Lunar K9 - Ranger

Some pictures of our everyday life!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:05:00 +0000

In addition to being a medical/mobility service dog, Ranger is also a Psy SD. I'm never embarrassed about my psychiatric disabilities and I'm *proud* of how well Ranger does his job to help me get out and live a "normal" life. Having the harness from Bold Lead Service Dog equipment (Katrina Boldry) has taken us to the next level.

This tree was given to us as a memorial tree in rememberence of my dad. Its a redbud tree, but this particular kind has great purple blooms in the early spring. We decided to put a brick border around it and to plant some hostas and Lily of the Valley in there - maybe some creeping myrtle. This was Ranger's first day with the harness. We went down to Home Depot and got the bricks for the tree and then he sat with me, helping me up/down the curb as needed, while I placed the first few bricks to get the circle the right diameter and looking "just right."

Yes, he thinks I'm insane when I start taking pictures of him! There's so much that I am able to do because I have him with me. My anxiety about someone coming up on me without me knowing is mostly gone when I have him with me. I can get outside and do things like this and know that he'll let me know if/when someone is approaching, even if I don't see it. I can make it up and down the curb (which is a BIG curb!) and the front porch with his help - especially difficult without him since there's no handrail there yet! My feelings of isolation and loneliness are so much less intense most of the time. He makes me *have* to get out of the house, if for no other reason than he needs to get out of the house.

For years, people kept trying to give me drugs to help battle these things - anxiety, ADD, bipolar, fibromyalgia, and the 'yet-to-be-determined' neurologic condition which encompasses *so* many symptoms - migraines, vertigo and balance issues, gait instability, dead/numb legs, arms and hands; loss of grip in the right hand, excrutiating back and hip pain to an almost paralyzing degree. Medication *does* help some of these things. Some medications helped more than others but left me feeling foggy, disoriented, sleepy, and miserable. They also couldn't help me up off the floor when my legs won't move, anticipate when I'm overtired or the medication has kicked in and is making me disoriented, help me walk when my back and hip hurt, or brace me when I get hit with a vertigo attack. --- *my* miracle 'drug' is Ranger. In my early-30s, the idea of having to use a cane already was heartbreaking and mentally debilitating. Having to use a service dog, empowering.

Life with a service dog in (and out) of the house is not easy. I have never understood why people who *dont* need service dogs would lie just to *choose* to say their dog is a service dog and have them out and about in places they shouldn't be. A true service dog team travels with the doggy equivalent of a 'diaper bag.' We're ready with emergency supplies, collapsible bowls, our gear... anything we need to make ourselves least intrusive to others. Your dog has to eliminate on command so you know they empty themselves before going into someplace (like a restaurant or mall or movie theater!) -- It can not beg or be fed people food. In fact, Ranger is not allowed to eat food off the floor period, unless he's given a command. It can not sniff passersby or act out. You must pre-plan feeding and elimination schedules so they coincide with whatever you're doing and make sure your dog is acclimated to eliminating in all sorts of conditions - even on asphalt or concrete! You must be aware, at all times, of what your dog is doing. Are they in the way? Do they need to be moved in front of you or behind you or under a table or closer... or... --- In the beginning it takes a lot of thought and planning and patience. As you get used to it, it becomes second nature. His bag is, for the most part, pre-packed for day trips in the car. Anything less than that and its even more bare bones than that! Leash, harness, carseat cover (and collapsible bowl for water in the summer time of course!)

Ranger has been the biggest blessing in my life. I've learned so much from him and through this journey with him. Would I ever have another service dog - *absolutely!* -- Would I choose to train my own again - probably. While I *hate* the puppy stage, I like that we got to bond together from day one. The separation anxiety he has is with *me* specifically - we have a great bond and work well together as a team. I think getting an older dog or a program dog would have been easier in that their tasks would have already been trained, but harder in that I wouldn't be able to pick out my own breed *and* that bond that's so solid with Ranger would've taken longer and more work to develop because the dogs would have gotten used to bonding and losing many times before they got to me. I love that Ranger trusts me - and knows that *I* am his mate - the one who is there with him and loves him. He doesnt have to worry about losing me and moving on to someone else.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dog Team

Travel and the anxious agorophobic service dog handler!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:16:00 +0000

Oh me-oh, oh my-oh.... what do you get when you mix a weekend trip with an agorophobic service dog handler, a flight to a new place, and oh yes, the no-confidence dog?! --- I do NOT want to find out.

The last time I flew anywhere was back in 2002. Truth is, I don't hate flying; I loathe leaving the house. I despise traveling. I really do. If you offered me a vacation to Europe... before Ranger, I couldn't do it. *With* Ranger, when he was confident and truly sure of himself, I'd have been leery, but I would've probably been ok. *NOW*??? I have no idea what the hell I was thinking saying 'yes' to a weekend trip away! Even the thought of taking a weekend car-trip some place has me on edge, and not just because it would be with my mother/brother!!

Ok... I can hear the other PSD trainer/handlers out there saying 'breathe... just breathe... you can do this...' I'm breathing... believe me... I'm breathing. I still find myself anxious and absolutely petrified every day as it approaches.

Today, for example, I made up my 'lists' - the 'pack for Ranger;' 'pack for myself;' and 'things to do before I leave' lists. (Yes, they really *were* in that order!) Thank goodness service dogs get their own bag because traveling with a 60-pound dog on a flight, even for a weekend... ugh! His 'place' mat, his seat cover, his bowls, his wubba, his kongs, stuffing for the kongs and training treats, poop bags, his shampoo/brush/towels/etc (just in case!), harness, bedcover...

Of course I'm also realizing all the things I *dont* have for trips with him because we never *take* them. When he was a puppy, about 8 months old, we stayed with my sister and brother-in-law and their family for a couple of weeks along with my other dog at the time, Jasmine. That was easy enough to do because they could (and did) both sleep well in the same crate and it was a much smaller and easier to transport crate and we drove. This time I need a collapsible crate that can fold flat to travel, lightweight and will fit a 26", 60 pound dog!

I also have to have food shipped directly there as I dont know the local pet supply places in the area (carrying food on the plane is not only a hassle but adds extra weight to the bags!). Vet visit to get health certificate - not huge because we had to go get his annual done anyway. Make up his ID card and get him a new dog-tag with the appropriate info on it. Outings to busy places for socialization and confidence building. "Foundation" reinforcements. His list is HUGE!

Of course, in the midst of all this, we'll also be doing the Douglas County Relay for Life! Which means I've got TWO weeks to do some seriously intensive work on him to help him build his confidence (Again, someone please tell me what the hell was I thinking when I agreed to this trip 2 weeks after RfL?!)

My anxiety attacks have been numerous and sometimes downright debilitating in the last week since I agreed to this trip. Its not that I dont *want* to go. I do. I really want to get to see my friend and her family and spend a few days with them. The sheer thought of getting on a plane, however, is sincerely overwhelming when the biggest 'outings' I go on are to places like the food pantry, home depot, walmart, a mall (which is just a collection of shops when you live in 'middle-of-nowhere' land!) and other small, quiet, relatively people-free places. We're going to be in at least 2 major airports (that's assuming there's no layover or plane changes!), meeting new people (my friend and her family), probably a hotel stay and who knows what else might come up. All wonderful training possibilities - all things that have me on the verge of a meltdown when I think about them!

