More Dogs to Train

Jamie has added more breeds of dogs for training. He recently sold two of the

Saint Bernards that were being difficult to train. He is trying to sell the third dog as well. He is still planning on training Saint Bernards, but wants dogs with some socialization and puppy training. He will obtain dogs at a younger age and work more with them from the start.

He is also investigating two other breeds at this time, but is searching for the right breeders and contacting the organization for each breed to make sure he obtains the best dogs. He now has requests for three different breeds and he invited me for a Saturday to search the Internet of locate the organizations. I suggested that he contact the American Kennel Club (AKC) for them to give him the breed organization.

Jamie said that the AKC tester would be here on Monday to test three dogs and he would ask him for information. I then asked why he wanted me and he admitted I had information that he needed. I turned on his computer and started a search and book marked three websites about the dogs breeds and then scrolled down one website for Saint Bernards and showed him the discussion on the good and bad points of the breed. After reading this, Jamie said then maybe he should not work with this breed. He was concerned and started looking up several other breeds he was considering and those he had requests for from potential customers.

Jamie thanked me and asked how I knew where to look. I told him because I do a lot of research about diabetes and have learned to make searches work for me. I showed him the other two bookmarks and their strengths and weaknesses. Jamie admitted he did not have the patience to search and that was mainly why he wanted me to help him. I asked if Tom was capable and Jamie said he doesn't own a computer and is not interested. He is a person that measures his success on doing things that he knows and can accomplish and build on. I said that is why he is so satisfied with doing training. Jamie stated yes, and why he is so good at it. Jamie continued that I was better at training than I was at the start, but you push me into areas I don't like to go as you did with the other trainer that did not know how to train dogs, but knew the law as far as he could force it to his needs.

I said that he did not understand the abilities of his dogs or their disposition and suitability for the task. Jamie agreed and said you recognized this and refused to let him walk on me when it came to losing businesses that allowed us in their stores. I said I do a lot of reading and while I could not quote from the American Disabilities Act, I knew there was something about businesses being able to refuse unruly dogs in their businesses. Jamie said he really appreciated Alfred getting the papers and giving me copies. I said I never received a copy and asked if he still had it. Jamie said he did, but wanted to keep it as he was still was marking it up and would give me a copy when he was comfortable with it. I said okay, and I can probably get a copy if I need it like Alfred got his copy.

Jamie laughed and said this is another reason he wanted my help. You have a way of getting what you desire and can do it without raising a fuss. I said that is sometimes a bad habit and I have to be careful in the way I use it.

Jamie added that I apply this to training and the dogs like your consistency and respond to your commands. Jamie added that Tom is picking up your consistency and he is becoming better in his training. He continued that the boxers were ready weeks before I thought they would be and responded to their owner easier than I even thought they would, and formed a great bond quickly.

I said that was what I had hoped for when working with the dogs, because they were easy to handle and wanted to please. When the dog I was working did well, I rewarded him and went to the next command. When Tom saw this he adapted to it and our dogs started working well together. This was when I knew they were ready, even when you hadn't planned on testing them for another two weeks. I was happy when you said you would test them and the three purchased from Lucy. I said that her dogs were well trained and I think she and her husband need some praise from you and you need to let them know that you are interested in purchasing more dogs from them.

Jamie said he has already done this and let Lucy know that he will not need any immediately, but will tell her when he does have the need. Jamie concluded that the sheriff where the two customers live said he has had only one problem to date because he has informed those that had problems with the roaming pack that these dogs are well trained and not to be feared. Jamie continued that one business owner has refused entry to his business even when the sheriff said he would have one of his deputies in the store. Several other store owners are very happy to have the dogs in their businesses because of what they have observed and talked to the sheriff. The sheriff has made the rounds of the businesses and he is satisfied with the conduct of the dogs. Jamie said that the sheriff has even asked to pet one of the dogs and has added the owners to his regular daily checks.

I said this is good as long as the community knows that the sheriff is behind the dogs and knows their training.

