Skills Are Locked In

I determined previously that Kodi had become comfortable with learning certain skills in a specific environment and had some trouble translating those skills to new environments. An example being that we learned 'pick it up' in the house, without his vest or lead on and he had trouble performing the same skill outdoors.

Recently he's begun to respond to those same cues outdoors and at times performing those skills without a command. Just the other day he went into the yard and picked up the outdoor spigot cover from the grass and handed it to me.

Kodi has been helping me get ready for bed for many months now, probably a year. When I come into the bedroom at night and approach my side of the bed he gets down on the floor beside me, waiting for me to get undressed. When I sit on the edge of the bed, he takes my socks off and hands them to me, if I kick my shoes off he'll pick them up and hand them to me. He waits for me to get my legs into bed, then comes up and lays down beside me.

He would only get up on the bed, on my side of the bed and would only wait on my side for me.

We changed our furniture around in the bedroom yesterday which put my side of the bed on the other side of the room, near the dresser, creating a narrow pathway for me to navigate. I was concerned as to whether he would be uncomfortable completing his tasks in that small tight space.

He was very helpful while we were moving furniture. He picked the 'moving men' up off the floor and brought them to me, picked up anything that fell while I was going through things and tossing things out. He was such an incredible help throughout the whole process.

Last night he came to my side of the room, sat on the floor and waited for me to get myself ready for bed. He took my socks off and handed them to me, he picked up my sneakers and handed them to me. He waited, as he always does, for me to get into bed and jumped up on my side of the bed, just like always.

He wasn't phased by the change, he was able to complete his skills regardless of the surrounding layout. He wasn't distracted by the tight space. He made the adjustment to the changes. I couldn't have been more proud of him.

He's been listening so well lately that I've been able to take him out on the deck and down the ramp without a lead on. He goes into the yard to potty and comes right back. He responds when I tell him to 'wait', if he has gotten ahead of me. He stops, turns and waits for me to reach him before starting toward the yard. At the end of the ramp he stops and sits, waiting for me to reach him.

What a great feeling to know that we have made so much progress, that some of our skills are locked in. Now I can feel comfortable about adding some new skills to his repertoire.

Yearly Visit to the Veterinarian

Today was Kodiak's yearly visit to our Veterinarian.

This afternoon we got ready, put his Halti and leash on, grabbed his stool sample and medical records and went to the car.

At the Vet's office, Bud went in first to let them know we were there, as the last time he was at the office the three or four small dogs that belong to the staff were running loose in the building and when they opened the door to allow us into the exam area, he was rushed by all of them at once. He slid on the floor and fell into the metal display shelves where he cleared the bottom of products. I didn't want a repeat of that incident, so they restrained the other dogs before we came in.

"Kodiak will be entering the building momentarily, please restrain his adoring fans!"

The first time we'd been to this office we saw "Dr. Dave", a very animated man who has a great attitude, but was a bit too 'enthusiastic' for Kodi. This time we were treated to "Dr. Stephanie", the wife of Dr. Dave.

Kodi's sample was clean. He received a quick once over. His teeth are looking good, she said we're doing great with brushing his teeth. His eyes look clear, his ears were clean. She gave a dew claw a quick trim for me, listened to his heart and told me he looked really good.

She gave him his distemper and Lyme Disease vaccines. This time he also got a Kennel cough vaccine as they told me there is a 'dog flu' that the kennel cough vaccine has been proven effective in preventing. We have to go back in 3 weeks to get the booster for the kennel cough. The Vet shared that a service dog should have kennel cough vaccine just to be sure they are fully protected.

When we saw Dr. Dave the last time, Kodi weighed about 54 lbs. I asked Dr. Dave at the time if that was something to be concerned about, as Kodi seems thin to me. He reassured me that there are leaner and lankier huskies, then there are stocky and heavier huskies and in his opinion Kodi is just a leaner dog, nothing to be concerned about.

