Time seems to be going so fast at the moment! Hector has been
progressing nicely in his training over the last few weeks. We have been
continuing to develop his training up to Assistance dog pick up standards such as making sure Hector is relaxed, confident and responsive in all areas of his work.
Part of this is exposing him to different environments for training
such as a walk called the Mahon River walk; this is a busy walk along by the
River Lee as there are plenty of people walking and cycling, children walking
and in strollers, birds and dogs both on and off the lead! Loads of distractions
and he was well behaved and responsive to his handler. He has made lovely progress and is continuing to mature to be a nice dog.
Hector has done so well in his training that our big news now for all his followers...
Hector has met all these high standards and has moved onto Advanced Training.
I completed a pick walk with Hector for Aileen (his new Assistance Dog
Instructor). A pick up walk shows Aileen exactly what the dog is capable of and the high standard of his work. This involves a walk to include obedience
through a shopping centre, estate and busy pedestrian areas to show his low
distractions levels, his good concentration levels and that he is relaxed and
confident in various environments. Part of his pick up walk also involves his
acceptance of the assistance dog equipment, kerbwork, straight line and
demonstrating appropriate response to directional commands.
So what does this next step mean for Hector?
Hector's training will still take place in our training centre here, but he will now train with Assistant Dog Instructor Aileen and she will work with him with the aim of matching to his new family in the coming months.
I have really enjoyed my time training Hector, seeing him mature and continue to be a lovely dog. His new Instructor Aileen will keep you updated on his training.