Team training began August 20th and ran through August 31st. All are to be congratulated for this successful event. The three graduate teams are Joann Newman and Wiley the little hearing dog (Wiley, a mix and rescued dog); Ann Hensley and Scout (Scout, a mix and rescue dog) and Louise Zimmerman and Bailey (a yellow lab donated when he was about 8 months by the Odells).
Debbie, Sarah and Wendy were the trainers involved in team training with some help from Sue M (smile). All of us agreed the matches were terrific, the clients well prepared and everyone worked so hard. This team training went so smoothly. It never ceases to amaze me how hard the clients work to learn about dogs and become trainers themselves in two short weeks. They learn many commands, work with their dogs in practice sessions, listen to a lot of lectures, take tests and go on field trips. It is exhausting and our clients do all this despite their disabilities.
Team training is a special time because we get to know our clients. A bond is not only created between their dog partners but also with the trainers who work and socialize with these special people.
Volunteers are really appreciated during team training and help us tremendously. They acted as human dogs, helped with field trips and more. We had wonderful lunches provided by volunteers. One of the local restaurants also donated a lunch.
We really put the teams through the paces on the last day which was Friday. First, each team must pass a practical working exam which takes place in the training room. The teams do a series of complicated tasks and chained behaviors. Second we go to a busy store, Safeway, where the team must pass the ADI Public Access test which is mostly about basic obedience skills for the dog and making sure the handler has their dog under control. The third and last test is a solo test. Wendy writes out a customized plan for each team according to the needs of the client. They go off and do these things on their own like they would in "real life" using kind of like a treasure map. For example, one client was asked to go the office store and have a dog do a "go in" under a desk and then do up on a counter to receive a bag from a clerk. They might have to take the dog into a public bathroom or a certain store and do a number of tasks. They will have their dog go in an elevator and push accessible buttons to open doors or have their dog pull a heavy door open.
But Friday was kind of bittersweet. We are so proud of the teams and love seeing the bond and partnership develop between the client and their dog but it is sad too. Maybe it is a let down because we all worked so hard and are tired. Maybe it is because we have been in this intense 2 week period and around these 3 wonderful women and will miss them. And of course, there are the dogs. Debbie trained both Wiley and Scout and though I cannot speak for her I can tell you I will miss Bailey very much. I trained Bailey for 5 months. It was a short time but he won our hearts. My husband, Richard, will miss him too. Bailey Boy, who was kind of a wild nut case matured into a calm, intelligent and sweet dog. He is loving but also a goof ball which was part of his charm. He is a problem solver and a quick learner and sometimes he could figure out things before I could. I am very lucky to have had the fun of working with Bailey. We may train the dogs but the dogs teach us so much. Each one does that for us.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this team training, especially our new graduates. See you all October 7th at our Graduation.
Sarah Broderick, Trainer
Summit Assistance Dogs
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