Dash does the CLE

On occasion I will get asked how Dash's training is going. My response is always slightly awkward. On one hand, Dash graduated from Canine Companions for Independence's Advanced Training with me in May of 2012. On the other hand, we are always doing routine training in order that he maintain obedience and sharpness of skill. I am also able to teach him new commands as needs arise.

In the past year of being teamed with Dash I have really learned the importance of keeping up with this regular practice. When I don't, Dash tends to grow sloppy with commands or even begin to forget one if we haven't done it for a while. I have also noticed that Dash has begun to get a little too excited when he sees another dog. I'm not trying to place blame but I blame that on this little lady and her sister:

Elsa and Dash. Not Pictured: Jorie

I realized that because Dash gets to play with the girls across the street every few days and is rarely under command when he's around them, he began to think that all dogs equal play time! In order to combat this thinking I decided on two things. 

First, Dash has started practicing his commands in the presence of his best buds. He maintains a sit or down until he is released, and he must still be obedient in the midst of play if I give him a command. If he breaks a rule, play time is over - at least for a few minutes. 

My second action point in getting Dash back on track was to join up with the local Canine Companions for Independence puppies in training on their next day out!  As luck would have it, I actually got an email inviting us to the next event the very day after I decided on inviting ourselves!

With much anticipation, Dash and I readied ourselves for a day trip into Cleveland via the RTA Rapid Transit. This was an adventure for both of us as I had never used Cleveland's public transportation. I decided to invite my best friend Forth to join us in meeting up with 8 pups in training and one other graduate service dog. (Note: blog post to come on the life cycle of a Canine Companions for Independence dog!)

Dash did just as I expected he would as we arrived at the RTA station and located a few puppy raisers; forged ahead a bit in anticipation of an excitable greeting with these new friends! With a quick correction and a moment of sitting, Dash  regained his composure. I began to worry that this might be an even bigger challenge than I expected, but have no fear - that was Dash's one and only fault for the day. After a few gentlemanly sniffs to greet the others, my guy knew it was all business from here on out. 

Once our group assembled we got ready to board the train. It was quite a sight to see so many dogs on one train, and everyone did great! Within a few moments we had arrived at our destination, Tower City. 

Patiently waiting for the train

We made it!

Because some of the pups are still on the younger side, we took a few moments to *ahem* step outside. This not only gave the dogs a chance to take care of business, but also was a good opportunity for exposure to some new sights and smells for the pups in training. Since Dash has already experienced a lot of these things, we just hung out a bit, talked with a few people who were intrigued by our entourage, and enjoyed the sunshine!

Big dog, little city

Eventually it was time for lunch at Cleveland's Hard Rock Cafe. Our group was seated on the patio and the staff went above and beyond in serving our group, including giving each dog its own water bowl! Once again, everyone was pleased with their dog's performance- staying neatly tucked under a table, and not eating any delicious morsel that may have been dropped.

(Side note: leaving food is a CCI standard that puppy raisers begin to enforce at a young age. A popular challenge in the past few months is the kibble name game. Check out Dash dominating)

The grand finale of our day was a short jaunt to the casino- sure to have distracting sights, sounds, and perhaps even smells to challenge the pups! Now, I'm not much for gambling but I saw a new side of Dash! 

Game face!

Thankfully I was able to talk him down before he blew through his savings! What a sad example for the puppies!

Eventually it was time to head back. Our trip home was a bit more eventful with some real characters on our train. We even got serenaded! 

By the end of the day all members of our party were worn out, but none more than these guys: 

Dash's Day on the Farm

My mom's family owns a farm that has been passed down through the generations, my generation being the fifth. Now before you envision Dash cuddling up amongst cows and pigs, you need to know that the only wild animal living on the farm is Shiloh the Newfoundland - and he's the tamest wild animal you've ever met.

(Photo cred: Kelly Anderson, kraphotography.com)

So, no farm animals, but the fields are rented out to local farmers who use them to grow corn or soy or whatever else they fancy. 

For the majority of our family, the farm is not about work, but all about peace, relaxation, and a nearby getaway from routine life. Dash has picked up on this! He has learned that when we are at the farm it is almost no work and all play for him. And he loves it. 