Today he weighed approximately 54, 55 lbs. Dr. Stephanie said she was NOT concerned, but thinks he's a bit on the thin side, as his vertebrae are easily felt down his top-line. She said he's not seriously under weight, but she would like him to gain another pound or two to be ideal.

I explained that he's a very thrifty eater and very finicky about his food. She asked about the amount of exercise he gets so I explained that he was walking about 2 - 2 1/2 hours a day as well as playing in the backyard up to 2 hours a day, though his time outside has been limited by my power chair's inability to navigate in the snow and weather.

She believes that his metabolism is so high and he eats so little that he's literally burning off everything he's taking in. She laughed and reassured us that needing to put on a little weight is a rare situation with pets, that we should be thankful we don't have to take weight off, as that's a much more difficult process.

She gave us some ideas for higher calorie additions to his diet. She doesn't want to see us reduce his activity level as she reminded us he's still a very young dog and all dogs as they age tend to gain weight because not unlike their human companions, their metabolisms slow as does their activity and energy level.

She also noted that as a working dog, he will likely be more lean because he has a natural desire to be busy and active.

She provided us with two oral doses of a general worming formula, just to be sure he doesn't have an undetected parasite hitching a ride, but was pleased with his condition, health and care.

I can't emphasize how important it is to visit your Veterinarian for yearly physicals, maintain good communication with them so you are always supported in caring for your pet.

The Battle to Groom is WON!

Anyone familiar with Huskies knows that they are big 'shedders'! They shed all year round and experience two times a year when they 'blow their coat', Spring and Fall.

They have double coats, a fluffy under coat and a smoother outer coat. Having two coats provides them with insulation against cold climates where they've been bred to work. When they shed, the under coat can come out by the handfuls. It ends up EVERYWHERE!

When Kodi was a little puppy, he seemed to enjoy grooming. He would let me brush him a little every day. He cooperated with the clipping of his toenails, cleaning of his ears, bathing and brushing of his teeth.

While he still enjoys having his teeth brushed (peanut butter flavored tooth paste) and allows his ears to be cleaned, he's not so cooperative about the rest of the process.

As he's gotten older, undergone surgery to have his dew claws removed, been neutered, etc. he's become less comfortable with 'handling', especially around his hind quarters.

When we groom, it's a 'team effort'. My husband sits on the floor with me where he pets and massages Kodi while I brush. It's a long process because everyone is moving and wiggling and not necessarily on the same page.

Tonight, I sat on the floor with Kodi's slicker brush and shedding comb. He came right over to me and sat down between my legs. I hugged him, he leaned into me. I told him I needed him to lie down. He did, without resisting.

I started slowly brushing him, smoothing his fur with my other hand as I brushed. He lay still, allowing me to brush him without the distraction my husband usually provides. When I got to his hip he lifted his head up and looked at me, but I stroked his head and face and spoke to him until he put his head down and sighed heavily.

I finished one side of his body and allowed him to get up and take a break. As a reward for being such a good boy, we played for about ten minutes, tugging and playing catch with a ball. When he came back to me I told him I needed him to face the other direction and guided him with his collar. He turned and sat between my legs. Again, I hugged him and he gave me a kiss. I asked him to lay down and he did so immediately.

I was able to brush his whole other side from head to tail with his full cooperation. I was even able to take the shedding comb over the base of his tail and down its length.

When we were finished, he looked wonderful, though I know his Spring shed, blowing his coat, isn't over yet, in fact, it's just begun. That picture at the top of the blog is from a previous shed and only about a third of what we got off his coat tonight.

He has shown a great deal of maturity lately, being obedient, even in distracting situations. He's overcoming some of his fears and insecurities. We continue to work on obedience as well as assistance skills.

I couldn't be more proud of him!

Service Dog Teams ~ Not All the Same

Perhaps some people don't know that a service dog and the person accompanied by the service dog are a team.

They develop a bond, become in-tune with one another, as a service dog is asked to be constantly aware of the needs of their human companion, they must be able to respond in any environment, regardless of the many distractions around them.

