General~66~Is sometimes confused by handlers position. If he approaches the fridge but doesn't stand in the "correct spot", General will try to close the door rather than open it, no matter what command is given. I told Mark to do it while seated in the wheelchair and in the same spot standing and teach from that spot, then move away slowly to another position.
Also, he appears to be happy to work for food but bored when there's no reward or game to it. I asked Mark to only work on commands that he knows well once a week~work on the commands that he has confused with food or ball reward to engage him more fully. General went to a visit with 5 children this week, they were all over him and he barely noticed.
He had his first birthday last weekend~Happy Birthday General!
Jewel~66~Is doing well but is entering a "nippy" stage. When she gets overly excited she will lick several times then nibble on your ear or chin. Paul is trying to set it up with the other handlers so he can correct it. Her positioning while working is perfect, for a very looooong dog she seems to always know where her tail, legs and ears are and doesn't get them caught in things very often. Paul is working on backing up and she does it well until she gets about 4-5 steps into it, then suddenly will veer off course. WPR Dawn notes that she is fine with small kids, goes to kindercamp drop off and pickup and gets mobbed and is fine. I will bring in a skateboard (her biggest fear!) next week to leave with Paul.
Roger~51~Roger is being assigned a new handler so will be spending an extended amount of time with his WPR Michele, going to work with her and with Christina so he can be thoroughly evaluated as well as have a chance to work on things that need more attention, such as settled greetings, ignoring food smells and people carrying food, and other dogs. Roger is also having a physical challenge with his left shoulder and was told by the vet to rest for the next several weeks, so no playtime until we see Dr. Murphy again.
