June 3, 2005 - 9:40 AM
I begin this writing by sharing with you about my training thus far.
In Home Training is not done very often by GDB, and never for a first-time handler. However, in a situation like mine where I'd gone through class recently and got a dog that didn't work out, and where traveling to the school would've been a hardship on me, they will then consider doing In Home Training. Although the training is much shorter, it's also much more intense. But keep in mind, We often cover in a day what is covered in multiple days at the school. The reason In Home Training is so much more intensive is because you don't have to share an instructor's time with other students, which is how it goes when you're in class.
God is so good. I have not only been blessed with a special dog who truly has meshed into my life beautifully, but I also have gained a special friend in Nick, my instructor. Of course, we've known each other a long time as Nick's been the Field Services Representative for graduates in this area for 8 years now, but spending hours upon hours together certainly helps you get to know someone better than just that occasional contact. Nick has a very nonthreatening approach to his instruction which leaves me, the trainee/handler feeling very much a part of this training. He doesn't focus on the little things I'm doing wrong, but rather offers good suggestions for how I might do something differently to get the desired results. It is evident that he cares about Geneva and I as a team, as well as us, individually. Some trainers/instructors are great trainers with the dogs but they lack in their people skills with the students they're instructing. It is way obvious that Nick loves the dogs he works with, but he also cares deeply for his students/graduates. I would've never been able to get through the saying good-bye process with Spud if it hadn't been for him and his compassion and friendship. This training, although intense, has been a real pleasure because of the rapport I have with Nick and he with me and Geneva. Having such a wonderful dog has also helped.
Now of course, with all good things there are the disadvantages. I miss the 3 delicious meals each day prepared by someone else and served to me. I miss not having to deal with clearing the table, doing dishes & other household chores. I miss the luxury of putting everything else in my life on hold while training, although that one is a double-edged sword. On the positive side... I'm appreciating not getting behind with things. smile And of course, not having to leave my family.
Today, we started out at 9:00am and finished a little after 2:00pm. Our day included a little of this and a little of that.
We spent the morning in Poulsbo, a quaint Norwegian community about 20 minutes north of here with lots of little shops along the waterfront. Great sidewalks to walk, not many obstacles to maneuver around, one doggy distraction and quite a few crossings, although most of them were small.
I want to touch a little on the doggy distraction issue so I can help you all understand more clearly what I"m dealing with. When I was first told about doggy distractions being an issue with Geneva, I envisioned the worst, growling, lunging for, etc. This is not at all the case. In fact, I have yet to hear a bark or growl out of this girl. An occasional moan or groan when relaxing, but that's about it. Her distraction is more out of curiosity and a desire to be social. So, it's usually her looking toward the dog and contemplating walking us that direction instead of the way I want to go. Of course, this is not acceptable and so I do have to stay on her for it, but she's being very responsive and I am not worried in the least over this.
Then a little before noon we arrived at Olympic High School to walk through the crowd of students during their lunchtime. I know the route, so it was easy for me to give her commands with great confidence. And oh how I loved how she worked. She stayed relaxed and focused the whole time and there was lots of talking & teens being loud standing and walking around. In the middle of our walk to my office, the passing bell rang for students to go back to class and the next group to come out for lunch. Lots of commotion, but none of it phased Geneva. We went into my office and I showed her my desk where she will be lying under when we're there. She sniffed around, I'm sure smelling Spud and Arabelle who had been there previously, and found the sterelized bone that's waiting for her. We worked back out of the building as though we'd done it many times before.
From there we headed to the Kitsap Mall and boarded a city bus which dropped us off a couple blocks away. This was just to get a feel for how Geneva would be on a bus. Again, no problem. She was totally at ease with it all.
We walked back to the Mall via a couple of big crossings and after using the facilities, went to Quiznoes for lunch. This time I had a small sandwich and soup, but couldn't eat the soup nor all the sandwich. I brought the soup home for Amanda. Many of you who do not know me wouldn't know, but I had gained some unwanted pounds over the passed few years, and I have been working hard to lose them and then some. Since March 11 I have lost 31 pounds and do not plan to stop. So having a guide dog will really help me in this regard with getting out and walking more and at a brisker pace.
When we got back to the house, Nick and I talked about the remainder of my training. He is very pleased at how well we look out there. He said that it looks like we've been working together much longer than 4 days. His son is having a sleep-over birthday party and wants to take his buddies to Seattle tomorrow, so Nick, although originally planning to work with me tomorrow morning, isn't going to come back until Monday, which is actually our scheduled last day.
When I was told on Tuesday that Monday, June 6 would be our final instruction day of training, I thought, "There's no way we'll be ready!" But today, I know we will be, and we are.
Tonight, Amelia, Amanda & I accompanied by Geneva attended a meeting for VBS workers at our church. VBS (Vacation Bible School) is taking place the week of July 18 and the 3 of us have signed up for different roles. Amanda will be part of the skit team. Amelia is going to be a Tribe Leader. And I will be the Basket Shopkeeper in the Marketplace. Anyway, the program sounds wonderful, and I am really stretching myself with this one, but I know Geneva and I will be fine. Tonight she did great with lying under the table, unnoticed by most. I was so proud of her.
We'll be lying low for most of the weekend, but I'll still write each day.
Thanks so much to each of you for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Hugs & wags,
Cindy & Geneva