Final Week of Boxer Training

Everyone was present on May 8 and the dogs were ready for the good citizen test. At noon, everyone showed up and there was much anticipation for getting the testing started. I started the testing, Tom followed, and then Jamie. Tom did the fourth dog and Jamie completed the testing with the fifth dog. When he was completed, the AKC tester said all five had passed the test and Lucy and her husband, plus the two customers started clapping. The three from the sheriff office clapped briefly and announced they would be back Thursday to see the dogs work in town and take the two individuals and their dogs back to their homes. Tom and I took care of the dogs while Jamie took the two retired dogs to their new kennels.

Next, Lucy and her husband wanted to ask the tester about the tests and whom they should have test dogs for them in the future. They pointed out the three dogs of theirs Jamie had purchased. The tester gave them a card and a few sheets, which explain the good citizen test and a discussion of what the dog must do to pass the test.

Next Lucy and her husband talked with Jamie and thanked him for allowing them to watch the good citizen test. Tom and I started bringing the dogs for the customers to get to know. One selected the first dog and the other selected the fourth dog. When Jamie could, he was shown the two dogs they had selected and Jamie brought the harnesses for them to try on. Once they were fitted, Jamie had them start working with the dogs. After a short time, both said how easy they were to work with and wondered if they needed the four days. Jamie said with the situation they would be facing when they returned home, the more team confidence they gained now, the easier it could be at home.

Both individuals agreed this may be for the best and started working in earnest. When we completed the day, the two individuals praised the dogs and gave them treats. Jamie said there would be some surprises the next day and said they would both be in town the next afternoon working with the surprises.

We talked that evening and Jamie wanted to be sure that they understood what the situation might be upon returning home. The next morning the dogs were harnessed up in the house and now we told the individuals what the surprises would be and the commands they would use. Both individuals did not want to do this, but we assured them that their sheriff had warned us about several persons that could easily do this. The one individual finally admitted that one person had threatened his German Shepherd with this, but had not carried it out. The other person said that both his wife and he went shopping together and had not been threatened.

Finally, both admitted that some people had been attacked by Boxer dogs in their town and there were some bad feelings.

Jamie said he would show a gun or a rifle and they were to say, “Protect” with emphasis. I took the other fellow with his dog to another room and I could hear some commotion in the room we left. I explained to the fellow I was with that, he would be tipped out of his wheel chair and he was to issue the same order. The other individual was not tipped out of his wheel chair, I told the fellow I was with, because of his neck injury. I explained the other command was hide. This told the dog to get behind the wheel chair. In both instances the dog would be able to move far enough to do some damage or get behind the wheel chair. There was no guarantee that the dog would not be harmed or even killed and your sheriff is aware of this. This is one reason he was here on May 1 to observe the training and he even allowed himself to pet the dogs.

Your sheriff is aware of those that were injured by the Boxers that were running in a pack and is prepared to back you and your dog when necessary. The fellow asked if they would be able to complain directly to the sheriff and bypass the city authorities. I said that depends on the city authorities and whether they support the sheriff. The fellow said that the sheriff was the city police and one of his deputies patrols the city. He continued that it was the Mayor and his staff he was concerned about because they can make trouble and one of his staff and his son were injured by the dog pack.

When Tom came to get the fellow for his training, I told him I needed to talk with Jamie. Jamie came out and I quickly told him what I had learned. He thanked me and went back for the training. The other individual informed me about what he had told Jamie and Tom.

We talked while the other fellow was being trained for emergencies. When that was completed, we headed outside where Jamie and Tom worked with them on similar situations. Jamie could see they were becoming tired of the routine and since we could go into town, he suggested we go there. Both individuals said no, that they wanted time with the dogs and they liked the farm surroundings. One asked if Tom and I could follow them around in case of any problems and the other fellow agreed. Jamie said he would work with the Saint Bernards then and left us.

For the next two hours, the fellows worked the dogs and we followed. The dogs were very good and both were giving treats and praising the dogs. When we stopped for lunch, both said they were ready to go to town. They said then on Wednesday morning they would work the dogs in town and then go home Wednesday afternoon. Both told Jamie to call the sheriff and have them here for Wednesday morning so they could return home in the afternoon. Jamie asked if they did not want the extra day. Both answered almost in unison – no. Jamie asked Tom how they were doing and Tom said well enough to go home Wednesday. I was nodding my head in agreement and Jamie said okay, but your sheriff may not be happy. One of the two said he will get over it.

