Twas The Night Before Christmas

Reminder:  I will be out of the office the week of Christmas.  I will be back in the office after the new year.  For medical emergencies please contact your local veterinarian. Then please phone the office at 740-833-3700.

The regional training center in Delaware, OH will be closed to the public:

Monday, December 24
Tuesday, December 25
Monday, December 31
Tuesday, January 1

Puppy Training Challenge:  Holidays are great for practicing the command "bed".  During holiday dinners take the opportunity to reinforce a long "down."  Remember we don't use the word "stay" anymore.  Stay is always implied with sit, down, stand, and bed.  When told these commands the dog remains until another command is given. 

Greetings are also abundant during the holidays.  Remember the puppy should remain sitting when being pet.  Please correct any licking or pawing.  If greetings are difficult for the puppy to control, then you always have the crate to use.  Bringing a crate to your holiday gatherings will give both you and the puppy a break from over zealous family members.  Be as consistent as possible over this holiday season.

Puppy Raising Tip:  "Twas The Night Before Christmas"

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,

A CCI puppy was sleeping as innocent as a mouse. 

The dog toys were strewn around the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nickolas would put more there.

The puppy raisers all nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of puppy commands danced in their heads. 

Mamma dreamed of jump and of under and you of down stays,

As they realized they forgot to train each and every day.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

The keeper dog barked and startled the manor. 

You sprang from the bed to redirect the behavior. 

Away to the puppy you flew like a flash,

And yelled “quiet” just as you heard the crash.

As the moon cast a shadow with an ominous glow,

You tripped on a toy and decided to go slow.

When, what to your wondering eye should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

Within that one moment you made up your mind,

Suzanne would say what a great socialization time. 

More rapid than eagles you rushed to the door

snatched up the Gentle Leader which wasn’t a chore.

Remembering your last call you could hear Suzanne say:

On Avery! On, Lassie! On, Novajo and Nifty. On Porthos! On, Solo, On Hoyal and Herman. On to Advanced Training, On to Advanced Training! Do progress reports. Progress reports! Progress reports for all.

You remembered about proofing, and generalizing, and weaning off cues.

You promised to not push the puppy too far to create bad news.

So you grabbed your treats, and calmed down your nerves.

As you drew in your head and was turning around

 St. Nicholas came in with a bound.

He was dressed all the same, in red and in white.

But he yelled really loud when he landed on the half chewed nylabone that was left out that night. 

“What would Suzanne say he declared? The puppy may break a tooth. 

Goughnuts are the new truth.”

Your face turned all pink, and you looked at your toes. 

“I will post it to Facebook so that she and everybody will know.”  

He said with a smile, No worries, you have the tools,

just follow the rules.

May I greet this great pup he said as he extended his hand. 

Sure you say with great pride and great joy,

but remember he is not allowed to lick or stand. 

He must remain sitting to build self control.

He feels a bit plump, check with Suzanne,

She can recommend a diet plan. 

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, He swung his sack around and the puppy stayed still.

You’ve done a great job, keep learning new skills.

And laying a treat upon the pup’s toes,

which the pup did not oppose,

and left all alone.

He smiled, and nodded, and up the chimney he rose.

As St. Nick sprang to his sleigh which gave a loud whistle,

The puppy just looked at the brand new Bissell©.

“What a strange little man,” the pup thought to himself?

He crawled back into bed and was proud of himself.

Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen

Puppy Program Manager

Stairway To CCI

Reminder:   Facts on the release dog procedure:

• Puppy raisers have first choice of adopting the dog they raised if released from the program.
• Puppy raisers can suggest a close friend or family member that helped with the raising process to adopt the dog.  Final decision is made by CCI.
• Anyone other than the puppy raiser adopting a dog must pay the $500 adoption fee. Puppy raisers do not negotiate this fee with potential adopters.
• For friends and family who would like to adopt a puppy, interested parties should fill out an application prior to the dog entering Advanced Training. 
• There are close to 200 people on the release dog waiting list.  This list includes other puppy raisers families, graduate families, donors, VIPs and many others closely related to CCI along with the general public.   It is CCI's responsibility to find and approve potential homes for release dogs.  There are many wonderful families waiting for a release dog.

Puppy Training Challenge:  "Side" the forgotten command.  The "side" command tells the dog to sit on the right side of the handler.  Many puppy raisers naturally work the dog on their left side, but remember you do have a right side.  A CCI puppy should be proficient at all commands whether they are on the handlers left or right side.  The puppy training challenge for this week is to work the puppy exclusively on your right.

