"Flash and me on our first morning as a team. Every morning since, we've woken up like this-- me, in the crack between the wall and bed, him, sprawled all over--he hogs the covers too."
| Home:Englewood, Ohio, OH | [I have a diary!] |
Age: 4 Years Sex: Male Weight: 51-100 lbs
"Flash, in his first proffessional photo. He always lays like this--with his oh-so-long legs crossed. I call it his "effeminate pose"."
  "Flash and his brother, Charlie, on the Fourth of July, 2008."
 "Flash and Charlie-- in a different pose. Fourth of July, 2008"
"Flash at three months old, and trainer, Nick, at Circle Tail."
 "My grandmother, Doris, and Flash, in therapy dog capacity. He visits her and others at the Home."
"Me and Flash, on graduation Day--March of '08-- from the Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association (mvPTa)."
"Flash, at 8 months--a gangly adolescent who has not grown into his legs..." [See My DogsterPlus Photo Book] |
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Leave a bone for Flash
Special Gift Box:
Nicknames:
Flasher, Flasher Doodle, Flasher D, Doodle Boy, Poop Eater
Doggie Dynamics:
| | | | | | | | | Energy | | | | | | Intelligence | | | | | | Friendliness | | | | | | Playfulness | | | | | | Disposition | | | |
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Quick Bio:
Likes:
playing tug-of-war with his "brother", Charlie
Pet-Peeves:
getting "dressed" (putting on his service dog vest)
Favorite Toy:
Charlie-- his "brother"
Favorite Food:
IAMS large breed dog food
Favorite Walk:
Zion National Park
Best Tricks:
"undress", "lights on/off", "hug"
Arrival Story:
Ever since he was a young puppy, Flash has delighted in making people laugh, and when he was an awkward, gangly teenager you would laugh just to look at him! I did! The day I met him was a sad day, but the dirty, stringy mutt with the long, gangly legs made me smile. Moments before, I had just lost Zima, my potential service dog candidate whom I had been training with for 6 months, because she failed the class. I was in tears and NOT in the mood to train with a different dog, but Flash had other ideas for me. First he rubbed his dirty, wet-dog fur all over the front of my clean, white pants as if marking me as his territory. Then he picked up his leash and laid it in my lap, as if to say you're mine now! The whole time we were together he NEVER took his eyes off me. It was not until a trainer pointed it out to me, that I realized this is my dog! I had been so caught up in my loss, that I had almost missed out on the perfect fit. He and I were made for each other. As I put him back in his kennel after class, I saw the steadfast, loving eyes reserved for me alone, and suddenly I was able to put Zima aside and open my heart to another dog, Flash.
Six months after our first meeting, on July 27th , Flash came to live with me for good. I was looking over the records they had sent home with me when I came across his birthday: September 11th.
Every year I am reminded that, even in the midst of darkness, there is reason to hope. And good things can happen even when tragedy strikes.
*******Recently, Flash and I joined Gem City Dog Obedience Club. There we are learning K9 Freestyle or "dancing with your dog". I wrote up a copy of some of the commands we are learning...pretty self explanatory-- it is posted on this site under Fun Stuff--extra bio fields. If you want to learn more about it, google K9 Musical Freestyle. Also, there are many routines you can watch on YouTube... when we get better at it, we'll post our routine here... Enjoy!... *******
Bio:
Flash was trained by Circle Tail Inc. to be my psychiatric service dog. (See "fun stuff" for more about Circle Tail and the people who trained Flash.)
He was donated to the program by a breeder, but most of their dogs are rescues.
I have DID (multiple personality) and the tasks he performs for me are:
1.) bark when he senses me going to alert me/others to my impending dissociative state.
2.) repeatedly touch/bump, lay head in lap (visit), put paws up hug or lap to provide tactile stimulation once I am gone to quicken my emergence from the dissociative episode. (Tactile stimulation helps me and is proven to help others with DID.)