My friend also has kids and none of them have ever been 24/7 with an SD team, so I'm worried about how that transition is going to go. Of course she's completely supportive of Ranger and what he does for me - and she's already made a point of saying she's going to talk with her little-little ones to tell them about him and how important he is when he's working. And, of course, he'll have plenty of time to play, which I'm sure they'll all love, but its still really different. Living with an SD versus living with a pet dog - LOL, living with one of EACH even, very very different. I have my 'life with an SD' handout that I plan to send to her - but we're so 'modified' from that too. Most of the time Ranger is just a chilled out dog unless I'm getting up to do something, and then he needs to be 'on' - but he runs and plays outside and will love doing that with the kids if they want to. Its just the 'you cant distract him or pet him when he's working because he has a big job to do' part that's *so* hard for people in general. Of course there's also the 'quirks' that go along with *my* dog. His socialization has slipped, so he isnt real thrilled to meet new people. His water has to be rationed through the day or he gets sick. Changes to his diet (food or treats) are really hard on his system and, again, he gets sick. He's often like a toddler - he needs his "security blankets" - his wubba and his mat - and they must be *by me!*

I love my friend to death. She never batted an eye - not once - at me having to bring Ranger with me. She's already said - let me know what you need on this end and we'll see if we can get it here before you get here. I am blessed. I just *really* want this trip to be positive and successful and uncomplicated as possible. I want my time with her and her family to be relaxing and safe - and *not* to have Ranger and I both on edge the whole time. As much as I'm trying not to be sick at the idea of making the trip - I'm also afraid 3 or 4 days is not going to be enough time for us to settle in and relax before we have to turn around and make the trip home again!

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dog Team

A High School Graduation - with a Service Dog twist!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 28 May 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Life with Ranger is rarely dull! Last night we attended the Class of 2011 AHS Graduation with mom and my brother. It was a huge event for a number of reasons. The graduates were kids I'd known *almost* since they were born. That's really big stuff! But, for Ranger and I, there were other reasons.

First, it was the first time he'd attended a graduation ceremony. This in and of itself was big. It was also the first time he'd attended a gathering of that many people for at least the last 6 months - but most definitely especially since we'd started back training again. We also sat *right* behind the percussion section of the band. While he's no stranger to high school band concerts - he's *not* used to being so close! Unfortunately, due to late arrival, this couldn't be helped and we just did the best we could with what we had to work with. After his first startle-fear response to the loud percussion/band's sudden start, I knew to move him out of the situation for the recessional!

The other *really* big marker for last night was it was the first time he was in public in his new harness! Thanks to a lot of generous sponsors, we were not only able to get our harness, but Katrina Boldry had it finished and arriving *on* the day of graduation!! When I went to the post office and saw the box with her address, I was crying. I had been in so much physical pain for the prior few days that I had no clue how I'd be able to manage the graduation ceremony without the harness - and there it was!

Ranger *loves* his harness. He will lay down and nap on his mat with it on! He doesn't hesitate at all for me to put it on him and he's learning to adjust his walking pace and place to where he needs to be for me to hold on to his harness handle. It was *super* easy to fit and adjust and is a *snap* to put on and take off. I *love* the fold down handle (especially for laying down napping next to me during the day or in the car!)

We have lots of work to do to re-build his self-confidence. Taking a training hiatus was a horrible thing for us, even though it was absolutely necessary and unavoidable. He gets jumpy and skittish around new people, especially when we're out and especially in new settings. That's not good. He's hyper-alert, turning around to see behind him/I or paying attention to everything *but* me. Again, *not* good. So, we're going back to positive reinforcement training and lots of confidence building games and outings as much as possible.

I remember a friend who had a Beauceron who, at about Ranger's age, showed the same signs of discontent. I remember all too well that it was from them taking a 'training hiatus' too and that it took her moving him all the way back to tethering and 'NILF' and train him back up again with old tasks, and some new ones too! He's now twice Ranger's age and is doing *great*, loves working, and is focused *on her*. So, there's hope for us.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dog Team

Steps forward and looking back...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:08:00 +0000

Ranger is coming up on his 3-year birthday. Its so *strange* to say that. I can hardly believe it.   I remember celebrating his first birthday with his 'Its my Pawty' shirt and pictures of him and Jasmine together. Last year was so hectic and crazy with dad being sick, I'm not even sure I got a picture of him *on* his birthday. I did, however, take measurements last year - Turns out, he hasnt grown much (at all) in the last year!
                    July 30, 2010                 May 15, 2011
Height                25.5"                             25.5"
Girth                  27.0"                             28.0"
Weight               57 pounds                     62 pounds

So I think we can safely assume he's hit his max height - still has to fill out - but mostly he's done 'growing' on me. I think its almost bittersweet.

Of course - he's still *puppy* in every other way!

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dog Team

Thank you - Operation Mobility Harness Supporters

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:53:00 +0000

To my Operation Mobility Harness Supporters, Ranger and I want to thank you so very much for each and every dollar contributed. It has meant the world to us and we pray that we'll continue to get closer and closer to being able to receive our harness every day.

Our work is not done!

Ranger and I are still raising funds for our mobility harness. My hope is to have it soon so that we can start getting both of us acclimated to it before the Relay for Life. If you would like to make a donation to our harness fund, please use the paypal button on the right-hand side of the page (under the fundraising meter) or you can send a paypal payment directly to kboldry@boldleaddesigns.com - Every dollar helps get us that much closer to our goal!

Jessica and Ranger

Lunar K9s Service Dog Team

MRIs Oh My!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:12:00 +0000

Monday I went for another MRI of my brain (and brain stem) to check for lesions. Since I went alone, Ranger was, of course, unable to go with me. It was one of the hardest days I've had in a long time. Besides being anxious and nervous (of course) about the procedure (not that I havent had them done twice before, but I was still a nervous mess over it!) I was also having attacks of vertigo, ear "ringing" (if you've had it you know its not always 'ringing' but most of the time its more like 'buzzing' - which I've had since I was very very little - who knew!), and loss of grip strength. Let me point out, vertigo while inside an MRI machine, where you're unable to move to (what feels like) a more 'stable' position is a horribly disconcerting sensation! Thankfully, when they had to inject the contrast, I was able to tell the tech that was doing the procedure 'having vertigo...' - and they were kind enough to move the table *slowly*, have someone else on standby to help me up, and take their time getting me back to the changing area to re-dress.

I'm still waiting on the official results.

The worse my symptoms get, the harder and harder it is to deal with every-day things. Carrying my mug last night and having it fall right from my hand. Having to stop mid-way up the stairs because they're starting to tilt on me. The constant, and distracting, ear ringing and migraine - they become more than a distraction - they become frustrating and tiresome. There are so many days when I feel like 'why bother' getting out of bed - when your day starts with an onslaught of sensory overload, you cant comprehend how you'll make it through the next hour without wanting to scream. That's how my day was on Monday. That's how it was Tuesday. That's how its been today.

I have people tell me all the time - why not just *stop* - take a nap. Rest. Take medicine and sleep off the worst of it. I could - but if I do, I'd be in bed most days for most *of* the day. I cant/wont do that. I cant be that person.

How does Ranger help me? First and foremost, he makes it easier for me to stand safely - even if there's nothing to grab for when I start to feel dizzy, he's right there to press against my leg and help steady me. He braces for me when I get up from a chair or off the floor. He lays against me in bed and presses on my back to help ease the constant pain I have no matter what position I'm in.

Ranger also gives me a reason to get out of bed. He has to go out. He has to eat. He has to... the list goes on and on. If I dont do it, who will? It has to get done. He heards me to a chair when I'm being stubborn and ignoring signs of impending attack because I'm "independant" and hate losing any of that.

He not only anticipates my anxiety attacks, but he redirects me during them. He makes me focus on him and, if necessary, will move me out of a stressful situation or crowd.

