I'm frustrated - Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr !!!!

[Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle]

No, that's not Belle growling, it's me.  My last blog post asked for help deciding where to go next.  Your responses were very helpful.  Thank you!!!

Meanwhile, classes are filling up.  So as I indicated earlier, I obtained permission to place Belle in an Agility class.  One spot was available so I took it.  After your responses I had decided to pull her out, for now!  But before I had a chance to withdraw her, I got this email.

"Our senior agility trainer agrees that we can't use scent markers during class. It would be too distracting for the other dogs. Chelse also teaches scent tracking classes, and feels that the food lures and the other dogs' scents will be enough for Belle to have a good, safe time in agility class.

If you would still like to sign up let me know ASAP, as we have other people interested in joining the class."

In plain words they aren't willing to modify their teaching methods for a blind dog.  I have a trainer that has never trained a blind dog giving an opinion that Belle would be safe in an Agility class with no scent markers other than the dogs that had preceeded her and a treat trail.

I've done my research and supplied them with links on how other Agility trainers are using trail scent markets and there appears to be no issue with confusing other dogs.  Moving on ... now that I've finished my rant.

I am reluctant to enroll her in obediance 1 or 2 as you can't use hand signals with a blind dog and you shouldn't use the word "down" as in "lay down" because it is already imbedded in an absolutely essential command for a blind dog, "step down".  She knows that command and I don't want to confuse her.

So am I likely to find that the majority of dog trainers take the attitude "My way or the highway."

[Leslie J]

Hang in there! I hope you find what you need for Belle. It sounds like you're very resourceful- I have a feeling you'll find someone willing to make accommodations for Belle. It sounds like you're just going to have to take it more slowly than you want, but I have a feeling you'll get there!

[Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle]

Stella,

Skype is an interesting thought.

In some ways I've created a monster.  Nutrition + exercise sums to a very active lady.  Her personality continues to evolve, especially the stubborn side.  I'm not giving up, I just needed to vent today.  I will spend a lot of time checking out trainers and may go to a private trainer.  Thank you for your help.

[Stella]

I think we've all vented here on DK at one, or more, times!! That is what we are here for. You will find the right person, it just might take a bit of time to find the right mix for you guys.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Could she possibly go into Therapy work.  Having a disability of her own would make her even more loved by those with disabilities.

[Wendy and Myla]

That's exactly what I was thinking!  Kids especially just seem to connect with the "underdog".

[Lynda Kamrath]

Well, THomas, I think you will end up being the expert you are looking for.  Keep working at it and you definitely have the dedication.  And it sounds like Belle is motivated to be the dog you want her to be.  It is rather like grooming.  You can take them to groomers or trainers, or you can do your own grooming and training.   Get some basics, and then you can do it yourself.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Thank you for continueing to post about Belle.  Most people do not understand the special needs of blind dogs and also how they are quick to adapt. 

You will find the right fit for you and Belle.

Please keep updating everyone.  it is important for everyone to know that blind dogs make wonderful pets. 

Too many dogs are PTS ( a euphemism for KILLLED) just because they are blind or have other disabilities.

I do encourage anyone adopting a dog to consider a SPECIAL NEEDS pet.

[Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle]

First of all, I will continue to post.  Thank you for your support.  One of the target "jobs" for Belle is a Pet Pal at University of Wisconsin American Family Childrens hospital.  The UW Veterinary school screens then does semi-annual health checks.  

http://www.uwhealthkids.org/patient-guide/pet-therapy/35330

But I'm not even going to apply until we've worked on some behaviors.

Based on some of your recommendations, I'm reaching out to dog trainers that do one on one training.  One also offers classes.  I figure we could plug a few holes in her knowledge and behavior one-on-one, skip beginners class and all that craziness and go right into behavior 2.  But I'll follow recommendations based on their evaluation of her, not to mention my evaluation of them.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

It's wonderful how dedicated you are to Belle.  I feel sure that in your search, you will find a trainer you'll connect with.  I interviewed several before I made my decision.  Just as an example, her background included: raising puppies for "The Seeing Eye" Guide Dogs, BA in Behavioral Psychology, Graduate of National K9 School for Dog Trainers,Professional Member IACP - International Association of Canine Professionals, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and evaluator for Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs (FInn is now a Bright and Beautiful therapy dog).  But most important, I liked that she was knowledgeable and disciplined in her training -- but also creative in working with individual dogs in a group and private setting (we combined both) and I'm sure she's not alone.  She taught me so much.  You could use any word you wanted as long as you were consistent. I can't imagine that would be an issue.  Hand signals were a part of the training but not mandatory.  They were used to help get the dogs attention.  Just thinking out of the box, you might be able to adapt some kind of a whistle. I found that to learn, I had to be flexible and let go of some of the training methods I'd used before and my trainer had to be a successful problem solver. Together,I think we are a good team…and that is what I wish for you. I don't know anything about agility - I took FInn one time and he just sat down on every piece of equipment LOL But if you think you want to do therapy work, training in a group setting is invaluable because you will have to test with other dogs.  I wish you lived near here 

[Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle]

I thought I'd post an update.  First of all, a big thank you to all of you that have provided useful suggestions.  Stella, thank you for passing along the contact information on your friend who is a dog trainer and has a blind dog.  I just sent her a long e-mail.  AS I indicated in a previous post, I'm taking the recommendation of going with a personal trainer for a number of sessions then a class, probably Obedience 2.

Today I heard from the #1 rated dog trainer in Madison Magazine's reader dog trainer survey.  It sounds as though she might be interested in working with Belle.  Her company also has a number of classes that Belle could move into when she is ready.  I'll keep you posted on how that goes.  Again, thanks.

[Stella]

You are welcome!!

[Michele Moss]

The lady who taught the parks and recs class I took my Fozzy to also did private obedience and training classes.  I would think that would be the way to go!