DAY TEN...

Today was an easy going day again.

The lecture this morning was on advanced training the dogs.  This would work if you wanted to train the dog open the door and get a soda or something else specific out of the fridge.  They talked about how you need to really think through each step when training something very complex.

The trainers also talked about specific toys that we should and shouldn't use with our dogs.  Our field trip today was at Petco.  We need to get C's dog a kennel, so we took an opportunity at looking at the different kennels to see which one we actually wanted to buy.  We also, looked at prices for the different toys.  The only thing we bought was a couple of ID tags for Misty and dog #2 and a "long line" leash.  We are going to use the leash to play fetch with C's dog at the park.  Whenever she is not in our house or backyard, she needs to be on a leash.

We had practice time after the field trip.  Today, one of the trainers worked with us in playing fetch, and how to use a long leash, etc.  C actually had fun.:) Yeah!!!  C is starting to interact with his dog more which is nice.  Of course, today, he wanted to play with every dog but his.:)

C is still having a difficult time following directions, etc.  (Which is really nothing new!)   We have been trying to make things less stressful for him.

Quick side note--

I haven't mentioned anything about any of the teams.  I have been trying to respect their privacy.  I just wanted to mention one person.  L.  She is a special ed teacher and is getting a facility dog.  She will be using her dog in her class with her students.  It has been extremely interesting to speak with her and ask for her suggestions helping C learn, etc.  In her class they have been using the iPod touch as assisted learning devices for students.  L used one of the iPods with C has he interacted with her dog.  It was very interesting.  And C seemed to understand that he was telling the dog to sit, etc.  I'd like to try again tomorrow to see if he'd understand using it to ask for food for himself or for a toy or something similar to that. 

I have always been against getting C an ALD for various reasons.  One, we were focusing on verbal skills and ASL.  Two, the ALDs are so expensive and bulky.   But an iPod is so much smaller and can do so much more.  We can add pictures of ASL signs, they have learning games we can add, etc.  L explained how we can still encourage C to sign and verbalize along with using the iPod.  (C's speech pathologists have talked to us before about ALDs--I have just always been--no.)

DH and I are definitely going to be discussing this further.

(Back to training update.)

Right now, C is watching a movie while DH and I are relaxing/napping.  Tonight, we (the teams) are having pizza night.  And we need to study for the written part of the examination tomorrow.

Wish us luck.:)