Chippewa redux

September 25, 2014

Chippewa

Tammy promised the guys in Pike Unit we'd be back before the end of September. She wanted to do the training we didn't have time to do earlier in the month. So, up and back we went in a one day trip.

We stopped in Mackinaw for a photo op before heading across the bridge.

FLD Chewy poses with the Mackinaw Bridge. He was returning to Chippewa after a complete veterinarian check at Leader Dogs for the Blind. His gait and joints are fine.

FLD Henry makes a goofy face for the camera.

We got inside Pike Unit after 2:00 p.m. Before starting the relaxation protocol, which has become our opening exercise, Tammy asked if anyone had questions or concerns. FLD Bandit's team reported that the young chocolate lab wasn't eager to get into vehicles when he went out on furloughs. Ro worried about FLD GeeGee eating rocks in the yard. Harlin asked for tips on what to do when FLD Bentley decides to abruptly stop walking.

Tammy asked me to demonstrate "silky leash" with FLD Henry, as a skill for the men to work on with FLD Bentley. This technique teaches the puppy to give in and move with light pressure on the leash instead of pulling against the leash (opposition reflex). Unfortunately for the demo, Henry is pretty savvy with this method. Every time I gave light pressure on his leash he moved with it, so our audience did not get to see how to handle it when the pup resists. Fortunately, the guys are adept at understanding concepts.

As for keeping FLD GeeGee from eating rocks, well, the teams needs to be observant and proactive. Tammy suggested that if GeeGee stopped playing with the other dogs while in the yard and started scrounging around, she should be brought back inside right away. "Don't give her an opportunity," she said.

The teams don't have access to a vehicle to work on getting the puppies comfortable getting in and out of a car, so Tammy set up some chairs to simulate the tight quarters of the passenger side floorboard. This is where Leader Dog likes our puppies to ride because that's where they will be with their handler when they are working guide dogs. Tammy sat sideways on the chair and then swung her feet and body around to face forward. "Get situated first, then ask the puppy  to join you," she said. 

Tammy suggested that the men set crates up on something higher so the puppies could get used to jumping into small spaces. And she advised them to explain to furlough volunteers that they should not force the puppies into the car. "Have them use treats to coax them in," she said.

All in a nice settle during Tammy's discussion.

Now it was time to do some work...

Three D's and Henry

September 11, 2014

The Soo

FLD HENRY

We took FLD Chewy with us when we left Pike Unit. Doc Bennett, the veterinarian who volunteers his service for the puppies, saw something he didn't like in the Shepherd's running gait. Tammy was charged with bringing Chewy back to Leader Dogs for the Blind for a complete checkup. But first he'd have to hang with us.

Tammy and I were late getting to the Antler's, a unique restaurant that has always been gracious to visiting Future Leader Dog puppies. This day was no different, although our group was seated in the main dining area instead of the quieter banquet room. Here the pups were treated to bells and whistles every time a ship passed through the Soo Locks.

We left little Hershel asleep in his crate in the van, as it was a cool evening. Tammy brought FLD Chewy in for Frank to handle, Rachel had her golden puppy, FLD Harkin, Kim was with FLD Kayla, and Paula had brought FLD Andie out on furlough from Chippewa. Of course, I had FLD Henry, who recently learned he has a voice. He barked a bit so I took him out to park. Afterwards he was better, but didn't really settle until it was nearly time to go. The other puppies were all well behaved.

As Henry and I got up to leave, a woman and some friends coming in for dinner blocked our passage. "Can I pet him?" she asked.  Her entourage spread out and surrounded us. I had no choice. "Can you help me with his training?" I asked her in return. She stepped forward, "What can I do?"

"Let me get him sitting and then you can approach," I explained. I asked Henry to "sit" and used "touch" to get him to focus on me. "He needs to have four on the floor and he cannot mouth you. If he gets up or licks too much, just take your hand away and step back."

The woman took another step toward us and Henry leapt forward. The woman stepped back. Henry sat down. "Yes!" I said and gave him a treat. He held a squirmy sit as the woman tried again. She stopped. Henry whipped his head around and looked at me as if to say, "This is it, right? You want me to sit, right?"

"Yes!" I said and slipped him another bit of kibble. While I was giving it to him, I asked the woman to come and pet him. Henry didn't know what to do then with his attention; his head swiveled from her back to me. Eventually he controlled himself long enough to accept a nice pet.

