The handler on the other hand, gets a best friend that will work for him twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. No, not for peanuts, for the chance to be with her handler, to interact with him, to enjoy what he enjoys, and to be his best friend.

Many times people will comment, “That is a working dog? It doesn’t look like she is doing anything, can I have her job?” as the dog simply sits next to her handler or goes under a table and falls asleep. They don’t realize the dog is in fact working. She is aware of how her handler smells, if there is any changes in his glucose level, waiting just for that scent in order to do what she does, alert to it because it really pays off. She loves to catch that scent, and her handler loves the fact that she was able to catch the change while he can do something about it.

Only those who have diabetes, or live with someone with diabetes know exactly how valuable these dogs are. People without diabetes may experience a very mild case of low blood sugar if they don’t eat. They notice stomach cramps, they may feel disoriented, week, unable to focus, shaky. This also happens to people to diabetes, however, the body becomes accustomed to low blood sugar and stops sending these danger signals. This is where the handler can go into extremely dangerous territory. This is where the dog’s nose picks up the changes and alerts the handler.

Dogs don’t need to be trained to smell, however, they do that naturally. The owner puts in a lot of work to use that sense to train the dog to alert to what their body will no longer alert to. When the training becomes a game of building the relationship with the dog, both look forward to the working game. A game that will save the handler’s life. In some cases the dog’s life if the dog was a rescue dog.

The next time you see a service dog team and the dog is sleeping under the handler’s chair. It may not look like much to you, but this team has learned to help one another and are able to live a better life because of the that sleeping dog is working.

I am familiar with invisible disabilities since I had one for most of my childhood and adult life. I can tell you this. Invisible disabilities can create an unsupported environment for those who suffer from them. This is usually because there is not enough awareness of what these people have to cope with on a daily basis. Many people will treat these individuals with disbelief or judge them for being week.
It is important to understand that PTS is debilitating. Believe it or not, people suffering from PTS are very strong. These people were strong enough to survive a life changing, traumatic incident or multiple incidents.

These experiences are not limited to traumatic accidents. Many people suffer from other disabilities that can lead to PTS. For example: I know a young lady that at sixteen years of age was considered to be popular, healthy, spirited, intelligent and headed for a bright future. Those words were commonly used to describe her. In my opinion, she still is all of the above. One day she began to feel pain in one of her legs. After many doctor visits, she was diagnosed with knee cancer.

This brave and beautiful young lady over-went chemo therapy, after having the tumor extracted, then had a knee replacement, followed up by physical therapy. She was able to keep her leg with the knee replacement.

During her recovery, she began to feel very ill. She was rushed to the hospital and was informed that her knee was not heeling. The skin would have to be removed, she would need to have additional surgery and the prosthetic knee would be exposed for a while. After months of on going hospital visits, multiple surgeries, physical therapy and trying to emotionally adjust to her new life, she made the very difficult decision to have her leg amputated.

If I remember correctly, this went on for over two years. She was still required to visit multiple doctors and specialists to help her adapt to life without her leg, and regain her health.

Her wounds were healing, she was learning to walk again and drive with her new leg. She was trying her best to move forward hoping she could put all of what had happened in those two years behind her. Unfortunately she began having other health problems. Doctors could not explain the cause. Labs and tests showed no sign of problems with her lungs, heart, or anything that would give her the symptoms she was experiencing. She was later diagnosed with PTSD and is now getting the support and medical attention she needs to help her with this disability.

Seeing the events from the family’s view, it is also difficult to witness the changes. You may feel you have no control. You may look for someone or something to blame as a defense mechanism. It is important to remember that the mood swings, depression, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance this person exhibits are not “Just in their Heads”, as many people put it. They can not just “Get over it”.

So how can you help the people whom you love suffering with PTS?

1. Educate yourself. By knowing all of this information, you will be better equipped to help and handle situations.

2. Seek professional help. PTS can escalate if nothing is done to treat it. There are many support groups, doctors, and therapists that can help you and your loved one. Putting all this on your back or your loved one is not helpful or healthy.

3. Don’t judge them. When has this ever helped any relationship?

4. Try to be available to listen. Many times people suffering with PTS do not want to talk or will isolate themselves, however, make your self available to them when they are ready or when they need to talk. Again, listen and don’t judge.

5. Respect them. It can be challenging at times, just remember they are going through a difficult point in their life.

6. Be positive and talk positive.

7. Learn to recognize when things are off. Many times they are unaware of changes in their behavior after being exposed to a trigger.

8. Include and participate in family activities in a positive way allowing them to interact with others.

9. Introduce them as who they are and not by what they suffer from. Your disabilities do not define who you are.

10. Allow them to do things for themselves. Don’t expect them to go out and do everything all at once, however, don’t allow them to become dependent on someone to do all their work.

11. Exercise as a team helps both of you stay healthy.

12. Seek out activities that will improve their self esteem. There are many activities that will help with this, however, being a service dog trainer I will promote the healing power of the human dog bond. I have seen incredible changes in people that have gone through our training program.

Please Note: It is important you understand in order for the dog to be considered a service dog, he or she must be well behaved, have a good temperament, and be able to perform trained tasks to help your loved one with PTS symtoms.

I send my best wishes to you and your loved one. As Winston Churfhill said once, “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up.”
He actually said, “Never give in.” but you know what I mean.