Ranger makes my flareups, which are quickly becoming less and less tolerable on a daily basis, much more manageable. He keeps me independant and focused on life ahead instead of looking at what I can't do at that very moment. Even when I'm driving or in a strange place, I'm never *alone* because he's with me.

Jessica and Ranger

Lunar K9s Service Dog Team

Operation - Mobility Harness!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:54:00 +0000

As my neurologic condition has gotten worse, so has my gait instability, vertigo and weakness in my arms and legs. Unfortunately, this means that the mobility harness I've been putting off getting because of cost is something I have to get.
I have been working with Katrina Boldry at Boldry Service Dog Designs to develop a harness that will allow Ranger to safely and appropriately be of assistance to me for balance, mobility and stability while I try to regain some independence in my daily life. In addition, it will allow me the opportunity to walk the memorial lap at the Douglas County Relay for Life (June 11-12) in honor of my dad who passed away in November after a long battle with terminal prostate cancer.

I've contacted several local businesses and, as you can see below, I've already received several donations to help us achieve our goal - but we still need more help! Any donation, even $5 or $10, would make a huge difference in our ability to get this harness and make an indescribeable difference in my life.

You may utilize the paypal link below to make a paypal donation to us or you can send a paypal directly to Katrina Boldry at kboldry@boldleaddesigns with our names (Jessica and Ranger) noted on the invoice.

I sincerely thank all who have made contributions towards this and all who have helped spread the word for us. You can not begin to imagine how much your support means to us.

Picture of the mobility harness on one of
Katrina's clients!

If you would like to make a direct donation, you can do so through Paypal.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dog Team

Training at Midwest Food Bank

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:14:00 +0000

One of the things that makes up my life is helping with the Arcola Food Pantry. We distribute food (canned, dry, perishables, etc) to families and individuals in our county. I'm very proud to say my mom has been the administrator there since we opened our doors in '99. As part of my volunteer work there, I go with my mom once a month to a food bank about 2 hours away from us to pick up a van-full of free food for us to add to our inventory. Which, of course, is a HUGE help since we can barely keep our shelves stocked as it is.

So, part of Ranger's training must include not only being around people, but being in a warehouse with lots of noise, boxes, bells, buzzers, forklifts, and all sorts of other sights/smells/sounds. --- So that was yesterday's training ground. As we're just getting back into being out in public, yesterday was very stressful on both of us. That being the case, once we got through the warehouse portion, I took him into the back room for us to do work around a *small* amount of people and large pallates full of boxes. It helped insulate some from the noises, but he could still hear them. Slow re-acclimation is our motto. We're taking things slowly and working our way through re-integrating into social situations. So the back room was the perfect place to do some obedience training and walking past/around objects and strangers.

Here are some of our pictures...

Ranger and I standing together
in the back room while working around
the palates and boxes

Whoops - Ranger does a great job
steadying me during a vertigo attack!

Ranger and I walking back
to our chairs. *whew* long day!

So that was our day! Long but very productive. Showed us a lot of what we need to work on and what we're still doing well! Had lots of great things to add to our training log - and the bonus? - tired him out too!

Jessica and Ranger

Lunar K9s Service Dog Team

My "Prom" date

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 01 May 2011 22:09:00 +0000

Ranger is often called my "mate." He is quite bonded to me and dislikes it immensely when he thinks I'm uncomfortable or when, even worse, I'm unattainable! So, most of the time, he is where I am - whether we're on the porch or across the street taking pictures of the kids before prom.

Here are a few of our "pre-prom" pictures (no, we were not going to prom... these were taken just after we took the other kids' before prom pictures!)

What makes Ranger a Service Dog (SD)...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Lots of people ask me - "What makes Ranger a Service Dog?" and "Why do [ I ] need him"- so those are the question I'm going to address today.
The ADA rules on Service Dogs are that a dog must be "trained to perform specific tasks which aid and benefit a person with a disability." These disabilities include both seen (hearing impairments, sight impairment, etc) and unseen (PTSD, mobility, seizures, autism, etc) disabilities.   The ADA guidelines also go on to establish where service dogs are permitted (most anywhere their human partner would be allowed, including restaurants, theaters, stores, etc) and where they are not (sterile rooms such as surgery suites, etc).

Service dogs can be dogs which are received through specific training programs (for instance Canine Support Teams) or can be owner trained, like Ranger. As I've been training dogs formally since 1999, and informally even before that, training Ranger myself was a really great decision for us. It allowed me to work on tasks specific to *my* needs as my medical picture is so varied and I need a dog that is able to assist across multiple diagnoses.

As an example, Ranger will, on command, come in front of my chair and "brace" on command - his muscles will stiffen up and his body will become rigid - so that I can use him to aid in standing slowly and steadily as I get to my feet. He will also brace against my body if I'm standing and he feels my weight shift as I become dizzy. In addition, he can help move me forward as I'm walking if my leg or hip become "frozen" or numb. He can help pick up dropped items for me, especially when my hands become numb or are locked in a particular position and can not move. He helps me up and down stairs (which in my parents' old Victorian where I live with my mom is a HUGE advantage) -- Those are some of the physical things Ranger can do for me when I'm having visible symptoms.   Some of the things that are less obvious are some of my most precious tasks. When I'm laying down in bed on my side, Ranger can press along my spine to help aleviate pressure point pains that happen just from laying. He will alert me when anyone comes near the house (or my car when we're out together).  He stands perpendicular to me either in front, or behind, and watches people and lets me know if someone is approaching that I don't see/hear so I am not startled into an anxiety attack (which happens often!) He can sense when a vertigo or anxiety attack are coming on and takes appropriate measure to alert me and heard to either to a chair (in the case of a vertigo attack) or to redirect my attention (in the case of an anxiety/panic attack). He even knows particular people's names and can go "find" them if I need help (e.g.: "Where's Nonna" tells him to search the house for my mom and let her know that I need help) or to bark on command to let someone know I need help if he can't leave me (eg: if I've fallen and can't get up even with his help).

*Most* program-trained dogs are trained for a specific disability. They might be trained as guide dogs for the blind or deaf. Possibly as mobility dogs for someone with MS. Or even as service dogs for people with autism or psychiatric disorders. For me, I needed a hodge podge of each of those things - and by training Ranger myself, I am able to have a dog who is customized specifically to *my* needs.   We trained to be in compliance with the IAADP's Minimum Training Standards ( http://www.iaadp.org/iaadp-minimum-training-standards-for-public-access.html ) and continue to refresh "old" tasks and train new ones as needs arise.

As for *why* I need Ranger - that's harder to put into words because my physical limitations are intermittent. As I said in an earlier post, my clinical symptoms imitate that of relapsing/remitting MS. This means that during a flare-up, I could have severe symptoms for days or weeks; during a remission there might be nothing for months or years. The only 'true' pattern is that the flares seem to errupt mostly during times of a lot of stress or fatigue or illness, they last longer each time, and tend to increase in severity. The chronic silent seizures (which manifest as migraine-like headaches almost every day), vertigo attacks, and perpetual ear ringing, on the other hand, are a daily condition to be treated, but not cured. Additionally, my anxiety disorder, chronic stress disorder, and PTSD symptoms are, for the most part, ever present and manifest in many different ways.   So, even on a physically 'good' day, when I *look* like a perfectly healthy person on the outside, I'm often struggling through my day on the inside with little-to-no real relief from the chronic symptoms. Lots of people see me and think 'she's young; what does she have to complain about?" That's the curse of "invisible" disabilities.   Its also what makes people with these kinds of limitations hesitate about using assistive devices, whether they're canes or service dogs, or braces. Its really *hard* to accept you need help when people around you don't understand why you need it.

