The adventures of Nissi and Zorro

This past Weekend Zorro and I Had quite an adventure.

Saturday morning we attended a 5K walk. When we first got there, Zorro was kind of out of it. I was expecting that, but after a while he began to calm down. He acted like it was another day at the park, which which really surprised me. I kept on thinking to myself "is this really my dog?". But it was!! My cute and adorable, Zorro!  And then I would just laugh. The rest of the time we were at the 5K he did really good, he wasn't even bothered by the other dogs barking at him. He would just look at me and go "mommy-help". 

Something else that he did really well on that day is that he would stay up on his spot in the car without moving for long periods of time.

Later on that day we went to another event, and even though we were both tired he did OK. I could tell that his brain was fried and I wasn't gonna get much training out of him, and again he surprised me by behaving. I don't think two events in one day was appropriate for this time.  I think he was a overloaded and that's not good for any dog in training.

 Sunday wasn't as eventful as the previous day but it was still eventful.  Zorro and I took our adventures to downtown San Antonio.  He did an excellent job in the car with little feeding and one or two corrections.  When we got there he did great, he was walking on side and after a while he was able to sit, down and wait.  I was so proud of my boy!  My aunt decided to bring her terrier mix and Zorro had a chance to practice ignoring him which was a very hard thing for him to do, but he did it so well.

Monday Zorro and I went to HEB (grocery store) and this time was not quite a success.  For some reason he got scared after being there for 20 minutes.  We were just walking around then we started walking towards the main aisle and he went berserk.  He was shaking, bouncing, moaning and pulling on the leash. He wanted out of that store and the only thing keeping him was my power chair.  To calm him down I slowly made my way to the door and camped outside the door until he had calmed down.  Then we tried it again a second time, but he was still really scared so I went outside again.  You know what they say, third time's a charm.  I noticed if I go in with a mission for example- me looking for my mom- he is much calmer.

So, how was your weekend???

 This week we're gonna be working on going to HEB without freaking out and we're also gonna be working on hold and come.

I've learned that I'm not giving my boy enough credit, I have been blessed with an incredible dog and I am truly grateful!!!

Nissi's Team

This past week Zorro and I worked on several things like wait, side, leave it, out, hold and being still at the dinner table.
But that's not what I want to talk about on this post. I want to talk about my amazing support team. You see, in my opinion it takes more than one person to train a service dog.

My Dad and Zorro get along very well, a little too well if you ask me. ;) Since I can't play rough with Zorro, it falls to my dad. Who is more than happy to do it.  For example, sometimes to calm Zorro down my dad plays tug of war with him. There are other things my dad does for/with me to train Zorro.  Like takes him out to the bathroom & does a little exercise early in the morning as I snooze & late at night when I'm exhausted. It would take me all day to tell you all the amazing and selfless things my dad does for Zorro and I --so kudos to my dad!!

Now, my mom.... Oh how I love my mom. She's always been the most patient with Zorro and I, as well as training for me when I'm sick or just need a break.  For instance she'll take over to do wait, go to bed & hold.  And just simply take over because Zorro is full of energy.  She is a beast!

Then there's sweet Tammy, I can't even describe how she has helped mentor and just BE a good friend.   Every time i need advice Tammy is always there to listen, understand & advise me in what to do.  She is just totally cool!

You see, I used to think I could train my dog on my own and boy was I wrong! I've learned that having a team of people really helps my sanity.  Never hesitate to ask.


 Ps Zorro has been doing a great job this week!!!!!!!!!!!

My boy!

We've been working in making sure he gets a workout of his brain as well as his body. We've notice that he can go on forever with his body, but he does tire easier in the brain. That will help so whenever he goes into his hennel he doesn't go crazy. Otherwise he will start barking and being annoying when I leave him alone.

Now he can go in and out of his kennel without any trouble, he actually likes his kennel.
We started working on nose work by having him turn on/off light switch, which will be one of his service dog duties.   He's getting the idea. Because i've been sick, I have not done most of the training so I think he's getting a little confused.  My helpers don't always know what they're doing..
I continue to work on him being still when he's tether to my chair, he's doing really well.at home as long as i feed him.

My plan is to take him to places and work him a little bit and then work on sitting sitting still while tether to my chair by my side.
  
It's been nice to be able to pet my dog without him jumping all over me. He is learning to project his energy elsewhere.


 His biggest problem still is that he wants to grab everything and chew it As soon as he's out of his kennel he thinks the house is a playground.
 
 Even though he's a lot for me to handle, i know we can work things out. We have an incredible connection that makes him want to help me and that gives me the courage to work harder.