"BIRTHDAY BOY"

Today Patriot turns 5 months old and weighs in at 48 lbs. He's out grown his puppy coat and is now in his big boy coat.


Patriot at 5 months



What a difference three months makes



Patriot at 2 months



Patriot at 5 months



What a sweet boy he is.....except for obedience classes, there he does his Dr. Jekyll impersonations.  We haven't figured that one out just yet!  Probably a combination of things, his age, too many distractions and he gets tired  and  then cranky with me yanking his leash and telling him "NO".  We get in the car to go home and he's back to his sweet self....hmmm

Patriot's class toured the Port Orange, Florida Fire Dept., Fireman Pete did an exceptional job with the dogs!



Patriot & Fireman Pete



Patriot's class at Port Orange Fire Dept





Practicing commands









We have experienced a turning point in our walks, the're much more enjoyable and now something we both look forward to!  I would say Patriot has improved 75% on the leash, we're now getting some slack in the leash and he's no longer trying out for the Iditarod. 

"GOOD DOG"  pat....pat

On our walks Patriot still wants to pick up things in his mouth, this morning was no exception.  Patriot manage to pick up a piece of tree bark, I told him "NO" and low and behold he spit it out, that was a first!   Maybe it tasted bad.....I perfer to believe he was following a command....."Patriot, you made me proud"

 "GOOD DOG"  pat....pat

"HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY"

Patriot among the Shamrocks



Living in a Irish household St. Patrick's Day is celebrated

                                                         

Patriot wearing his "GREEN" in honor of St. Patrick's Day



Patriot is now 20 weeks old and weighing in at 43 lbs.  He is going to be a "big boy" He has out grown his puppy coat and a new one will arrive in time for his 5 month birthday.



Patriot wearing his favorite colors in honor of all who have served or are presently serving!



I can see some improvements, we're making progress!  I hope you noticed that I said we're, because it is a learning process for both of us.  Sometimes I think he's saying to himself "What took her so long!"





Patriot the Sentry
What a handsome pup!



We were taking an evening walk this week, when we were literally "charged" by a large aggressive dog who had broken loose.  Needless to say, I was frightened!!!! Patriot was out in front, he just stood in place, did not get aggressive, nor did he back away.  The dogs owners managed to get control of their dog and apologized.  I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if it had been a student with their dog.  In this case it wasn't a bad thing to be a Alpha Dog  :)

"GOOD DOG"  pat.....pat

IRISH BLESSINGS to all and a Happy St Patrick's Day birthday to Jack!

SEMINAR

The Southeastern Unleashed Seminar was held on the SEGDI campus for (AC)Area Coordinators, and for the first time
(PR)Puppy Raisers were invited to attend.  We toured the campus, including the new Veterinary Clinic.  The amount of money and time that is saved by having their own Clinic and Vet is enormous.  No longer is it necessary to transport the dogs off campus to have x-rays, spaying/neutering, blood workups, teeth cleaning, etc. done.
If you haven't visited the campus, take a virtual tour on their website: http://www.guidedogs.org/


Welcome!



X-ray room



Surgical Room



Lab Area



Campus Walk

Patriot and I had the opportunity to walk the campus, we observed several students working with their dogs.  It was then that the realization hit, someday it will be Patriot that will be leading a student here on campus.  That realization has made me focus more then ever on his training, knowing that someone will be depending on him for their safety and independence.

As part of the seminar the trainers at SEGDI held an Obedience Class, shared some training tips with us, along with a Q and A session, very informative!  I came away from the seminar more confident in my ability to train Patriot, learning that I need to focus on one problem at a time.  When that problem is solved, then go on to the next.  Right now, my focus is getting Patriot to walk without his pulling and straining on the leash.

BUSY WEEK...OH MY!

Patriot has been to small coffee shops and outdoor cafes before, so this week was his first visit to a large restaurant.  It was a buffet with wonderful aromas, along with many people moving about.  He did pretty good, he occasionally had to be reminded what he was suppose to be doing, but I think he did well for a fifteen week old puppy.

Saturday, Feb.19, 2011   Our obedience class outing was held at the Sanford Mall, we practiced using elevators, stairs, and our under/downs at the food court. Patriot did fairly well most of the obedient exercise and then for whatever reason, he lost his focus.....Dr. Jekyll appeared!  Patriot wanted no part of his leash or the exercises, he acted the same way when the area coordinator took control of his leash.  I am making a concerted effort to watch what triggers this behavior.  At fifteen weeks it could be his age, attention span, distractions, thirst (he was panting) or just plain tired and cranky and not wanting to take orders! How is it that a puppy can be soooooo good and also soooooo ornery?