Wednesday morning we were in town again and after the sheriff saw them working the dogs; he said I can understand why they are ready to go home. Then he turned to Tom and me and said that he appreciated what we did in training, as now he felt very positive about the breed. He said that while he may never trust the Boxers, he had to respect the training these dogs had received and he would support the two individuals to own these dogs and take on all people that wanted to hurt them. Jamie asked about one of the mayor's staff and his son. The sheriff said them especially and a few others that were attacked. The sheriff thanked Jamie and our local sheriff for their hospitality and demonstrating what training could accomplish. He concluded that by talking to the representative of the American Kennel Club, and the local sheriff and his daughter, everyone has been very informative.

Since the dogs and equipment had been loaded, everyone said good-bye and they were on the way home. Our sheriff said he was happy with the results. He could appreciate the sheriff's distrust, but he at least was willing to support the two individuals and defend their right to have the dogs. Jamie thanked Lucy for bringing two of her dogs into town. The three of us headed back to the farm and after a brief chat with Jamie, I headed home.

Boxer Success

Jamie announced on Wednesday that the sheriff and one or two deputies would be there on Monday. Jamie called the local sheriff and asked if his daughter would have any dogs for sale. Later he heard that she had three that were ready for sale. Jamie said she would be there shortly after lunch with the dogs. He said that the dogs were partially trained and fully socialized and were almost a year old.

Then Jamie surprised us and said that the AKC tester would also be here on Monday. Tom said you were not going to test for another three weeks. Jamie said yes, but after the way they behaved when the sheriff was here on Monday, I decided that we would test them. So, for the next few days we will work on commands and repeating them. I am happy with the way they behaved and how well they work with you that I am moving up the testing. If they pass, then we will bring in one of the individuals later next week and the other the first of the following week.

After lunch, the sheriff's daughter was there with three dogs and Jamie started to work one dog and the rest just followed the lead dog and all obeyed every command. When Jamie dropped the leash, the three dropped in place. Jamie then asked if they were fully trained and she said almost, but admitted that even she was surprised at their behavior.

Jamie then asked about exposing them to another Boxer. He said that he will get leashes for all dogs and everyone will have a dog. Jamie had Tom bring out one of his dogs. There was plenty sniffing and checking each other out, but nothing to be alarmed about and soon they were working to the same commands. Jamie thanked the sheriff's daughter for having her dogs so well trained and willing to meet new dogs. She said that even she was surprised at the way they behaved to a 'new to them' dog.

At that point, Tom and I each had two dogs, Jamie, and the sheriff's daughter headed to the house to settle the account. As they were doing this, our sheriff drove in the driveway. All four dogs sat down which surprised us as even the dog of Jamie's sat down when the others did. The sheriff, Carl, asked if his daughter had brought four dogs. Tom said the one on his left was Jamie's and the other three would be Jamie's when they finished in the house.

Carl asked permission to pet Jamie's dog, and Tom handed him the leash. Then Carl reached down and stroked his head and shoulders. The dog did look at Carl, but didn't move.

Carl asked how long our dogs had been in training and Tom said now almost three weeks. Tom added that the sheriff from the other county and one or two deputies will be here next week when we have the dogs AKC tested. He continued that we may be ready to test your daughters three dogs also, but that will be Jamie's decision.

Jamie and Carl's daughter came out and exchange greetings. Lucy said she was planning to attend the AKC good citizen test next Monday to learn about the test and talk with the tester to be able to prepare for testing some of their dogs.

Jamie said he had invited her and he was welcome to attend. Tom said he had said that two or three of the other sheriff office would be there. Carl said he would consider it, but unless Lucy insisted, he would not be present. He said he would be present when the individuals were in town with the dogs.

Lucy and Carl left then and we started working with the five Boxers. Even Jamie was happy with the way the five dogs worked together.

On Thursday, we worked with the three new Boxers out of sight of the other two. At noon, Jamie asked how things were proceeding. Both Tom and I agreed that they were as well trained as the two we had been training. Jamie said that with Friday's training and his work with them on Saturday, he might test all five on Monday.

Jamie did contract the AKC tester that afternoon and he said he would be present Monday noon and would plan to test five dogs. Next Jamie called the untrusting sheriff and told him what plans were for Monday of the following week. Jamie did say later that they would be bringing both individuals with them unless there were conflicts preventing this.

