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Here you will find posts, links of interest, research, and interesting bits and pieces specific to professionals. Leave your requests in the comments and I’ll get right on it!
Walking Well
Etiquette and safety are the watchwords. Obedience is the necessity. Practice makes perfect! The mistake here is videoing instead of staying on top of the learner - but I always leave mistakes in so that you can learn from them!
Using helper dogs is a case of knowing your dog, and matching the dog to the right client’s dog. Not every dog will be great for every issue or dog!
Nikita was getting on in years here and she retired shortly after this one, but she was an amazing girl. She could startle and diffuse tension at the same time - was great with dogs that lacked confidence - she knew just how to bring them out of their shell - she was super fun smiley and waggy and quick with a play bow. She also know when to stay away as she had her excitement tempered with a really calm baseline.
One of the ways we teach that calm baseline is focus on us as seen here with Jake the Dalmatian - focus on us and away from any distractions, or calm eye contact used as a ‘sit to say please’ is a fabulous tool that every dog can master and gain something from.
A basic look away from that or look at me can grab attention for instruction, halt an escalation, or encourage a heel position! Simple, basic but essential.
Love that Nikita is super trusting here and just zones out where she’s been put. Miss her every day.
Do you use helper dogs? What do they excel at? How do you utilise yours?