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Training doesn't happen in a vacuum, and our lives and health affect our ability to train. 

In this video, instead of a training session, I discuss how I handled a downturn in my health, and how that affected my ability to train. I talk about the strategy I used to keep my task-training goals on track that you can use too, and how consistency vs. actual time spent training allowed me to reach my training goals. 

Sorry that this one is a bit heavy, but I do think it's important to be honest about what life with a disability is like, and how we handle those times when we're struggling. 

We'll be back to a full training session on item discrimination in session 10 :) 

Files

Previews only

S9 Medication Alert and Med Retrieve: Training Once a Day 040323

Comments

Earth2Wendy

First, please accept my deepest sympathy for your terrible loss and surrounding trauma. Thank you for sharing this background info, and for your insights on training under duress. As one who also has a chronic illness that saps energy, and who also can’t live without a dog, hearing this story is valuable to me. Stories are how we transmit knowledge and inspire others. Knowing that one as dedicated as you are to training and caring for your dogs can still struggle sometimes, and yet faithfully maintain a certain minimum bar for taking action on training—well, that is inspiring to me, and it is something that will stick with me to the ultimate benefit of my dog. Lassie herself could not have done better than Whip did for you on this cold trial! It must have been incredibly uplifting to experience. Having a dog I love and who I want to do right by, by keeping him exercised and stimulated and feeling loved, no matter how I feel or what the weather is throwing at us, is what keeps me going for sure. My husband is under strict orders not to feed Trip’s meals (the portion I don’t use for training). I pair “feed the dog” with taking my meds, as mine are on a regular schedule that works well with that. So now, when each day’s AM/PM pill compartment lid snaps shut and I gulp down water from a certain cup, my dog knows his dinner will shortly be served! And he lets me know this glorious event is coming well in advance. He has me well trained:) Isn’t it wonderful how our dogs’ needs help us get thru? I loved Whip’s changing facial expression which is so like my bc’s in acknowledging your praise, but also checking your bedspread with meaningful glances for more treats. Thanks! A great story from start to finish, tho sadly a very tragic one as well. Best wishes from e2w and Trip.

DOGGY•U

Hi Wendy! Thank you so much for this caring and thoughtful comment. And yes, dogs definitely can keep us going <3 I appreciate you!