3.) bring me my prescribed pills every night at 9:00pm. Pills are in a weekly pill strip. (This is important because recently I forget, and my psychiatric state has been suffering.)
Since Flash has been in my life (a year) I have only been hospitalized once (it used to be a monthly occurence!) and I have moved out of my parent's house, and am going to college! Thanks, Flash, for giving me back myself and my life!
Forums Motto:
The Dipsy Doodler
Circle Tail Inc.:
Circle Tail Inc. is a non-profit that trains service dogs for various physical, neurological, and psychiatric disabilities. Their website is www.circle tail.org
and the director's name is Marlys Staley.
If you have been suffering from a physical, neurological,or psychiatric condition, and could benefit from a service animal, I highly recommend Circle Tail.
GROUPS WE BELONG TO:
http://www.dogster.com/forums/Service_and_Therapy_Dogs
http://www.dogster.com/group/La_co_ca_lgbt_gay_and_lesbian_dog_caretakers_united-6536
http://www.dogster.com/group/Gay_and_lesbian_dog_owners-4807
http://www.dogster.com/group/Psychiatric_service_dogs-15226
K9 Freestyle:
K-9 Freestyle Commands
Basics
Heel- dog walks beside handler on left.
Hand Signal for Heel- left hand moves forward beside left leg.
How to Teach Heel- 1.)start with dog in stand or sit (depends if you want an automatic sit.) 2.)while saying heel, move forward with a treat in your hand, in front of dogs nose, and beside your left leg. 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Side- heel on the handlers right side.
Hand Signal for Side- right hand moves forward beside right leg.
How to Teach Side- 1.)while saying side repeat process for heel, but on the right side. 2.)Praise and Treat throughout exercise.
Sit- dog sits on hinds.
Hand Signal for Sit- palm up, arm bends at elbow.
How to Teach Sit- 1.)while saying sit, bring a treat in front of dog, then up above and behind head. 2.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Down- dog lays on stomach.
Hand Signal for Down- palm down, hand moves downward.
How to Teach Down- 1.)start with dog in sit. 2.)while saying down, use a treat to lure dogs front end all the way down to the ground. 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Stand- dog stands still on all fours.
Hand Signal for Stand- starting at dogs tail bring flat, downward facing palm to forward past dogs head.
How to Teach Stand- 1.)start with dog in sit. 2.)while saying stand and motioning with one hand, put other hand on dog's underside and lift till dog is standing. 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Stay- dog is in sit, stand, or down, stays while handler moves away.
Hand Signal for Stay- palm toward dog (stop sign).
How to Teach Stay- 1.) put dog in sit, stand, or down 2.)while saying stay and giving hand signal, move further away each time. 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Come- dog comes in a straight line directly to handler from other location. (Should sit in front of handler after coming.)
Hand Signal for Come- palm moves toward stomach, bent at elbow.
How to Teach Come- 1.)put dog in sit, down, or stand. 2.) while saying come and giving hand signal, move away from dog. (Prey drive is activated and dog will naturally come.) 3.) move farther each time. 4.) eventually put dog in stay and make him wait to come to you. 5.)Lure into a sit when dog reaches you. 6.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Front- dog comes and stands in front of, facing handler.
Hand Signal for Front- same as come
How to Teach Front- same as come, but dog should not sit,he should stand.
about turn- turn away from dog, dog should continue in heel or side, whatever position he started out in.
Hand Signal for About Turn- point to where you want dog.
How to Train About Turn- 1.)start with dog in heel or side. 2.)while saying about turn, lead dog with a treat next to you as you turn. 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
u-turn- same as about turn, except turn into (toward) dog
Hand Signal for U-turn- point to where you want dog.
How to Teach U-turn- 1.)start with dog in heel or side. 2.)while saying u-turn, lead dog with a treat next to you as you turn. 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Wait- dog stops and stands still, waiting for next command.
