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

[sunshine426]

I notice more of a difference between the pure golden retrievers and the golden/lab mixes. Not so much between sexes. The group I volunteer stresses the socialization part. As soon as the puppies are immune enough they start going on outings(carried in a sling at first, then on leash with a cape). However, all dogs have their own temperment and some just don't like being out in public.

I do try to find the balance between making an outing fun for the young dog, and allowing lot's of interaction, and enforcing the attention staying on me. One thing I never allow(although some dogs really try) is to allow the SD to approach someone without permission.

 

I am still learning, each dog teaches me something new, and each trainer I work with teaches me something new.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Sunshine;

I don't know if you remember from my previous posts, my boy is a pure breed yellow lab, 110lbs. He is not a SD, I just saw Brenny's picture and had to jump on the thread. I have an interest in disabilities. Actually I'm 37% disabled with a back injury and hubby has had a by pass in his lower extremities. My girl friend is a Vet tech and she had questions on paperwork for SD going on cruises. She was familiar with flying them out of the country, but wasn't sure of any extra paperwork for cruising. So, I am here keeping up and getting tips for you all. I printed Roz's page from awhile back on what is required. I will give it my girlfriend and she will have a record of what is needed.

 

Nancy

[sunshine426]

Sunshine;

I don't know if you remember from my previous posts, my boy is a pure breed yellow lab, 110lbs. He is not a SD, I just saw Brenny's picture and had to jump on the thread. I have an interest in disabilities. Actually I'm 37% disabled with a back injury and hubby has had a by pass in his lower extremities. My girl friend is a Vet tech and she had questions on paperwork for SD going on cruises. She was familiar with flying them out of the country, but wasn't sure of any extra paperwork for cruising. So, I am here keeping up and getting tips for you all. I printed Roz's page from awhile back on what is required. I will give it my girlfriend and she will have a record of what is needed.

 

Nancy

 

Hey Nancy, I started reading this thread, because I was interested in the other side of SD's. I started volunteering with a training facility about 2 years ago. The training to be a volunteer handler takes about 6 months and several certification tests. I am a pediatric nurse by profession. My own personal pet is an 80 pound lab/golden mix who looks mostly lab, so I am a charter member of the "Love a Lab" club.

 

If at some point in your life, you feel that a service dog might be in your best interest, there a many wonderful orginizations out there. The ones that dont' charge for the dogs usually have a waiting list, so I would be proactive. Having a pet of your own is not a deterrant to having a SD. One of the reasons I take dogs home, is to see how they interact with a "pet" in the house. My own spoiled rotten house dog and cat. Many SD are placed into homes that have existing pets.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Having a pet of your own is not a deterrant to having a SD. One of the reasons I take dogs home, is to see how they interact with a "pet" in the house. My own spoiled rotten house dog and cat. Many SD are placed into homes that have existing pets.

Normally it wouldn't but our chubby old man (13 in December) does not like other dogs, never really has. I wouldn't trust him with a poor unsuspecting new comer. He also will not get into an inground pool. He does fine in his "Little kids" wading pool but no water over his head. Boy, we can pick em. A lab that doesn't like water! Pretty funny when you think about it.

 

I have the most adorable picture that was in the paper after 9/11. It is a rescue lab sitting on a bus seat with his mom just leaning on her sound asleep. I was so proud and felt so sorry for them. He had to be exhausted. I still have it somewhere.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Mornin' everyone;

 

Roz:

I'm dying to know how our little Brenny did with toy recovery 101? I'm sure she did great.

 

Unfortunately, I think we have discovered that Reno is going deaf. I'm sure its not selective hearing anymore. He will stand and bark at grandson while he is eating. I have to physically go over to him (Reno) and tap him on the butt to get his attention. Then I have to guide him to his blanket. Oh, I hate this. He does good with hand signals. He has cataracts on his eyes, so I guess that will be next.

 

I will have to spend alot more time in here with my little adopted furbabies.

 

Everyone have a wonderful week. I'm busy with appointments, interviews and school work. I have returned to school to finally get my bachelors degree. 5 week classes what a dream come true. I hope I'm not repeating myself.

 

Nancy

[wizard-of-roz]

Brenda Training: Hi guys....First; I must tell you Brenny did amazingly well! She kept wanting to "put" the toy back and then "take" it out immediately thereafter! That was the most difficult part, to get her to "leave" the toy in the box and focus on getting another toy.

But, after about 2 hours she had it down really well!