Its hard work to train, and keep training, your own service dog. It also takes a lot of effort to *have* a service dog. You have to get into a new routine of constantly thinking like a 'new mother.' I have to remember to keep him on a feeding and walking schedule. Have things on hand when we go out in case he gets sick or to clean up after him before/after we're in a store/restaurant/theater/etc. Always anticipating what *might* happen and having a plan for it before it does. Last summer, as many may know, Ranger and I did two stays in the hospital and he stayed with me.  It was a brand new experience for us both and one that we'd never trained for or anticipated - so we trained on the fly and made adjustments. The nursing staff helped take him out for me when he needed and were great about making sure he had food/water if I couldn't get out of bed to get it. He did great (even better than I did!!)

With so many difficulties in having a service dog, a lot of people would say, it's just not worth it. But, for me, after crawling from the bathroom to my bedroom on several occasions because the whole world was spinning around me and I couldnt stand up to walk and after falling multiple times because I lost my balance - the choice for me was clear. Every day that Ranger and I spend together as a team - and the bond we build - solidifies that choice. I can deal with the stares and the whispers and the uncomfortable looks. I can even deal with the challenging questions and glares. I *choose not* to deal without having his help and support.
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

When the long night comes...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:12:00 +0000

As many of you know, this has been a very long and trying many months for Ranger and I. For those of you who do not know, almost 3 years ago my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Something that was so very preventable - so easily detected early on - was left untreated and misdiagnosed until there was nothing but maintenance and palliative care. Still, my dad fought a long, hard battle and bravely confronted his own "long night" on November 7, 2010.

I'm telling you all this now to explain where Ranger and I have been. We're still here. We're still a team. We're still training together and working together. Even with my family around me, he was my rock. Most of my extended family had no comprehension of what Ranger meant to me - or how we worked together. They saw him as 'another dog' - a misconception that they probably still hold and I dont care.

Yes, I talk to Ranger just as if he was a human partner next to me, helping me make it through each of my days - helping me through all of my struggles which have gotten better and worse, up and down, as the stress and grief have taken their tolls on my life. I tell him that he's loved. That's he's doing a great job. That he's the best thing in my world when he's *at* my side - which is most of the time.

Do we still have tasks and training to work on? Yes. Do we have new challenges and hurdles to over come, things to re-train and re-focus on now we have new routines and new lives? Yes.    Are we going to do those things? Absolutely.

The last few months have proven to me that:
1. Regardless of what the clinical tests said 4 years ago (when I had insurance to cover the testing), I agree with my neurologist. I *do* have something that is an almost identical mimic to (if not actually diagnosable) relapsing/remitting MS. It flares up when I'm under a lot of stress, when I cant sleep enough... it flares often - and then sometimes it goes away for weeks or months at a time. But, even during those times, I still have the migraines, the silent seizures, the vertigo attacks.   Even during the remissions, I still need Ranger.

2. My choice to train Ranger as a service dog for me was absolutely the right decision - physically and psychologically - he's been a saving grace for me throughout my father's illness and in all the days since.

3. There's plenty more things that we can - and will - train him to do pre-emptively - and lots of things that I now see as beneficial skills that I didnt before that we're going to be working on in the weeks to come.

You'll likely see more Ranger-training-specific posts on here and less 'general dog training' type things in the coming weeks/months as we slip into spring/summer and do more task-specific training.   I hope you will all keep reading and following us on our journey.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

Dog Ownership: Clipping Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:33:00 +0000

Nail clipping. This is a topic that most people despise. *I* despise it. For me it ranks right up there with clipping a baby's nails. I cringe and get squeamish just thinking about it. Really. The worst thing for me is when I clip them back too far and hit the quick. The dog yelps and pulls back, I freak... its just not pretty.

Well, first off, let me just say that if you're in that 2% of owners who dont *mind* doing nails - good for you. You're ahead of the game. You keep your dog's nails clipped back and shaped and do it on a regular basis. You're in the group of people I simultaneously am proud of and despise.

For the rest of us who don't do the deed as often as we should and hate to do it when we do, here are some helpful tips:

1. Do it more frequently and in small increments. The dog's quick will shrink back as you clip the nail back, so eventually, you will have nice, short nails and not worry about the quick.

2. Do it after a hard play session. Let them calm down first, of course. But doing it when your dog is tired means (generally) they'll be more relaxed and less resistant to your efforts. I'm blessed, really, Ranger never puts up a fight no matter when I do it. He's the model dog when it comes to letting me clip his nails. Then again, I've been playing with his feet, paw pads, nails, etc since he was 10 weeks old. it makes a huge difference. Getting your dog comfortable with you touching him anywhere will be a huge help not only in nails and teeth, but also when the vet does checkups!

3. If your dog is one of the many who is particularly skittish of the clippers, let them sniff the clippers first. Letting them sniff, lick, and generally figure out what these things are is a good positive introduction. Then get ready with tons of patience as you sit and patiently do one or two nails at a time. It may take a few days at first to do all the nails and you may feel like you're just on a never-ending rotation of nails by the time you're done, but trust me, you'll have a much more confident dog for it!

4. Make sure to have the "quick stop" on hand! If your dog's nails are white or opaque, you can probably see the quick (the thin red/brown line that runs in/through the nail. You want to stop just before you get to that point leaving a little nail beyond it. If you are one of us unfortunate souls who has a dog with jet black nails, you'll likely need the quick stop (or cornstarch or baby powder) until you get used to your dog's nails and how to find the quick. -- The general rule of thumb is to look at the clipped tip of the nail as you clip it back, doing it in small little snips, until you see a black spot appearing in the white center of the nail. That's the start of the quick and THAT is what you want to avoid cutting!   If you do happen to nick the quick and you see blood, dont panic. Just coat the bleeding end of the nail in the antiseptic powder and it should coagulate quickly. Yes, it is painful for the dog when you nick their quicks - kind of like when you cut your own nails too short or rip a nail back beyond the nail bed - not pleasant. But, your quick, calm reaction will help reassure your dog that life will not end. Remember, you're the pack leader. If you don't panic, you're sending them the signal that they don't need to either.

An alternative to the nail clipper is using a dremel to file down the nail. This is a great maintenance thing for when you have the nails clipped back, but I find it tends to take a LONG time to grind down nails that are already way too long! There are quite a few dog-specific dremel tools out there (think PediPaws) but truthfully, getting an actual dremel is probably comperable in price when you factor in the batteries you'll be buying for the PediPaws and the length of time it takes to get the job done. The dremel I have is the 7.2 volt rechargeable cordless.   I find it more than meets my needs (when I'm good about keeping the nails trimmed back and just have to do maintenace filing!)   Dremel does now make a 'pet' version of their tool, but it uses 4 AA batteries. I dont even *want* to know how many batteries I'd go through!

With both the dremel and the clippers you'll want to remember to have the antiseptic powder handy, just in case. Remember, its easy for a dog's nails to get too long and for their paws/pads to become inflamed and irritated, or, worse yet, to ooze. If you see any of these signs, please take your dog to your vet as soon as possible!

If you're still squeamish about doing your dog's nails, call your vet's office and ask if they clip nails. Most vet's will do it free or for a nominal fee (in this neck of the woods its something like $5). You may just find it well worth the $5 to reduce the stress on you and your dog!   If you go at a relatively slow time, many vets and techs are more than happy to demonstrate the proper techniquest for you so you can see it first hand and even help coach you through doing a nail or two yourself.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

General Training: Oh me-yo Oh my-yo... Oh nooo!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:32:00 +0000

Normally, Pawnation is a site I can get behind. Today's post, however, I just cant.