Hand Signal for Wait-
How to Teach Wait- 1.)stay close to your dog when teaching wait. 2.)hold dog to stop him, make sure he is paying attention to you. At first do not wait long. Sessions can get longer as dog advances. 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
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Beyond Basics
270 dog outside- 270 degree about turn
270 dog inside- 270 degree u-turn
360 about turn- full circle about turn.
360 u-turn- full circle u-turn.
face turn- dog is in heel or side, handler and dog turn toward each other at the same time. (Dog switches from heel to side/ side to heel.)
Hand Signal for Face Turn- point to where you want dog.
How to Teach Face Turn- 1.)start with dog in heel or side. 2.) while saying face turn, use a treat to lure dog around while you turn toward dog at same time. (Dog will end up switching from heel to side/ side to heel. Should be a fluid motion.) 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
away turn- dog is in heel or side, handler turns toward dog while dog turns away from handler. (Dog switches from heel to side/ side to heel.)
Hand Signal for Away Turn- point to where you want dog.
How to Teach Away Turn- 1.)start with dog in heel or side. 2.) while telling dog away turn, use a treat to coax him to turn away from you. (This is done while you turn toward dog.) 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
bloom turn- dog is in heel or side position, both dog and handler turn away from each other at the same time. (Dog switches from heel to side/side to heel
Hand Signal for Bloom Turn- point to where you want dog.
How to Teach Bloom Turn- 1.)start with dog in heel or side. 2.)while saying bloom, turn away from dog, while coaxing him to turn away from you with a treat.. 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
left about turn- dog is in heel, goes behind handler to side.
Hand Signal for Left About Turn-
How to Teach Left About Turn- 1.)start with dog in heel 2.)with a treat, lure behind you, coming into a side. 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
right about turn- same as left about turn, only dog starts in side.
Hand Signal for Right About Turn-
How to Teach Right About Turn- same as left about turn only start in side and end in heel.
moving down- while your dog is in down, you circle around him.
heel--- right- dog is moving in heel, when handler says right, he moves to side making a front-facing arc in front of handler. Ends on side.
Hand Signal for Heel--- right- start with heel, then point dog to right.
How to Teach Heel---right- 1.)start with dog in heel 2.)move dog to front. 3.)with two short leashes (tabs) , move dog in an arc, keeping front in basically the same place while back end moves. End on side 4.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
side--- left- same as heel---right but dog is in side, arcs to the left, and ends on heel
Hand Signal for Side--- left- start with side, then point dog to left.
How to Teach Side--- left- same as heel--- right, but opposite.
heel--- in- dog is in heel, as handler twists, dog moves in unison with handler. As handler twists to the left, dog moves body in line with handlers body.
Hand Signal for Heel--- in-
How to Teach Heel--- in- 1.) start in heel position. 2.) twist your body. 3.)with your hands, as you twist, move dogs hips to line up with your body. 4.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
side---in- same as heel--- in with dog in side, instead of heel.
Hand Signal for Side--- in-
How to Teach Side---in- same as heel--- in, but on side. Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Walk- dog is straddled by handler, moves in unison with handler while staying between handlers legs.
Hand Signal for Walk-
How to Teach Walk- 1.)get dog comfortable with being straddled- do not rush this, 2.) move to the sides with a treat in front of dogs nose, moving treat as you want dog to move. 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Follow- dog follows behind handler.
Hand Signal for Follow-
How to Teach Follow- 1.)hold a treat behind you back at dogs head level. 2.)say follow and move forward. 3.)Praise and treat throughout the exercise.
Other Moves
Back- dog is in stand position, handler in front.. Dog moves backward while handler walks forward.
Hand Signal for Back- finger beckoning backwards.
How to Teach Back- 1.)stand next to a wall, dog facing you. (It is ideal to have a barrier on both sides, the narrower the path the better. 2.) move into dog, while doing hand signal and saying back. 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
*after he has this down you can motion him back while he is beside you, in heel or side.
Pass- dog steps/walks sideways as handler walks into him.