First: I gave her the command to "GET" a specific toy, "LEAVE IT" on the floor and then go back into the box and get another. I took her for a short walk (while the toys she took out remained on the living room floor.) I brought her back into the living room.......

Then: I gave her the command to "PUT IT BACK". Picking up one toy at a time and only focusing on that toy. (All the while using hand signals and voice commands.....everytime she put the correct toy in the box...she got a piece of kibble!)

We repeated and repeated; over and over and over again, until she had it!!!!!!!! Remember what works best, when training dogs dogs is consistency and kindness.......

We tried it again the following day and she did need a little coaxing but she did it.

She did get a bit bored with the whole thing so we decided to "re-direct" her to something else. And, then I brought her back when she was more attentive.

You don't want to "burn them out"....and, you always want to end a training session on a positive note!!!! And, look out for distractions; her favorite ball on the floor; the cat or children running around the room; dogs barking on the T.V.!

Nancy, I don't think it would be a good idea to bring a service dog into your home, right now. Reno is not socialized; he's older; he has health issues and really doesn't need the extra stress! However, when he passes (I know, it's so hard to think of that!) I really think that you would get so much out of a service dog for your health issues.

A service dog would assist you by standing near you and letting you use his/her shoulders in getting up and in making yourself "steady!" They could pick up thinks off the floor and assist in carrying things for you.

Brenny will be on her 10th cruise in November. She loves it and we love taking her! I always make sure her papers are in order before we go:

1. Immunizations-current.

2. Heartguard-current.

3. Advantix-current.

4. Agricultural Inspection Form-current (she visits the vet one month before cruising for an up-to-date form.)

If we're cruisng more than once in the same year, I use the same info.

5. City License tags-current.

Brenda problems: While cruising or out in public I don't always catch her doing something wrong right away and someone in the general public will give me a look and point to her; while she's in the middle of licking the carpet or stretching her nose towards someone sitting in a seat nearby........I just have to "snap" my fingers or "thump" my foot on the floor and she immediately stops....she'll then look at me and put her head down......she knows she's done something she shouldn't.

But still, I don't like it when someone sees her acting "not like a service dog"......I MUST ALWAYS keep my eyes on her.....She was ALWAYS like this, while a puppy; while in school; while in advanced training and even during her graduation from training.....she's a very nosey/friendly girl (that's part of the reason she makes such a fabulous service dog-she's so alert to her environment) but, it's also her biggest nemices!!!!!!! She could NEVER have been a Seeing Eye Dog!!!!!:eek: She'd be leading someone into the crowds of people and onto the stage and into the pool and on and on and on!!!!

Have fun....talk to you soon,

[S.S. Cruisers]

Roz:

You always bring a smile to my face. I knew Brenda would do great! Before long, it will be a routine with her and she will just do it. Ok, does Brenda have to be right up in your face when you are trying to do something. I have to get down on the floor to put things on the bottom shelf of the pantry. Can't bend over. Reno gets right next to me, having to touch me and his big ole head is right in the way. Its like he cocks his head and looks, like he knows which cans go on that shelf. But he does know which cans are his dog food, I swear. How do they know?

 

I would so be bad with Ms. Brenda stretching her neck out to get a quick pat. And licking the carpet? Mom, there might be goodies down there. Yuck, bad as kids, I tell ya. We call Reno the human vacuum cleaner.

 

Nancy

[wizard-of-roz]

Reno would have made the most amazing service dog.....he has all the attributes it takes to be successful!!!!!

Enjoy him! He's a gift! ;)

[DisneyKidsDad]

Not sure if this is the right spot for this, but here goes...

 

Well we got back Sunday from our two weeks of team training in Long Island, NY. It was by far the hardest, most stressful, sleep deprived, emotional, rewarding thing we have ever done. The facility is wonderful. The dorm rooms are large enough for our daughter to get around in her wheelchair. There is a fully accessable bathroom. There is a huge kitchen and common room. The training is intense. Our daughter wasn't able to test out as a service team, so we are a skilled companion team. My wife and I passed our public access test. She now has a goal to get her public access certification somewhere down the road. We came home with Orson III. He is a two year old Golden/Lab mix. He is very special because he can smile. They call it a "submissive grin". He does it when he is either nervous or excited. Now the real work begins. Keeping him happy and trained in all our everyday situations.

CCI is in the process of posting our graduation pics on their web-site.

I will be happy to answer any questions. Sorry, I don't have anywhere to post pics right now. As soon as I get some time, I will get one that's small enough to put one as my avatar.

