Booze Hound

Oh yeah, just lead the way sistah.


Hm, a sherry would be nice, but I'm THIRSTY.


Maybe I can get this big kid to buy me a case of beer.


Sweeeet! Way to go, squirt!


OK, who's ready for another one?

Going Shopping

Socialization is very important for service puppies. Until they have their complete series of shots, we either carry them in public places or take them to places where other dogs aren't likely to frequent. We've been to a few supermarkets, but Ruby really likes Whole Foods. Maybe it's the selection.



Actually, I think it's the people. When you're a puppy raiser and you have an adorable yellow ball of fur out in public with a cape on, everyone is curious. I was surprised to find that the cape doesn't immediately signal that Ruby is a service dog in training. I knew it wouldn't be much of a deterrent to people wanting to pet her (she's a button, it's nearly impossible NOT to want to pet her), but I thought the cape would instantly identify her as a working dog. Truthfully, I've found that's not always the case.

At any rate, you're with a puppy, you're going to get attention. Most people smile at her, but they'll speak to me first and tell me how cute she is. I thank them and let them know she is a service dog. To other people, I'm invisible and they just reach out and pet her. Some people just ignore both of us, and if I can make eye contact, I know they are aware of her working status and are respectfully leaving us alone.

Ruby and I have visited more than one Whole Foods, and regardless of the location, I really enjoy the reception we get. The salespeople are extremely friendly and the other customers are typically very polite. Whole Foods people just let us do our thing.





(As an aside, holy.....eeesh. I look like the wreck of the Hesperus. Of course, we're still up a couple times a night and she's raring to go at 4:30 am. But if I'm going to keep showing up in this blog, I really need to invest in a mirror. And maybe an iron and a hair clip. Do me a favor, just look at the cute dog. Thanks.)

As we were walking the aisles, an employee came up behind us wheeling a tall load of boxes. Ruby was frightened by it and started to pull away and cower. I asked him if he would mind letting us follow him and watch as he unloaded the boxes so we could work on her skittishness. He said sure, and couldn't have been nicer or more encouraging. I gradually eased her up to him and he talked to her calmly while he was working, making her interested and involved. She was over her fear in no time.



Trainers and experienced puppy raisers have given me great advice for these early outings while the puppy is still so young: "Set them up for success." When we visit public places, I like to take her an hour or so after she's eaten, so she's fed and toileted and calm, and there is less chance of distraction or accidents.

Speaking of which, I always carry a puppy pee/poo clean-up pack with paper towels, bags, and antibacterial wipes for surfaces (this great tip given to me by Raven's mom, Barb, on day one). Let's be honest, accidents are a worry for new puppy raisers! But once you're...initiated...and you have the right stuff to clean it up, it's no big thing. And it doesn't happen as often as you think it will.

Many thanks to all the Whole Foods employees for being so service dog friendly. We appreciate it!

Rub A Dub Dog

Oh No!

Will Cruella De Vil escape with Ruby's brother, Raven, and make him into a nice warm pair of earmuffs?!! And does she know there are 8 more fluffy puppies just like him in case she wants to make a matching pair of puppy Uggs?

Raven's not too worried about it; that's his mom, Barb, under there! She's wearing the wig, glasses, and gloves to make sure that Raven is ok with changes in appearance. We'll take our puppies to see people who look different than what they've come to expect, like firemen with helmets and heavy equipment, or sports mascots in oversized and odd-looking costumes.

Here's Raven in his own gear. The boy does like to ride in style.



The sign cracked me up. As Barb said, "But a service dog must be ok!"

Thanks for the photos, Barb!

Ruby's First Mexican Restaurant

canihaveachiphuhhuhcanicanicani?


thisissonotfair.


pleeeeeeeeeezecanihaveachip? plzplzplz???


sulk. meanestmomever.

By The Brook

Going Up

From a very young age, service puppies in training are exposed to a wide range of experiences. Neurological stimulation exercises began during Ruby's first week of life and sensory activities continued up to the time the puppies in her litter were placed with their Puppy Raisers.

To build on this great foundation, Puppy Raisers introduce their puppies to as many new situations as possible. We want to familiarize them with varied sights, sounds, and sensations so we can begin to teach appropriate behavior and help provide the confidence each dog will need as a partner to an individual with a disability.

At 10 weeks old, the whole world is new and exciting to Ruby. It can also be very overwhelming. So we offer lots of encouragement (and treats!) to make sure these experiences leave her with positive impressions.

As a service dog for someone with a mobility-related disability, Ruby would need to feel very comfortable riding in elevators. That strange sense of movement and enclosure can be frightening for some dogs, so it was one of our first outings.




I love that she's watching me press the button. I told her she might be the one doing that someday!



I had her sit while we waited for the elevator to arrive,



and I treated her as she listened to the sound of the elevator coming down the shaft.



When the doors opened, I let her investigate inside for awhile.

For this first ride, we didn't take photos of the doors opening or closing, or inside while we were traveling up and down, because I didn't want to distract her or have the flash add to any uneasiness. She cocked her head a few times as the doors closed and the elevator started to move, but otherwise she was very relaxed about the whole thing. She had no problem getting right back in for another ride, so I think she thought it was kind of fun!








We took a few rides, tried another elevator, got in and out on different floors, and Ruby was fine.

For Elevator Expedition #2, we'll graduate to a busier location like a hotel, where we can take longer rides with crowds of people.

Those Tags Are So Annoying

I mean how can you enjoy your little snack when you just KNOW it's there?

Cowdog

Service puppies need to become accustomed to things that might be potentially frightening or startling. Hats and hoods can really change someone's appearance and could be somewhat scary. For this experiment, we found a willing participant.



Her faithful sidekick loved it.


Of course, I also tried on the hat and it didn't faze Ruby at all. A+!

Baby, Blanket

Puppy Training Class

Every Saturday morning we have Puppy Training Class. Linda Port is our instructor (as well as the Program Director of Canine Partners of the Rockies) and she is extremely knowledgeable. Class is fantastic, because Linda gives us real insight into how a dog thinks. She is also very kind and patient with both human and canine newbies!

Here's a quick clip of Ruby learning loose leash walking and being a stellar student under Linda's guidance.