Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, allies_daphne said:

Before we had a SD, even for the several years we researched about them, training orgs, etc....we never realized that they continue to be a work in progress, even once they have learned the appropriate assistance and tasks.  Mickey has been with us for 2 years now, and although the bond between he and my daughter is stronger, he still tries to take a mile if she gives an inch, and with a cognitive disability, she does not always see negative behaviors quick enough to correct them (or even at all sometimes).  We still have her go through every single one of her commands with him every day, and there are definitely days when he isn’t the most focused SD.  We have much more trouble in the house versus outside.  Outside, he rarely gets distracted from work mode, or doesn’t respond to a quick tug foUntir correction, but inside, the lines are a bit more blurred and the boundaries a little more lax.  Going through commands every day, in and out of the house, in different settings keeps both of them fresh and focusing on each other.  Just like police K-9’s, they must continually work on their commands so that it becomes second nature when they get a signal or verbal command.  

We have also experienced many other dogs on flights and going through security, and while I don’t have strong worries about our dog, I do worry about other dogs that don’t appear to be well trained, and the fact that ours would not fight back if faced with an altercation.  

Until the day that my first Service Dog passed away, at the age of 14, she had certain things that she refused to do or would only do after I asked her seven or eight times.  

 

Please remember, dogs are 2 years old emotionally, for the rest of their lives.  They never mature past 2 years.  Imagine dragging around a 100lb 2 year old for many, many years.  It's hard, hard work.  But, for me, so worth it!

 

He may be 2 years old but I'll be darned if he'll misbehave in public.  Not on my watch!!!!

[Caribbean Chris]

11 hours ago, Mavis and Me said:

I'm so happy that you are planning to enjoy the independence that your SD girl is able to give you!  Don't worry about any comments - people can be ignorant.  I'm constantly educating people about small service dogs because when they see how well behaved Mavis is, they feel this weird need to share their experiences with 'fakes'.  Inevitably, the conversation turns to 'little yappy dogs' or 'ankle biters' and how they are all fake.  I explain that the number ONE breed for medical alert (in a survey that I found a few months ago) is the Chihuahua!  I tell them that despite the small size, a Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Papillon, etc., is STILL A DOG!  They can still sense the same things that a Golden, Lab, or GSD can.  They still have the same keen sense of smell.  How much easier it would be to carry my SD around vs. trying to steer her 95 pound body through crowds!  I envy you and your cute SD!  Stay strong!

Some Hearing Dogs are quite small. My dog came from Dogs for the Deaf (now known asDogs for Better Lives). That organization often places “career change” Labradors like mine from Guide Dogs for the Blind with deaf clients after adding more training for sound alerts. And they have a breeding program for Labradors, too.
 

However a large number of their dogs come from shelters which the trainers visit up & down the West Coast of the US looking for likely candidates, and they are all sizes. The little dogs are trained to jump on their partner’s lap to alert for sounds. The bigger ones are trained to tap the partner’s leg with their nose.

 

When I got my Lab, I was surprised that I never had problems in public places (of course, she was calm and well-trained.) I remember that her trainer told me it was BECAUSE she was a Lab - that’s what people expect a service dog to look like. The clients with small dogs definitely get hassled more. Same skills, same good behavior. It’s not fair, but it is what it is.

[Caribbean Chris]

Allies_daphne, trained dogs are definitely a work in progress.

 

My training org required that clients also do ongoing work with a local trainer after receiving the trained dog. They helped me identify the right trainer, and I went for many sessions the first year. It was really valuable in training ME, more than the dog, in how to handle her.

 

And it is so important that the handler is constantly reinforcing behavior and tasks. Even after six years, I will make my dog come back and start over again if she slips and goes out the door (off leash) without first getting a “free” command. And occasionally  practice her less common sound work (smoke detector, name call, and doorbell) periodically and give her lots of praise and a treat or toy for succeeding.

[Caribbean Chris]

Those people with retractable leashes have no business being in airports! That’s just common sense, and it’s dangerous for everybody.

 

Most of the times, “rules” I’ve seen for public places (for example RV parks or campgrounds) state 6’ maximum leashes, and non-retractable. 

[allies_daphne]

Caribbean Chris, we are so lucky to have our trainer local to us, and we have lifetime training as part of our contract.  Whenever my daughter is struggling with him, we go in for a couple of sessions.  He has also don’t some additional lengthy scent training with Mickey, where he kept him for 2 weeks.  He gets us a new letter every year, stating his currents tasks, and that he has been retested on them, as well as CGC.  He also helped us with potty box training, and just answering general questions by phone or by text.  
 

