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David & Emmit's Team Training Blog
We asked David if he would blog his experiences and feelings during training so that we could follow along as he and Emmit begin their incredible journey together. Below is the first accounting from the David and Emmit team – their work together (both the challenges and successes), companionship enjoyed and fun times shared . . . Filled with childlike anticipation, I was counting the number of sleeps until the day finally came to begin my adventure with Emmit, the mobility dog I had been matched with.
It is a beautiful Auckland spring day (no rain). The first order of business was an initial discussion with Laura outlining what is expected of Emmit and me this first week of training with an aim of Emmit sleeping over from Friday night. Then next was an introduction to Dale, my wife, and to our two Burmese cats, which consisted of initial eyeball glaring but no dramas. Emmit sat at my feet as if to say, “See, I can resist the chase.” Then we had a lengthy discussion regarding commands; however, this felt quite natural to me as I have previously owned dogs and have more than a rough idea about using the basic commands. Having spent time training with Grant and Judy, his raisers, and then Vicky and Laura, Emmit already seems to me to be an incredibly well-trained dog. We talked about problem areas in the house, including some very stiff internal pull doors and ranch sliders. Laura, showing her “Girl Guide” skills, had made a good supply of tug ropes which were fitted to the most troublesome doors. The first door opening challenge for Emmit was the internal access door. First the command “look” (for Emmit to identify the task), then “get it” (to go to the object), then “tug” and the door pulled open. Then it’s my turn and Eureka! It worked! Laura then fastened tug ropes with suction cups to the sliding doors and again it was my turn to practise.
On a fine day Dale and I usually walk to the local café – good exercise for me and a meeting place to catch up with friends. So as not to disrupt the usual routine, we set off, Dale standing close to me (in case of a tumble) and Laura close to Emmit. I was able to hold the lead and with Emmit on the “side” command, he walked perfectly up the road. This immediately ‘gobsmacked’ me as being a dog lover, I consider walking with a dog to be one of life’s pleasures. With Laura setting out firm rules and Emmit adhering to them, we reached the Mozaic Café with no dramas at all, including crossing a busy road. We went in to be seated and on the “go in” command Emmit entered very quietly and curled up at my feet. With Emmit wearing his training vest with the L plate, he was readily identified as a dog in training. We enjoyed our coffee and now time to pay. I took out my EFTPOS card and asked Emmit to “hold”. With card in mouth, Emmit followed Laura to the counter where she gave him the commands of “up counter” and “give". Emmit did this perfectly, handing the card over to the barista with everyone gaping and uttering “ohhh, ahhh.” How gorgeous! Then it was time for the walk home and lunch break. In the afternoon, we did some training in the power chair with Emmit learning to nudge the foot plate down and walking alongside perfectly. With Emmit, myself and Laura looking exhausted, we finished our first training day at 3 p.m. Everything went beautifully. Emmit is one amazing animal, and I am ‘gobsmacked’ by how easily he learns.
Thursday, 3rd September Thursday we once again visited the café (Do I sense an addiction!) and then a trip to the local shops. Friday, 4th September It was decided that Emmit could stay the night and if all went well, he then would be staying the remaining nights. Laura showed me the feeding routine (Emmit soon clicked onto this!). The evening went perfectly with Emmit settling into our routine well. Saturday, 5th September Emmit slept undisturbed all night. When the feisty girl cat came in, a quick “leave it” from me avoided the oncoming conflict and he froze. Perfect! We let him out for a play this morning and he had a run around and then a sleep as Dale put on my limbs (an intriguing adventure for him). Again the mandatory trip to the café, practising walking, tugs, etc. The first week of training is now finished. I imagine both Emmit and I look as if we need an early night but what the hell! We have learnt so much and look forward to the following week which will be more challenging, including going out for a Thai meal - our favourite - with Emmit. We’ll end the week with Emmit taking the “Public Access Test.” Now time to kick back and relax with a glass of red wine in my hand and Emmit at my feet, curled up and looking satisfied. A perfect week for all, and ahhh…life is good! Sunday, 6th September We have had a lovely day here, lots of doggy bonding and good fun!
Week 2 Now we are into our second week of training. This will be very challenging as towards the end, I am assessed by a police dog handler. Both Emmit and I need to pass the Public Access Test before Emmit can formally be released to me. Laura, one of the trainers at Mobility Dogs, has expertly and patiently gone over all the requirements. During my journey through the disability issue, it seems I spend a good portion of my life being assessed by organizations, such as ACC, Ergowise, Talklink, etc. I feel I must mention how impressed I am with the Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust and their professionalism from the puppy-raisers, Judy and Grant, to Vicky and then to Laura and then to me. Everything is perfectly organised which minimizes stress for both Emmit and me. Well done, Mobility Dogs! I’m looking forward to a very long relationship with the organisation. Monday, 7th September Week two started with a walk to the local shops, meeting up with people I know and showing Emmit off to the Albany public. Walking to the shops with Emmit beside the power chair is fun but stopping him creeping in front is challenging. It is essential that I am dominant and in control. My commands are improving but by no means perfect. There’s still much for both Emmit and me to learn. I am noticing the bond starting to develop, Emmit following me everywhere. Even privacy in the toilet has become a thing of the past. However, his sensitivity is truly amazing as he discreetly lies down in a corner!