Then Jamie called Lucy and let her know that the AKC tester would be present Monday noon to test all five dogs. Lucy asked if her husband could be present as well and Jamie said yes. Then Jamie called the two individuals and informed them of the plans and that their sheriff would be in contact, if he had not already, to bring them for the testing and one or both would be working with their dog for one or two days before going into town to work the dogs there. Both agreed to this and said they wanted to be with the dogs for four days before heading home on the fifth day with the dogs. He advised both to talk with their sheriff to work out the schedule.

We continued working with the dogs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before I headed for home Friday afternoon.

More on Boxer Training

On May 1, Tom and I were working with the Boxers when a Sheriff car pulled in the driveway. Jamie had gone into town to get some food for the dogs. The man got out of the car and introduced himself as the sheriff where the two boxers would be going. He ask Tom if the two dogs he was looking at were the dogs that would end up in his county. When Tom dropped the lease to talk with him, he returned to the car and didn't see the dog drop in place and when he rolled down the window, he asked why the dog was lying on the ground.

Tom answered that when he dropped the leash, the dog will automatically drop in place as that is what they are trained to do. Tom told the sheriff to stay in the car and watch when I dropped my leash. We took several steps in the direction of the Sheriff's car and I dropped the leash. The dog dropped in place and I continued walking and turned away from the sheriff car. As I approached the dog, I reached down and picked up the leash and the dog immediately got up and turned to follow me.

Tom told the sheriff it was safe to get out of the car and he would introduce him to the dogs. The sheriff said he did not trust the dogs and would stay in the car until Jamie returned. Jamie pulled in the driveway then and asked Tom to help him unload the truck. Tom said that the sheriff was here to observe the training and was in his car because he did not trust the dogs. Jamie backed the truck up to the building where he kept the dog food and shut it off. He walked over to the sheriff's car.

He asked the sheriff why he did not trust this breed of dogs. The sheriff said that he has been attacked by boxers and several of the citizens of his county have been attacked by the boxers. Jamie said that he then had the right to be afraid of the dogs, but if he would get out of the car after we left to work in a fenced in area, he could see them in training. Jamie indicated for us to take the dogs to the fenced in area, which we did. Once in the area, we closed the gate and took the dogs to the far side away from the building. When Jamie had the sheriff at the second story, we started working the dogs.

Tom and I were confident of our dogs and put them through a full range of commands and dropping the leashes at regular intervals. We gave out treats for each correct command and none when they missed a command. After 50 minutes, Jamie waved us in and we brought the dogs up to the building. Jamie handed us another leash for each dog and then came down to be with us. Jamie took the leashes to be between the dogs and told the sheriff to come out and greet the dogs. When he stepped out the door, we told the dogs to drop which they did. The sheriff said the dogs are better behaved than he believed they could be and approached the dog Jamie and I were holding. I had our dog stand and Jamie asked if he was up to petting the dog. The sheriff continued his approach and stopped beside the dog. The dog stood still, the sheriff reached out and stroked his head, and the dog did not move.

Next, the sheriff approached the dog Tom and Jamie were holding. Again, when he reached down and petted him, the dog did not move. Then the sheriff backed away while watching the dogs and was surprised when they did not move. The sheriff turned and walked back in the door. Jamie took the leashes he was holding off the dogs and entered the door as well. At that point, Jamie closed the bottom of the door and instructed us to drop our leashes. When we did, both dogs dropped in place as expected. Next Jamie told us to move away from the dogs, turn, and call them. Both of us did, but the dogs stayed in place, which surprised the sheriff.

Jamie explained that as long as they were on a leash, they would not move. He had Tom remove the leash on his dog and asked that I call the dog. The dog did come to me, but dropped in place next to the other dog. Then Jamie called the dogs and both remained where they were. Jamie had me take the leash off my dog and then he called both dogs. Both dogs stood, but did not move. The sheriff asked if this was normal. Jamie said we train them for this and both are taught this, but earlier in training, they would have acted differently. When the dogs are ready for the good citizen test, we will have completed their training, except for the three or four days when the dog's new owner will work with them individually. Both new owners are receiving these dogs as replacements for dogs they are retiring. They will be bringing both retiring dogs back to us, as they have to build new fences and have expenses that prevent them from keeping the dogs.