"But you're only human, and sometimes it's hard to resist your dog's sweet stare as he begs you with his eyes to share some of your delicious homo sapien cuisine."

Oh yeah, they said that. Its an article on what human foods are safe and healthy for your dog. I'm really good with that. People should be educated about what human foods *can* given to their dogs. BUT - these foods should be used as treats during training, possibly stuffed in a kong (peanutbutter, sunflower seeds, shredded chicken, etc make a great kong stuffing!) or as an additive/substitute for some of their regular dog food.

You should never, ever, *EVER* give a dog food from your table. NEVER reward an undesireable behavior - which, I think we can all agree, begging is no matter WHAT household you're in! No one wants to have a dog begging at the table, especially if you're hosting friends! Remember, if it would not be ok when people come over, you need to make sure its NOT ok when no one is at your house.

Pawnation is, in general, a wealth of great information for dog people. I support it 99% of the time. *THIS* time, however, this is a statement I just can't get behind. The article would've been re-post worthy if not for that sentence. --- Today Pawnation's editing staff gets an 'epic fail' from Ranger and I.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9 Training

General Training: Little Dog Syndrome and the Leader of the Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:32:00 +0000

While I was in the hospital, I had several nurses who each had dogs. Of course, this leads to the "how do I..." questions. Bless their hearts!

Nurse #1 tells a story about her little (toy-sized) dog who is a toy hoarder, yappy, and bolts. I look at her very seriously and say "She's spoiled." The nurse blinks twice and replies sheepishly, "well, yeah, maybe a little."   I proceed to describe all of the things that the dog does - or doesn't do - and all of the things the owner likely does and the nurse's jaw drops. "You're dead on right. That's exactly it. That's my dog. How do you know?" I tell her my "secret" is simple.

I. Understand. Pack.

I understand that a small dog doesn't really KNOW its a small dog and therefore is allowed more freedom and leeway than you'd expect out of a larger dog. A small dog doesn't understand why the supposed pack leader is making baby noises at it. It only understands one thing - its a dog. Its not a baby, its not a child. Its a dog. *Because* its a dog, it only comprehends dog pack mentality. It has no concept of relativity of size.

People get small dogs for a variety of reasons. Most of the time they want the companionship of a dog in a tiny package. The problem with small dogs filling that role is that *typically* speaking the owners tend to baby and spoil them because they're "just so adorable and cute!"   The owners also don't immediately put an end to obnoxious and nuisance behaviors because, well, the dog is only 10 pounds!

Wrong.

The mantra for small dog owners is this: "If it would not be acceptable in a larger dog, then it is not acceptable in YOUR dog."

No one likes going to visit someone only to be greeted by a pack of yapping, unruly and undisciplined little squeakers! (I'm getting a migraine just thinking about it) Good manners are good manners - period. As the pack leader you must have a standard of expectation for your pack - whether its an only-dog 10-pound Papillon or an 80-pound Beauceron. Once you establish your baseline, you have to remember that dogs are black-n-white creatures. Its either 'yes, this is ok' - or 'no, it is not acceptable' - there are no 'maybes' or 'sometimes' for dogs.

I've seen a 15-pound Jack Russell Terrier bite an 8-year-old child in the face. If you think your dog cant be JUST as dangerous and terrifying as an untrained 80-pound golden or boxer or newfie - think again. That child was taken to the ER where he had 20 stitches. And before anyone says 'it was all the dog's fault,' it wasn't. The dog was undersocialized, spoiled and then ignored repeatedly, had not been taught any manners or rules and was acting on pure instinct. The dog's fault? Hardly.

So, for all of you 'huggle, snuggle, umpkin, poo' people out there with your trendy toy-sized dogs who think they run the roost, stop and realize that not only are you NOT helping your dog by babying it and treating it like a baby, you're hurting it because you're forcing it to do the only thing it instinctively knows - step up and assume an alpha role. In the absence of leadership, even a timid canine will take a stand - but its stressful on them and they have no context at all for how to BE a leader, so their fear gets channeled into acting out and aggressive behaviors. They're scared and unsure - NOT their faults.

So, next time Schnuckums starts yapping up a storm at you, or lunges on your guests as they walk in or even jumps up onto the couches uninvited and unceremoneously scoots you over - remember, they only know they're a dog.   They're doing what dogs do. YOU need to do what alpha leaders do and start taking control of the situation by teaching them what is and is not acceptable.

Ten pounds or 100 pounds - all dogs need the safety and surety the fundamentals of dog training provide.
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9 Training - Service Dog Team

We got the call!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:04:00 +0000

We got the call on Friday from the Americorps program we've been interviewing for (or, one of them anyway!) - The position I'm being offered is in a different section of the Vandy Health Services, but it deals with outreach to outlying women/children in rural settings. I'd be liason to 18 program sites in 4 states doing monthly progress reviews/updates, bulletins, website development, etc. Lots of office work, but its a very dog/kid friendly office and, honestly, I'm probably much better suited to an office position right now all things considered.

I'm going to touch base with the director of the MIHOW program again when she gets back from vacation next week, but I'm feeling pretty good about it and I like what I'm reading and seeing about their program. The position wouldn't start until the beginning of October, so I have a little time to prepare as well.

Wish us lots of luck and good, positive energy. I'm terrified about going back to an office environment again - especially doing it for the first time with Ranger coming with me every day! I'm sure he will be a rockstar about it and totally mesh with things. I'm still nervous about it - its change and we all know I hate change and this is on the order of cataclysmic change! Its also a 10-month commitment which isnt really *that* bad. (that's what I keep reminding myself anyway!)

It also means that Ranger and I need to keep pushing forward and working on our training more. I've identified situations in which he's 'jumpy' so I really need to get the PVC out and run him through some of the agility things to build his confidence up. We also need to get out more and immunize him to the situations he has problems with. He's an alpha male dog and no matter what I do and no matter how strong of an alpha role I take, I cant change the fact that I'm a female and his instinct is to guard and protect me. I wouldnt mind him checking out behind my back - but turning all the way around so he's FACING the noise, that's not working for me! Oh well, more work on focus and ignore is in store for us!
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

The Hospital - Round 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:52:00 +0000

As some of you know, Ranger and I had another lovely stay in the hospital last week. This time, though, I went prepared for a stay!

We went armed with the Precision Pet SnooZZy Sleeper Bed, Black , the Wubba, the Wobbler, and antlers, we went in for blood work and stayed for 2 days. Yup, I was down a few pints again! This time we landed on the second floor. Nurses were *amazingly* nice. We're so blessed to have had so many good experiences with great nursing staff!

The Precision mat worked SO much better this time. We'd been using it at home, so he knew at the hospital that it was *his* place. (Note: if you're taking your dog on vacation this summer, it is a great idea to start using one thing constantly that you will be taking with you so the dog acclimates to that. It will make his time in new environments (be it hotels or relatives' houses) much less stressful for you and your dog!)

He was quite vigilant while they managed to have to replace 4 IV sites. No, I'm not kidding - I blew out 3 sites. My arms are still bruised from 2 of them. He really was not a happy monkey about me having those! I will say, though, he was very very good about staying down and in his place on the mat and just raised his head up to lay it next to me while they did the IVs and vamp'ing. He, of course, didn't eat very much and without his trusty water bottle, he wasn't so thrilled about the drinking part either. He has really taken to his Lixit Dog Water Bottle (which we got at Prairieland Feeds in Savoy, IL!) at home and I find it really helps him regulate his own drinking throughout the day. That's quite a feet for my little camel!