We got seated at the restaurant and enjoying the banquet. There were huge distractions with several young children running around the tables, and initially I thought to myself, ‘YUK! This is going to be hell.’ I gave Emmit the “go in” command, and he curled up around my feet, and we enjoyed the delights of excellent Thai food. We completed our meal and after a brief introduction of Emmit and Laura to Kyle, the owner, we paid and with Emmit settled superbly in the back of the car we set off for home. This event was important as it gave me confidence that I can handle Emmit well in the dining out situation. Wednesday, 9th September Today we took Emmit to the local Albany Vet for a brief introduction and wellness check. Even with the distractions of multiple dogs and dog smells, Emmit behaved perfectly. His check had to be done in the waiting area as I cannot access the clinical area. This was completed without a problem, and we took the long way home giving Emmit a run. Coming up to feeding time at 3pm., I had to wake him from a deep slumber. Thursday, 10th September Today we all went up to the
Friday, 11th September This week wound up with a visit to another and more crowded café. A guide dog for the blind was at the table next to us. This presented no challenges to Emmit’s behaviour, and as we talked, he snoozed at my feet. Stopping people from wanting to pat Emmit is an extremely difficult task, but essential because when he has his jacket on he is working and cannot be distracted. Most importantly, the strong bond has to be with me. Next week there will be more practice in the mall and the Public Access Test . . . the fun continues. The Public Access Test Two weeks of training Emmit and myself was sometimes frustrating for all (Laura, Emmit and me). I suspect part of the job description of a dog trainer for Mobility Dogs is patience. Monday, 14th September One of our final exercises is a last run through Albany Mall with Laura testing Emmit and me on the factors that will be looked at on our Public Access Test (PAT). We will be doing the test with me in the power chair as Laura feels it will be less stress on myself and on Emmit. As we work through the tasks, Laura will be assuming the role of the PAT examiner who will be conducting the test tomorrow. Loading and unloading of dog into and out of the car is one part of the test. This obviously has to be done to perfection in a safe manner as there will be situations where there is traffic around, and sometimes the Albany traffic can be quite heavy. First, to enter: the door is opened and Emmit’s lead is transferred to my attendant (usually Dale). I give a clear command of “car” and Emmit does an elegant and athletic looking jump onto the rear car seat. Then a curt “wait” command from me. This is important so that Emmit does not plunge back out into heavy traffic. Second, to exit: Dale is holding the lead and I give a “come here” command and then “wait”. Emmit does another elegant jump from the car and waits by my side while the lead is transferred back to me. The entering and exiting car task was completed to Laura’s satisfaction, and then we proceed through the sliding doors into the Albany Mall. Another factor that will be tested is my control of Emmit; he must not push ahead of me. In a situation when I am walking, calamity could result if I trip over Emmit and land on top of him, possibly causing injury to both of us. We finish the test with a well-controlled walk through the meat section of the supermarket. I command Emmit to the ‘down’ position with all four paws on the ground. Laura explains what is happening to a friendly gentleman passing and asks him to step over Emmit, with his behaviour being assessed again. Excellent! He doesn’t budge an inch. We then exit the mall into the bright sunlight, Laura going over the strengths and weaknesses but overall giving us a ‘pass’. This gives Emmit and me confidence that yes, we are all ready for the test! Tuesday, 15th September The PAT examiner is Pete Pedersen (NZ Police Dogs). We have booked him to meet us at the front entrance of Albany Mall at 2 p.m. today. All of us are having a nervous feeling, similar to sitting the Drivers License again. The taxi to the mall has been confirmed. Murphy’s Law enters my mind – if it can go wrong, it will. We have asked for the driver to pick us up at 12:30 p.m. and guess what! No one arrives. Time ticks on – one o’clock - and no taxi. An irritated Dale phones and gets a complex story about a flat tyre. Laura makes an executive decision: she will take Emmit in the car, and Dale will walk with me in the power chair. We set off at a blistering pace, realising that to keep the examiner waiting is not an ideal start.
After the ceremony, a light lunch was served while people mingled socially. It was fun meeting members of the board, supporters of the trust and fellow recipients. Everyone was starting to look a bit tired and the event wound up around 2pm. Grant and Judy followed us back to
It was a very exciting and interesting day in our Mobility Dogs journey, and it was fantastic to see the wonderful things the Trust does in the community with our special canine friends. Surely this must affirm that Dogs really are Man’s Best Friend!
David and Emmit
Posted: Mon 21 Sep 2009 |
© Copyright 2008 | Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust | Registered Charitable Trust CC24410 | New Zealand
Emmit, the first mobility dog to be raised in the Southern Lakes District, has now been matched with David, a retired pharmacist who lives with his wife Dale, three sons, two Burmese cats and two parrots in Albany, Auckland. David and Emmit are now in the process of training together with Mobility Dogs Trainer, Laura. Since David is a quadruple amputee, Emmit is busy refining learnt tasks and mastering new ones that will make David and Dale’s life easier.
Tuesday, 8th September Since things are going well at this stage, we thought we would try a meal out. Dale and I enjoy dining out, and Emmit will almost always be with us. After a discussion with Laura, we chose one of our favorites, the Orchid Thai Restaurant in Albany. It has excellent food, the access is perfect and we know the owner well. The commands for getting Emmit in and out of the car are working perfectly, thanks to Laura’s good training. 
We continue through the mall, Emmit staying in perfect position at my side and Laura critically assessing what is happening. For example, is Emmit in the correct position and most important, am I in control? We do several tests, like the ‘sit’ and the ‘down’ command. We go through the Food Court, Emmit behaving perfectly, not showing any attention to the many people eating their lunch. We are happy as Emmit is doing well and under control. 
Graduation Day is an exciting event in the very busy Mobility Dogs calendar. It’s the pinnacle of much hard work and adulation. Each recipient and dog receives a graduation certificate affirming that both have reached the very high standard that is required by Mobility Dogs. The Graduation Day ceremony was held at the CCS Disability Action conference facility in Epsom on 28th November. For me personally, I had to decide whether I would walk to receive my certificate or use my power chair. 
