Day 2 - Behavior disruption

While packing up to leave today, Danny got really upset when Kenny took Danny's new basketball out to the truck. We tried to explain to Danny that we would play when we got back to the hotel. Danny hadn't yet played basketball at the hotel so we're thinking he thought we were not being serious and just trying to get him to leave. He had a meltdown. Kermit immediately ran to Danny and jumped up on him and began licking him, pawing, and trying to love on Danny. This is called behavior disruption. When Danny becomes overly upset, Kermit has been trained to try to distract Danny and redirect his attention. Danny's not accepting the attention yet (which is common with many kids) but like dogs do, he was fine with treats and extra hugs. Another family stopped at Walmart on the way home and bought a basketball just so their son could play with Danny when we got back. The little boy said he was Danny's new basketball friend. It ended up pretty special after all!

Day 2 - Obedience & distractions

Today we learned more obedience training but added distractions. We had to put the dog in a sit or down command and then provide distractions, such as tossing a ball or dropping treats all around the dog. The dog is not allowed to go for the ball or grab at the treats. We learned this is requiring the highest level of respect from our dogs to us. This helps to ensure that Kermit does not ever attempt to grab at t-bone steak while we're at the restaurant! It is unbelievable what a dog can be taught to do and watch how proud they are for accomplishing the task!

Day 2 - Scent recognition

Thismorning at around 5:15 am Kermit alerted a myclonic jerk about 15 minutes before it occurred! Myclonic jerks are a form of a seizure in which the brain waves touch each other causing a quick jerking response. Many times myclonics are a precursor to a bigger one to come. We are so proud of Kermit! If he can sniff out a myclonic, we are confident he will sniff out a grand mal. Jeremy, the lead trainer at 4 Paws, was so proud and excited when we described Kermit's behavior. We had no idea he may have the ability to detect a milder seizure. Words cannot describe how excited we are and how proud we are of Kermit!

Day 1 - Working so hard

This is the dogs towards the end of class. They all worked so hard today. It's been a lot for both them and the families to absorb. But I can't thank everyone enough for their support for our family. This will open so many new avenues for Danny and all of us.

Day 1 - Tethering

The trainers used Kermit to show us the basics of how tethering works. Mom cried tears of joy......this could and will change our lives. The trainer put Kermit in a down and then the trainer tethered to him mocked Danny trying to wonder away. She jerked and actually pulled and dragged Kermit around the floor. Kermit would pull back on the lead without getting up and actually trying his best to stay in his spot as she tried sliding him on the tile floor. These dogs are so smart and eager to please.

Day 1 - Good boy!

Kermit and all the dogs worked really hard today. So did the families! Today we learned basic commands and also how to transfer the dog's respect to us instead of just the trainers. It's only our 1st day, but Kermit is already learning to listen and abide by our commands. I could put him in a down and walk all the way to the other side of the hotel room and he would not move until I released him.

Day 1 - Meeting Kermit

What a handsome and lovable dog he is! And does he ever love balls! On our lunchbreak we ended up stopping to buy 2 balls because he was stealing other dog's who's families had brought ones to our 1st day. He's went through 2 and I guess we will be buying balls by the case! We forgot to grab a Kong or Nylabone before we left and so he's using balls instead. He's probably still pretty anxious with his new family and home (little does he know his home will change yet again!). He's so wonderful and perfect for Danny and our family.