The sheriff said his lack of trust and many living in the town near them also requested the fences because of prior dog's actions. Jamie said both understand this and are prepared to deal with this as long as people do not try to get rid of the dogs or create problems for the dogs. The sheriff said while he does not trust the dogs, this is part of the reason he wanted to observe them before they were brought into his county. He admitted that what he had seen today was changing his mind, but he still wanted to see them for the good citizen test and how they behaved in town. Then he added that he was thinking about escorting them to their new homes if the individuals agreed. If what he has seen today continues, he would be very hard on anyone that creates problems for either of the individuals.

He and Jamie talked until lunchtime and then he left. Jamie said that he was impressed today and while he still did not trust the breed, he was willing to be present for the few days of training with the individuals.

Jamie said he would be bringing in two or more Boxers for us to train as the sheriff felt that there were several individuals in his county that could just outright kill the dogs. I asked Jamie if it would not be better to prepare two German Shepherds. Jamie said no, the sheriff felt that if something did happen, the person hurting or killing the dog would need to pay for a replacement.

Mobility Dog Trainer Adds New Dog Breed

The types of dogs that Jamie uses include the German Shepherds, the Collies, Saint Bernards, and Retrievers. Recently he has added another breed - Boxers. He is thinking of adding several other dog breeds for those needing PTSD companions. The three of us have discussed this as Tom and I feel that with the Shepherds, Collies, and Retrievers, we have a group of dogs that work well for PTSD people.

Jamie said he has had requests for three other breeds and is researching the temperament and disposition of those breeds. Jamie said he has eliminated one breed because of the health problems and difficulty in training. He said that the person was very specific in requesting this breed and he is corresponding with the person to see if there are other reasons he wants that breed of dog and if he would consider another breed.

Both Tom and I were surprised at the ease of working with the Boxers and how well they responded to our working with them. Both of us had been in favor of the Saint Bernards, but the Boxer was easier to work with than the Saint Bernards. Jamie stated that he was changing suppliers because he felt that the three Saint Bernards he had received were not representative of the breed and while they can develop a stubborn streak, with our training they should be much easier to work with than the three we were training presently. He continued that he felt they had not been socialized as puppies like they should have been and may have had some harsh training.

Jamie stated that the Saint Bernards were for people living in the country with plenty of room for exercise and being out doors. I said that was a great idea as they could ruin an apartment that was too small.

For the rest of the week, Tom and I worked with two German Shepherds, two Retrievers, and two Boxers. Jamie worked only with the Saint Bernards and was doing well with them. Tom and I agreed that the Boxers were a pleasure to work and Tom said he would like to do a test run at the good citizen test. Jamie said not to get anxious, as he did not want the boxers tested for at least four weeks in the future.

Next, we really were enjoying working with the other dogs and felt they would be great for someone with PTSD. Jamie said that three of the dogs were for people with PTSD and one German Shepherd was for a K-9 unit in Western Iowa. That dog will be leaving next week and then be in their training program. You are basically training for socialization and good citizen test. Tom asked if this was the first dog for a K-9 unit and Jamie said it was his fourth dog, all for the same unit.

The two Boxers were for two handicapped individuals; one that lived near the edge of a town and the second person lived on a farm. Both will be required to have a fenced-in area for the dogs to exercise in and be confined in when outside and not working. Both dogs will be in the same county and the sheriff is not happy about the dogs and is supervising the fencing. Jamie said he will notify the sheriff when the dogs are to be good citizen tested, as he wants to observe. Jamie said he has invited him to observe training and one trip into town and he has accepted. I expect him to be here one day next week to observe training.

I commented that he is probably nervous about the size of the dog more than anything else. Is our sheriff going to be available when we go into town? Jamie said he had not thought about this and said he would call him at noon when we eat.

When we stopped for lunch, Jamie called and the sheriff suggested that he call the other sheriff, as he was familiar with Boxers as his daughter and son-in-law were raising them. He said he would still be present when we came into town and unless we objected, he would have his daughter bring one or two of her dogs as well. Jamie said that would work and one of his assistants could handle the second dog if she wanted. The sheriff said he would let us know.

Later that afternoon, Jamie had a call from our sheriff and he told us the sheriff where the dogs were going was still unhappy and would still be present for everything set up. Even him telling the other sheriff that his daughter raised boxers had no effect. Jamie concluded that we will cooperate.

