Following on from our last entry, Hector has been very busy as always
(between training and meeting people!). The big news is that Hector will be
going on to advanced training as a potential Assistance Dog for a children with
autism.
We made the decision to progress Hector on the ASSISTANCE DOG
PROGRAMME based on Hector qualities. So why did we make this decision?
Hector has been working very well for me and he is a very bright dog. Hector has been learning his training tasks very quickly. He is relaxed and is exceptionally
good with children. This makes him an ideal candidate for the Assistance Dog Programme.  I am delighted that Hector is moving up in the world and I am sure that he will do very well with his new Assitance Dog Instructor.
I have been working with Hector on developing his training tasks such as stopping at any kerbs that we come across, walking in a straight line, his commands 'left' for turning left and 'right' for turning right. This is initially taught, where possible, at kerbs as we want to encourage straight crossings, so that we spend the minimum time in the road.
 As his training develops, his concentration improves for the training tasks that he is learning, and so his distraction levels come down and the less support the handler gives him. Before he goes on to advanced training, I want him to be able to do all the tasks with as little input from the handler. This makes him an easy dog for someone with less experience to handle. I have also been working on Hector's social behaviour in coffee shops / resturants, as it is important that the dog lies down beside the handler or under the table and does not look for food.
 Hector and SHADES
We launched SHADES, our annual fundraising campaign earlier this month and Hector travelled to Dublin to attend. Our 10th annual SHADES fundraising campaign got off to a great start with the help of long standing supporter Roy Keane, and we got a shot of Hector & Roy at the launch.
At the launch Roy praised our work saying, “It’s amazing to see the incredible difference a guide or assistance dog makes to an individual or family. I’m a great admirer of their work and the effort put in by their volunteers and staff in making a difference to others". It was lovely to hear this from Roy and meant a lot to
all the team. We met with Hector Ó hEochagáin and he was delighted to see him and he coudnt believe how much he had grown and also how calm and mature he had become.
In the next blog we will introduce Hectors new instructor....
The last two weeks have been great for both Hector and I. It's been busy and productive but we also enjoyed a few lovely surprises. Hector's Puppy Walker Michele Munnelly and her two daughters paid us a visit here at HQ, as did long standing supporter Sonia O'Sullivan. My goodness - the excitement!
Hector was so delighted to see his foster family, he didn't know who to go to first - Michele, her daughters, or me! Hector got lots of cuddles from the all the girls and even remembered a few tricks that Michele had taught him.
As showed in the photographs below, Hector demonstrated his obedience skills by ignoring the treat that Michele had placed on his paw. He waited patiently until she gave the command and then proceeded to 'munch away' as everyone cheered in delight.
Hector also got to meet Sonia O'Sullivan again when she came to our HQ for a photoshoot for the upcoming Carrigaline to Crosshaven Charity Walk on May 27th. Sonia had met Hector as a pup and couldn't get over how he had matured and grown. Hector was the designated 'dog model' on the photoshoot and did a sterling job. Hector also joined another special photoshoot with some of our other dogs in training. On Thursday last week, we launched our 2012 Car Draw at a Ford dealership on Forge Hill in Cork. Hector got to pose with the brand new candy-red Ford Focus up for grabs in the draw and once again did us proud! Tickets for the draw are on sale country wide or on our website for €5 a ticket. In last week's blog, I said I'd give you some more details about what Hector's been learning during his Early Training. Here are just a few highlights to give you some idea what goes into training a working dog. More will follow in our next blog...
At the start of training, I spent time getting to know him, practiced his obedience and developed a bond of trust. During this stage, I assessed his speed of walking; his distractions levels; his mental, hearing and body sensitivities. Once settled, I had better understanding of his unique qualities and we were both ready to start straight line work.
Straight line work
This is teaching him to walk in a straight line until I dictate which direction to go. I taught him his left and right turns, stopping and standing at all kerbs, including edged, flat or tactile types and road crossings. A key part of crossing the road is to teach a dog to firstly find the zebra crossing. The dog then needs to cross over in a straight line in minimum time. Once safely across, the dog needs to wait for the handler’s command (i.e. left, right or straight on) and continue on.
Right shoulder work
Right Shoulder work is teaching the dog to avoid obstacles and to consider the handler as it does so. Obstacles can be stationary objects like a lamp post, wheelie bin or parked car to moving obstacles such as people, child buggies or bicycles. We also teach them how to handle a narrowing path, for example, a restricted space due to car being parked on a pavement. They are taught that if they can't fit through safely with their handler, they need to leave the path and go around the car and return safely to the pavement.
Much time is also spent on similar commands applied indoors. Indoor work includes things like finding doors, walking stairs, using escalators and elevators and avoiding obstacles like tables and chairs. During all this training, the dog learns to concentrate on the handler and follow their commands.