Hand Signal for Pass-
How to Teach Pass- 1.)start with dog in stand, handler facing his side. 2.)move into dog while saying pass. (Hold a treat in front of dogs face and move it sideways if that helps.) 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
*once you get this down, you can switch the dog to either side and step sideways into him.
face-to-face- dog faces handler, both move/step sideways at the same time.
Hand Signal for Face-to-face-
How to Teach Face-to-face- 1.)start with dog in stand, handler facing him. 2.)Use two short leashes (tabs) going out to dogs sides in both directions. 3.) walk sideways, keeping dog lined up straight with you. 4.) hold leashes taut out at both sides of dog and move hands, thus dogs body, together in unison. 5.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Tricks to Practice
spin right- dog starts standing beside handler on right side, facing forward, spins in clockwise direction(away from handler) till back facing forward
Hand Signal for Spin Right- point at dog (downward), spin finger in clockwise direction.
How to Teach Spin Right- 1.)start with dog standing on right side, facing forward. 2.)while saying right spin, use a treat to lure dog in complete TIGHT clockwise circle. (Dog should finish facing forward.) 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
*after he has this down he does not need to be beside you to do a right spin
spin left- dog starts standing beside handler on left side, facing forward, spins in counter-clockwise direction (away from handler) till back facing forward.
Hand Signal for Spin Left- same as right spin, but in counter-clockwise direction.
How to Teach Left Spin- same as right spin with dog on left side moving in counter-clockwise direction. 2.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
*after he has this down, he does not need to be beside you to do a left spin.
Bun- dog is behind handler doing a follow, dog puts his paws on handlers hips/rear then walks SLOWLY with dog following on hinds (front paws remain on hips.)
Hand Signal for Bun-
How to Teach Bun- 1.)start with dog doing a close follow. 2.)pat rear of self with both hands while telling dog bun (one hand on each spot you wish dog to place paws.) 3.)slowly move forward telling dog forward (hold onto dogs paws to keep them on hips/rear.) 4.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
hug--- forward- dog has paws on handlers shoulders in hug, handler adds the command forward, dog moves forward while handler steps backward.
Hand Signal for Hug forward-
How to Teach Hug--- forward- 1.)start with dog in hug. 2.)command dog to forward 3.)move slowly backward as dog walks forward on hinds. 4.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
hug--- pass- same start as hug--- forward, then dog moves to either side by stepping sideways.
Hand Signal for Hug--- pass-
How to Teach Hug--- pass- same as hug--- forward, but handler side steps to either side as dog also steps sideways.
hug--- back- same start as hug---forward and hug---side, but dog moves backward as handler steps SLOWLY forward.
Hand Signal for Hug--- back-
How to Teach Hug--- back- same as hug--- forward and hug--- side but dog moves backward as handler steps forward.
***eventually with all the hug---_________ commands you can get the dog to Hug an extended arm or walker, or cane, etc. and back. forward, or pass on his hind legs (some people call this walk). This is good for escorting the dog in a song
hug---go around- dog starts in hug, handler commands dog to go around, turns with dog as dog steps in a circle around handler.
Hug---dash- same as hug--- go around, but dog circles handler in counter-clockwise direction.
Curtsey- dog is in stand position, one front leg goes under dogs chest while dog lowers front end (back end- hindquarters- of dog remains in upright position.)
Hand Signal for Curtsey-
How to Teach Curtsey- 1.)start with dog in stand position. 2.)pull either (but not both) paw under chest from opposite side while telling dog curtsey. 3.) slide remaining paw forward until front is lowered. (Hinds should remain up.) 4.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Beg- dog is in sit position, front paws come off floor (hinds remain sitting)
Hand Signal for Beg-
How to Teach Beg- 1.)start with dog in sit position. 2.)while saying beg and using a treat to lure dog up, lift front paws till dog is sitting with front paws off floor in the air. 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Weave- dog stands facing handler, goes in and out of handlers legs in figure eight.