They must be constantly aware of their partner's mobility apparatus, (if they utilize such) whether it be a power chair, manual wheel chair, walker, cane, etc., so they don't get hurt or cause injury to their partner.

A good rule of thumb I share with others is, if you see a vest, bandanna, or any markings on the lead that indicate you're approaching a service dog, don't approach, talk to or attempt to pet the dog.

Every team is different. One person might allow you to pet their dog if you ask, others may prefer no contact. Some may use specific commands when allowing contact, others may not.

Kodiak and I were confronted tonight by a lady holding a baby in her arms. She asked if they could 'visit' the doggy. I smiled and said, "I'm sorry, when he has his vest on he's working." She sort of sighed and said, "We have a neighbor with a service dog and when he wears his vest he gives him the 'go visit' command and lets us pet him."

I found myself explaining that my dog is in training and I don't allow contact. I shouldn't have had to explain anything, my answer should have been sufficient, not challenged.

I'm always glad to encounter people who understand what the vest means, who know to be respectful of the service dog team, but it's always important to remember that service dogs, service dog teams, breeds used as service dogs and disabilities that may require the assistance of a service dog are NOT 'cookie cutter' by any means. There are many variations in skills, commands, and certainly preferences of people with disabilities.

We did well, Kodiak ignored the woman and child, lying down on the ground by my chair as I spoke with her.

"Door" to Progress

We recently started working on "Kodi's Spot", a place just inside the bedroom doorway where Kodiak goes when someone knocks on the door. He's to go there and lay down waiting for permission to come greet the visitor.

He's been doing well with that. Today we had an opportunity to practice it and he did fine, though he left his spot before being given permission. Later in the day, a neighbor was at the screen door where Kodiak could see him, as the inside door was open. I didn't have a chance to take Kodiak to his spot, but I stood just inside the door as I invited our neighbor inside. Kodiak had to stay back, as I didn't allow him to pass and rush the door.

He stood next to me when I gave the command to sit down, which he did. He faced the door as I instructed him to stay. He did so. I didn't need to hold his collar to 'restrain' him, he obeyed verbal and hand commands.

I sat down in the recliner, between Kodiak and the neighbor and Kodiak shifted so he was sitting between my feet. He waited until I allowed him to greet the neighbor, waiting for him to calm down. When he did greet him, he was a good boy, kept his feet on the floor, didn't bark or howl at him, sniffed his hand appropriately and came back to sit with me.

I was impressed by how easily he controlled himself, how well he listened to me. Again, positive reinforcements and patience prevail!

I'm encouraged at what more we can learn and accomplish.

I Didn't Need to Ask

I recently visited my doctor and returned with some new medications. I've been having some trouble adjusting to the side effects of these new 'meds', feeling severe fatigue, over heating and heavy sweats, some upset stomach and severe muscle cramps.

As is my typical experience, the side effects of the medications are nearly as debilitating as the disabilities.

I was readying to go to sleep the other night, sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling my night gown out from under the pillows, when Kodiak decided to help me with my hair. I had my 'pinch clip' in, rather than my scrunchie, but he bit down on it and tugged it, pulling it gently to the side of my head. He wasn't able to get it out, but he certainly gave it a try.

As I pushed my pants down Kodiak jumped down off the bed and took my pants in his mouth. As I let them fall below my knees he picked them up and handed them to me.

As I put the pants on the night stand next to the bed he placed his paw on the top of my foot, sliding it down over my sock. I lifted my foot slightly as he pulled my sock off my heal, then took the top of the sock in his mouth and pulled it off my foot. He shook it out and handed it to me. As soon as I took it he went to work repeating the same procedure on the other foot, pulling the sock off and shaking it out, handing it to me.

He sat down and waited for me to undress and get into bed. After I was in bed with the covers pulled up he came up on the bed, being careful not to step on my legs, as I'm having a lot of pain in my calves.

