I am currently working with Rachel and Tink, who is my Service Dog In Training. Rachel partnered Tink and I because I have extreme anxiety issues. Tink's temperament is ideal for helping me deal with this, as she is sensitive and perceptive. Rachel has the expertise in choosing service dog candidates that will serve a variety of purposes, and Tink was chosen to partner with a person just like me. Tink was 16 weeks old when I decided to bring her into my life, and she's now 7 mos old.
Rachel is very professional and direct, and also very sensitive to the needs of her clients. For example, I recently made a life-changing decision, so training shifted toward the psychological areas of how Tink will be utilized in my life when things are overwhelming. I credit Rachel for knowing it was time for shifting gears, instead of plowing through with a rigid agenda.
Rachel worked hard, and so Tink had her basic training and heavy socialization well on their way before we met. Our work now is consisting of me learning Tink, and Tink learning me. A series of outings are planned, both indoors and out, good weather and bad.
For example, we have worked on leash manners. Rachel tethers herself to Tink's Har-Vest behind me as I walk with Tink in her proper position next to me. She guides from behind, using leash pressure when needed. After our walk we talk about areas where everything went right, and areas that need work, and how to work out that particular kink.
Rachel and I meet twice per week to work and discuss progress. On my own, I am doing public access work with Tink, so when I meet with Rachel we talk about how my outings went. I use a diagram
In addition to this very personal and intense training, I've had experience with Rachel helping me train my pet dogs. Well, I like to think of it as teaching my pet dogs to think for themselves. Through clicker training, learning to observe "calming signals", and socialization with new people and surroundings, and other dogs, Rachel absolutely can help you reach an entirely new level of relationship with your dog.
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