Training has been great, smooth sailing actually. When she has her gear and leash on she is all business. I couldn’t ask for a better dog, she is very dedicated… that is until I take her to an off leash park with bad influences…
Her and a new found pal, “Oakley” love to run and play, and run, and run, and run until they are out of sight and in dangerous territory. Calling her back is to no avail… she ignores me completely. We have practiced the infamous “recall” and during training she is at 100%. But when she has influence from a disobedient dog, and her leash is off… all bets are off.
She has had a lot of public access practice and is now with me 99% of the time. We go shopping for groceries, to the drug store, local shopping malls, Dr.s office, restaurants and even church on Sunday’s!!! Everyone always comments on how well behaved she is, and are amazed when she shows off her alerting skills.
We were only refused access to a corner convenience store, which after I filed an official complaint with the head office, the issue was soon rectified and have had no issues since.
Most people who see us assume I am training her for someone else. They don’t seem to realize she is not a seeing eye dog but a diabetic alert dog. There are only about 3 DAD’s here in Canada that I know of, so I will be making it my mission to raise awareness.
We have just signed up for our very first 5k marathon here in Calgary Alberta on May 26th. Fundraising for TEAM DIABETES Canada.
Talking to one of the organizers tonight and told her about Asha and she is going to see if they have a scarf or something that has their logo on it for her for race day.
We will start training tomorrow… stay tuned.