The great mentoring experiment

This morning, the mentoring group had a Skype training session at MAH. We trained with Robin Walters, a Levels trainer in Cheyenne, WY. Robin is totally blind. She is training Jonathan, an 11-month old standard poodle, to be her guide dog.

The Skype session was audio only. Robin has a "Jaws" program on her computer that converts printed words into spoken and does not permit a video Skype. Of course, she couldn't see us.

But we Flipped the audio session and are now trying to figure out how we can retain the audio.

We trained for an hour and a half. Jonathan is Robin's second Levels trained dog and the fourth Guide that she has self trained. Originally a traditional trainer, Robin shared many training insights.

So, fellow trainers, it CAN be done and with great success. We will have a second Skype session next Tuesday and then, will probably "meet" once a month to train together.

BTW, Robin and Sheila are meeting this Sunday in Loveland, CO, to train together, weather permitting. About an hour drive for each of them. Wouldn't you like to watch that training session?

We had a very successful mentoring session with Robin and Jonathan. During our talking sessions, the dogs were content to 'hang out' in their tents.