10/08/2024
SHELTER PUP =》 SERVICE DOG PROSPECT!! 🎓🎖🎉
DEXTER's first exposure to Public Access...
In order to enter public facilities, service dogs need to be desensitized and trained on how to behave in public. This young dog has never been exposed to a store situation, so the first step is to just sniff walk around the parking lot, and then sit near the entrance and observe all the sights, sounds, and smells associated with a store environment.
Today we did a sniff walk at Carter's Pet Mart parking lot, and then we hung out near the entrance of Home Depot, which gave him the chance to see people coming in and out, carts going by, flat trolleys for heavy materials, cars, automatic doors, etc. None of it phased him as he watched with keen interest.
It was obvious that this was all new to him, but his behavior and reactions were absolutely stellar! He was relaxed and excitedly fascinated and interested at the same time. No signs of nervousness or stress, perfectly stable temperament while happily absorbing everything he needs to know in order to start Public Access training.
In the photos you can notice his relaxed body, relaxed face & mouth that is slightly open, a bit of tongue hanging out, ears perked forward, and tail high and wagging somewhat slowly the entire time. He had a friendly interest in the people going by but not overly excited. His behavior and reaction to this complex new environment while absorbing all the brand new sights, sounds, and smells was SPOT ON.
Observing his behavior in these experiences as well as watching his reactions to everything leading up to this, including insanely loud farm equipment starting up right in front of him, observing sheep and goats for the first time, walks along the road, exploring the farm and house, being handled for exams, anything new, people, dogs, etc while I watch his body language very closely... has all been included in an overall functional assessment. While he is just coming off "probation" where he's been leashed in the house to ensure proper household behavior, and while he still needs a ton of training as we start from square one, his reactions to everything are very stable, and he is passing these service dog requirements with flying colors.
Basically this SHELTER DOG is 100% SERVICE DOG material!!
Combining these temperament observations along with his ability to already alert and respond to my seizures in under 2 weeks of being brought home from the shelter... He is NO LONGER a service dog PROSPECT but now a fully vetted SERVICE DOG IN TRAINING!! 🎉🎓🎖
CONGRATULATIONS DEXTER!! ❤️🩹🥲👏
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⬇️ More From Ronni Hopfer ⬇️
This Stockton SHELTER DOG's traits being 100% SERVICE DOG material only backs up the study I shared earlier: Shelter dogs are not there due to bad behavior! (link below 👇)
His only challenges for the average human would be his high energy as a puppy coming out of a stressful environment and a quickly resolved tendency to mark in the house (where many other rescue dogs have already marked before). Both of which are normal dog behaviors and resolved easily with the training he deserves.
This beautiful shelter dog is going to have an unbelievable life helping my medical situation as he accompanies me everywhere I go, which to him will be amazing adventures.
As people worry about a service dog's quality of life being always on duty, this is not the case! Home life will include living and running around on a farm with a one acre pond and plenty of other dogs to play with daily.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=557888483430166&id=100076270571836&mibextid=Nif5oz