More on Dog Training

On the April 24, I returned to Jamie's farm to assist in more dog training. Again all three of us were working with dogs for mobility training. I asked if there had been any more problems with the other trainer in town. Jamie said no, and that he has been in contact with me to talk about training as he was missing something in the training and wanted to learn more. He will be here this afternoon to learn from us and more about training.

Jamie said he would be training him and he did not want any problems from us. I said I hope you know what you are doing and don't end up with him taking your business away from you. I continued that is my first impression of this fellow and I did not like it. Tom spoke then and said that he hoped I was wrong, but he agreed with me. Jamie finally admitted that this was one fear he did have, but thought he would start and if the fellow started contacting his customers or dog suppliers, he would end the relationship quickly. With that statement, we relaxed and said we would cooperate within reason.

The six dogs we were working with all were ready for the good citizen test. Next Jamie introduced us to three new dogs (Saint Bernards) with no training and new to the farm as of yesterday. The breed was not one Tom or I had ever worked with, and we asked how old they were. Jamie said they were fifteen months of age and were litter mates. Two were male and one a female.

Jamie finally told us that the other trainer would be bringing his own dogs and we would be working with them and him. At that point, we stopped for lunch so that we would be ready when the other trainer arrived. While we were eating, Jamie handed out equipment for us to use. We knew the equipment, especially the clickers, and muzzles, and knew why we would be using them.

As we finished, the other trainer arrived with four dogs, all barking and noisy. When he started to unload the dogs, we stepped forward and started to put a muzzle in each dog. When he asked why we were doing this, Jamie said to start training and teaching them not to bark. Then after several days when we take the muzzle off, we use the clicker and a reward when they don't bark. The second clicker is used to teach them commands and give a reward when the do the command correctly.

The second trainer asked how long this went on and Jamie said until the dogs are trained and ready for the good citizen test. At that point, the second trainer admitted that he was not ready and could not spend that much time in training, especially with the size dogs he was working with since they seldom obeyed his commands and he doubted they would follow commands. Jamie asked why he was giving up. The person said that he had planned on training the dogs for people with diabetes and other diseases that needed companionship dogs that could help mitigate the stress of a chronic disease.

At that point, I said that the breeds he was working with would make very poor diabetes alert dogs or companion dogs for other diseases. When he asked why, I said they don't have the temperament or disposition to be the working dogs needed. When he asked what dogs fit this, I said most Labrador Retriever dogs and the Shepherd breed. The trainer admitted he did not have the funds for those dogs and did not have the time necessary. He said that he could sell the dogs he had and would be leaving the business. With that, he started loading the dogs and thanked Jamie for attempting to help him.

After he left, Jamie asked if the breeds I had mentioned worked for diabetes. I said yes, and I know of several breeders that sold them and organizations that trained them for diabetes patients. There are other breeds, but they are of similar temperament. When Jamie asked if it would be worth his time training these dogs, I said possibly. I did suggest that he consider dogs for people with PTSD first. Jamie said this was something he was considering and would need to investigate this also.

I commented that the training of dogs for PTSD was very similar to the training for mobility service dogs and would not require additional work. Plus, many of the dog breeds he was using worked well for people with PTSD. Yes, he could use a few smaller breeds and a couple of the largest breeds would be unacceptable except in a few cases. The size of the dog would depend on the customer and the amount of room in the residence and yard. Apartment living could require smaller dogs.

Jamie said he would do some investigation and let us know. He knew that the American Kennel Club good citizen test would apply to both and that the dogs for PTSD would need to be dependable and loyal. Jamie said that he had received two dogs back when he started that a couple of veterans could not handle or care for at the time. He said they were well trained and he had reviewed their training and then given the good citizen test which neither passed. A month later, they were tested again and passed. Both were German Shepherds and the training helped their disposition and friendliness. When the veterans paid them a last visit, they were both ready to take them back and with three days of work with the dogs, both asked what additional training they had needed. This caused them to stay an additional day and my friend taught them about the good citizen test and how to refresh their training.

Jamie said both dogs have recently passed and he has had requests for replacement dogs for the two individuals. Now he knew what needed to be done and he would have three dogs in a week and would like our help in their training.