Example of a puppy raiser with the puppy she is raised in "side: position.

Puppy Raising Tip:     STAIRS
Stairways are dangerous. I think at some point we have all fallen down a flight of steps. I'm probably one of the reasons why baby walkers are frowned upon.  That's right, I fell down about 17 steps in a baby walker. Wearing heels for the first time, I fell down a flight of stairs heading to prom (another wonderful high school memory). We've all taken that awkward step and hit the step just wrong almost sending us head over heel down to the bottom. Even with the greatest of balance, sometimes accidents happen. CCI doesn't want a CCI dog to be the reason for a bad fall.

It is extremely important for CCI puppies to learn to traverse steps and stairways safely. 

What it should look like:

• The CCI puppy should be parallel (in proper let's go position) to the handler on either the handler's left or right side.
• The CCI puppy should not lag behind or forge ahead of the person.
• If the handler stops on a step the puppy should not curl in front blocking the person from moving forward.
• The CCI puppy should never try to change sides from in front or behind while climbing a stairway.
• The CCI puppy should maintain the same speed as its handler. If the handler goes slow, the puppy should go slow.
• The CCI puppy should never hop, lunge or rush at any point on the stairs.
• The CCI puppy should walk right beside the handler as if walking on flat ground.

Teaching:

• Have the puppy on leash.
• Put a treat at the puppies nose and take one step. Reward, then take another step.
• Reward on each step until you reach the top.
• Keep the puppy's attention on the handler by using food as the handler descends the steps. 
• Reward frequently for the puppy's attention on the handler.
• If the puppy moves ahead, stop and make the puppy come back to the handlers side.
• Once the puppy masters walking nicely up and down the steps with attention on the handler, begin to increase/decrease speed.
• Running with the a puppy in a stairwell is not necessary. Walking slowly, is a more practical practice.
• Practice stopping every couple of steps. Remember the puppy should not curl in front of the handler or shy behind.
  
• Be aware of any tension on the leash. Puppy raisers should not feel like they are holding the puppy back.
• When climbing stairs, the leash should always be loose.
• If the puppy is fearful of stairs, please contact CCI.

Your task as a puppy raisers is to socialize the puppy to different stairways:
Open sided stairs
Stairs you can see through
Carpeted steps
Grated steps
Wood steps
Slanted steps
Basement steps
Steep steps
Low steps
Dark dungeon like steps
Narrow steps

Manners on stairs for our graduates is critical. A dog can be released from the program if they are dangerous on steps. Even though many of our graduates use wheelchairs, many of them also walk. The ability to safely climb stairs is required by all graduating dogs. Puppy raisers should take every opportunity they can to practice safe stairway etiquette. 

For some puppy raisers the home they live in maybe lacking in stairways. Puppy raisers that don't have access to stairs on a regular basis should visit establishments with stairs. It may be necessary to ask people if you can borrow their steps for practice.

Remember slow and steady always wins the race. 

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager

Happy Thanksgiving

Reminder:  I will be out of the office  starting Wednesday, November 21, 2012 and will be returning to the office on Monday, November 26, 2012.   CCI will be closed Thanksgiving day and Friday, November 23 in observance of the holiday.  For medical emergencies please consult your local veterinarian. 

Puppy Training Challenge:  Remember CCI puppies should not eat off of the floor.  Now I'm not asking you to drop your turkey dinner on the floor.  However, it might be a good idea to teach and practice leaving food on the floor alone before an actual holiday.

For young puppies teach the puppy that you are better than distractions (food, other people and children, small animals, etc.).  When practicing control around food, practice with a higher value treat than what is on the floor.  When the puppy goes for the food, say no then redirect the puppy to you using the food.   Before the puppy moves towards the food, reward for having self control.  Again you are a higher value reward than whats on the floor.  Praise the puppy for focusing on you and ignoring distractions. 

Once the puppy understands, don't be afraid to correct.  CCI puppies should never snag food off the floor.  If they do pick something up, it is our job as a good handler to go in after it.  Yes you might get a little slimed. 

