Club Updates

Yesterday during our guide dog meeting, the older dogs were evaluated by our CFR. 

Carrie just barely missed the cut- she took all the dogs over a year and since Carrie was exactly a year, she will have to wait until next time.

During evaluations, our CFR takes the dogs and walks them around.  She looks at how they react to different situations and how they respond to food rewards and collar corrections.  She also looks over their general personality- whether or not they are excitable, timid etc.

Yesterday, our CFR decided that Brayden, an adorable male yellow lab, would most likely be going in for formal training in May.  The family that is raising him actually picked up a new puppy, Ashland a few weeks ago and I am so happy they have decided to raise again. They have done a great job with Brayden.

New puppy Ashland

 It was also determined that my friend's dog, Aggie, would not go on in the Guide Dog program.  Unfortunately when she got excited around other dogs she would become very vocal and make a growling/barking noise.  It really wasn't an aggressive noise- it was just how she expressed her excitement. But to the public, it sounds aggressive.

I'm sad that she won't be coming to meetings anymore.  She was one of the puppies that came at the same time as Carrie and she is really a super sweet dog and that was pretty much her only problem.

Pretty Aggie

Ventana who is being raised by one of my favorite teacher's parents did well during her evaluation.  The biggest thing she needs to work on is getting her on a potty schedule. Some people are surprised to find out that relieving issues are actually one of the most common reasons for Career Change. 

I really hope that she can get herself on a schedule because she is one of those dogs that loves to please people. She would make an amazing service dog because of how enthusiastic she is about working!

A picture of baby Ventana :)

Ruby had her evaluation as well.  All I can say is wow! Haha! She looked like she was having so much fun! I haven't really worked with Ruby because she doesn't come to meetings very often but when I did see her, she was always very calm.  Yesterday, she was so busy! It was adorable :). I think overall she did well.  I wasn't really paying attention because I started working Carrie but from what I heard all she has to work on is being crated.

Last, but not least, was Bev! Oh goodness I love Bev so much! I didn't get to watch her evaluation because my leader asked me to demonstrate the "Go to Bed" command to the group (*Cough* Because Carrie's so good at it *Cough* haha) but I do know that she mostly just needs to work on building her confidence.

Overall, I think we have a great group! There are so many incredible puppy raisers and puppies and I love getting to know them all. I am excited for the "Puppy Rush" our group usually has in May due to the number of school kids who raise! :)