Training Service Dogs

On the April 18, Jamie added a surprise to my routine. He introduced a second dog that would be tested the following day. He said that Tom would be testing three dogs and he would be testing possibly four dogs. He said that the last dog was not ready for testing and he would leave this dog for another day.

We worked all day getting the dogs ready for the test. I was comfortable with the two dogs I was working with and asked where the last dog was and if I could try the dog. Jamie said the dog was not ready and he did not want to test the dog.

Then on Wednesday, the American Kennel Club tester arrived and was very surprised when told he had nine dogs for the test. We had a good chat about which dog would be a replacement for the one eyed dog. Jamie said that he would be able to chose from three dogs and would be there in the afternoon to start working with two of the three dogs. The tester asked if he could accompany us when we went into town. Jamie said yes and we started testing the dogs.

When we were finished, the tester said all the dogs passed and he would receive the certificates yet that afternoon when he printed them. The tester spent some time talking with Tom and then with me. He said he was pleased the way the dogs tested and asked how long each had been training and commented that they had been in training longer than many of the dogs he tested. Jamie said that he prefers longer training for mobility dogs as then they work quicker with the person needing a mobility dog.

The fellow getting the replacement dog arrived shortly after noon, looked at the three dogs, and asked how many he could work with that afternoon. When he was told that we could use all three he said he would have a room for the evening and could extend his stay for a day if needed. With that, we loaded the three dogs and headed for town.

When we arrived at the store, Alfred was there to greet us and when he saw the AKC tester, he thanked him for being there. The individual selected the dog for starting and worked his way around the store and then they went to another store. There the owner met him at the entrance and told him that there was some floor remodeling happening and asked if he could avoid the need to enter the store for today. With that, they went to another store and worked their way to two more stores.

When they arrived back at the first store, the fellow said he felt very comfortable with the dog and asked Jamie if he needed to work with the other two dogs. Jamie said that was the dog he had for him and while the other two were also trained, he could select that dog. The fellow said that this was the dog for him and the tester handed him a copy of the good citizen certificate and another copy to Jamie.

Jamie sent the two of us and the two dogs back home and gave us directions of what to do. He said he would contact me the next day. The tester remained with Jamie and would return with him.

Tom and I talked on our way back and he thanked me for helping with the testing and stepping forward about the trainer that did not have his dogs trained. He said the previous week had been nerve wracking and it was as if that trainer was trying to interrupt their training. He was happy that Alfred had found the relevant information to end the trainer from coming into businesses with untrained dogs.

I said that not all of Jamie's dogs were trained completely the first time they are taken into town, but most are ready for the good citizen test. He agreed and said this is why he likes working for him as most of the training is done at his farm and the customers are often introduced to the dogs before they are taken into town. He then said in the two years, he had met many people that needed mobility service dogs and in that time three people did not want to go into town as they felt the dogs would work in the communities in which they lived. One was a second dog to replace a dog that was retired.

Then he asked me about the AKC tester and I said the judge had him at the trial and he had us retest both dogs for the judge and knew what happened. I said I am happy that nine dogs were tested today and I wish the last dog had been tested, but Jamie had his reason, so I will let it go.

Then he said that there were four other dogs in training and all were for clients. He said that there were more dogs going out each month than the previous year. He added that they had more access to dogs than when I started working for him and more breeds suitable for mobility dogs.

I thanked him and said I was returning home. He thanked me and said he would be finishing the chores for the day.

Service Dog Replacement

This is a continuation of a blog from March 24, 2017 at this link.

On April 5, my friend (Jamie) called and asked if I could assist him in training a replacement dog for the fellow that had his dog loose one eye. My friend said that on April 4, the fellow had told him and the judge that the dog had passed. The veterinary said the whip had gone beyond taking out the eye and had damaged the dog's brain and the dog had passed due to the injury. The veterinary found the evidence when he posted the dog.

Jamie said that under normal circumstances, he could handle an additional dog, but he was already working with six dogs and adding another dog would not help the dogs he was training. I asked if he could use another person and gave him the name (Tom). He said that person was already working with three dogs for him and was unavailable at this time.

I said I would be there on Monday, April 17 but that we would need to go over my schedule of doctor appointments. He agreed and thanked me for helping.