He went out with 2 terrific nurses while we were there. I sent him out on his Gentle Leader and they said he did great, but couldn't wait to get back to me! LOL. Even G.T. showed up while I was waiting in the ER and she took him out for the last time that night after I was settled in my room and she said the same thing - he just wanted to get back to me. Far cry from the dog I had 2 months ago!! The bonding exercises seem to have really helped in a lot of ways - in other ways, well, we'll save that for another post!

They replaced my blood (again) in a much quicker fashion (we're getting this down to a science!) and that was that. Had a followup 2 days later with a new doc and *everyone* in the office loved Ranger. (He's SUCH a flirt!!) He did great in a down/stay while I was on the exam table (though he was a picklehead about getting to the down/stay in the first place - it was an 8am appointment, no time to run him tired before hand, and I was anxious as all hell - so he was not exactly in the most centered and focused frame of mind!) But, all things being even, he didn't do a bad job at all.

So we're back home, he's curled up on his SnooZZy Sleeper mat next to my bed, and we're trying to get back into some kind of routine. I have meds to take 4 times a day and we're working on him being my reminder for those. Its the 2 during the day that we have trouble remembering! (I know I could just set an alarm or something - but I shut those off, think about taking the meds and then forget to do it anyway!)

Keep good thoughts for us please as we keep stepping through this long (and tedious) process of healthcare puzzles. We definitely need lots of patience!
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9 Training SD Team

Not your ordinary post

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:09:00 +0000

Today's post is a unique one. Not something you'd expect to find on a dog traning blog.

I just can't help myself.

Today, I'm going to give in to my baser instinct - and give a book review!   Oh, I hear you all now... but wait... its dog related!

Two days ago Nora Roberts' "The Search" hit the shelves. As its my birthday this week, and as I always need a birthday book, and as I LOVE Nora Roberts - it was preordered and delivered directly to my Kindle on Tuesday morning.   Two days I waited. I can't imagine why now!

The heroine is who I hope to some day be. A happy, cheerful, no-nonsense dog trainer who owns her own training school, teaches advanced training, and, oh, by the way, has 3 gorgeous labs - all certified S&R dogs (for those of you NOT up on your doggy lingo, that's search & rescue!) Of course she has a past, she wouldn't be who she is without it - but she's good with it. She's made a good life. Enter the romance - one very sexy carpenter with a 4-month-old problem that happens to have 4 legs, no skills, and a bad eating disorder compliments of a worried mother who said it was either a wife or a dog! He kept the dog.

In what has become SOP for Nora Roberts' longer, suspense/romance/thriller novels, this one is divided into "parts." What's NOT SOP for her work - what I wasn't prepared for - was the level of insight and absolute attention to detail she gives. The perfect jabs at new dog owners and their own bad behaviors coupled with such extraordinary writing, you not only "get the gist" of the dog training technique, you feel like you're right there with the heroine as she scolds, cajoles, and soothes you into *her* way of dog training. Yes, you might even find you learn a new trick - or ten - just from reading.

I'm going to take my favorite body warmer, I mean 4-legged companion, and return now to part 2 of "The Search."   I will, however, leave you with this:

                         "The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him
                           and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."
                                                       ~ Samuel Butler, as re-quoted by Ms. Nora Roberts.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9 Training

Responsible Dog Ownership - Housebreaking 101

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:03:00 +0000

I'm going to assume at this point that you've read my posts about getting a new puppy/dog and bringing your new puppy/dog home Today, we're going to take the next leap - Housebreaking!

Once again I'm going on record as saying that my methods are not the *only* housebreaking methods. I firmly believe that being a good dog trainer means evaluating and adapting to each individual dog. I encourage owners who have tried these various methods and have not had the success they want or need to reach out to an experienced local trainer in your area. There are dog training clubs, independent trainers, and training schools out there. Make sure you do your research and pick a training who is compatible with your own values and views of raising your dog.

Now... on to the show!

I said it before and I'll say it again. The number 1 best training tool, the best housebreaking tool, is a good dog crate. In addition to all of the previous benefits we talked about, using a crate for housebreaking does make things less stressful on you and your dog. Less stressful means a better experience, less accidents, and a more positive training experience. The things to remember when using a crate for housebreaking:
     1. You do *not* want a crate that is too big. You dont want them to have enough room to segment the crate - a part for sleeping a part as a bathroom. Their crate is *not* a master suite!
     2. The crate is not a jail cell. Puppies need time out to play and learn and explore, but it *MUST* be highly supervised. A puppy or new dog needs time to learn the "rules" and how to give you the cue that they need to go out. My golden rule: If you can't be watching them, you can't get upse if they have an accident. Would you let a baby or toddler run around the house without a diaper, not watch them, and then be upset when they had an accident?

How do you put this into a positive, practical experience?
1. Remember that puppies have tiny little bladders. They need to go out often and praised each and every time they eliminate in the appropriate place. Using the word you want to associate with this *as they are doing the act* will help them get the idea of going on command. Believe me, this is a huge benefit for you. I highly recommend it. Older dogs can have the same program, however, they may not need to go out as frequently and will more quickly catch on to letting you know. But, again, you have to watch them for cues!

2. Feed on a schedule!   Puppies should be fed anywhere from 2 to 3 or 4 times a day. Put their food down for 30 minutes. If they finish early, or after 30 minutes, take them out. If they eliminate, praise of course, but then let them have some play time. Puppies will often wear themselves out after only a few minutes. As they get older, so will their stamina. After play time, give them one more chance to eliminate (and praise of course!) and then bring them into the house. If you cant give the puppy attention, then crate until you can. But, remember, every time you let them out of the crate, you have to let them out to eliminate!

If, however, your puppy does NOT elimiate while outside, when you go back into the house, crate for 20-30 minutes and try again. You really want your puppy to realize that elimiating outside not only gets them tons of great praise from you, but that it also means play and inclusion in family social time.   Dogs are pack animals, they *want* to be with their pack, even if its just watching tv together!!

3. While older dogs can usually go longer, puppies are going to need to go out every 2 hours or so. Yes, that often means in the middle of the night. However, if you're on a feeding schedule and you remove food and water at a specific time every night, your dog will get used to the schedule and you'll find overnight trips out will become fewer and further beween!

My biggest hot topic:

4. If you catch your puppy/dog in the act - Use a loud, sharp noise (e.g.: clap your hands loudly, make a vocalization like 'EH!', etc). This should startled (but not SCARE) the puppy/dog and you can immediately take them out to the place where they SHOULD be eliminating. When they continue out there, do remember to lavish praise. If you do NOT catch them in the act - YOU were not paying attention! Once the act is complete, there's no sense in yelling at your puppy/dog. Try yelling at yourself for not keeping the dog tethered to you, watching the dog more closely, or in the crate. Dogs only associate consequences of an action as the action is happening. Punishing a dog later for something they've done is useless and will only foster fear and aggression. Its not worth it, trust me. As frustrated as you are in that moment, stop and think. Was the dog trying to tell you someting? Did you miss a cue? How did the dog get out of your sight? If you gave them more freedom to roam the house, go back a step to less freedoms.

Housebreaking is not always easy. These tips and suggestionns have worked for me. They may not work for you as each puppy/dog is different, but they're sound foundations to build on.
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

Shout out - @DavidonDemand

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:27:00 +0000

Here's a shout-out to Twitter's @DavidonDemand! He's in Canne and he's set up to do whatever we want (as long as its legal and doesnt upset his mom!!!) - Just Tweet him @DavidonDemand - and give him your request. Hopefully you wont get stuck in the bottleneck!!