Hand Signal for Weave-
How to Teach Weave- 1.)start with dog in stand facing handler. 2.)while saying weave, use a treat (one in each hand- you will use both hands) to lure dog under leg, around to front (give treat from closest hand), under other leg, and back to front (give second treat from other hand). 3) Repeat. 4.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
walking weave- dog weaves in and out of handlers legs while handler moves forward, sideways, or backward.
Hand Signal for Walking Weave- same as for weave (may need to repeat hand signal as you walk.)
How to Teach Walking Weave- 1.)same as weave, with movement. 2.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
roll over- dog is in down position, rolls to either side, onto back, then onto other side.
Hand Signal for Roll Over- point at dog, move pointing finger in a circle. (It is best to have hand level with dogs head- in the beginning.
How to Teach Roll Over- 1.)start with dog in down position. 2.) while saying roll over, use a treat to lure dog onto side, onto back, and onto other side, and back to down position. 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
nap time- dog is in down, rolls to either side and lays still.
Hand Signal for Nap Time-
How to Teach Nap Time-1.)start with dog in down position. 2.) while saying nap time, use a treat to lure dog onto either side (not completely over.) 3.) tell dog stay. 4.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Kick-dog is in stand or sit, handler is in front of dog, moves her leg one at a time near chosen paw, dog places chosen paw on handlers offered knee.
Hand Signal for Kick- the signal is moving the leg near chosen paw. Hands are not involved.
How to Teach Kick- 1.)start with dog in stand or sit, your choice. 2.) move leg near chosen paw. 3.) while saying kick, lift dogs paw onto you offered knee. 4.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
jump- dog jumps over proffered arm leg of human, or over obstacle.
Hand Signal for Jump- offer arm or leg
How to Teach Jump- 1.)start next to a wall or barrier. 2.)call dog to come. 3.)hold your arm or a long dowel rod, between you and the wall (start low, very low. 4.)dog should jump over arm/stick. 5.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
go around- handler stands in middle, dog circles handler in a clockwise direction. Also can be done around a prop.
Hand Signal for Go Around- point to where you want dog.
How to Teach Go Around- 1.)use a treat to lure dog around you/prop in a clockwise direction. 2.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
*eventually handler can spin in the opposite direction while dog goes around her.
dash- handler stands in middle, dog circles handler in a counter-clockwise direction. Can be done around a prop.
Hand Signal for Dash- point to where you want dog.
How to Teach Dash- 1.)use a treat to lure dog around handler/prop in a counter-clockwise direction. 2.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
*eventually the handler can spin in the opposite direction while dog goes around her.
hold- dog takes item from handler and holds it.
Hand Signal for Hold-
How to Teach Hold- 1.)put item in dogs mouth 2.)help him hold it by putting a hand under his jaw 3.)make him hold it longer each time. 4.) Praise and treat throughout the exercise.
carry- dog takes item from handler and heels/sides with it in mouth.
Hand Signal for Carry-
How to Teach Carry- 1.)start with a hold. 2.)ask dog to heel or side while adding the command carry. (You may need to hold his lower jaw up to keep the item in his mouth.
fetch- dog goes to get an item and carries it back.
Hand Signal for Fetch-
How to Teach Fetch- 1.)start by throwing an item- eventually you can say fetch ________, and the dog will go out and get it 2.)call dog to come once item thrown is in his mouth. 3.)Praise and treat when he returns it to you.
lot--- other lot- dog is in sit, picks up one foot, puts it down, picks up other foot, puts it down in procession. (Can be done while handler marches in place.)
Hand Signal for Lot-
How to Teach Lot- )start with dog in sit. 2.)lift paws as you say lot--- other lot. 3.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Up- dog climbs up on box/object.
Hand Signal for Up- tap object you want dog to climb onto.
How to Teach Up- 1.)While tapping object, say up and lead dog onto box/object. It is nice to end in a sit. 2.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
hug- dog stands on hinds and places paws on shoulders/chest.
