SASSAFRAS continues to grow in sounds work and has now been introduced to all the sounds she needs to know to qualify as a hearing dog. She is now working on practicing really listening to the sounds and differentiating between them. She is also working on proofing her alert to the additional scenarios. Ashley and her volunteer helpers have also been running all dogs through Ashley’s “obstacle courses” that have the dog practice default ‘leave its’, obedience, skills, walking on different surfaces, proprioception, and strengthening exercises. Sassafras enjoyed some nice rest and relaxation with her sitter over the holiday break and is keen to get working again in the new year!
- Skills being learned: Phone alert, alarm clock alert, smoke alarm alert.
- Recent field trips: Lougheed Mall, 8 rinks, various additional training field trips.
- Possible behavior challenges: Default ‘leave it’ for food on the floor.
- Potential career path: Hearing
Thank you again for all your support of Advanced Dog Sassafras!
Submitted by: Apprentice Instructor Ashley Siddals