He stood between my husband and I, turned around and lay down, draping his chin over my calf, pressing his back and hip against the length of my right leg and hip. The warmth from his body seems to help the muscles relax.

He's been staying with me, at my feet when I'm sitting in the living room, laying against my body when I'm in bed, following me to the bathroom where he either lays on the floor at my feet or on the bed, as in the picture, looking at me, keeping an eye on me.

He's been staying with me when I sleep-in this past week, coming up softly on the bed and gently kissing my face to wake me. He stays with me until I'm dressed and I'm able to make it into the living room.

We are so connected it scares me sometimes. He knows when I'm not quite feeling right, when I'm a little wobbly.

I find that I often have to ask other humans around me for help, even though they can see or hear me struggling, yet Kodiak doesn't wait nor does he need to be asked. Is there any doubt as to why I love him so?

A Healthy Environment

I am a bit obsessed with Kodiak's environment being safe, clean and healthy. Whether it be indoors or out, I try to make sure that there's nothing within reach that could cause him harm. I was meticulous about 'puppy proofing' the house before bringing him home as a puppy and I made sure there was nothing in the yard that could pose a threat to his health.

I'm fanatical about keeping the solid waste out of the yard. I am on my fifth 'pooper scooper' as a result of how often I use them, I've worn them out, their hinges have broken or they've simply fallen apart.

When I walk Kodiak in the community, when we go out to run errands and I use my chair, I have a 'pooper scooper' strapped to my chair so I can clean up after him.

I was cleaning up in the yard, a while back, when a neighbor yelled, "if I 'went' in your yard would you pick mine up too?" I was appalled! He often made fun of the way I immediately took up the 'pooper scooper' and went into the yard once Kodiak had finished toileting.

I don't see the entertainment value in being a responsible pet owner and caring about the health of my dog, perhaps I'm missing something?

I know I'm very protective of Kodiak, as I never tie him out and leave him alone in the yard. When he's outside, I'm outside with him, interacting, throwing a toy, watching him, praising him for 'taking care of business', as he was nearly stolen once when he was less than a year old, while I was outside with him.

I realize other pet owners aren't as vigilant as I am, they are of the mind that their pet is 'street smart', 'can fend for themselves', etc.

I've had occasion lately, to observe Kodiak's friend "Molly", the puppy who lives next door on the other side of the fence. While she lives in a large fenced in yard and does go inside, she's often left outside for hours, sometimes all day and evening, without a water bowl, with no supervision or interaction. The only toy she has in the yard is the one Kodiak gave her.

Her yard is littered with piles and piles of waste, as she shares the home with another dog, as well as a kitty who goes out into the yard. We hear her crying and whining for hours on end, wanting to go inside, but has been relegated to the outdoors because the family isn't home to work on housebreaking.

Lately, she's discovered the garbage can, emptying it into the yard, where she plays with plastic milk jugs, tin cans, bottles, etc.

She spends hours chewing on tin cans, trying to dig out from under the fence, tossing garbage around the yard, chewing on fallen limbs and sticks. I'm terribly concerned that she'll injure her teeth, gums or tongue, especially since she's a puppy and losing her teeth.

I may be overly protective, but I think having a dog (or any pet) is a serious commitment, a serious responsibility that we shouldn't undertake if we're not prepared to do what needs to be done to care for our pets.

My elderly neighbor called me to complain that she's been threatened with a fine by the city for the dog feces in her yard. The water meter reader complained about the mess. The problem is, she doesn't have a dog, her son who lives next door does and the waste in her yard is his dog's. The meter reader counted 56 piles of mess in the small area between the two houses.

People don't realize that waste that isn't removed from the yard can cause infections and disease in your own dog. It draws insects to the yard which can become a serious problem for the home owner and the smell of waste attracts stray dogs, cats and wild animals to your yard where they deposit their own waste which can contain disease and parasites.

It goes without saying that people who don't practice waste control in their own yards also don't pick up after their dogs when walking in the neighborhood. Sometimes our walks are more like navigating a mine field.