When we went on our 14 night cruise, with an extra 6 nights away from home, he had never worked that many days in a row, but he was perfect.  We could not have asked for him to be better.  He truly loves working and wants to be challenged.  He also still definitely acts like he’s 2 when you take the vest off, or when he gets up in The morning to eat - sounds like a herd of elephants he’s hopping around so much.  For this reason, only for sleeping did we take the vest off during the cruise - otherwise I’m sure the people below us would have heard a lot more noise!

[mmarq1992]

On 1/4/2020 at 11:59 PM, wizard-of-roz said:

I'd like to hear more about the AKC  Service Dog Registration Card.  Organizations like Canine Companions For Independence will advocate for the proper ID Card for all certified and well trained Service Dogs.  I hope that I'm still working with a SD and am around to see such positive things happen.

 

Until there is UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION and an ID CARD make sure that your dog acts appropriately in public at all times.

 

Not much has been announced, I think it's in the beginning stages still, but I'm hopeful that it will be good and something organizations can get behind!

 

He may be owner-trained, but my dog is trained to the level of CCI dogs! We recently were at a grocery store and had a large dog start lunging towards us and growling. It was on Bentley's side too, so thank goodness the owner had a good grip on the leash! Bentley didn't flinch and just looked at me confused and perfectly heeled away with me. I have the same concerns as you about untrained dogs! 

 

And maybe that dog was task trained, but if a dog can't handle the distraction of another dog, then they shouldn't be out in public!

[mmarq1992]

19 hours ago, rangeley said:

On the ship. I heard there's a person with 2 small poodle like dogs on board. I haven't seen them yet. More to come on that. 

 

The box is quite large and filled with grass. We asked for mulch but thats ok. If we asked for grass we would have gotten mulch. Lol   Anyway he went right in sniffed and peed! Wooohoooo. I think he's finally got the hang of it. The box is on the promenade deck port side front. Perfect for us since we are right at the front elevators port side. That is the usual place Holland America puts it. 

 

I'm glad he's adjusting well! I was so relieved when Bentley had no issue with the box during our first cruise. I hope you don't have any issues with the other dogs!

[maddieking]

18 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said:

I think I'd still lay my artificial stuff on top of this.

If you bring your own turf, do you wash it on the ship or buy a new section for each cruise?

[wizard-of-roz]

3 hours ago, maddieking said:

If you bring your own turf, do you wash it on the ship or buy a new section for each cruise?

I pick up the solids and leave the piece when I disembark.  The 5x4 piece is not expensive.  I cut a few drainage holes in it.  I like to roll it rather than fold it.  But it does lay well either way after traveling.

[rangeley]

Happy/sad day today. Went to our favorite place, Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island. Had some old memories and made some new ones. 😭😁

[puppycanducruise]

Glad you got some happy new memories.

[Caribbean Chris]

2 hours ago, rangeley said:

Happy/sad day today. Went to our favorite place, Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island. Had some old memories and made some new ones. 😭😁

 

Awww, love those photos. Oak looks like he’s about to doze off in the sunshine.

I love going to HMC, and that cabana looks really nice. We should splurge sometime on one of those. 

[wizard-of-roz]

9 hours ago, rangeley said:

Happy/sad day today. Went to our favorite place, Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island. Had some old memories and made some new ones. 😭😁

Aww!!!  Wexy had such a good life.  Enjoy your time with Oleander!!!!!  He looks like he's loving the good life!

[wizard-of-roz]

I never met Wexy but I followed along with you and John on his journey to you.  I loved his "sugar face" and hearing stories about him.  I know how much you both loved him. 

 

Knowing Oakland, I bet he would have loved Wexy as much as you did.

 

Enjoy your cruise.  The sunshine looks absolutely wonderful!

[S.S. Cruisers]

On 1/7/2020 at 8:22 AM, rangeley said:

Happy/sad day today. Went to our favorite place, Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island. Had some old memories and made some new ones. 😭😁

Awww Sexy Wexy and Pokey Oakie !  Sweet baby Boys. ❤️

 

[rangeley]

19 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said:

I never met Wexy but I followed along with you and John on his journey to you.  I loved his "sugar face" and hearing stories about him.  I know how much you both loved him. 

 

Knowing Oakland, I bet he would have loved Wexy as much as you did.

 

Enjoy your cruise.  The sunshine looks absolutely wonderful!

 

We were discussing the differences between the two. In the pic Wexy is panting which he did all the time. He hated the sun and his fur would be burning hot. Oak on the other hand never pants and loves the sun. He layed in the sun the whole day. He has become such a champ with the potty box. We take off his leash and he runs to it and jumps in. He's such a good boy. If I can get John to behave like that, it would be a happy life! 😂  

 

Last night I was playing the slot machine, John was playing blackjack so I had the dog with me. This officer was walking by and stopped to make a comment about the dog (he was passed out on his side) and asked about how he liked the potty box. I said it was great and he commented how handsome Oakie was then left. A crew member comes over and says wow he got the attention of the captain! I had no idea. He was hot! 😜 Glad I didn't say something stupid. 