Here's hoping he'll tweet for us to help us with our fundraising! He has over 4000 followers! If each of his followers donated $1 we'd be at our goal - 2000 followers could each do $2 - 1000 folowers could each do $4 - or 500 followers could do $8! -- Less than the cost of a latte!

Even if we dont get a shout-out to help us - go check out DavidonDemand. He actually really does rock and his Tweets are hilarious!
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

SD Training - Advanced training being planned

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:27:00 +0000

We come with VERY exciting news - I have found a trainer willing to work with Ranger and I to complete his SD training!!!
When a dog is part of a service dog program, most of the time it spends its first 18-24 months with a "puppy raiser." This person/family socializes the dog and gets them comfortable with the world around them, takes them on public outtings and usually does dog training classes with other SD prospect puppies. After their time with their puppy raiser, they then move on to 'boarding school' at the program's facility. Its there where they learn the advanced tasks they'll need to help their human partner. Once the dogs have learned their tasks, are proofed for public work, and ready to be matched with a partner, applicants are selected to come to the training facility and spend 1-2 weeks training with their new partner. They learn grooming, commands, etiquette... everything a human partner needs to know about their dog!

Since Ranger is not part of a program and has been raised and trained by me, its up to me to train the advanced tasks. Normally I could easily walk someone else through the steps of training a task from A to B to C to end task. But, as many of you know, Ranger and I have been struggling of late with our training. I have been frustrated and feel like we've hit a brick wall. The more frustrated I get, the more blocked I am on how to work through and fix. I really felt it was necessary for us to have a hands-on 3rd party trainer to help get us to our goals.

The trainer we found who has agreed to work with us is within driving distance, which is fantastic. She loves and lives the Beauceron breed, so she is the perfect person to help me address his breed-related issues - or tell me if something IS a breed-related issue. She also has a really strong background in SD training and even trains people to BE trainers of service dogs.

Now, our challenge is raising the money to cover the cost of the training plus travel and lodging expenses for our time there. I estimate the total cost will be around $4000, which would be roughly what I'd be fundraising for the same thing were I doing the team training through a program.

Please feel free to pass our website along to anyone you know. Help us spread the word. We're looking for in-kind donations, product donations to raffle off, one-time and ongoing sponsorships, and, of course, monetary contributions would be fantastic. Every dollar donated makes a difference and no donation is too small!

This is something that Ranger and I both need to truly attain where we want and need to be. He has already made a difference in my life and I know, with this training, we will become a stronger, more united team as well as giving us more independence in general.
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs
Team #2

SD Product Announcement: Mobility Harness

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:44:00 +0000

For those of us who need a good, sturdy mobility harness that isnt going to slip, slide, shift, or otherwise move around when we need it most but is still lightweight enough for all-day wear and comfortable enough not to cause chaffing... hold on to your handles.

Katrina over at Bold Lead Designs has come up with something we think will fit the bill and Ranger and I can't wait to get our hands on one to try it out!!

Bold Lead Designs' Mobility Support Harness:

(Brace and Balance ambulatory/walking assistance harness for service dogs)
Katrina's diagram is much better at pointing out all the best details here. My favorite part is that the handle is adjustable - AND - folds down! (how many times have we gotten a handle caught on a chair or the edge of a table, etc?!) Its also a light-weight coming in at just 2.5 pounds (3 pounds for the big dogs!) but packs a lot of stability into that. Padded to reduce chaffing and metal pieces that will not rust! Truly made to last and withstand all of the different situations we find ourselves in (rain, sleet, snow... puddles, table glass spills at resturants, etc). And, all of the straps are adjustable making it truly able to fit even the most oddly shaped, growing dogs! Since she makes the harnesses herself, Katrina works closely with you to make sure you get exactly the right fit for you and your teammate - how cool is that?! If you're in the Denver area, you can even go to her and have it fitted.

In addition to the harness, I have to share my *happy* thing with all of you. My lost blue leash? The mulit-configurable leash? The one I lost in the move and tried to replace with the costal pets but it just "wasn't quite the same?" -- Guess what? - Katrina makes these multi-form leashes in *leather!* -- YES! For all of you who are not trainers, having a leather leash truly does make a HUGE difference. For one, its easier on your hands, easier to grip and maintain a grip, and it wont fray like the nylon leads do. Katrina makes these in 5, 7 and 8 foot leads, but if that's not the right size for you, let her know! She can work with you on just about anything (and she's SUPER nice!) to make sure you get the product you're looking for!

Of course, Katrina's site has a wide variety of other leashes, head leads, collars, etc - all in leather of course - and all look stunning.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

Fundraising & Sponsorship - Goal: An every day harness!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:06:00 +0000

One of the things we've decided to do to help Ranger and I in our 9-month intensive training is to get him an 'every day' harness to wear while we're working around the house and in general. The hope is to get him used to wearing it more and to remind him he's 'on duty' - even at home where he's gotten to have the most relaxed behaviors. It would also be a visual reminder to my family and friends that he's 'on duty' which I think would help tremendously aas well as give me a handle and harness to use during vertigo attacks and instability.

Duty Harness by All K-9s.com

The vest is a very sturdy, but lightweight harness with a detachable handle and detachable pouches (for quick impromtu walks on my good days or to help me carry smaller items through the house (like inhalers and meds) on my bad ones. Of course, my patches would say 'Service Dog' and/or 'Do Not Pet' on them - but there are places for 3 velcro patches (where this photo shows 'Police' - those are the velcro patches) - one on each side and one across the chest. The reason for this harness in particular, is the placement of the handle across the shoulders (not in the middle of the back like some of the other harness have, which is harder on a dog's spine!) as well as the heavy-duty material it is made out of. Truly a harness that will keep meeting our needs for a long time to come

The other harness being considered is from fullgripgear.com

Again, this one has a handle up at the shoulders. The handle is padded as is the vest and the straps, which would make it more comfortable for Ranger during the day.

Of course, living in Arcola and working with Lunar K9s, we'd love to have this in Purple and Silver.

I've heard only the best things about FullGrip Gear and know they make top-quality harnesses, leashes, and other gear for SDs, Police K9, Search & Rescue, and Schutzhund teams.

So our first and current fundraising project would hopefully cover the cost of the harness, pouches, handle, patches, tax and shipping. I'm exciting to and very much looking forward to having and using our new gear in the 9-month intensive training and beyond.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

SD Training - Ranger stumbles and I fall down (metaphorically speaking)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:42:00 +0000

Sometimes having a SD makes your life MUCH easier. When my legs are going numb or when the room is spinning, having him there partnering with me, it helps. He helps me stand by bracing and standing very still so I can stand and steady myself. He helps by leaning against me when the vertigo hits and the room spins so that I can steady myself and he'll help navigate me to a chair so I can sit down. Sometimes he is just there with me through the vertigo so that I dont panic.   Sometimes he helps me move forward when my limbs feel leadened and frozen. -- Sometimes he makes my life so much easier and independent.

Other times, we have bad days. Sometimes having an SD is hard. Its hard work. Its frustrating. Its physically and emotionally exhausting.

Just under a year ago Ranger was coming along great. He loved being with me. He loved working with me. He was always focused on me. We were a team.

After moving back in with my parents, that mutual feeling continued. We had each other and Jazzy. We were a pack-o-3. Life was good. With Jazzy passing and us spending more time out of our room and with the parents and their dog, our little pack-o-2 meshed into the family and we found ourselves folded into the family pack. He was playing with my parents' 5-year-old Bichon. He was getting less focused. He was walking around more freely wandering further and further away from me to explore the rest of the house. Little by little the changes happened. So slowly, in fact, that I didnt really recognize them for what they were and course correct when I should have.