Puppy Raising Tip:   Happy Thanksgiving

In this season of Thanksgiving it is only appropriate to tell our puppy raisers why CCI instructor are thankful.  CCI instructors are thankful for:

• Puppy raisers that teach heel and side with minimal cues.
• Puppies that know heel and side.
• Progress reports that are emailed or mailed on a monthly basis.
• Puppies that accept handling and grooming.
• Puppies that accept the Gentle Leader or cape.
• Puppy raisers that teach a reliable recall and don't let the puppy play keep away.
• Puppy raisers that don't keep beds in the puppy's crate.
• Puppy raisers that don't take CCI puppies to dog parks and doggie daycare.  
• Puppies that walk nicely on leash, that accept being crated, and have exceptional house manners.
• Everyone is thankful for a puppy with no gas or diarrhea.  I am most thankful for not picking up the phone and discussing chronic diarrhea.
• Puppy raisers that teach a puppy to be responsive to verbal commands.
• Puppies that have great eye contact.
• Puppy raisers that continually attend obedience classes.
• Puppy raisers that follow CCI guidelines and policies.

First and foremost CCI staff are thankful for volunteers that take time out of their busy lives to take in a puppy for over a year.  CCI's mission could not be completed without the assistance of such dedicated volunteers.  Thanks you.

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program manager

Fall fun with a leaf

Reminder:  For those of you who are waiting for a puppy to become available to be raised, please know I have not forgotten about you.  Currently we aren't getting many puppies, so there is a wait.  We will be getting puppies in the coming months.   I will let you know as soon as a puppy becomes available.  Thank you so much for your patience.

Puppy Training Challenge:  Many of the trees in our neighborhoods have dropped their leaves.  Practicing commands in dry crunchy leaves or wet leaves is a great way to proof commands.  Get outside in this nice brisk air and do some training.  They might get a little dusty or muddy, but hey this is all in the name of training.  Just make sure the puppy is clean when you go out into public.  CCI dogs should do commands whenever a command is given, regardless of surface.

Puppy Raising Tip:   Fall fun

As with all seasons, Fall brings about some fun activities.  Here are some examples of things to do with the CCI puppy you are raising.

• As in the puppy training challenge, practice commands in the leaves (wet and dry).
• Throw some leaves in the air.  The CCI puppy should remain in position.
• Pick up a stick and gently touch the puppy's sides head and feet.  Strange touch is something a CCI puppy should be comfortable with.  Remember no chewing.
• Take a walk in your neighborhood and say hello to your neighbors while they are raking their leaves. Please don't play in thier leaves.  They may not like it.
• In your fenced in backyard, put the puppy in a down.  Practicing a duration down while you rake your own leaves. 
• Have the puppy walk through a puddle or over a mound of leaves.  Remember CCI puppies should not shy away from any safe surface we ask them to go over.
• Take a walk around your neighborhood to see the Christmas lights being put up.  A person on a ladder might be scary for some puppies.  Remember CCI puppies should not climb ladders.
• As you prepare for guests visiting your home over the holidays, practice,  practice, practice, appropriate greetings and calm down stays.  While you eat dinner put the puppy in a down and have them remain there throughout the meal.
• Take the age appropriate CCI puppy Christmas tree shopping.

Some of these suggestions will be different depending on the age of the puppy.  Work with what the puppy knows, but keep increasing your expectations.  Remember the crate will be your friend through this hectic season.  As always if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact CCI.

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen

Announcement

Reminder:  November Graduation and Turn in Ceremony will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012 at the Dublin Recreation Center in Dublin, OH.  The graduation ceremony starts at 2:00pm with turn-in of Advanced Training dogs from 4:00-5:00pm at the training center in Delaware, OH.  If you are in need of details please contact the center at 740-833-3700.

Puppy Tip:  Well not so much of as a tip, but a promise to start the puppy tips back up again.  It has been a busy year as we are about to make our 51 placement.  NCR's goal was only 45.  Thank you puppy raisers for all your hard work in helping us reach our placement goals.

Puppy Training Challenge:  Practice, Practice, Practice.  Practice makes perfect.

Announcement:  It is with sadness that the training staff announce the departure of Michael King from the Northcentral region.  Michael has been an invaluable asset to the training staff and to me in puppy program.  In all aspects of puppy program I cannot thank him enough for being a huge support in assisting both I and our wonderful puppy raisers.  As he continues his career in CCI's Northwest region, we wish him the best of luck, and remind him to not be a stranger.  Ohio will always be home.

