So here’s our “where we’re starting from” video of Daisy out and about in public. In the first video we’re at a beach gift shop. She does keep looking back at my daughter who’s videoing. It’s in Daisy‘s nature when I’m walking with her at my side for her to look back and make sure my husband isn’t too far behind. I think she likes to keep her pack together :) My daughter, put her finger over the camera when a young boy walked by to protect his identity. The good news is that Daisy didn’t really care he was walking by. The next two videos are at Publix. She hangs out while we’re getting dinner at the hot food area. Then walk past the meat department. She is calmly hanging out with me. But she does not have a focus on me that she needs to. There was also someone who came up to us and was like “oh a dog!” And Daisy did wag her tail and walk over to the person to get petted. Again, I know I have not taught her a proper heel yet. But part of the training process for me is self-awareness so I can figure out where we are compared to where we need to be.

I need to get Daisy a “Service Dog in Training” harness. Where did you all get them and/or what brands do you prefer? Links to products/websites for bonus points!!! Thanks!

We have been working on object retrieval a little every day. Saffy was struggling with objects other than our finger, pen, or gift card. One day I brought out some new high value high value treats and that is when a small mental click happened. She then started taking a large straw and mug handle. In this video we are working through her “usual items” and added a new foam tube. We use the command “get” when playing with toys. In the video towards the end she was getting hesitant and I used “get”. Is it okay to start incorporating “get” when she takes the item and/ or holds the item?

So after chatting with Amanda about Daisy‘s loose walking with me. I’m gonna change the phrasing from heel (because it’s not a true heel), to “with me.” I’m not going to use the word heel until we’ve gotten through the spot training and she’s doing a true heel. I think she’ll be fine with the phrasing change since she’s pretty attentive and often figures out what I want even without the verbal cue (by my body language). At the end of the video, I have her jump up on my shoulders and that’s how we take selfies :-)