Puppy Kisses



Some of the family were in visiting for the weekend, it was their first time meeting Patriot, I think they were amazed how good he behaved. It was love at first sight between Patriot and our granddaughter Abby.



Playing Hold & Give



Monday, Feb.21, 2011  Time for Patriot's Vet appointment with Dr. David Gunderson of Lake Square Animal Hospital in Leesburg, Florida.   Patriot weighed in at 37 pounds, all of his final vaccinations were given and he is now "street legal"   Dr. "G" said Patriot is a normal healthy puppy who is teething and is experience the terrible twos.



Dr."G", his assistant & Patriot



 Wednesday, Feb.23, 2011  Patriot's first visit to Publix grocery store and Mulberry Shopping Mall.  He showed no fear of the shopping carts, or traffic.  We took time to just sit on a bench and observe the surroundings.  He did well!

Thursday, Feb.24, 2011  Took Patriot on the golf cart to a nearby pond, we watched while people were feeding the ducks and birds.  He was very observant and interested, but, he held his sit/stay.

"GOOD DOG"....pat pat

Went on to Ace Hardware, he did well (short in & out, floors were very slippery) then off to Crispers for lunch.

Under/down at Crispers

Someone's tired so it's home for a nap.  Later this evening our golf group, (16 couples and 1 black Labrador) will be dinning at Red Lobster :) this should be fun!

"STRICKLY PUPPY"

The following photos are of Patriot hanging out at home and taking time to be a puppy.

Patriot at 9 weeks and 17 lbs



Patriot at 14 weeks

See how I grow...32 pounds

 Such a handsome pup!

Checking himself out in the mirror

Patriot rings his bells when he needs to go outside.

"GOOD DOG" ....pat pat

Likes to play hunting dog

Multi tasking:

Sunbathing & Gecko guarding

When we attend obedience class, Patriot has a Jekyll & Hyde streak, the last two classes, Dr Hyde has been in attendance  :(

Following photos are from the Feb. 11, 2011 obedience class

The youngest puppies of the class were let off leash in a enclosed tennis court.  It was interesting watching the interaction, Patriot has a dominant personality. I think my work is cut out for me....... hummmmmm

 Patriot

Patriot, Clem and Shirley 

Clem & Shirley playing in a puddle

4-H RANCH

Saturday we held our obedience class at Triple Diamond Ranch, it's a 4-H ranch located in Eustis, Florida.  The dogs had the opportunity to get up close to one of the horses named Hickory.

Patriot checking out Hickory. Hickory is being held by Amanda, one of our puppy raisers, who also volunteers at the ranch.

Jocelyn, Amanda and Archie

It was not Patriot's or my best obedience class!  He was very distracted by every acorn, leaf or clump of Spanish moss, and I in turn lost my focus.  Training with a guide dog puppy is like learning a whole new language. I found myself reverting back to using words(commands) that I used in training my personal pets, instead of using guide dog commands.  Trying to end this session on a positive note, I realized it can only get better!

Looking forward to our walk in the morning.

Recess

 Class is tiring

"SHORT AND SWEET"

Saturday the 29th, was the first time the dogs and their handlers were tested to see how they were progressing. Our AC (area coordinator) Jocelyn Hargrove and her obedience assistants, Carl, Betty, and Peggy were very informative with their suggestions, and helpful with their demonstrations. I came away from the class knowing I need to concentrate on giving a command only "ONCE" then if needed, to follow through with a correction.  Keep the command "short and sweet" don't use a sentence when a word or two are more affective.

All ages and levels of dogs together

Spring Valley park, Altamonte Springs, FL

Three youngest dogs in their class, Patriot, Clem, and Shirley

Betty and Peggy instructing the class

Carl's group being instructed in the shade

A much needed recess for the little ones

Patriot, practicing a down stay

Patriot, a walk out on the dock

Patriot, comfortable with his surroundings

Later in the day, Patriot had his first meet and greet the public.  Bill Brown of The Villages, Orange Blossom Lions Club ask if Patriot could participate in their annual "White Cane Day."  The Lions Club's many fund raising activities help support the Southeastern Guide Dogs mission to partner a visually impaired individual and a guide dog.

Bill Brown of the Lions Club, Patriot, and Bonnie

at Spanish Springs in The Villages, FL



It was a good experience for Patriot!  The traffic noise did not seem to effect him, he was confident, no shyness and he really liked the children :)

"GOOD DOG"  pat.....pat