The crowd around us had grown. Another group was trying to leave. "Can you see how he improved?" I asked. They all agreed.

Good boy, Henry!

THREE D'S

We regrouped at a local school where Rachel works so Tammy could conduct a training session with us. Immediately we had to practice stairs to get up to the conference room. As usual, Tammy loaded her agenda, starting with the relaxation protocol in "sit," followed by meet & greets (from quiet to excited), and weight checks.

Before we moved on to "stay" we practiced ignoring distractions. Tammy stuck a three foot long piece of painter's tape on the floor, behind which we stood with our foot on our puppy's leash. The leash was long enough for the puppy to move past the tape. From a distance, Tammy wiggled a stuffed squirrel that dangled from a pole and instructed us to treat our puppy at our left side whenever our puppy moved away from the toy and came to our side of the tape.

The tape itself was enough distraction for FLD Henry - the first thing he did was to rip the tape right up off the floor!

Oh, Henry!

Again, the other puppies did much better...

Tammy increases the distraction and now bounces a ball. Frank is firmly planted on FLD Chewy's leash, waiting for Chewy to move toward him. FLDs Andie and Kayla wait their turn.

FLD Chewy looks away from the ball distraction toward Frank, and loosens the tension on his leash. Frank rewards him.

FLD Chewy resists the ball temptation, even when Tammy rolls it right up to him! Notice how Chewy has repositioned himself at Frank's left side.

On to stays. "People always want to rush stays," Tammy said. "That's why they have rotten stays." She told us to remember the "three d's." Duration. Distance. Distractions. "First is duration. Your puppy should hold position for one minute before adding distance," Tammy said. "Never mind about distractions! They come later."

I have lots more work to do with Henry and duration. He dropped into a down at about 10 seconds. "Take notice of that and treat him at eight seconds," Tammy advised.

Thank you, Tammy!

FLD Hershel is happy attacking a Milk Bone from the sidelines.

All this work tires a puppy out!

Later, FLDs Hershel and Henry have some play time in the hotel...

FLD Hershel takes off with FLD Henry close behind.

Whoo-hoo! Lab wrestling!

Supposed to do

September 11, 2014

Chippewa

What I was supposed to do while Tammy did the new puppy paperwork was greet all the teams and evaluate the puppies' weights. What I ended up doing (mostly) was field questions from the men. They wanted to know why there were changes, why Deb Donnelly would be coming next month instead of Tammy. (See my post 'On my pledge" from December 3.)

I explained how the prison puppy-raising program has grown, maybe too quickly. For it to be successful in its growth, it needs the oversight of a full-time paid employee. Leader Dogs for the Blind will be hiring someone in January, but for now Deb would be taking over to get a good sense of how things work.

FLD Bandit seems to be listening as intently as his handler.

"Are you two ever coming back?" the men asked.

That was a complicated question. Leader Dog pulled the volunteer puppy counselors from the prisons, but gave me permission to tag along with Deb so I could continue to document things. (Luckily, everyone agrees that telling the story is important.) As for the reinstatement of counselors, that is an unknown, and will likely depend on what the new hire decides to do. Tammy and I have always been aware that a change might occur in 2015. It just came a bit sooner, taking us by surprise.

The men weren't happy that we were being replaced. I reminded them that they would benefit from having "the best" (Deb) work with them. Ro said, "But we have a relationship with you guys."

Ro has a relationship with FLD GeeGee, too. She has captured his heart. "She's spoiled," he says. Ro says she was already housebroken when he got her. "She came to me already trained!"

I only managed to feel the ribs of FLDs Coda, Adell, Andie, Ashley and Harley (Henry's brother). Tammy rescued me and finished checking FLDs Teysen, GeeGee, Bandit and Chewy. She glanced at the clock. It was already ten minutes to five. There would be no time for training. She promised the guys we'd be back one more time before the end of September so we could do the work we didn't have time for today. Ro said, "I'll hold you to that!"

Tammy talks to the men after helping me check the puppies' weights. She brought the 2014 Leader Dogs for the Blind poster to share.

Many of the men were concerned about the future of this blog. Would I still be able to write it? While they don't have access to my blog, their families do; one raiser said his wife reads it all the time. I assured them that I had Leader Dog's blessing to continue, that I'd do my best to return with Deb in the following months.