Hector has progressed very well, moving from quieter environments in the suburbs right to the busy city centre. I'm really pleased! In the next few weeks, Hector will be “working his charm” for our SHADES annual fundraising week taking place May 7th-13th. He’ll once again meet with our campaign patron, Roy Keane and be out and about supporting our collections. SHADES 2012 - Volunteers needed for MAY 12TH!We’re urgently looking for volunteers to sell SHADES pins for a few hours at Tesco Stores nationwide on May 12th. Can you help out? Please let us know on e-mail fundraising@guidedogs.ie or call 1850 506 300 if you can volunteer! In our next update, we have a very special surprise. Hector will soon be moving on to Advanced Training and we'll be able to confirm whether he'll be a guide or assistance dog! More shall be revealed...
Hi, I'm Susan Turtle and I'm puppy Hector's Trainer here that the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. You could hardly call Hector a puppy anymore - he's already 15 months old and well into his Early Training at our National Headquarters and Training Centre in Cork. I'll be keeping you posted on Hector's progress during the next stage of his training.
Special thanks to Michele Munnelly, Hector's Volunteer Puppy Walker, who not only did a sterling job of socialising and training Hector, but also maintained our blog for the first 12 months of his life. Now that he's well and settled into his routine, we're ready to give you regular updates on his progress towards becoming a guide or assistance dog! A new year, a new home!
Around mid January, Hector left his home with the Munnelly's in Dublin and returned to our HQ in Cork. It's always great to welcome our pups back after their 12 months away with their Volunteer Puppy Walkers. So much has changed as they have grown tremendously during this important stage of their development. Having to say goodbye is tough for our volunteers, but each year, they bravely tackle the task of returning them to us motivated by the fact that their fostered pup will one day become someone's life changing partner.  Charlotte giving Hector his first groom! On arrival, Hector got to meet Charlotte Spencer, the Kennels Assistant
responsible for his care during his stay with us. She ensures he's well fed and
groomed, gets his regular veterinary inspections and is settled in his new
Kennel. After some play time and dinner, Hector cuddled in for his first night and got some well deserved rest.
Over the next few days, I started training Hector, working on simple commands
initially as we started to get to know each other. I introduced him to the other dogs in my group and got him settled with his Kennel buddy Tilly. We worked on commands such as sits and downs which was met with treats and lots of praise. He was eager to please and I wanted to ensure that he settled in well.  "Watch me, I can do it! Piece of cake!" The next step was to introduce him to the van that he would be travelling in on a daily basis. Hector mastered getting in and out of the van with no problem and soon after, we were ready to go on our first walk together. We headed for a quiet estate nearby and so officially began our daily routine of training.
 Before & after a free run in the woods! There's nothing quite like a swim in the river before heading back to HQ! Back, left to right: Joey, McGuire, Jake and Hector's sister, Orry. Alongside is Hector, Lulu and Nikita in the background. Since then, Hector has worked many different routes in and around Cork and has made steady progress. He is joined by the rest of my pack of dogs: Lyra, Snoopy, Rolo and Tilly. One of his favourite things is to go free-running with them on Fridays. All our dogs in training get time off on Friday's to enjoy a free run in a park or woods nearby. They are like "kids in a playground" and normally need a bath when they come back from an adventurous time out together. Charlotte certainly has her hands full when we get back on Fridays...
He's a 'good boy'
Hector's got a lovely temperament. He is very willing and responsive to my commands. He's still young and so can get distracted at times. He's very curious so people and activity can sometimes draw his attention away. I'm not too concerned as he's still maturing and this will become less of an issue as he progresses through his training. He especially loves attention and so many people stop us when we're out to talk about how handsome he is (which he of course loves). He enjoys cuddles and praise and shows his delight with a vigarous bout of tail wagging. In the beginning, other dogs were a big distraction, which is understandable considering that he's surrounded by so many here at HQ. A firm tone of voice with the command to go "straight on" gets him back on track. We have developed a good bond and he shows his respect for me as his trainer by trying very hard to listen.
In my next blog, I'll tell you a bit more about what Hector's been learning and includes some photographs of him in action while training!
 One of Hectors great moments, in the water yet again. He doesn't mind if it's winter or summer, he just loves the water!!
Lots of tears were shed this morning when alas we had to say goodbye to Hector. I think I was close to being inconsolable. Myself and Hector got up real early and had our last walk on the sea front at 7am. Then it was home for breakfast, a play in the garden and a nice groom. Before we knew it the phone was ringing just after 9am to say that Stephen was on his way to collect Hector. We packed up his freshly washed favourite blanket and some of his favourite toys to have in the van on the journey to Cork. The task of putting Hector in the van was made easier because Nikita, his good friend was already in the van and they were going to travel to Cork together.