Then, it happened. He started displaying signs of having bonded with my dad. He wanted to be with my dad. He loves my dad (and the feeling is QUITE mutual). Of course, this weakened and fractured the bond that I'd spent his whole 18 months building. He *wanted* to be with my dad. -- My wonderful dog who I had been able to let lay on the wood landing outside my bedroom door (with the door open) because it was cooler there with no doubt he'd stay right there - got up and wandered not only away from my door, but through the house and downstairs! The final straw was us coming in one night and me trying to give him a command only to have each of my parents give one simultaneously - and have him listen and go to my dad.

I was absolutely devistated.

Of course, lest anyone think my parents were doing something wrong on purpose, they weren't. They wanted to make him feel at home and part of the family. They wanted him to feel safe and loved. They really were doing what they could to make us happy.   It was me. I fell down. I relaxed the rules about running and playing in the house and about running up to people to greet them whenever he/they wanted. Of course, I wanted him to be well socialized. I wanted him to be comfortable too. I wanted to make the upheavals tha we'd had less stressful and traumatic. I was wrong.

So, this week I was staring at a dog who I felt had zero bond left with me. We were both fractured and broken. Something had to give. I was ready to "wash him out" (retire him from SD work) because I couldn't see how this could be fixed. I refused to make him work if he was unhappy doing it. I want us to be a team - one that *wants* to work together. We weren't and I was devistated, frustrated, depressed, and miserable.

Enter trainer friends 1 and 2.   They let me have my breakdown. They let me fall apart and have the afternoon/evening to cry and convince myself that he'd need to be rehomed (which hurt the worst!) because he'd be miserable (and he would) if he couldnt go with me when I left, etc. -- They let me have my moment. During the moment, though, Ranger kept nudging me and even laid on my legs and never moved. It was like he knew I was giving up on us and he was trying to tell me not to. -- The next morning I was still convinced. Then TF-1 and I talked. We talked and talked and talked. She was convinced this was not hopeless. Give it 9 months of an intensive training/bonding program. He's old enough now that he could do it - and we're not starting from scratch on the training - so 9 months is reasonable. Give it 9 months and he'd be 2-1/2. Give it 9 months and then reassess. See if things feel better, more solid. Nine months of no one else giving him any kind of attention or even eye contact. Completely ignoring him - everyone - including my family.

Oh yeah, THAT is the hardest part. They're all trying so hard (and so far doing well) to not love on him - not make eye contact - act like he isnt even there.

Ranger is trying too. We had to go out yesterday and make several stops. He was better than he has been in a long time. He was more focused (not great by any means, but I'm taking progress for what it is - progress!) - and he was more able and willing to move *with* me.   We're not a team - but that team didnt break down over night and its not going to be rebuilt in a day.

For now, we're just pushing forward.
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

Training Days - Clicker Training - Phase 1

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:57:00 +0000

I'll admit, I've been an on and off fan of clicker training for years, but I just couldn't break my old habits and come over to the 'clicker side.' After reading Teamwork I and Teamwork II and going through the Leerburg site and watching the streaming videos on training with markers (clickers), well I decided if we were starting over anyway, why NOT give this a shot. What I was doing was clearly not getting the desired results - what harm could it do? (Shameless plug: Barbara Handelman works a lot with clicker training assistance/service dogs - she has a great website with videos and great articles and a yahoo group to boot! I highly recommend checking her out.)

Last week we worked on the 'click/treat' portion. You associate the clicker with a reward (treat) - so the dog starts to make the two synonymous. This way, when you click it begins to think 'yes, that's what she wanted!'

This week, I'm working on 'attention.' Every time he freely offers up looking at me (giving me his attention), I'm clicking and then treating. Its easy in the house where there are no distractions. He looks, I click, I treat - I've got his undivided attention. I keep a treat pouch on my body or at my side and a clicker on my wrist so even when we're in the house - he looks, I click, he gets a treat. Again, easy to do in the house.

The challenge comes when we work outside each morning. We spend about 20 minutes out there doing our clicker training (which also drives my dad's dog crazy - but what can I do about that!?) - during that time there's almost certain to be at least 1 or 2 cars drive by, a kid on a bike, a mailman... combiations there of. Heck even a tweet of a bird can have him snapping his head around. So I sit there, patiently waiting - saying nothing - and as soon as he looks at me - I click and treat.

Clicker training is *not* about immediate gratification; its about consistency. There are no short cuts you can take to get your desired behaviors. The dog has to think and figure it out. Sometimes that means going through every 'trick' they have in their book (sit, down, stand, bow, ... ) until they figure out what it is you want. They know they have it right when they hear the *click*.
Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2

There should've been a warning!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

If I had packaged the Wobbler for Kong, I would've said..

"Warning - Your dog may not want to eat its food anywhere but in the Wobbler!"

Yes.... He's a Wobbler addict. Couldn't eat the food in his FULL bowl... Noooooo.... Take out the Wobbler full of the *SAME* kibble... Yeah, he'll eat that!
Seen in the picture above, Ranger with his most "prized" Kong posessions - His Wobbler, Camo Wubba, and the K9-Blue Original Kong. *shakes head*

And here, we have our Wobbler (again - stil eating mind you), his new Everlasting Treat Ball (with nothing in it - but apparently still making the cut as 'fun and exciting'!) and his Milkbone squeaky-floopy dog.

Funny story behind that. Lest you think your dog toys have to cost a fortune for your canine to be thrilled to pieces - That Milkbone squeaky-floopy dog cost me a whopping $2 at Walgreen's!

We were in there around Christmas time two years ago - just after I got him. Ranger had been going after Jasmine's pink piggy like a posessed demonic dog. She, of course, at 8 was NOT amused. In fact, she'd thought she'd taken enough, and she had. So, my sweet little Jasmine began to put this new 'thinks he's hot stuff' puppy in his place by rolling him and pinning him every time he came within feet of her pig. *I* decided *I* had had enough of this. Normally I'm more than happy to let dogs 'work out the pack' themselves - but we were bordering on dangerous and disturbed and my nerves were SHOT.

So, we go into Walgreen's to pick up a prescription and low and behold, they have a Milkbone dog toy display. And my 14-week-old little snit decides to find one he likes which was constructed, remarkably, like the 7-year-old pink piggy. It was stuffed, floppy, and, most importantly it squeaked. (Note to those who DON'T know me - I despise most dog toys that squeak. I have a serious aversion to them!) -- So, for $2 I figured if he needed his very own 'floopy squeaky' thing to keep the peace in my home - so be it.

Of course, it didn't. He still wanted Jasmine's pig. The pig that she lovingly carried around with her always. (Actually, it was "the pink pig III" - the first two met.. untimely and unsightly demises. This one, though, she carried and snuggled and groomed like a baby! The pig now keeps guard over Jazzy's ashes in a drawer in my dresser. I thought it only right for now.)

So, the wheel of morality says thus: 1. You never know what your dog is going to latch on to. It could be a $2 'but I have to have this' toy - or a $20 Kong. and 2. Much like children, your dog will most likely want what it sees the other dog playing with. Its the nature of the beast. You can't fight it. My advice? As my friend Lyss would say - Take a Xanax, have a raspberry Smirnoff, and enjoy the ride. At least your home will SEEM more peaceful! -- And, like most siblings, start to worry if you hear a scream or start to see blood.

Jessica and Ranger
Lunar K9s Service Dogs Team #2