Tammy glanced up at the clock again. It was 5:30! So, we'd be late for dinner at the Antlers. Two outside raisers were meeting us there with their puppies, and two volunteers were handling FLDs Chewy and Andie on furlough. Afterwards, we would have a training session at a local school. 

Scott (left) is holding FLD Hershel (who will be going to Baraga) and Doug (right) is stroking the head of FLD Chewy. We say good-bye to Scott as he will be paroled before Tammy and I get back to Chippewa in two weeks.

"The better to hear you with, my dear."

August 15, 2014

Chippewa

"Hey, look over here!"

Before we get started on grooming, Scott orchestrates a group photo. He has the men make a "human wall" so the shot could be taken without the fence behind them in view (prison regulations). I end up greening out the fence in post-production.

It is evident the teams spend lots of time grooming their puppies. Coats are clean and shiny, nails are short and all the pups tolerate handling.

Tammy is particularly impressed with Jeremy and FLD Coda. This "finishing" puppy was extremely standoffish when she came to the Chippewa Correctional Facility at the beginning of July. She was not comfortable being close to anyone. 

Yet, here she is just a few weeks later, almost snuggling against Jeremy when Tammy comes to check her ears.

Tammy squirts a few drops of ear cleaner in FLD Coda's ear, with the help of Jeremy (center) and Aaron. Notice how Aaron is giving Coda a treat to make this a positive experience. When asked how he managed to gain Coda's confidence so quickly, Jeremy said he followed a positive training plan called "By My Side." He rewarded Coda every time she came near him.

FLD Bandit gets his ear cleaned.

Doug (left) and Carlos (right) clean FLD Chewy's ear.

Harlan takes a moment to give FLD Bandit a pet.

And just because this team is so darn cute. Meet Joe and FLD Teysen!

In their words...Doug

July 17, 2014
Chippewa

Here is Doug's speech...

Doug reads his speech.

My name is Pinson, I am the handler for Chewy, my new assistant is Peterson, and I want to take this time to thank him for doing a great job and for stepping up to be my assistant when my other assistant Gregerzeski stepped up to help Morrison with his brand new puppy. We have an awesome group of guys here. Chewy is a 7.5 month-old, 87 pound sable color German Shepherd. I received him on January 31^st of this year. He was only 6.5 weeks old, 14 pounds. He was a small ball of brown fur with a black ring around the middle of his tail. He looked like a little wolf puppy. I had the cell and his kennel all set up, puppy toys, food and water bowls. And I had 6 new bags of coffee. I was ready for the night shift, making sure Chewy would be able to go outside the instant he woke up, I wanted to (in the words of Scott Libby) “set him up for success.” I knew that agreeing to raise and train a Leader Dog puppy for 12-14 months would be a lot of hard work and dedication. I was sure I’d have to sacrifice the majority of my time and energy to see to it that Chewy had the best life possible, best training possible and all the love and discipline the life of a Future Leader Dog would need.

Little did I understand the wonderful journey I was about to partake. I make a living in here off of my art, which is very time consuming, plus I always keep an institutional job, work out 4 days a week, write letters to my loved ones, read educational literature, participate in any and all programming classes that become available, make some phone calls from time to time, throw in using the restroom and showers, the 3 chows a day and the 3-4, 45 minute to an hour count times that we have to return and stay in our cells, oh, and don’t forget we have to wait in long lines for mostly all of this. Our days are very structured and busy. I know it sounds crazy to say, but there’s not enough time in a day to complete everything I’m involved in. Now add a puppy into the mix, who is by your side 24/7, and depends on you to eat, drink, play, use the restroom and relies totally on you to be fully potty trained and capable to perform all the commands Leader Dog entrusts us to instill into our puppies. I honestly felt a bit overwhelmed as I had to adjust from 12 years of living in prison the way I felt comfortable for this precious innocent little creature who has no voice for himself. He only has me.