Direct from Michael:

Hello Puppy Raisers,

As you may or may not know, my time here at the North Central Region is soon coming to an end. This Team Training Graduation, on November 9th, marks my last official day as an NCR employee. I will be relocating to work at our National office in Santa Rosa, California to continue along my CCI career path. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in a way that words cannot express. It truly has been a pleasure getting to know you. I sincerely thank each of you for the kindness, generosity, and trust that you have endlessly shown. It is without a doubt that I am able to say that I will miss working here.

Sincerely,

Michael King

4th of July Fun

Reminder:  The 4th of July celebration is a human holiday.  CCI puppies should never attend a fireworks display.  Keep the puppy at home in

Puppy Training Challenge:  Practice lots of crate time.  CCI puppies should spend lots of quality time in thier crate during this 4th of July holiday.

Puppy Raising Tip:  Happy 4th of July

There is no better way to celebrate our country's independence and to celebrate freedom by going on a picnic and attending a fireworks display. However, CCI puppies SHOULD NOT attend fireworks displays/events. Please leave the CCI puppy at home. Crating the puppy during this time is very important. Exposure to fireworks has caused sound sensitivities and fear in certain dogs. Don’t take the risk of creating a negative experience.

Parades are also a traditional 4th of July outing for families. Please leave the puppy at home. Parades can be hot, loud, and overwhelming for some dogs. Fire engines, marching bands, jet fly overs can be scary for some dogs. Leaving the puppy at home in their crate will minimize the potential of fear to develop. Please use lots of common sense this weekend.

If you are at home or at a friend's house when fireworks are going off in the neighborhood, put the puppy in a crate in the house. Also, never leave a puppy unattended in a backyard when people are setting off fireworks. We have several stories of CCI dogs jumping fences out of fear over a 4th of July weekend.
Picnics are a great socialization opportunity. However, leave the puppy home if fireworks are planned. Picnics can be hot and overwhelming if there are lots of people and activity. Bring a crate with you so you can put the puppy away if the puppy is getting too hot or overwhelmed or if people are setting off bottle rockets and other firecrackers.

Use the crate often this weekend. Please use common sense if you are taking the dog with you to a group picnic. Have a game/exit plan in place if the puppy begins showing signs of stress. We want everyone to have a very fun and safe holiday weekend. This is one day that CCI puppies don't need to participate. Keep the puppy safe by crating.

Happy 4th of July!

Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager

Excitability

Reminder:  Sometimes we have to state the obvious just as a reminder.  We have all heard that there is more than one way to skin a cat.  Well there is more than one way to train a dog.  However, when a volunteer signs the contract to raise a CCI puppy, they agree to follow CCI's philosophies, policy's and procedures.    Everyone knows that rules are created for a reason.  Some people don't like to wear seat belts.  Some people don't feel the seat belt law pertains to them.  Breaking the seat belt law has the potential to bring a hefty price if stopped or in an accident.  Are you a CCI rule follower?  Hopefully!  Like the seat belt law there can be consequence for puppy raisers that don't follow the rules.   Of course, talking with your puppy program manager is always an option.  CCI staff are here to help everyone be successful as they journey through the puppy raising process.

Puppy Training Challenge:  Touching the puppy while the puppy eats is part of the CCI evaluation process.  Acclimating the puppy to touching should start as soon as the puppy arrives home.  Hand feeding the puppy helps build responsiveness and trust in their handler.  The puppy should be comfortable with the handler picking up the food bowl, and then  putting the bowl back down.  If the puppy growls over food or toys, please contact your puppy program manager.

CCI Puppy Raising Tip: 

We have a joke between staff about acting like a veterinary technician.  Now don't think I am being mean.  I can make fun of vet techs, because I am one.  Have you been to the vet clinic and the tech, receptionist or assistant sees the cute brown eyed puppy then screams with delight because the puppy exists.  This doesn't just happen at the vet clinic.  We have all met someone at some point that screams in excitement because a puppy is present. 

Well, what happens when someone gets all excited to see a puppy? The answer: The puppy gets excited.

What happens when the puppy is constantly bombarded with people who get overly excited?  The answer: The puppy learns to be excited which reinforces excitability and excitable behaviors develop.

So now  you ask: What are excitable behaviors?  Excitable behaviors are any behavior where the puppy cannot maintain control. 