Edited January 8, 2020 by rangeley

[rangeley]

3 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Awww Sexy Wexy and Pokey Oakie !  Sweet baby Boys. ❤️

 

 

Pokey Oakie? Haha   Oleander? This dog has alot of names. 

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, rangeley said:

 

We were discussing the differences between the two. In the pic Wexy is panting which he did all the time. He hated the sun and his fur would be burning hot. Oak on the other hand never pants and loves the sun. He layed in the sun the whole day. He has become such a champ with the potty box. We take off his leash and he runs to it and jumps in. He's such a good boy. If I can get John to behave like that, it would be a happy life! 😂  

 

Last night I was playing the slot machine, John was playing blackjack so I had the dog with me. This officer was walking by and stopped to make a comment about the dog (he was passed out on his side) and asked about how he liked the potty box. I said it was great and he commented how handsome Oakie was then left. A crew member comes over and says wow he got the attention of the captain! I had no idea. He was hot! 😜 Glad I didn't say something stupid. 

I'm so happy that Oakie thinks the potty box is no big deal.  He's a true pro now!  Horton's more like Oakie, he loves the sun, even though his fur does get hotter than heck!

 

It sounds like you're having a fun cruise.  Leave it to you to have a meeting with the Captain, in the Casino, of all places!  I hope you won big!!!!!

 

We ALL won BIG just knowing you!  Continue to have a fabulous cruise!

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, rangeley said:

 

Pokey Oakie? Haha   Oleander? This dog has alot of names. 

Don't forget "marshmellow nose!"  And, "slobber-puss!"

[rangeley]

2 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said:

Don't forget "marshmellow nose!"  And, "slobber-puss!"

 

Hey he's going to get mental problems from being called names. 😕

[wizard-of-roz]

21 hours ago, rangeley said:

 

Hey he's going to get mental problems from being called names. 😕

He is so loved by so many..........he'll be just fine!

 

Has the earthquake in Puerto Rico changed anything about your cruise?

[rangeley]

11 minutes ago, wizard-of-roz said:

He is so loved by so many..........he'll be just fine!

 

Has the earthquake in Puerto Rico changed anything about your cruise?

 

No our cruise didn't go there, but I heard the ships are still going there. 

 

Today the pier was really long so they had these complimentary bike taxi guys taking you from the ship to the port. Oakland and me rode on it. He jumped right on. I wish I had gotten a pic. 

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, rangeley said:

 

No our cruise didn't go there, but I heard the ships are still going there. 

 

Today the pier was really l  ong so they had these complimentary bike taxi guys taking you from the ship to the port. Oakland and me rode on it. He jumped right on. I wish I had gotten a pic. 

 I'm glad the earthquake didn't effect your cruise.

 

Oakie is such a leaper!  I can still see him jumping over the chairs we placed in the lounge.  Of course he only did it after John told him to.

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy Weekend everyone.   

 

I've been meaning to contact CCI about Horton's retirement but I've been so busy with family issues I've put off officially retiring him again.  It's got to be a priority for next week.  And, I have a cruise planned for the end of May, of which I need Horton to be a part of.  The only difference in Horton's behavior, as he ages [he will be 11 years old on April 29th] is he doesn't like to "jump" into and out of my car.  Or, up on a couch, bed or bench.  This is not an important task except that it does require me to use a ramp while using my car.  He's still as sharp, alert and "on-task" about every other aspect of my life!

 

Letting CCI know where I'm at puts me on the "Waiting List" and alerts CCI to looking out for "just the right dog" for me.  They know me; they know my needs, my wants and my desires for what I need in a Service Dog!  I had to wait a year for Horton and Brenda was not put into full retirement from going to work with me until I actually had my Team Training date.  She was 11 years old when she retired.

  

I don't think I'll take another dog until after Horty's gone.......see, there I go weeping......this is an impossible subject that MUST be broached but is so difficult for me to do!  This is all so much tougher than Brenda's retirement because I'm now alone, I have no "back-up" strength.  To not have Horton in my life just devastates my senses.

 

I need to attack this soon, I know!  And, I know that CCI will be supportive and helpful.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Awww Roz, now you have me all teary eyed.  Life has been a bit difficult lately for me anyway.  My sister passed away Thursday evening.  Her and my oldest sister had some beef with me and my other sister that they would just not let go of.  And I really still don't know what it was about.  Anyway, of course I feel guilty that we couldn't mend it (I tried) and now she is gone.  I am sure we won't be invited to the funeral or included in any part of it.  My oldest niece (My oldest sister's daughter) and my other niece (the daughter of the sister that passed) do try and keep me informed, but it is strained at times.  Enough teary crapola.

 

Cindy:  I had to pick a name for Oakie that rhymed! I'm sure he is not pokey!  Rocky is way more like a Rocket!