I think I'm going to see if I can find a cane with that leather strap on craigslist to maybe get her used to it.

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Don't worry, Riley was the same way! He totally failed the CGC the first time because of the three minute separation. We took it slow. First someone would hold him and I would walk to the other side of the room and come back. Then I would stay over there longer. Then I would go behind something and come right back out. Then we would add five seconds, ten seconds, etc all the way up to five minutes. Then I would do it with different people. It just takes patience, she'll get used to it. At first, make sure you give the stranger plenty of your best treats!

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-Valerie

Although I like the fact that you want to get both dogs certified, I do want to give a word of warning...as long as you are not certified, the dogs will not be insured other then through your own insurance. If anything happens, either a resident doing something to your dog ( like the patient in my hospital that tried to give Tess her pills, or another patient trying to pet her, but because of arthritis almost getting an eye...) or the dogs doing something to the residents, you are in big trouble.

Personally, I would never have tried the separation test with Ky, as this was her first visit after some time, and she had already been through a terrifying experience with Eddy. Take it slow, and make sure everyone is safe. Maybe you think I am too careful, and of course you know your dogs best, but I have seen too many things go wrong, when well meaning people took their well mannered, but not certified, dogs to places in Newtown recently. When a dog feels stressed, you back off, period. So experience one in my book was enough. Take it slow.

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Thanks. I do agree about the ins. That's the reason for trying to get Ky's TDI. Bentley will be joining Pet a Pet organization and I thought maybe if Ky had a TDI she would be able to join too and people wouldn't be so afraid of her.
I will be slowing it way down at the NH. If she needs a year to get comfortable with everything then that's fine with me. I just want her to be able to get out there and enjoy herself and show people that they don't have to run away when they see an Akita.

I like the way Val did it with Riley so I'll start doing that with Ky. Baby steps.
Thanks for the advice, I will take all I can get!

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I think Val's idea of giving the "stranger" lots of good treats is a good one too. You want Ky to associate being separated as a good thing, not a scary thing.

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Liberty - 10 months




Kim - Mommy to fur-baby Liberty and 2 human daughters 12 and 14 years old

Sounds like, for the most part, Ky did great. I've never met an Akita, wouldn't even know to be afraid of one either...lol! I think it's wonderful that you want the best for your dogs...and what you and Ky have managed to do together is absolutely a testament to the both of you. I agree with the caution with the insurance, but I think with time and patience Ky can learn to handle both situations. Good luck, I look forward to hearing about your progress!!!

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Sorry I missed this yesterday. Maybe it's the fact that we're both trained with the Delta approach but I really agree with Inge's post. Although the CGC test involves a separation, as I recall Delta doesn't allow you to leave your dog with someone else during a visit unless it's some sort of emergency. Under the Delta approach the handler and dog are a team that work together . . . the handler always attuned to how the dog is reacting and making adjustments, including ending the visit if necessary. I agree with Inge's suggestion to take it slow for the good of all involved including you and KY.

I'm guessing that if you get one of those crutches you could accustom Ky to it in a very short period of time.

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Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers

It was Ky's turn to go to the NH today, much to Bentley's dismay. She did very well again. We kept it shorter today and I never left her side.
We did determine that it's Eddy's crunches that she's afraid of. While Eddy was seated, Edna took his crutches and left them in the next room. Ky was having a good time with Eddy.
When we walked into the next room and she spotted those crutches she froze and didn't want to go any further into the room.

I'm torn at the moment on whether to continue with her or drop it. She seems to like it but I don't want to cause her stress. It could also be my mood.
This morning everyone wanted to talk about Ma, it was pretty tough on me. I held it together while we were there but I cried all the way home. At one point I had to pull over. Ky just rested her head on my shoulder and let me cry it out.

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Joyce,

Walgreens here rents out crutches and wheel chairs. IDK what you have there, but might be worth looking into seeing if you could rent a pair like his to work with Ky at home. Also check thrift stores etc...see if they have any you could get. Just a thought!!!!

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And I also wanted to send you a Hug.....

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