Some food for thought, while you can take off your shoes, if you 'step in something', when you go inside, I can't exactly take off the wheels of my power chair, so whatever I roll through, ends up in the house, so cleanliness and waste control is of great importance to me.

A healthy environment is important to all of us. Keeping Kodiak healthy and happy is key to my own health and happiness.

Unexpected Breakthrough

As I shared in previous blogs, Kodiak has been a quick learner when it comes to performing assistance tasks for me inside the home. He picks up dropped items, things I can't reach, brings me my shoes, takes off my shoes and socks, takes the hair tie-back out of my hair, retrieves the phone, remote control, etc. His skills have helped me complete my weekly household chores and vastly reduced the stress I was experiencing doing things that had become challenging.

Kodiak has accompanied me into the local bank and pharmacy. Though he'd had a bit of trouble in the bank, a tight space with many people, he's done remarkably well, considering how much time we've actually been able to dedicate to attending in public.

Kodiak has had trouble translating what we learned indoors to the outdoors. I realized we trained inside, often without his vest, lead, etc. (as we began training before we had those items). He has been easily distracted when outside. He would often respond to 'pick it up' as if he'd never heard the command before, seeming confused.

I've been unable to take my power chair outside since early December, when the first snow and ice collected on the sidewalks and at the curb cuts. There have been few opportunities to practice.

Yesterday, when we went down the ramp to go out and potty, someone's Styrofoam plate had blown from their garbage can and was in our driveway. Kodiak took notice of it and sniffed it. I thought I would give it a shot, so I gave him the command, "pick it up" in a light, encouraging voice.

He tried to pick it up, but it scooted away from him, so he put his foot on it and pinched it, folding it in half, lifting it up and handing it to me. He had his leash on and there were distractions around us, but he did it!! As he handed it to me, I leaned down to praise him and he offered a kiss.

I put him on his airline cable and he ran out into the yard, enjoying the sunshine.

I had taken the advice of a service dog training organization previously, trying to force him to follow the command outside and it was horrible, for both of us. He just seemed so confused. It wasn't until I realized they didn't understand how we had trained prior to that, so though their advice was well-meaning, it was a bit misdirected.

I decided I would continue working with Kodiak by being loving and patient, rather than trying to force something, knowing that he's incredibly intelligent and intuitive, willing to please and was not just being difficult.

Being patient and allowing him to initiate the act, then praising him for doing the task, certainly had a bigger impact than forcing him to submit to me when he clearly didn't understand and was confused.

We've also had another breakthrough recently.

I've tried in the past to take Kodiak out in the yard off leash, as I was able to do with Echo, but he's bolted three times and run into a neighbor's yard. I know that huskies are, by nature, roamers and it is highly recommended that you don't take them out off leash because they can get hurt, particularly if their prey drive is strong and they encounter a cat, small dog, squirrel, etc.

I've taken him out to potty several times recently and allowed him to be off leash. He obeyed me and stayed in his yard, even going to visit Molly at the neighbor's fence and retrieving a thrown toy. When I told him "come" he's come running to and past me, right up the ramp to the deck.

I'm working on showing him that I trust him outdoors, so that he will trust me outdoors, not to ask anything of him that would hurt him or be unsafe. I don't want him to hesitate when we're outside.

We are a work in progress. As long as we are making progress, I'm happy.

I've had people ask me how long he's been training and express that they think we should be further along than we are, but I believe every dog is different and every team is different. I'm satisfied with the progress we're making and as long as Kodiak is comfortable with the methods we're using, that's what matters to me.

The "Rules" Don't Apply to Friends?

Kodi and I have been working really hard on diminishing the 'puppy' behavior we still struggle with, rushing to greet people at the door, putting his feet up on people in an effort to try to kiss them, barking inside the door, etc.

