COMMITTED CANINE

Rugare is a Rhodesian Ridgeback that is with us for Custom Training. We’ve trained this rarer breed before, but never for Service Dog work.

Here are some short videos we recorded during a Public Access outing while training Rugare.

Down, Remote Stay & Refrain from Triggering on Handler’s movements

This video clip covers a few different expectations we have for Rugare’s high standard obedience that is required of an ADA compliant Service Dog.

It demonstrates the following exercises:

• Heeling on a loose lead
• Sit on command
• Down on command
• Stay if the lead is dropped
• Remain in place regardless of the handler’s movements or distance
• Stay when being stepped over by the handler
• Refrain from triggering when the handler reaches for or picks up the leash.

Distraction Avoidance

Rugare is expected to stay in place regardless of what the handler chooses to do, including bouncing balls or squeaking toys. While we didn’t ask her, another shopper was also checking out the squeaker in a a toy a few yards away which is why going to train in public places is so valuable. Rugare was also (calmly and quietly) told to “leave it” when he began to sniff a ball. He stopped sniffing the ball without the need for further intervention.

Leash Drop & Recovery During Heeling

If the Service Dog handler inadvertently drops the leash while walking, the dog should remain in the heel position until the handler reaches to recover it.

Steep, Difficult Stairs

Service Dogs need to be able to negotiate stairs, even those that are steep and may have a difficult surface. In the lumber section of our local Menard’s, the stairs are not only “see through” but they are made of perforated treads to reduce slippage. They can be quite challenging for some dogs to traverse. I like how, at the end of descending this flight, as Robert reaches the bottom and pauses, Rugare immediately pauses as well, then completes the final two steps to the floor. It tells me that Rugare is considering his handler’s condition before worrying about his own situation. At the bottom of the stairs, Robert takes a moment to ask Rugare to stand and brace for him, since his owner may need such assistance after negotiating a long flight of steps.

Trust Exercise – Remain on Moving Cart

Service Dog handlers must learn to trust their dogs, and a dog must also learn to trust his handler. During training, we ask dogs to negotiate an unstable swinging bridge or a merry-go-round at a child’s playground. We teach them to tolerate challenging situations by believing in our leadership (which includes preventing the dog from being harmed in situations that may be frightening). Mounting and traveling on a moving cart is another opportunity we have to build trust while expecting compliance.

Stand & Brace

This is a specific task that Rugare’s owner requires to help mitigate his disability. Rugare needs to stand perpendicular to his handler when instructed, then brace while the handler uses the dog’s shoulders and hips briefly to assist in rising or sitting.

Good Boy, Rugare!