Hand Signal for Hug- tap your shoulders/chest with both hands.
How to Teach Hug- 1.) While telling dog hug, tap shoulders/chest and pull front paws ito desired position. 2.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
under- dog goes under or through an opening, arm, leg, or stick.
Hand Signal for Under- point under object
How to Teach Under- 1.)use a treat to lure dog under. 2.)Praise and treat throughout exercise.
touch--- other touch- handler extends hand to dog, dog touches with one paw, then the other.
Hand Signal for Touch--- other Touch- extend left hand for left paw/ right for right.
How to Teach Touch--- other Touch- 1.)start with dog in sit. 2.) while saying touch, pick up chosen paw, then say other touch and pick up other paw. 3.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Bump- dog bumps item with his muzzle/nose.
Hand Signal for Bump- tap item you wish dog to bump.
How to Teach Bump- 1.) start by holding your hand out, backside toward dog. 2.)bump his nose with back of hand while saying bump. (Eventually he should bump without you bumping him. 3.)Praise and treat throughout the exercise.
lap- the dog rests his forelegs/paws on handlers lap.
Hand Signal for Lap- pat your lap.
How to Teach Lap- 1.)use a treat, or if you dog knows the command up, modify from there. 2.) Praise and treat throughout the exercise.
Wave- dog is in sit, lifts right paw and waves (moves it from side to side, paw pads out)
Hand Signal for Wave-
How to Teach Wave- 1.)start with dog in sit 2.)lift dogs right paw while saying wave. 3.)move paw back and forth, paw pad facing out. 4.)the sooner you can get dog to do this without you manipulating his paw the better. 5.) Praise and treat throughout exercise.
Bye- same as wave but using left paw
Hand Signal for Bye-
How to Teach Bye- same as wave, but use left paw.
Add any commands or tricks you feel will be a hit, anything goes as long as it does not harm the dog or handler. Let your creativity soar and, most of all, Have Fun!
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Picking a Song
For help with music selection, go to the website http://www.dogpatch.org/obed/music.html
Feleena-- my friend:
At my training center, I was friends with a cat that taught herself to open my crate at night. We never ran away, but we did curl up and sleep together nearby! It was nice--- out of all the dogs and cages she chose mine-- that's because I'm such a great guy--- well, of course I was the only Doodle there! When I got partnered as Mommy's service dog, she wanted to take Felina-- the cat-- but she is in an apartment and on disability and just can't afford a pet deposit (being a SD, I'm free, but Felina would have been 40 dollars a month, plus a 200 dollar pet deposit! Our apartments don't encourage pets.... they aren't too friendly with me either...) But on Saturdays we go back to Circle Tail for training sessions and Mommy lets me say hi to Felina. It's weird, but the trainer said since I've been gone, Felina hasn't let any other dogs out of their cages-- that's probably because SHE didn't really let me out, I'm so smart I probably taught myself-- but it's a cuter story with HER unlatching my crate! Mommy's going to try to get her as soon as she can afford it--she's trying to get a job at Kmart-- we don't by any means like relying on the government! Kmart probably won't pay much more though, and she can't work full time.... oh well... Felina knows I love her, even from afar... "I went down to El Paso to see my Feleena... Feleena.... Feleena ... my darling Feleena..." just a little song by Marty Robbins... My Felina has not been caught flirting with other men, or other men with her. She's a one man girl. Good ol' Felina. Actually, I just started doing K9 Freestyle and hope to be teaching it at Circle Tail. Since they know my/her story, and "El Paso" would probably make a good freestyle routine-- I don't know... haven't learned about music selections yet-- Mommy's considering it for competition. Well, in competition, they wouldn't know my story... but it has a lot of personal sentiment...
I've Been On Dogster Since:
| August 24th 2008 |
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More than 1 year! |
Dogster Id:
864278
 for 289 days
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