Go Elbert - Phase #3

Phase #3 summary:
Harness training in quiet residential areas; frequent rides in the training vans. Teaching new guide work commands and responses, as well as continuing to work on commands learned in Phase 2. Curb checks and street crossings are introduced. Progressive obstacle course training on campus. Obedience training continues. Mall exposure walks and introduction to dog social sessions. Those dogs who are on the breeder-watch list but are not selected for the breeding program are spayed or neutered.

Elbert is in Phase #2

Here is a general summary of what he is learning now:
Preliminary harness and obedience training. Introduction to distractions (toys, food, other dogs, cats, etc.). On-campus training of leading into harness (pulling forward in harness) and responses to guidework-specific commands." Introduction to campus obstacle course on leash and treadmill training.

Hooper's siblings

You know all mothers like to hear from their kids

I heard from Whistler today. I sent him a Petco card for his birthday and Stacey took him to the store to choose a toy. He chose a rope tug toy.

Whistler's birthday 9/18/03, parents Baker/Westie, graduation 9/3/05, lives and works with Stacey in Bloomington, IL. I was known as "Whistler's Mother".

Hooper and the unsanctioned toy

We got this toy at Downtown Disney - I know it is not a sanctioned toy and Hooper only had it one time. But he heard the squeaky sound and was soooooooo cute about it. It's hard to get toys we can't have - it's like having chocolate chip cookies out when you are on a diet.

Downtown Disney - 9/30/07

One of my favorite Guide Dogs for the Blind events. Here are some club pictures. (click on the picture for a larger view)