On the April 17, I was at Jamie's and all three of us were present. I was told I would be working with a dog ready for the American Kennel Club good citizen test. We would be working in town today and then on Wednesday, I would take the dog for the test. The AKC tester from the trial would be doing the test and was aware of what happened to the dog from the trial. I would have the dog on Tuesday to work for the test and become better acquainted with the dog.

The dog was a pleasure to work on Monday and I felt that the dog would work with anyone. The store owner (Alfred) that was with us for the trail was happy to see us and said that his employees would be working with us as he had a meeting he could not miss. He did not tell us that we would be facing a pair of noisy dogs and that they could be problems for us. Our dogs behaved, but the other two dogs would not.

It turned out that there was another service dog trainer and it was his dogs that were not properly trained. The employees did ask the trainer to remove his dogs from the store while our dogs were in the store, but he refused and said his dogs had just as much right as our dogs to be in stores. At that point, we pulled our dogs out and went on to several other stores. That trainer tried to follow us, but when we split up, he was not able to follow.

Because all of us knew our way around the town, we were able to go more businesses. When we were back to the first store, the employees wanted to know how they could refuse entry to dogs that misbehaved so poorly. Jamie hesitated, so I said that the behavior was all they needed to have the dogs removed. I asked how many times have our dogs behaved poorly. One employee said only once and that was caused by a store customer creating the problem. I said that most of the dogs brought into businesses are near passing the AKC good citizen test or have passed it. The two dogs we saw today are not ready for the test.

In addition, businesses do not need to accept dogs with behavior that poor. The trainer is doing all service dogs a disservice and this will allow all businesses to reject good service dogs.

My friend was trying to get me to stop and I turned to him and asked how he could accept the behavior of such poorly trained dogs. They are a threat to your dogs being accepted in this town and will not make good service dogs. They are obviously not going to be mobility service dogs because of their small size and their poor behavior will cause other business owners to reject your larger mobility dogs and rightfully so.

Tom spoke then and said he agreed with me and said he needed to do something about the other trainer. As he spoke, the trainer and his two dogs entered the business. Both dogs started barking and raising a fuss at our dogs. I had my dog lie down and stepped in the path of the trainer and his two dogs. The trainer asked me to move aside and I said when his dogs behaved as if they had been trained and not before. Jamie stepped forward and his dog dropped in place.

Jamie spoke and said that all three of us agree that your dogs do not belong in businesses. They are too poorly trained and showed it. They bark incessantly and try to go in any direction. Businesses do have the right to refuse entry to any dog that has not passed the American Kennel Club good citizen test. You will notice that our dogs do not bark, when I walked away from the dog I am working with, it dropped in place as did my assistant's dog. I will not allow other dogs to ruin the position they have earned over the years I have used businesses in this town.

The other trainer said, but service dogs are to be allowed in any business under the American Disabilities Act. Wrong, Jamie answered. They can reject dogs that do not pass the AKC good citizen test. I can say and I know my assistants will agree that your dogs will not pass the test. When my dogs go into a restaurant, many people don't even know they are there unless they see them come in. My dogs don't bark unless the wheel chair their owner is in tips over and their owner cannot move. Plus the barking is not continuous like your dogs.

At that point, the store owner, Alfred, entered and asked what the problem was. The two dogs started barking loudly and would not quit. Alfred asked the trainer to remove his dogs and he refused. At that point, he had an employee call the police and ask an officer to be there quickly.

While we were waiting, the two dogs continued barking and misbehaving. When the officer arrived, he had a copy of the American Disabilities Act and read the section about businesses being allowed to prevent misbehaving dogs from being allowed in businesses. Then he asked the trainer of the two dogs to remove his dogs and keep them out of businesses in this town until they were trained and could pass the test of the American Kennel Club. The trainer complained that he was being forced out and his dogs were being discriminated against. At that point, another officer entered the business and together they removed the dogs and the trainer. What was said outside we don't know, but Alfred said he was the one that had gotten the American Disabilities Act for the police department and marked the section about misbehaving dogs for the police.

Jamie asked if he had made copy that he could read. One of his employees handed him a copy and he read this to himself and then asked if he could keep the copy. Yes, the copy was for him and he could have a copy for each of his assistants. He took two more copies and thanked Alfred. Alfred said because his dogs were well trained, there would always be a place for them in his business and most other businesses.