Service Dogs---Doodles

Comment

Comment by Kathy on August 5, 2011 at 7:47am

Thanks I will check it out.

Kathy

Comment by DeeAnn on August 4, 2011 at 11:16pm

Hi Kathy,

You may want to join the "dog sitting exchange group" here on doodle kisses.

Perhaps you will find someone near you mother.  Good luck.

Comment by Kathy on August 3, 2011 at 10:38am

Hi DeeAnn, The only family or friends left in that part of CA are my sister and little brother.  My sister's kids are grown but they come for visits regularly and my sister has allergies.  My mom lives with my sister.  My little brother is still there (for another month or so) but he has the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that could tear Tia apart and might.  I could go without Tia if Kevin went with me but that means kenneling two dogs and buying two tickets on a plane.  The problem is people (like Kevin) don't make very good service dogs!  My family thinks I don't need Tia so they would not be much help if I went alone.  Just the thought of flying alone is too much for me to want to do (think about or fly).  Even though my mom is very important to me how do I just magically overcome my problems that make me need Tia in the first place?  I don't know that there is a answer that is easy for anyone (esp. me) but I won't let my mom's death be the next time I see her!  Thanks for listening and understanding.

Kathy and Tia

Comment by DeeAnn on August 2, 2011 at 10:12pm

Hi Kathy,  This is a problem I have come across myself.   I have missed family events but I am happy with my choice of having a service dog so I figure it is just part of the journey. I understand your sisters' concern with her children's allergy.  I myself only do well with poodle mixes or hair breeds.  It is interesting to see people's faces when I say I'm "allergic" to regular dogs.

They look at me...then at Buster ....as if to say "you have a dog!"  LOL

Is there any other family/friends that you could stay with while you were in town to visit your mother?  If not you may consider a shorten trip without Tia?

You are not alone in these struggles.

 

Comment by Kathy on July 31, 2011 at 6:16pm

Hi!  I am sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.  We had a good day.  I have started to be more firm with people ( but kind) and I am teaching Tia work time isn't socializing time.

     I am having a sad time today.  I talked to my niece and we talked about Tia not being welcomed around the family.   I guess most of my sister's kids have allergies and don't trust that my dog might not cause them to be ill.  Unfortunately my mom lives with my sister.  My sister is allergic to animals so even though her kids all grown and live all over I still can't go to Ca to see my mom unless I have the money to fly, get a motel, and rent a car.  I guess if my husband could get a weeks vacation we could drive but we still need all of the other things and to kennel Buddy our other dog.  My mom can't come here because she can't travel anymore and our house is three levels with no bathroom on the main floor.  My mom is 84 and diabetic.  I want to see her as much as I can.  I call her every day no matter what but I haven't seen her in 3 years.

     Having Tia has been a blessing and a problem.  I can and do take Tia everywhere around town and other places but I can't go home!  I am so homesick I feel very sad.  I can't take Tia to my little brother's house (also in CA) because he has a very large dog that he can't keep from attacking other dogs.  My little brother is my buddy and I miss him a lot.  Anyway I wish my family had to let me in like stores do.

     Thanks for listening.

     Kathy and Tia

Comment by DeeAnn on July 28, 2011 at 11:32pm

Kathy, That reminds me of a little boy (2 1/2 years old) who came running up to us in a store yelling, "I pet doggie" last month.  No parent anywhere in site.  I stepped between him and Buster and said a firm "No, you can not pet doggie"

I then told him to go back to his mommy.  I had to tell him twice but he turned around and off he went.   Don't think he was use to doing as he was told.  There have been a few times that I haven't had a chance to get "no" out and have placed my hand between Buster and their hand.  That stops them too.  If I have time I will explain that if they pet him and they have lotion, perfume, ect. on.... by petting him they now have put it on his hair which could set off an asthma attack for me.  I will also explain he is to be focused on me not on others.  I try to use humor as much as I can.  When he was younger I told women that I'm trying to teach him that all women don't belong to his harem.

Hope today went well for you.  Good luck! 

Comment by Kathy on July 28, 2011 at 7:20am

Thanks DeeAnn.  I have to go out today to the dentist and the Dr. so I will start to try that.  I think "no" will help with the people also.  After they see Tia avoid them then I have time to explain.  I want to be nice but some people have actually said they knew the no touch rule but they just couldn't resist!  How rude is that!  I am a softie but Tia being distracted could get us both hurt.  I once had a little girl come up to Tia and keep trying to pet her.  I looked everywhere for her mom but finally a store person had to get between Tia and the little girl so we could leave the store.  The mother was checking out and just didn't watch her child.  Bad for me and bad for the child.  Some people just don't think!  Anyway thanks again!!

Comment by DeeAnn on July 27, 2011 at 10:42pm

Hi Kathy,

When I am out with Buster and he has his working vest on then no one is allowed to touch him.  This includeds people we know and are friends with.

This is one rule that I don't break and it has paid off. This way he doesn't get confused with the rule.  So if someone does approach and try to pet him I will say "No" and he has learned to get behind me to avoid contact.  I find you don't have a lot of time to stop people so a "No" is good for the person trying to pet and the dog to not engage.  You could reward him with treats or praise for focusing on you instead of getting attention from others.  Practice, praise and patience will pay off!

Comment by Kathy on July 26, 2011 at 6:56pm

I have a tiny problem to get some input on.  When I first started going to the store with Tia (my dog) I would put her at a sit when people wanted to pet her.  I know that was a mistake because even though I say no to people now Tia expects to be petted.  I don't get out often so training her to quit expecting attention from people in the store is slow.  I already know I made a mistake but I do need any ideas to keep Tia focused.  Thanks all!

Comment by Bug on March 19, 2011 at 10:10pm

thank you for the links

 

i have also found a lot of good information at this one

http://www.psychdog.org/index.html

 

they also have an email list that is very active and has a lot of information.

her breeder is doing some training and socializing until she comes home. she said that she pretty much has sit mastered but she wiggles a lot on the grooming table. she is learning to go to her bed and is crate trained and walks well on a leash and various other stuff. i am really looking forward to finally getting my pup. waiting is so hard.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• Next ›
• Page