I have 4 children and at the time of my arrest almost 13 years ago, I had full custody of my then 5-year old daughter. I depended on my sister-in-law and babysitter a lot, since I had to work and still have my selfish “social life”. But raising Chewy I sadly but honestly felt for the first time in my life just how frustrated and helpless my children’s mothers felt when I’d get off from work and just go out to the bar or a friend’s house and leave them at home with no car, the kids and my own pet dogs. They use to try to tell me how awful it felt to be alone and not be able to come and go as they please. Having a baby on the hip and dogs to feed and clean up after. Well, when I couldn’t work out, draw, use the phone or get help with Chewy when my assistant was busy working, or doing whatever he needed to do, I actually had to call home and tell my children’s mothers that I was sorry and now at 43 years old, I finally understand how they felt and always tried to make me understand. I felt horrible!!!

So I dove headfirst into the life of Chewy. My entire day and night still revolves around my beautiful pup. I am so very proud of him and how intelligent he is. I have become self-less instead of selfish! I love the monthly puppy meetings and training sessions that Deb, Tammy and Patti implement. I have so much respect for Mr. and Mrs. Bardsley, the zoo vet Doc Bennett and his wife and all his priceless time, medicine and knowledge. Our awesome dedicated and professional ARUS Batho. I thank all of our outside puppy raisers, supporters, sponsors and the Warden and all of his staff for allowing us to have this great opportunity to learn this awesome trade of training and raising Leader Dogs for the Blind and visually impaired. To be able to use our time to give back to society and give others who live in their own prison a little freedom by ensuring they have a healthy well trained guide dog. The problem solving, teamwork, trust and respect earned from staff and civilians, feels real good. In 3 months I’ll have been inside 13 years straight.

This is the very best program and opportunity that I’ve seen or had for rehabilitation. I was allowed to take on a huge responsibility and trusted with a living being. I dedicated my life for 12-14 months to not only training and raising Chewy, but to educate myself by reading numerous books on dog training, dog psychology, emotional and behavioral characteristics of canines, watching clicker training videos, getting hands on group training, learning team work and dealing with inmates who dislike animals and dogs in general. I learned the power of positivity and I feel I’m much better man because of it. As is everyone involved in this program from the top to the bottom. And I give everyone involved my most sincere gratitude…Thank You!

FLD Chewy, the puppy Dough raised.

Catchup 3

May 14, 2014

Chippewa

PART THREE - PUPPY FURLOUGH

"The bus is here," ARUS Rob announced. Gary was a bit early. As an outside puppy raiser Gary also drove a school bus for the Pickford Public Schools. Tammy had arranged for him to take the older Chippewa pups and their furlough handlers to the elementary school for an outing. Not only would the puppies experience a bus ride, they would be exposed to lots of kids on the playground during recess.

Tammy still had items on her agenda, but our session was over. She had covered information about TAG teach, a sort of "clicker" training for people that we learned at Leader Dog during puppy counselor training, but we had no time to try the exercises. Maybe next trip.

Kim negotiates the bus steps with FLD Ecko. Check out the nice loose leash!

Puppy counselor Tammy pauses at the top step with FLD Drummond before disembarking at the school.

FLDs August, Ecko, Sammy, Bravo, Drummond and Chewy hang out in the school yard with the furlough handlers. I have been instructed not to take any photographs of the children. Children played basketball, baseball, soccer, swung on swings and played on the playscape while we walked the puppies amongst them. The puppies were more interested in each other than the kids!

The children were respectful in asking permission to pet the puppies. FLD Sammy was happy to oblige.

Our intrepid furlough handlers and their charges pose after our outing. From left to right are ARUS Rob with FLD Sammy, Frank with FLD Bravo, Tammy with FLD Drummond, Rhonda with FLD Chewy, Kim with FLD Ecko, Judy with FLD August, and Gary with FLD Allegiance.

Thank you for the bus ride Gary!

 

Catchup 2

May 14, 2014

Chippewa

PART TWO - TRAINING

A miracle! We arrived at the Chippewa Correctional Facility on time. However, it took at least 15 minutes to get processed in. Tammy set off the metal detector, still wearing her treat bag, and Bandit signaled to park. Luckily, I got him out in time for a "big park."

After the presentation of FLD Bandit to Justin and Kris it was time for training. Tammy, as usual, had a long list of information to cover. While she went over contract paperwork with Bandit's team, I led the group through day three of the relaxation protocol, first in standing, then sitting, and finally in down positions.

