Well, I don't want to reveal my past and ruin my reputation... But I told you before that I just can't help checking out other dogs on the street! Seems like it's our litter trait; a little birdie told me that my brother has the same issue out there! Below is what Nikki wrote to her friend about my dog distraction incident...
We are a new team (about 10 months) and Coral's biggest issue happens to be dog distraction, and my lack of assertiveness made things worse than it should be at the beginning. However, it's getting better these days. I think the turning point was about 5 months ago. It was a very scary incident for me though; we were walking along and stopped at the curb. For some reason, Coral was very anxious to go. When the light changed, I gave her the "forward" command, and we were almost dashing into the street! I was pulling the harness and telling her steady without knowing what to expect! I also felt vearing to the left. Then I heard a small dog barking on our left & behind me! Someone with a dog was coming towards up and passed us on the left side. When we finally got to the curb safely, Coral was still focusing on the dog now on the other side of the street! I corrected her as hard as I could, and had her do puppy push-ups and whole obedience sequence. I was mad & scared at the same time! I didn't call GDB that day since it was in the evening, but I was going to if that happened again. However, since that incident, things have been much better. Maybe the correction finally sank in?
Yeah... I rmember that... I kind of went nuts, and I do understand that it was a wrong thing to do. It was very embarrassing that I had to do puppy pushups and obedience on the street while everyone was watching with "what's wrong with that dog?" expression! So now, I'm doing my best to ignore other dogs when in harness.
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4 comments:
I don't think you were bad. I sometimes get distracted too. Just tell your human "hey you get distracted sometimes by things why would you expect me to do anything different?" Probably won't work but it will make you feel better. You are a happy healthy working dog and just a slight lapse of judgment. You are still getting used to your job. I know you will be better focused as the months go on.
Oh puppy push-ups. Yeah, you get some weird looks, but I think it really helps get their attention back. Young guides are still learning, so it sounds like you are doing the right thing!
Can't blame them really for looking...other dogs are just soooo cute! Those little purse dogs always make Sterling want to go say hi!
Good luck
Thanks Irish & Sterling! I feel much better!
Puppy push ups are good aren't they! You are still settling into your job! My first guide, Pantera, was dog distracted ... Cricket is more people distracted! We get to San Diego Wed evening until Sunday morning - sounds like you will be gone then?! Sad, if that is true!! My email is: becky.lpc@gmail.com -- would love to meet you if you are going to be in town. If not, we will be back!
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