Examples:

• A puppy in a sit position, but the front feet are dancing.
• A puppy that has a spring attached to its rear end and can't remain sitting.
• A puppy that licks.
• A puppy that jumps, lunges, or bolts toward the happy person.
• A puppy that sounds like Chewbacca, grunting and groaning loudly or even quietly.
• A puppy that submissive grins.

Now if you might think it is only strangers that cause the puppy to get excited.  You might want to evaluate yourself or your family.  Do you accidentally cause excitability?  Do your family members promote excitability? Do you or your family members squeal in a high pitched tone whenever you are reunited with the puppy? 

Regardless of who causes the excitability, the behavior should not be rewarded.  Puppy raisers can minimize the excitability by being aware of emotions that they project and the emotions that are in the environment. 

Ways to prevent teaching a puppy to be excitable:

1. Ignore the puppy when it gets excited.  Only give the puppy attention when they are calm.
2. Regardless of whether it is you entering the house or a visitor, no cooing, baby talk and/or squealing.
3. The puppy should be on leash, or in a crate, when visitors are in your home.
4. Politely tell strangers you are working on teaching the puppy to be calm.  Ask them to please don't pet, or have them shake the puppy's paw instead of petting. 
5. I would say be polite to your family, but will leave that up to you. 
6. Use the Gentle Leader.

Excitability is easily rewarded.  Because it is easily rewarded, it can become a bad habit.  The ideal CCI puppy should be calm and relaxed, doesn't wonder around, or constantly solicit attention from everyone.  If you continue to have problems with excitability, talk with your puppy program manager.

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager

Food On Floor

Reminders:   Zoos are fun for people, but not appropriate for CCI puppies.  If you are going to a zoo, please leave the CCI puppy at home.  There is no need to expose the puppy to zoo animals.   CCI instructors have seen and been told stories of puppies reacting fearfully to the sight or sounds of certain zoo animals.  It is not worth exposing the puppy to something that has no relevance in everyday life that has the potential to leave a lasting fear, and possibly reinforce inappropriate behaviors. 

Puppy Training Challenge:   Can the CCI puppy walk over food and maintain focus on the handler?  Does the CCI puppy get distracted by toys?

Puppy Raising Tip:  "Food, Food, everywhere, and not a drop to eat"

CCI puppies should be able to be calm and focused around food and toys.  CCI puppies should never grab for or be distracted by something enticing on the ground.  CCI puppies should learn that food and toys can be in their environment and that they can still maintain control and focus on the handler.

Please watch the video of a young puppy being reinforced for appropriate behavior while in a distracting environment. 

This puppy raiser is still using food to reinforce attention and to maintain control.  At first lots of food is necessary to reinforce appropriate behavior.  As the puppy learns and begins to understand to leave objects on the food alone, the puppy raiser can begin to wean off treats.  Once the puppy understands not to eat off the floor correction is then implemented. 

The expectation for an assistance dogs is that they understand that toys and food on the floor are not a reason to be distracted.  Food and toys can be in the dog's environment and they can maintain attention on their handler.

Remember the command "leave" is no longer a CCI command.  If a puppy is doing something in appropriate, like snatching a treat off the floor, you simply say "NO" and correct.   If the puppy you are raising continues to be distracted by toys, dogs, and food, please contact CCI.

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager

Easter 2012

Reminder: Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Please make sure all Easter baskets are out of reach of any roaming CCI puppy.

IPOD, IPHONE, Smart Phone users: During Advanced Training, puppy raisers are updated monthly on the progress of the dog. This report is emailed using a PDF file. For many who have an iPhone, iPod, iPad, or other smart phone- many of these devices have an option to open the file directly from the email. Unfortunately, trying to view a writable document only lets the user view the original form (blank). Downloading an application that allows PDF files to be viewed will be necessary.

If you are having difficulty opening a PDF document on your smart phone, there are applications that are available to download like "PDF Reader Lite" made by "Kdan Mobile Software LTD" or "Dropbox" (these apps are FREE).  These applications will allow you to be able to easily view emailed PDF writable files on your smart phone or other device.

Puppy Training Challenge: Have fun this Easter with an Easter egg hunt. As you collect your eggs, each time you stop, have the puppy sit. The puppy must remain sitting, without sniffing you or offering to shake, each time you bend down to pick up the Easter egg.

You might be surprised that when you are at eye level with the dog they may want to break position.  Regardless of what position you are in, the CCI puppy must learn to remain in position without soliciting attention.

