directly on my paws! My foster is impressed with how quickly I'm picking up new tasks and commands. I have begun attending school with my foster. She is a teacher and I am learning impulse control, to ignore distractions, and working on basic obedience in the classroom. I hope I'm able to have an impact on the students as well!

April 2020 - 9 months old

Lately I have been getting lots of practice walking the trails. I'm doing great at ignoring bicyclists, joggers, and dogs of all sizes!

May 2020 - 10 months old

 

While grocery shopping with my foster, I have been working on good manners in the store especially- no licking!  I also practice the commands "down," "left," and "front." At home, I am really relaxed with all kind of noises and equipment. The vacuum cleaner doesn't bother this sweet boy. 

June 2020 - 11 months old

  

This month I supported Retrieving Freedom by attending National Donut Day at Hurts Donut in Cedar Falls, IA. I ran into other foster dogs in training while at the shop and behaved perfectly. I have also been training at the RFI facility. The trainers are impressed with my progress! I love to go to new places and continue to remain calm wherever I go with my fosters. At 11 months old, I'm practicing the command "under" in a variety of settings and around different people. Tempted by food under the table or food dropped on the floor are great opportunities for me to practice "leave it." I am also working on extending the duration of performing my commands - remaining in a "down" for an entire meal!

July 2020 - 1 year old!

  

I turned one year old on July 23! When meeting new people in public, I am very friendly and like to "shake" their hand. When out shopping, I am attentive to my handler. I love pushing the handicap button in various locations. Soon I will be transitioning into full-time training, so I am soaking up every minute with my foster family!

August 2020 - 13 months old

This month I began back at school with my foster! I have been waiting patiently to meet the students for the school year, and can't wait to see how much we are able to learn together.

Stage 2 Introduction

Woohoo! I have officially been entered into stage 2 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! 

September 2020 - 14 months old

     

Now that I am officially in formal training, it's time to work with the professional trainers at Retrieving Freedom! I work with them during the first part of the week, and then I am lucky enough to continue going to school on Fridays. I love spending the day with my favorite kindergarten students! I get a little distracted at recess, but I'm learning to redirect my attention to Marit when I'm tempted by the sights and sounds around me. On the weekends, my homework is to continue socializing in public. I enjoy going on new adventures with my foster Marit. I've overcome a lot with her by my side!

October 2020 - 15 months old

    

I had a busy October both at school and out in the community. I continue to work on ignoring distractions and being exposed to new situations. During the school day, I participate in bus safety training with my Kindergarten students. At the pet store, I work on focusing my attention on my handler and ignoring tempting smells and toys!

November 2020 - 16 months old

    

At the training facility, I've been working with my trainer on various tasks to better my focus and figure out exactly which path I'll be going down as a service dog. At school, I'm able to work on ignoring distractions and maintain focus on my handler. I love being in a routine, putting on my vest, and getting to work! But of course, I love relaxing and playing, too.

December 2020 - 17 months old

     

My foster Marit snapped this adorable photo of me at school. She read "Tuesday Tucks Me In" to our Kindergarten friends. This book helps to explain how helpful service dogs are to their humans! I hope it gives the students an understanding of how they've helped me to help others in the future. I'm going to miss them! It's time I travel to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility to work with a Veteran inmate handler on some tasks for a few months. I won't be able to give updates while I'm there, but I'll look forward to updating you when I return to the training facility!

March 2021 - 20 months old

I've returned to the training facility from CMCF! My trainer got me working in public right away to ensure I still remember my manners, since I haven't worked in public for a few months. I'm doing great! 

April 2021 - 21 months old

 

I continue to work on task training in public. I never miss a good photo opportunity!

May 2021 - 22 months old

  

It's important to take time to play and burn off extra energy between training sessions. My friend in training Moose and I like to play fetch together!

Stage 3 Introduction

I have been working diligently to get to this part of training... Stage 3! During this stage I will begin to meet potential recipients, learn final training tasks, finish up my role in the impact programs, and complete the 100 required one-on-one hours with my future recipient. This stage is a 4 to 6 month process, and I understand there is still a chance that I might not complete the program due to health or performance. I'm looking forward to sharing with you about my first visits with potential recipients, trips into public, and other highlights throughout my final stage of training.

June 2021 - 23 months old

      

I passed all the necessary testing and am officially in the third and final stage of training! This means I'll begin meeting various clients to narrow down the perfect fit for me, and who I'll work best for. Let the final steps begin!