Thread: Besides medical alert, I also help Mom w/ mobility, balance, brace, and maneuver uneven landscape. The brain injury weakened her left leg, so I help w/ steps, curbs, etc. I match my steps & speed to hers keeping her independent. #Dog #ServiceDog
Although this looks very smooth and easy, training like this takes a lot of time for a Service Dog to learn. There are a lot of training techniques all in one that are put together to make this seamless. I have to be very steady, patient, and attentive to Mom's body and movement
I feel when Mom is behind & I stop or slow to match her, I check-in when I feel any hesitation to see if she is ok, or if I need to change my own body position. I take each step methodically w/o sudden movements.
I need to pull slightly on the harness to give her leverage to take the step on her left side. But I can't pull too hard or she will fall. If I slow down too much she might also fall, so I have to be very aware of her every movement & continuously and intuitively alter my actions
At no time when I am doing this task can I be distracted. A slight distraction might make me miss a slight change, body shift, or even a slight stumble from Mom. She counts on me to be on top of my game. She is putting her life in my paws.
I am trained to completely ignore anything that comes our way like squirrels, other dogs, or even people. My entire focus is on every step she takes.
I am also trained to wear many different types of working gear. When we need to travel outside a lot, or Mom knows we have icy conditions, uneven ground, or stairs she can slip my harness on over my service vest. She carries all my working gear in the car wherever we go.
If I wasn't wearing any Service Dog identifying working gear you would probably think that I am just being a good boy & walking slowly up the stairs. But, this is a highly trained task, one that took years to perfect. We make it seem effortless because of my training & our bond.
Because of this task, people often don't know Mom has difficulty with her left leg because of her brain injury. But because of me and my training as a Service Dog, she can go just about anywhere, do anything, and live a happy healthy, and active life.
We are a team. My job is very important. I take it very seriously; I ❤️my job. She counts on me, and we have a bond that goes beyond words. I am her lifeline to independence. She NEVER takes that for granted. I know b/c she shows me how much she appreciates me every day!
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