Focus is Key

You have all been through some sort of schooling in your lifetime, right? When you were going through your education did you ever find it hard to stay focused on the tasks at hand? I know I had a hard time while I was in my service dog training school. I began my schooling when I was just a young pup, full of spunk and energy. I found it to be exciting filled with praise and love when I finally learned some of the beginning commands and behaviors such as “sit, down, and stay”.  I admit it was boring, I couldn’t chase the toys or even go and say hello to the other dogs in my class, but somewhere deep inside I knew this was going to be a good thing for me. (Pauses to scratch my ear)

There are so many things to learn when service dogs go through obedience training and service dog training, some of it is boring but most of it is very interesting and more so very important to learn. Our jobs are very important, especially to our partners. Being able to say you graduated from obedience training is a very high ranking among my fellow service dogs, not everyone who enters the training will graduate.  

Gypsy....Down

When I entered my training I had a slight addiction….*lowers ears* to toys. The squeaky ones have always been my favorite if I can be honest here. So, to have to learn to leave the toys behind once in a while so I can focus on the job that I would soon be given was difficult, a challenge I suppose. I am proud to say I managed to stay focused on my training and I graduated from my school and became a service dog. During my training I thought being disciplined was boring but looking back now I can see how it was a very good thing. We all need to discipline ourselves enough to complete tasks that are important because they lead us to become better people, or dogs.  

Gypsy....Stay

I again, have to admit when I was first matched up with my partner “Simply D” and his wonderful family I have slipped a few times and have needed a gentle reminder that I am working, so that passing dog with their tail wagging so wildly is not to be played with, at least not at the moment when “Simply D” needs me to be working. That’s the great thing about my bond with “Simply D” he understands me and my natural desires and urges and he works with me gently if I need a reminder to stay on course.  

As I grow older I still do love a good toy but I know that those toys will forever be there, if I lose my focus while working it could be very bad for “Simply D.” I guess what I am trying to say is a little discipline can go a long way and can actually be a good trait to have..

Simply D and Gypsy

Stay focused and have a Dogtastic week!