CCI Puppy Raising Tip:  "Good Ol Play"

Playing with the CCI puppy should be fun and simple.  Playing fetch with a CCI puppy doesn't need to be made complicated with commands.  Playing simply entails telling the dog release, letting the dog run after the toy,  and then the dog returning the item to your hand.   Commands like fetch are not important.  CCI does not want the command "get" to be used.  "Get" is an Advanced Training command that has specific rules.  Puppy raiser should avoid this word. 

Some CCI puppies are not natural retrievers or they don't have much stamina.  This is okay.  However, trying to teach a play retrieve is highly encouraged.  Please only use dog toys.

The rules:

1. No commands are necessary other than the command "release."
2. Throw the ball and encourage the puppy to return to you.
3. Have the puppy deliver the toy to your hand.
4. If the puppy drops the toy, encourage the puppy to pick it up.  (example: where's your toy.)
5. If the puppy repeatedly drops the toy, the game ends. 
6. Regardless of how a puppy raiser plays with the puppy, the interaction should be started and ended by the handler. 
7. In all CCI training, the handler makes the rules, not the puppy. 

Problem Solving:

• Puppies that play keep away should be put on leash.
• A leash and treats can be used to reinforce and teach the puppy to come to the handler.
• Puppy raisers should use treats or another toy to reward the puppy for releasing the toy to the handler's hand.   Treats should be weaned away once the puppy understands any behaviors that are taught.
• For puppies that are new to this game or have limited retrieving instinct, puppy raisers should throw the toy a short distance. 
• Play sessions should be short with puppies that don't have much stamina.  Play time can be increased slowly.

View the video below for how playing ball with the CCI puppy should look.

Following these simple guidelines to playing with the CCI puppy will limit the amount of behavioral issues that have the potential to develop.  Playing doesn't have to be complicated, but as with everything, there must be rules.  If the CCI puppy is having difficulty returning or releasing the item to you, please contact CCI. 

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager

Some Basic Expectations

Reminder:  Medium puppy capes can be requested at five months of age. Also, the "speak" command should never be practiced when in a public place.

Puppy Training Challenge:  How does the CCI puppy react to the 18 items listed below.

Puppy Raising Tip:   Basic Expectations

Below you will find 18 items CCI trainers evaluate dogs on when they enter Advanced Training.  How does the CCI puppy you are raising respond to each?

1. Umbrella:  If you open an umbrella, the puppy should not flinch or shy away.
2. Wobbly Platform:  Puppy should climb over any surface with confidence
3. Crate: Puppy should enter and exit a kennel with confidence.  They should not rush in or out, and they should be relaxed and calm when in the crate.
4. Dog Interaction:  When walking down the road the CCI puppy should remain calm and be focused on the puppy raiser.  There is no need for CCI puppies to interact with strange dogs.  CCI puppies should easily look away from another animal when called or given another command by the handler.
5. Side position:  CCI puppies should be equally responsive to commands when on either the left or right side of the handler.  Remember both heel and side have implied sits.
6. Vacuum Cleaner:  CCI puppies should be calm and relaxed when a vacuum is running.
7. Food on Floor:  CCI puppies should never scavenge or snatch food from off the floor.  Self control around food is extremely important.  CCI puppies should never eat food off the floor.
8. Novel items (statues, looming objects, large stuffed animals, etc.):  CCI puppies can notice the novel item, but remain calm and indifferent to the object.  CCI puppies should never shy away or bark.
9. Dog Toys:  When on leash or in a sit or a down, CCI puppies should remain calm and indifferent to the toys.  Regardless if the toys are being bounced, squeaked, or thrown, the CCI puppy should have self control and the ability to focus on the handler.  They should easily look away from the toy when called or given another command.
10. Grates: Building confidence is extremely important.  CCI puppies should never shy away or avoid walking over any type of surface.  There are no excuses.
11. Stroller/Wheelchairs/Carts/brooms/bicycles:  CCI puppies should never shy away or become fearful of moving object that roll by them.  Again self control and confidence is essential to a successful working dog.
12. Gentle Leader:  CCI puppies should accept and be verbally responsive to commands when wearing the Gentle Leader.  The Gentle Leader is the primary training tool the puppy raiser uses.  It should be worn when ever the puppy is in public regardless of  how well trained the puppy is.
13. Stairs:  Control on stairs is also critical.  CCI puppies should never rush up or down a flight of steps.  They should walk calmly by the handler's side, and adjust to the handler's speed.
14. Doorways:  Like the stairs, CCI puppies should never rush through or shy behind the handler when walking through a doorway.  The puppy starts and stops with you. No commands are needed. 
15. Step Over:  CCI puppies should allow a person to step over them without moving or shifting positions.
16. Greetings:  Calm greetings is again extremely important.  CCI puppies should not get over aroused when interacting with people.
17. Small animals: cats, squirrels, rabbits, etc.:  Self control and handler focus is the only behavior we will accept.
18. Touch: CCI puppies should accept physical manipulation from anyone that is handling them.  They should also accept being in tight spaces and having items brush up against their side. 