A lot of people who are just meeting Dash as a service dog ask if he is working all the time. They wonder if he ever gets a chance to play. The answer always brings a smile: he gets plenty of time to play and also relax. 

As you can see, even when Dash is taking it easy, he has his toys ready to go. (Fun fact: Dash is known around the 'hood as "Dashy-two-toys" because of his talent and love of carrying two in his mouth at once. (Even more fun: riskier people call him "Dashy-two-balls" which is funny, but I refuse to say this in front of neighbors!)) When we are at home, Dash is free to roam the house and do as he likes, so long as he comes when I call. Truth is, he doesn't usually leave the room that I'm in - especially if we are the only ones home. While Dash enjoys just hanging around, he is always more than ready to get to work as soon as I need him. All I need to do is give him one of the 40 or so commands that he knows and he is happy to oblige. Often times, when we're just around the house and I need Dash to turn on a light or something, he can go right back to what he was doing once he has finished the task. One he hears the words "Dash, release," he knows he's off the hook! 

People also often wonder if Dash is only working when he has his service vest on. Turns out, his vest is more to let others know he's working. Dash doesn't care if  it's on or not! It's kind of like a uniform- it's how we recognize a worker but the person can do the job, ugly polo shirt or not!
But I digress - back to the farm! As is tradition, or family spent this past Memorial Day at the farm. As soon as we pulled in the long gravel driveway, Dash's ears perked up. It was that Ah ha! moment - realizing we weren't taking some long route to work, but that we were indeed at doggie heaven on earth!
Before I knew it Dash and Shiloh were romping around, sniffing everything in sight. Dash's day off had begun, but I did have one chore for him ...

Once our photo shoot was over he was off with a flash, taking in every moment of the day with delight.

The Day that Dash Taught Math Class

Today Dash and I had the opportunity to speak to a high school math class about what it is like to have a disability and how a service dog can be such a life enhancer!

You may wonder why we were invited to a math class, of all things. Well, does this answer your question?

Probably not. So I'll explain! It just so happens that my best friend Emily is a teacher at the high school and her math class has been learning about the PythagoreanTheorem and as a real life example they used it to determine the proper length of wheelchair ramps! Pretty  clever, eh? The math lesson (including this fabulous illustration) lead to a conversation about disabilities and service dogs, which eventually lead to an invitation to visit!

Dash was on his best behavior, laying under a table while the students filed in and waiting patiently while I spoke about living with muscular dystrophy. Finally it was Dash's turn to show off!

Dash jumped up as soon as I called him over, giving me a snuggle and then handing me his leash which had been hanging off of him. While Dash sat next to me and the class had a chance to marvel at how handsome he is, I took a few minutes to explain a bit of working dog etiquette.  I stressed the importance of not distracting a service dog by petting it or offering it treats. Then Dash demonstrated picking up a pen and a credit card, and then doing an "up" on the table to do a mock store transaction. As the piece de resistance Dash flipped a light switch off. I was very proud of how well he did everything. He always does bit it can be nerve wracking with all those people watching (for me more than Dash, I think). 

The students asked some great questions about whether Dash would protect me if I was attacked (nope! I'm the leader in our relationship, ergo I am the protector!), to if he had to have his leash on at home (no way! He's basically a regular dog at home!). 

As class ended a few kids got to shake Dash's paw as they left. True to form, Dash tried to sneak a lick almost every time. Not ideal but overall he did a fantastic job today. We enjoyed our time and hope to have more chances to share with others soon!

One Year

It was just one year ago that three years of waiting culminated in one of the best days of my life. Or at least one of the most impactful days of my life.

May 18, 2012 was the day I graduated from Advanced Training with my first service dog, Dash!

I had met Dash only two weeks earlier, but I loved him already. And today, I love him even more! Not only does he assist me by picking things up that I have dropped or can't quite reach, flipping light switches on and off, hitting automatic door panels in public (which are often too high or out of my range), barking to alert people that I am in need, and countless other tasks, he is also the sweetest companion and conversation topic!

My hope for this blog is to share stories of the adventures Dash and I have together, and also to shed light on what it is like to have a service dog. Thanks for reading!