Jan/Nadador
Karen/Webster
Lynn/Lily
LOCATION:
Mission Valley Mall
TEAMWORK
FD Public Access Examination Behaviors
1. CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE: After a suitable place has been found, the handler will unload their service dog and equipment (wheelchair, walker, crutches, etc.) out of the vehicle. The service dog must wait until released before coming out of the vehicle. Once outside, it must wait quietly unless otherwise instructed. The service dog may not run around, be off lead, or ignore commands. Once the team is out of the vehicle and settled, the assistant will walk past with another dog. They will walk within six (6) feet of the team. The service dog must remain calm and under control, not pulling or trying to get to the other dog.
The emphasis on this behavior is to assure that the service dog remains unobtrusive and is unloaded in the safest manner possible for everyone.
Cue: Go Ahead
Cathy and Rooster
Note that the length of Cathy's leash
determines the distance that Rooster travels when exiting the car.
Jan and Nadador
Jan was in a loaner car from the dealership.
An added challenge for Nadador.
BMO
Karen and Webster
Karen needs to break the behavior chain down into individual behaviors
and review L1 Sit
Karen has taught Webster to Shake on cue,
using a very effective hand signal.
2. APPROACHING THE BUILDING: After unloading, the team must maneuver through the parking lot to approach the building. The service dog must stay in a relative heel position and may not forge ahead or lag behind. The service dog must not display a fear of cars or traffic noises and must display a relaxed attitude. When the handler stops for any reason, the service dog must stop also.
Cue:
- the vest
- the leash length
Jan and Nadador
First walk through the parking lot
Although Jan and Nadador have a nice footprint,
the team can block traffic where they are walking in the lane
Jan and Nadador
Second walk through the parking lot
Better, but the team still drifted into the traffic lane.
The red car stopped and respected the vested dog.
It did not pass until they moved further to the side.
When in public, the SD team in training, needs to be aware of needs of the public
Cathy and Rooster
First walk through the parking lot.
Cathy and Rooster
Second walk through the parking lot
Cathy keeps Rooster on the inside, away from the traffic
by utilizing SDW on both her left and her right sides.
Karen and Webster
Walk through the parking lot
By now the traffic has picked up.
Karen is aware of her surroundings and responds appropriately.
NOTE: At the very beginning of this Flip,
see how Karen uses the behavior "Change" to move Webster from her left side to her right side
3. CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY: Once at the doors of the building, the handler may enter however he/she chooses to negotiate the entry safely. Upon entering the building, however, the service dog may not wander off or solicit attention from the public. The service dog should wait quietly until the team is fully inside then should calmly walk beside the Partners Trainer. The service dog must not pull or strain against the lead or try to push its way past the handler but must wait patiently while entry is completed.
The entry into Target was not filmed. However, before entering we discussed the most "people friendly" place for the teams to wait before entering. There was the option of automatic doors or manual. We opted for the automatic, often waiting for others to precede us.
The "group" - standing on the Target in the center of the floor
4. HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING: Once inside the building, the handler and the service dog must walk through the area in a controlled manner. The service dog should always be within touching distance where applicable or no greater than a foot away from the handler. The service dog should not strain against the lead. The service dog must readily adjust to speed changes, turn corners promptly, and travel through a crowded area without interacting with the public. In tight quarters, the service dog must be able to get out of the way of obstacles and not damage merchandise by knocking it over or by playing with it.
Behavior: SDW, team footprint
Cue:
- the leash
- the leash length
More footprint work
SDW
Leash loose
Awareness of the public
Giving the dog the opportunity to understand and do his job
Re-teaching where necessary
Going "Solo" on an empty elevator
L1 with elevator in motion
BMO
This was a telling exercise.
We know what needs work.
These Target elevators are quite large.
You enter on one side and exit on the opposite side.
We had ridden them as a group 6 times,
each time placing our dog against a wall
on the left side, on the right side, behind us
Dogs remained standing.
Another example of Level 1 BMO
with ever increasing distractions
Another example of LL/SDW
with the dog maintaining the position
The leash is to keep the animal from getting hit by a truck, not to control, punish or teach.
More examples of great work on all your parts ... You have come a long way ... your hours of training show!
ReplyDeleteI like Cathy's notation re. walking "toward" oncoming traffic and keeping the dog in a protected position ... much as you would if you had a 2 yr. old child walking beside you. It keeps the publics "defaults" in mind, and makes it easier for those in cars etc. to see/keep track of you. I also find that when I am working in public ... especially in close quarters, I often position my dog to the side closest to a wall or away from the public so that it helps prevent unwanted "touching" as well as keeping the dog out of the way of those who may be a bit intimidated by dogs.
In both postings Beth's comments are so appropriate and helpful. Thank you for your insights. I am sure many never think about the responsibility of having a dog, any dog, in public but it is huge. There is a responsibility to the public but also as Beth points out, to the dog. The responsibility is even greater when the dog is wearing a vest as the expectations for the dog, trainer/handler, vesting organization, and public climb even higher.
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