Depending on the age of the puppy, how they react to the above stimuli, determines whether or not the puppy raiser might have an issue.  Young puppies typically react in some fashion to the world around them.  By the time the puppy enters Advanced Training, the dog should be calm, confident, and have attention on the handler. 

For a dog that is in Advanced Training there are NO MORE excuses.  The behavior is either acceptable or not acceptable.  Puppy raisers may have to evaluate their handling if they feel they need to make excuses.  Puppy raisers spend a great deal of time and energy, and want the puppy to be successful.  However, puppy raisers must remember that no dog is perfect.  If a dog reacts poorly, it may not be a reflection of their handling.  All puppy raisers can do is try. In the end it is up to the dog and the CCI trainers.

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager

Perspective

Important Dates for 2012

2012 Graduation and Turn-in Dates:

Friday, February 17, 2012

Friday, May 18, 2012

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Friday, November 10, 2012

2012 Puppy Raising Workshops:

Saturday, March 31, 2012   Pittsburgh, PA

Saturday, April 28, 2012     Kalamazoo, MI

Saturday, June 23, 2012     Chicago, IL

Saturday, July 21, 2012     Kansas City, KS

Saturday, August 18, 2012 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

Saturday, September 8, 2012   Indianapolis, IN


Puppy Training Challenge:  When you began your puppy raising journey, the puppy manual was your guiding light.  As soon as you received it you poured through the pages taking in as much information you could.  As you progressed through this experience and became more confident, the puppy manual was left by the wayside. 

The puppy manual is a wonderful resource when your puppy program manager is not available.  I encourage you to dust off your manual and review each of the sections.  There is a reason why CCI has specific rules and guidelines.  Your homework for the next week is to review CCI's socialization guideline section and safety section.  Please contact CCI if you have any questions.

Puppy Raising Tip:       "Keeping it all in perspective!"

For centuries the Pyramids of Giza were a mystery to the modern world.  Archaeologists spent decades trying to figure out how and who built them.  Many people had their own perspective and made assumptions: aliens, slaves, paid workers.  In time archaeologists learned the complexities of what it took to build these modern wonders.  

The ancient Egyptians mastered the art of pyramid building.  They had come a long way from the step pyramids, and eventually learned to build their tombs underground.  These Egyptians helped transform and redefine architecture.  

CCI staff are often asked "why" to many decisions, rules, policies and guidelines.  To the puppy raiser an issue seems so simple or not important.  "I let my pet dog off leash, why can't I let CCI puppy off leash, I've never had an issue."  "I volunteered for another organization, and they let me do this!"  "I like dogs that bark at the door, a graduate would like that."  "He won't get hurt, I'll make the experience positive."

What might seem simple or straight forward, in reality is not. 

Michael King - Apprentice Instructor- at the Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

 It is in the details that explain CCI decisions.

Michael King - at the base of the pyramid

When you hear about a CCI decision, or read a policy, rule, or guideline, the reason may not be clear.  The decisions CCI has made, have been made for a reason.  The details and scope of that decision, policy or rule may be more than what meets the eye. 

By volunteering for Canine Companions for Independence, a puppy raiser agrees to the decisions, policies, and rules that are set.  In order for an organization to run smoothly, and that organizations goals met, everyone must work together.   Puppy raisers are encouraged to ask questions so there is no mystery. 

The pyramids of Giza, were built by many.  As you carry (raise) your one rock (puppy), keep in mind your frame of reference.  From much trial and error, CCI has learned and implemented what works for CCI's goals.  Your contribution to CCI is one of many, but no less important.  If the rocks are not layered and organized correctly, the pyramid will crumble.  Unlike the pyramids,  CCI's inner workings are not a  mystery.  The details may not be clear at first, but with time, trust, and openness, understanding will come. 

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager