Nothing Butt Huskies

Kodi has been learning exceptionally well. I use any opportunity I can to re-enforce the commands I’ve been using and the skills we’ve been working on.

A couple of days ago, he stole a kitchen towel off the sofa where I was folding clothes. He tossed it into the middle of the living room. My husband and I both told him, “Pick it up” (in stereo) and Kodi went to it, picked it up and brought it to me, putting it in my hand.

This morning I wasn’t able to take him for our morning walk, as my power chair is in the shop, so to keep him busy I decided to work on some more Assistance Training.

I dropped the remote on the floor and asked him to ‘pick it up’. He did so and brought it to me, putting it in my hand.

I dropped the wireless home phone on the floor and asked him to ‘pick it up’. He did so, walking around the room in a circle first, then brought it to me and put it in my hand.

I dropped my house keys on the floor and he picked them up and put them right in my hand, as soon as I asked him to ‘pick it up’.

While emptying the dishwasher and putting dishes away this morning, I knocked the kitchen towel off the cupboard door onto the floor. I called Kodi, my first real chance to put this skill into practical action. I pointed and asked him to ‘pick it up’ and he did so, without hesitation. After moving it to another area of the kitchen, where he got a better hold of it, he brought it and put it on my lap.

We are progressing in other ways as well. We are being more consistent, not only in the house but outside where the distractions make things more difficult.

This morning while outside to potty, we practiced “come” and “bring it” and Kodi relinquished the toy, putting it in my hand, for a reward. He practiced “heel” coming up the ramp and at the front door, easily went into “sit” and then “stay” while I went inside, holding the door open for him.

Kodi is developing some wonderful skills, as well as solidifying our bond. I was very upset day before yesterday and cried. He jumped up on the recliner with me, lay on me on his side, put his face on my shoulder and licked my tears, just cuddling with me.

He’s becoming more sensitive to my moods, emotions and needs, staying close when I’m not feeling well, relaxing and doing his own thing when I’m more at ease.