[S.S. Cruisers]

DisneyKidsDad;

That is fantastic news! I love the name Orson III. I can't wait to see his pictures. I wish you guys all the best. I may get pounced on for this but, I believe a SD is really a family thing anyway. I know they are suppose to be for one person, but when you are together with them all the time others have to interact also.

 

Now, you have to book a cruise so you can get Orson addicted like the rest of us! :D

 

Nancy

[DisneyKidsDad]

DisneyKidsDad;

That is fantastic news! I love the name Orson III. I can't wait to see his pictures. I wish you guys all the best. I may get pounced on for this but, I believe a SD is really a family thing anyway. I know they are suppose to be for one person, but when you are together with them all the time others have to interact also.

 

Now, you have to book a cruise so you can get Orson addicted like the rest of us! :D

 

Nancy

 

Thanks Nancy, we have a Disney cruise booked for July. (see sig. :D ) We also have reservations for four days in WDW next month. We made those ressies before we found out we were going to training. Now we have to decide if that may be too soon.

[S.S. Cruisers]

I saw your siggie after I hit submit, was going to edit but didn't. Being too soon for WDW would be a toss up. Too soon or jump in with all four paws? I think I would watch Orson's behavior, locally in crowds and make a judgment from that. Either way I'm sure you will make the right decision for the family. Hopefully Orson will get to make his first trip to WDW and make you very proud.

[wizard-of-roz]

Dear Orson and Family,

Congratulations on graduating the most amazing, difficult and phenomenal process of your life!

You must be a very special dog. The program that you and your "humans" have just gone through was so grueling and intense, but you did it with an organization that will be behind all of you, the rest of your lives!

Your "humans" are so lucky to have you....they must be very smart and patient. It takes a lot of both to graduate from CCI!!!!!

I'm a graduate, myself. I've been with Roz for 6 years and we really love and respect each other. I also love her "man"; Morey and her children. We're a "family!" When I'm not working....we all play and, I get the best massages from Morey!

They take me on cruises, airplanes, buses, traines and on really long car trips.....Oh! I've also been to Las Vegas....boy, you should see the looks when I walk through a casino......amazing!!!!! The bigger the crowd the more I hold my head up, really high!!!!!

I'm going to a work-shop, at CCI in Santa Rosa, with my "humans" in October. I love going there! That's where I graduated from. I get to see a lot of other really smart dogs, just like me. They also wear clothes! My "humans" call my clothes a "working vest", (very different than those civilian dogs) that I see walking and running around the streets. Some of them do the silliest things!

Orson, you'll love your new life! You'll get to go to the movies and into the malls; you'll get to see a lot of legs and human's who stare a lot. It's because you're so, so special! Watch and listen to your humans.....even though they don't have fur.....they love you and wouldn't ask you to do something that you couldn't do!!!!!!

Take your time......don't worry, you'll work through the "rough spots" together. Sometimes you'll feel like you can't get anything right. Take a deep breath....step back, sit....look at what's going on....and, try it again!!!!!

Oh! And, I'm sorry you're not black.....but yellow is also a nice color!

Again, congratulations to all of you! May your future together be filled with lots of good health and lots and lots of fun and laughter.....

Love and Licks,

Brenda & Her "Humans" :)

[sunshine426]

Thanks Nancy, we have a Disney cruise booked for July. (see sig. :D ) We also have reservations for four days in WDW next month. We made those ressies before we found out we were going to training. Now we have to decide if that may be too soon.

 

DisneyDad, CONGRATULATIONS! I am so glad you posted about your experience. Best of luck with your new forever friend. Training Camp is in progress for the orginization I volunteer with. I am excited to see which dogs graduate and who they are paired with.

[DisneyKidsDad]

Dear Brenda and family,

 

Thank you for the kind words. I am adjusting well with my new forever family. They have two other dogs and a cat. We get along well. They took me on my first outing last night. We did a quick trip to a grocery store. WOW...what a place!! All the other humans and great smells. But I must have done pretty good because they kept giving me praise and pats. That just makes me want to learn more for them. Especially for my new best friend Kim. She isn't quite like the other humans. She has these big wheels attached to her when we go places. But I like walking next to her. She is able to pet me alot. I like that!!

Now you can see what I look like. Sorry I'm not black like you. I was friends with alot of black dogs when I was training, so I know I would like you if we ever met.