I still can't believe he is gone. Every time I came back into the house today I was expecting to be met with his wonderful and enthusiastic greeting that he always gave. The guys in Cork now have the privilege of having his most exuberant and joyous welcomes. That is something we will all miss dearly.
I am sure the Guide Dogs will keep us posted on Hector's progress. Heres wishing Hector the best of luck from us and to say we love him and we will miss him lots and lots.
Hugs and kisses from Aidan, Michele, Alice and Sarah.
 Marguerite brought Hector for a run on Monday with the delectable Chenna.  Hector and Sarah having there last little chat and play this morning.  The time eventually arrived where we had to say goodbye. Not one of my better moments, the tears were welling up and I could hardly talk.
Happy Birthday Hector and Papa!!!  Hector and Papa on the night of their birthday celebrations. Hi everybody, thought it was about time we gave you an up-date on how Hector has been getting along since the last blog.
Hector had his 1st birthday on the 17th of October which he celebrated with Papa, (Aidan's dad) who celebrated his 83rd birthday the same week.
 What has he got his eye on, another dog in the distance, one that might play with him, maybe!!! Another milestone that was reached recently was "The Breakfast with Hector show". It reached it's 1st birthday, which I am sure was well celebrated by all involved.
It has been hugely successful show, appealing to listeners who were fed up listening to the hum-drum, down-beat talk of recession, world economy and how the government and banks let us down!
 Hector having a little rest after his mad run and play at St Anne's Park the day of his 1st birthday! Any way, all that aside, lets talk about the main man himself, Hector. Hector has matured so much over the last few months, it is quite incredible how he turned from adolescent to a much more settled and calm dog. He is so easy to take anywhere. He is excellent in the supermarket, restaurants, coffee shops and great with young children. However he still has his odd mad moment when he has to get rid of his surplus energy. He has even stopped chasing our cat (well most of the time) and she is starting trust him a little too.
Hector; Yes, can you believe it, I am all grown up now, I am one, I am one, I am a big boy now!!! They are praising me non-stop at the moment so I suppose I must be doing something right!!!
I went to the park for a great big play on my birthday and then I shared my birthday with Papa, I didn't mind sharing it with Papa because I know he really loves me and he is always so nice to me.
He spent a couple of weeks on holidays with Caroline Brady and her family while we had mid term break and caught up on some commitments that could not be postponed.
 Ben Brady with Hector on the day Hector came back from his 3-week holiday with the Brady's, where he was really happy and very well looked after. Hopefully in the next few weeks we will be catching up with Hector the Godfather shortly for a radio interview.
Ciao......Michele and Hector!
We had a wonderful afternoon at St Annes Park, which is one of those real treasures that we have here in Dublin. St Annes Park spreads between, Clontarf, Killester, Dollymount and Raheny. It has an abundance of fabulous grounds with spectacular trees and foliage. It has an amazing amount of football pitches, pitch and putt course and tennis courts. How lucky can we be!!!The sun came out and soaked us with its autumn warmth. No need for rain coats or umbrellas. Each and every person was enthusiastic and obviously has Irish Guide Dogs close to their hearts. Even though we unfortunately didn't have access to the IGD Flashes people were still very generous and made donations. Thank you to all who came out and did the walk.
Don't forget to get out and walk today and support the IGDB by buying the HIGH-VIS FLASHES!!! BE SAFE, BE SEEN!!! The flashes are being sold for adults and children and they are even selling ones to fit around your dogs collar in pharmacy's and veterinary clinics nationwide.
We have the full support of Hector O'hEochagain and Roy Keane.
Roy Keane will be doing the local walk in Cork as a representative for the Irish Guide Dogs! Go on get out there and walk!!!
Ciao...
All across Ireland, IGDB have organised local walks through their network of volunteers and they're inviting you to bring along your friends, family and dogs to get active and walk for us in your community. IGDB Family Dog Walk is brought to you in association with Bayer (Drontal Complete Dog Wormer), Uniphar and Rotary International in Ireland. Bayer is sponsoring the campaign; Uniphar will be selling the bands through their network of pharmacies and vets, and Rotary International in Ireland will be supporting by organising walks in communities countrywide. There are two ways to support IGDB. You can: The reflective bands are a great safety accessory, especially during the autumn /winter months when days get shorter and darker. Ensure your family's safety by wearing them on your wrists or ankles. We also have a size suitable for your dog's neck! The visibility bands are on sale for €5 (pack of 2).You can also support IGDB by participating in one of the walks and raising money through sponsorship. IGDB Fundraising Team have sponsorship cards available for all walkers who'd like to help IGDB in this way. If you'd like to plan a walk in your community or if you would like to help IGDB sell their bands through your store, please contact Jennifer Foran-Smyth on Lo-call 1850 506 300 or direct on 021 487 8229 or e-mail jennifer@guidedogs.ie.