Ro practices placing the Future Leader Dog bandana over FLD Sammy's head. Ideally, Leader Dogs for the Blind wants raisers to do this with the puppy in a heel position (left side). This readies the puppies to readily accept the guide harness later in their training.

The inmate raisers practice some In-For-Training (IFT) obedience skills. Puppies must hold a sit, down and stand position for 30-60 seconds in heel position. Tammy had the teams swap puppies for these drills.

Cody inspects FLD Bravo's eyes as the group practices part of the IFT handler's exam. The puppies must be calm during veterinarian visits and routine checks at home.

An inmate handler checks FLD Chewy's teeth. He is concerned about the baby canine tooth - it is still intact and the adult tooth is emerging in front of it. This is a situation we will watch. If the baby tooth does not come out on its own the veterinarian might have to pull it.

With puppies still handled by other teammates, Tammy has the group practice "meet and greets." Then she gets everyone up to wander about the room for recalls through a crowd. She asks me to call her puppy, FLD Harper.

Harper was sitting with an inmate. "Harper! Come!" Harper didn't move. "Hey, puppy puppy!" I howled in my best we're-going-to-have-a-party-when-you-get-here voice.

Harper was a statue. He squinted his eyes and turned his head up as if thinking, If I can't see her, she isn't there.

I darted by the golden boy, clapping my hands, "Haaaaahper!" I crooned. Harper turned his head away. He was not falling for it. "Come on, boy, it's okay," I pleaded. Harper finally broke his pose and came running. We had a little party and everyone clapped.

Tammy said, "He thought he was being set up!"

Doug asked me to take a photograph of him with his puppy, FLD Chewy. "When will you put this on your blog?" he asks. Finally, Doug, here it is!

Training games!

Tammy's training games make "work" fun for the handlers as well as the puppies. First up, the "contraband" dice game we played at the Baraga Correctional Facility.

Doug tosses the dice, but FLD Chewy is more interested in FLD Ashley.

Now FLD Chewy seems curious as to why Doug is jumping and flailing his arms.

Matt throws the dice and is amused at FLD Harper's intense attention.

Good boy, Harper!

FLD Drummond keeps close watch on Scott, who is in mid-air doing jumping jacks. Lucky number seven has been rolled several times and the task is: "Sit your puppy while you do 10 jumping jacks." I'm not sure, but I think FLD Ekco is the interested puppy in the foreground.

Churchard and FLD Ekco wait for the dice to land.

The task this time is a recall across the room. Even though Churchard has only had FLD Ekco for two days, the pup comes to him when he calls. And ignores the dice distractions and all the other puppies!

Eric and FLD August's task is to loose leash heel through a series of orange cones. It appears that Eric might have a treat in his right hand, which could be causing August to swing in front of him. Tammy has them repeat the exercise because the leash was a bit tight; she knows they can do better. And they do!

Morrison offers FLD Bravo a plush toy to "take" as part of his task. Bravo isn't sure and has to be coaxed to take it. The pup readily "gives" the toy back to Morrison when asked.

Coming next - a game that simulates a real-world situation....

A full agenda, inside

April 11, 2014

Chippewa

RELAXATION PROTOCOL

Starting our training session with the relaxation protocol is a great way to set a calm and attentive atmosphere. Tammy reads instructions to the group and has them vary positions. First the dogs sit, then stand, then relax into a down.

FLDs Baker and Sammy sit next to Cody and Ro.

Abe gives FLD Zella a treat while Doug looks on. (Zella is wearing panties because she is in heat. Every puppy is a potential breeder for Leader Dogs for the Blind, so they are not spayed or neutered until after they return for training.)

NAME RECOGNITION

With settled puppies, Tammy has the handlers practice "name recognition." She and I step to each team and lightly distract the puppies with a quiet "Well, hello puppy!" or a soft clap. The goal is that the puppy will look back at the handler when its name is called. One time. All the teams do well. Then Tammy and I approach with a bit more enthusiasm. This is more of a challenge!

FLD Ashley has a difficult time resisting me. Good catch Robert!

SIT / DOWN / STAND AROUND THE WORLD

One way to "proof" a puppy (checking to see if it knows its commands) is to ask for a behavior from a not-so-typical, not-in-heel position. Think your puppy knows "sit?" Try asking it to sit with your back turned, or from five feet away, or while sitting in a chair or kneeling on the floor. Tammy says this exercise demonstrates where work is needed.