 

Big wags,

Orson and his forever family

[S.S. Cruisers]

Oh my goodness! Orson the III you are a very handsome young man. My name is Reno (short for Renogade). I'm not a SD, but my mom just loves our breed. I'm yellow like you and have a cousin that is Chocolate. His coat is shiny and he's pretty handsome too! So I guess we have the spectrum covered. Yellow, Black and Chocolate.

 

I will be 13 in December and am feeling the old age. Its hard for be to get up an down. My hearing isn't so good anymore. But that gives me the excuse not to always do what I'm told!:oI'm with you about smells and sounds. I can hear a cheese wrapper and beef jerky bag being open, clear from the other side of the house. If I'm patient, my mom shares with me. I weigh 110 lbs. but am a big man. I could stand to loose a few, but I figure at my age, I might as well be happy on a full tummy.

 

Kim is very lucky to have you. I am glad you like your other siblings. I don't usually care for other dogs. I have a trust issue with them. I have a kitty though. Her name is Leann Emily. She's almost like a dog, she's pretty rough and tumble.

 

Well, I have to take a nap now. I don't have the energy that you young pups have.

 

Good luck and eat up all the lovin' I know you will get.

 

Reno

[wizard-of-roz]

Reno, you're "13"! How wonderful....Nancy is a really good caretaker!

Kim, Orson and Family....I, too, hope that we get to meet one day...who knows...Maybe on a cruise ship!!!! ;)

 

And, Orson, you are a handsome boy!!!!!!

[uppitycats]

I just wanted to tell you all thanks for a great thread. I use a manual wheelchair full time. I don't have a service dog....and to date I haven't been able to convince any of my 4 cats that they'd be good at that! :D

 

but I've learned a lot about how your service animals work to make your lives easier.

 

I've been on several cruises where folks have been on board with service dogs. It never occurred to me to even explore how they managed the bathroom issues (for the dogs..not the people!). And it's amazing all that your critters do for you.

 

I've always respected them...my admiration is only greater, now.

[wizard-of-roz]

uppitycats: Thank you! FYI: Some CCI facilities train their Service Dogs while in the same room with cats/rabbits and birds. This is to desensitize the dogs to all sorts of animals and sounds in their environment.

Brenda can see a bird/squirrel/cat/rabbit and not even move an inch....but, the second she sees another dog, she immediately goes into that "gotta meet ya", "gotta meet ya" mode! :p She literally turns into a different dog.....It's one of her "quirks!" I don't think she'll ever change about this....I just have to remain on guard, when I think there might be another dog in sight. She needs a little extra "correction!" :rolleyes:

There is a Chicago CCI Satellite Office (not too far from Wisconsin.) It's in Woodstock, Illinois - (847) 816.7360. Just in case you might be interested in opening up your world and inviting an amazing "partner" into it!

In the meantime, enjoy your "fur babies" and write-in when you can!

[DisneyKidsDad]

And to add to what Roz just wrote, alot of the puppy raisers have pets of their own. Orson's puppy raisers have a dog and a cat. The CCI dogs spend the first 18 months with them.

[uppitycats]

I'd be more worried about my cats beating up on the dog, than the reverse! :)

 

or one of my cats who would likely zip under the couch, never to be seen again! :)

[wizard-of-roz]

You know best.....and, you certainly don't want to traumatize your kitties! :o

[sunshine426]

I have an elderly(15 years old) kitty, as well as a dog of my own. One of the things I watch for when I bring home SD in training is how they react to my pets, as that helps with placement. Of course my elderly cat has all her claws and will use them if one of the dogs get's a little too friendly! :D

[dvdfreakmc]

Thanks Nancy, we have a Disney cruise booked for July. (see sig. :D ) We also have reservations for four days in WDW next month. We made those ressies before we found out we were going to training. Now we have to decide if that may be too soon.

 

 

Don't even think about not going. Disney is the best place to take a service dog, as all the staff is extremely well trained, knows what to do, and helps out through everything. It is a dream. We have been and it was one of our most enjoyable trips! (aside from cruising that is).

 

We all just got back from our Boston to Montreal trip with Werin and Cameron. Here are the pics.

 

Set One: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48998&l=27c21&id=648466808

Set Two: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=49079&l=813d4&id=648466808

Set Three: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=49084&l=03314&id=648466808

 

Here is the cruise review with all the details: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=834900

[S.S. Cruisers]

Peter;

What great pictures! I love the one of you, Cameron and Werin up on the hill and his ears are blowing in the breeze. Cameron and his boy are very handsome!:D

 

Nancy