Roy Keane and Hector O'hEochagain are both promoting and supporting the IGDB Family Dog Walk!!!
Hector (4-legged) and myself are going to be at "St Annes Park" tomorrow for 3pm. See you there!!!!
 Hector teaching Hector the ropes for broadcasting!
If you have never been to the National Ploughing Championships like me, then you must make it your business to mark it into your diary and go next year. It is for young and old alike. The Dublin Horse show is the same but different. The Dubs go the Horse Show for all the different horse class competitions, the retail stands and the social aspect of it. The National Ploughing Championships the competitions are different, its ploughing with machinery and horses, retail stands selling combine harvesters and the like and clothes and many other wares and lots of socialising.
The place was buzzing with a really light and fun atmosphere, lovely contrast to all the doom and gloom of the recession that bombards our lives everyday on the news and in the papers! Such a nice change!
Anyway we did our live interview, if only hector could talk it would be so much easier, I'm not that good at it and am really nervous. The 4 legged hector would be brilliant, if only he really could talk!!!!
Hector: You know what I think this broadcasting lark is just not for me, especially Hector's slot, I couldn't be getting up at that hour of the morning, as I have said many times before, I really do need my sleep and the idea of a six o'clock rise is just too much! Thanks for showing me the ropes though Hector, I do appreciate it!!
 The 2 Hectors with the wonderful volunteers who manned the IGDB Stand at The National Ploughing Championships!
Hector was really impressed with our 4 legged Hector. He couldn't believe how much
he had grown and he felt he was calmer and more settled.
We introduced a Halti to Hector last month as he was pulling a little too much sometimes and as he is such a big and strong dog we want to know that if any one who is not strong is able to walk him without the fear of him pulling them and Hector bringing them for a walk instead of the other way round!
Hector took to the Halti easily enough and walks really well on it. Hector O'hEochagain was easily able to manage the Halti.
Hector walked him around the grounds and called into the IGDB stand to say hello to all the volunteers. They had been there since early morning and would not be leaving till late that evening. They were doing this for the 3 days of the National Ploughing Championships.. Very committed volunteers.
We all went for a coffee after visiting the IGDB Stand and Hector under normal circumstances is really good at sitting quietly in a coffee shop or restaurant for a reasonable length of time. This day though he was not so good because he wouldn't eat his breakfast when we arrived, so needles to say after a couple of hours he was really hungry and he spent most of the time trying to eat all the old discarded chips of the ground while I was trying to drink my coffee.
Hector: I was hungry, whats a dog gotta do to get some grub!! I know, I know, I didn't eat my brekkie but I was just so excited with the whole journey and then all the new smells and people and those big big machines, I just couldn't eat then but the huger caught up on me, sorry Shell!
 Hector walking Hector alongside Paddy Delany the Head of fundraising for the IGDB.
Just before we went on air Paul Howard, aka Ross o'Carroll Kelly was being interviewed about his new book. He kindly stopped and allowed us to take a picture of him with Hector.
Hector: Yeah he gave Hector O'hEochagain his new book Mama Mia for keeps but he didn't give me one. i know I can't read but a freebie is a freebie!!!
 Hector with Paul Howard, aka, Ross O'Carroll Kelly at The National Ploughing Championships.
Don't forget guys mark your calendar for next years National Ploughing Championships! Talk soon...............
 Hector enjoying the sunshine - making the most of the few sunny days we may have left before winter hits! We have a bit of an exciting day tomorrow. We are going to the Ploughing Championships in the morning. We are meeting Hector O'hEochagain for a radio interview at 8.00am. That means we will have to tuck up in bed early tonight. A bit of beauty sleep will be required, as we will be on the road by 5.30 in the morning. Now thats an early start!
Paddy Delany, Head of Fundraising for the Irish Guide Dogs is traveling down in the morning. We will rendezvous at the Red Cow Inn and travel in one car.
I am really looking forward to the event.
Hector: Oh gosh, thats a bit early for me, I am going to have to snooze in the car, cos a dog like me needs his sleep. They can't expect me to be on top of my game and looking good unless I have had at least 10 hours sleep. If I get enough Zzzzzz's I reckon I will thoroughly enjoy the day. I heard Michele talking about it, it sounds really exciting and I am going to meet my Godfather again, yippeee.  Its never too early to start catching those zzzzz's! We will get as many photos as we can from the Ploughing Championships and put them up on the blog.
Ciao.....
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Hector having a snooze in his cozy dog crate after our walk and bus ride this morning