He's been doing wonderfully. We've established 'Kodi's spot', which, when escorted to his spot, he's able to stay there until released to 'greet' company. He learns so quickly, when we are consistent.

My husband's Uncle has been visiting for Sunday dinners every other weekend, which gives us a great opportunity to practice our manners.

I have a friend who comes to visit about once every week or so. She is of the mind that the 'rules' don't apply to her. In fact, she's said as much. She allows/encourages him to put his feet up on her, to kiss her, to hold her down on the sofa and put his face in her cup, his nose near her food, etc. When I correct him, she always says, "It's okay, he knows I don't mind."

We don't allow him to do those things with us, or anyone else. We correct him, even though she's telling him it's okay. She doesn't understand that she's undermining his training and our efforts to have a well mannered dog.

She seems to think that it should be okay depending on the individual person's preference and somehow Kodi should know which people are 'okay' with being mauled by him and which people aren't.

When we encounter her in public, he gets excited. She coaxes him to put his paws up on her chest, to give kisses, etc. When I correct him she says, "You better not, you have your vest on, you're getting in trouble."

It's hard to expect strangers, who may or may not know better, to respect the vest when friends who do know better don't/can't/won't.

Leave My Dog Alone!

I've been working with Kodi when we're outside, allowing him to be off leash in the yard for brief periods, proofing him on "come". He's been doing fabulously!

Today, I took him out on his 30' leash and my neighbor was out in his yard, with both his dogs (Maggie and Molly) and his oldest daughter.

When Kodi saw Molly in the yard and she was bouncing back and forth along the fence, he wanted to go visit her.

I called out to the neighbor, saying "She's really getting big! She's almost as tall as Kodi!" He called back, "She's 14 weeks old and weighs 34 lbs."

Kodi was really intent on Molly and clearly wanted to go visit her, so I asked him, do you want to go say hi? as I was contemplating whether or not I wanted to take the leash off or drop it behind him. Suddenly, my neighbor called out, "Kodi! Come here Kodi!" and he's off like a shot! I had to drop the leash as there was no opportunity to take it off him.

He bounced up and down the fence with Molly, then my neighbor called him to him and reached over the fence, as Kodi stood up momentarily. He grabbed his leash and as I'm standing there, in shock, he's pulling the leash up in the air, trying to get Kodi to stand up against the fence. I can see his chain collar (which is the one he wears inside - as opposed to his nylon collar with tags when he's outside) pulling up above his head, more and more of it showing!

This guy is pulling Kodi up against the fence by pulling his collar tight!!!!

I called Kodi back, he dropped the leash as Kodi looked back at me and ran toward the corner of the fence, as Molly and Maggie were excited and the little girl was calling to him. I called again, repeatedly. He stopped and looked at me, but was so excited and distracted he didn't respond.

I started up the ramp calling him, but my neighbor was still talking to him. Finally, as I came back down the ramp calling out, "Kodi, you've been doing so good, don't spoil it now, Kodi come!" he finally took hold of Molly and his daughter, moving away from the fence.

Kodi saw me again and as I called, "Kodi come!" and started up the ramp he came running across the yard and up the ramp.

This man has no idea how to show the least little bit of respect to me, Kodi or my relationship with him.

Once again, I can't imagine taking a hold of another person's dog (pet) and interfering when they are giving commands. This man does this every single time he's able to have contact with Kodi. He takes him by his collar, pushes him down to the ground, gives him commands, etc., regardless of what I'm saying to Kodi, regardless that I'm there.

I always find that I'm so taken aback, that I draw a blank as to what to say. I know that my husband and he are friendly, so I try not to do anything that will have an impact on their relationship and peace in the neighborhood. I almost feel held hostage.

I was so upset, that I felt tears welling up, seeing someone manhandle Kodi like that, knowing that his collar was tightening around his neck and throat as this man tried to force interaction with him. He was so far away from me that I couldn't have walked that far quickly enough and without endangering myself, to help Kodi.

I've asked my husband to speak to him about handling Kodi. I could just scream!!