Justin peaks over his shoulder at FLD Nell, who sits on cue.

MEET & GREETS / HANDLER'S EXAMS

We practice meet and greets and everyone without a puppy gets in on the action. The room is filled with mayhem, but the puppies (for the most part) take everything in stride.

Next up - handler's exams. Tammy and I get the honors of putting our hands on each puppy. We check eyes, ears, teeth, lift each paw and run a slicker brush down their backs. FLD Ashely is very wiggly. "You can support her by her collar," I tell her raiser, Robert. "And try holding some treats in your hand right in front of her nose."

FLD Chewy looks like he is eager for more food!

We also check the puppies' weight using the Purina ® Body Condition Tool. We have the men rate their puppies on a scale from one (severely underweight) to nine (clinically obese). Numbers four and five (ribs can be felt, a waist is visible from above, and there is a "tummy tuck" visible from the side) are "ideal."





Tammy suggests that FLD Chewy's team raise his daily food allotment, as she thinks he feels a bit underweight.

GAMES

With the idea that training should be fun, Tammy comes up with all sorts of games which challenge the puppies' self-control. Stay tuned...

The dogs, they had a party...

Chippewa

March 6, 2014

...and thought it was training!

RELAXATION PROTOCOL

To begin our session, puppy counselor Tammy led the group in three versions of the relaxation protocol. The relaxation protocol helps our puppies learn self-control. Basically they are asked to stay in position while the handler does all sorts of distracting behaviors - and they get a treat for not moving! It doesn't take them long to figure out what to do not do. 

(You can read about this protocol and download MP3 files at this link: http://championofmyheart.com/relaxation-protocol-mp3-files/.)

First up, relaxation while in a sit position.

FLDs Harper, Bravo and Zella are sitting nicely, but FLD Sammy would rather lie down.

Second, relaxation in a down position.

FLD Sammy can do this, just like FLDs Bravo and Harper. Good boys!

And lastly, relaxation in a stand position.

A standing FLD Sammy looks up at his handler as if to say, "This is it, right?"

OBEDIENCE: SITS, DOWNS and STANDS

Tammy likes to make training a fun experience for all. When she told the guys she needed nine chairs because they were going to play tic-tac-toe, they frowned. Who wants to play silly games? they seemed to be thinking.

It didn't take long before the competition turned fierce. Whose puppy could hold position? Whose puppy could not?

Teams are SITS and DOWNS. Someone from the sidelines tosses a treat into the middle, trying to distract the puppies. Unfair? Well, that can happen in real life and our puppies must learn to ignore it! Who says games can't be training? (wink)

Teams are DOWNS and STANDS, but this time Tammy makes the game more challenging. Only puppies stay on the board - the handlers place them and have to walk away.

Realizing how much fun tic-tac-toe turned out to be, the guys jumped at the chance to play musical chairs. Tammy brought a CD loaded with songs about dogs. Her rules were a bit different than regular musical chairs. When the music stopped, there were seats for everyone, but the last puppy to get into a down position was out.  I dare say the game was just as amusing to watch!

When the music stops...it's a mad rush. Who can get their puppy "under" first?

Puppy by puppy, all but three are eliminated. It is no surprise (to me) that the oldest pups are the last ones standing. Eventually, FLD Tara wins the round! And no surprise there - Tara was class-ready before coming to Chippewa, so she has had much more training than FLDs Zella and Nell.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO FLDs ZELLA AND NELL!

FLD Zella's handler leads the group in singing Happy Birthday to Zella and Nell. The pups turned one year old and are almost ready to return to Leader Dogs for the Blind for formal training.

FLD Nell's handler giver her applause.

There is an anonymous poem about why dogs greet each other by sniffing their hinders. For the curious, here you go...

 

The dogs, they had a party
They came from near and far.
Some dogs came by taxi
And some dogs came by car.

Each dog signed his name
Upon a special book
And each dog hung his a**hole
Upon a special hook.

One dog was not invited,
And this aroused his ire.
He stormed into the party
And loudly shouted "FIRE!"

In the scene that followed,
The dogs forgot to look
And grabbed just any a**hole
From off of any hook.

And that is why when dogs roam
On land or sea or foam,
They sniff each others' a**holes,
In hopes they’ll find their own!