We are fortunate to live only 30 minutes from SSD's kennel. But, driving there this morning Ryan must have asked me at least 3 times "How much longer until we are there?" Do you think he was excited to see her? He's not one to even ask that infamous question when we go on vacation or long car rides, but he was excited to see his Sky.
Today we learned more cues. Ryan learned how to have Sky open a door for him and hold it open until he goes through. He practiced it while using his crutches and still needs to work on it with his wheelchair. He also worked on having her push things close such as a door, cabinet, or drawer. He will also use the "push" cue to have her trigger the automatic door button for handicap doors.
The other cue he learned was "up". He would use this cue if he wanted her to put two paws up on a counter to retrieve an object or to lift an object such a book onto the check out desk at the library.
It was a good day, but we are both overwhelmed. There is SO much to learn. Sometimes it seems like Ryan needs to learn double because he needs to know how to do the cues while using his crutches and also in his wheelchair.
Ryan is having a bit of a hard time with fine motor skills that require strength and coordination. For instance, with Ryan's wheelchair they have a ring attached half way up Sky's leash that he attaches to a clip on his wheelchair when he needs to shorten her leash. The problem is he has great difficulty opening the clip, holding it open and then putting the ring through it. There is a hook we are going to try that won't require any hand strength, but we need to figure out how to mount it on his chair. Luckily, Sal is very creative & mechanical which will be a big help.
Even though some of these tasks are difficult, Ryan is determined to do it. Historically, he always manages to adapt and figure things out. It's just going to take a bit longer than if he didn't have a physical disability. I am so proud of his determination, persistence, and adaptibility.
Sky is so well trained, but now Ryan and her need to learn how to work together as a team. A valuable point the one trainer made was that all good relationships take time.
Tomorrow is another big day! Ryan is so looking forward to bringing Sky home with him.
I am so excited to know you are taking Sky home with you tonight! I am sure she will enjoy meeting your other dogs. Be careful though. Sky is a very slow eater and won't always defend her food if the other dogs try to take it from her! Hope you can sleep tonight!
ReplyDeleteSarah S.
Hey Sarah!
ReplyDeleteHer and Ryan are sounding more and more alike! When we fed them tonight we all took a dog and fed them in seperate places and then made sure they stayed put until everyone was finished eating. You're right, she is slow! She had the least amount and still took the longest. Does she like to drink out of toliets? :-)
I only saw her drink in the bathroom once or twice. She is a bit short for the commode I think. She did used to snoop in the bathtub after my shower! I used the word "out" to get her out of the tub. She would just hop over the side!
ReplyDeleteSarah S.