People looking for excitement, fun and/or adventure come here to find more than they were looking for. Treasures await anyone who wishes to find them. It is no wonder that it has become the largest gem and mineral show in the United States.

Not into jewelery, you say? Great, then you’ll be happy to know that you’ll find much more than gems, such as Intricately detailed sculptures carved out of a variety of materials. Indiana Jones didn’t have to look far, they have the sought after quartz skulls here. Looking for Russian Babushka dolls, Teak Burl Furniture, Meteorites, Bio-mats that use infared technology for healing practices, Sand pictures that change every time you turn them, Alchemy Singing Bowls, Silk garments beautifully adorned with precious or semi-precious stones, or something else? You may find it here as the list goes on. You’ll find items you don’t come across often or if ever.

My favorite aspect of the event is that it is open to the public everything priced at whole sale. That’s right! I’ve found amazing items for less than a dollar. It is true that if you are a little creative and make your own items out of the material you buy, you will definitely get an absolutely unbeatable deal, however, if you don’t decide to make your own items, they have ready made products. This is especially helpful for those who wish to give their sweethearts something very special on Valentine’s day without breaking the bank.

There are some places that will be less costly than others. It really depends on what you are looking for. I’ve included some pictures of items I bought and vendors I visited in this blog. Go take a look for yourself and tell me what treasures you came across. Enjoy your weekend.

These vendors are located in the Kino Parkway tents.
Thank you for allowing me to photograph your booths.

Treasure of Tibet
(510) 333-3724
www.treasureoftibets.com

Burhani Gems (Treasures of India)
(832) 279-8103
www.burhanigems.com

Africa Gems
(732) 572-6670
tommyccie@yahoo

AMPAC International LLC
(509) 927-8923
www.ampac111.com

If you are interested in making your own items, I’ve included a few “How to” Videos for you. Have fun!

When doctors warned me as a child that diabetes could really have devastating consequences if not kept under control, I shrugged it off like any kid would. For some reason we think we will live forever when we are very young. I was your typical immortal, mortal kid. I’m not saying I didn’t try to control my glucose levels, I’m just saying that puberty is not kind to young people with diabetetes. Too many changes made it very difficult.

Back then, there were no insulin pumps, sugar free gum was a first in the markets, and people really didn’t know much about diabetes. In fact, I remember one of my friend’s mom telling her not to hang around me anymore because I could give her diabetes. The school nurse would not allow me to run with the other kids because I may have an insulin reaction. I’m not writing this looking for sympathy, on the contrary, I was a tough kid. If I wasn’t, adults’ behavior toward me would have singled me out to bullies. Luckily, I was never a kid that bullies wanted to mess with because I didn’t take smack from anyone. 

Diabetes is hard physically, emotionally, and it sure can break your spirit regardless of age. Never the less I am still grateful that it chose me as a child. It prepared me in many ways to align and empathize with those who are in the same boat I was many years ago. The difference is that I can help them avoid many of the difficult experiences and hard choices I’ve had to make. If they are willing to listen, of course.

What does this have to do with training a diabetic alert dog? Dogs have an amazing way of helping their owners feel loved and accepted. They also have an superb sense of smell. Children or teens gain confidence when learning to communicate with a dog. Not just any dog, but one who provides emotional stability and one that signals the owner when they need to eat a little before they turn into what my husband and I would call, the “drunk monkey”, when I was still a person with diabetes.

This is the point. Dogs, unlike humans can do this with out making the owner feel defensive. The dog never says, “Um, should you really be eating that?”, or “This is my diabetic relative so don’t offer her any of your famous cheese cake”. As if you had no idea how to balance your food intake, had no wlllpower or you forgot that you have diabetes. I have to admit, that stopped as soon as I started introducing those people the same way. “Meet my relative, he or she has irritable bowl syndrome and I’m fairly confident to say is lactose intolerant, so don’t offer him/her any dairy products or pasta.”  

Diabetic Alert Dogs have become more popular, no doubt about it. They are a wonderful helping paw to their handlers in leading a more healthy, happy, and social life.

This video will provide you some of the basics of using a marking signal or “clicker” as a clear form of communication to train your dog.

When using the clicker, you are using operant conditioning. Operant Conditioning is when an animal voluntarily chooses to perform a behavior because it proved beneficial. Behaviors are controlled by their consequences. Dogs will do a behavior for many reasons, but unless the behavior is reinforced, the dog will not repeat the behavior.

About reinforcement. If your dog will work for it (change his behavior to get it) then it’s reinforcing. (Your dog likes hot dogs? If he is standing and you offer him a hot dog to sit, then he will change his behavior – from standing to sitting – in order to get the hot dog. If your dog likes to play fetch and you offer him the ball to sit, then he will change his behavior. He is willing to work for this.

It is important that we are clear that reinforcement is not limited to food. In fact, many times your dog will work for things such as touch, toys, car rides, running, belly rubs, even water if the dog is thirsty. Since dogs must eat to survive our main reinforcer will be food.

Using a clicker as a “conditioned reinforcer” (associating the clicker with food) you can communicate with your dog with a greater degree of accuracy. The clicker tells him exactly which behavior you want, and lets him know that a reward is coming.

Do not use the clicker to get your dog’s attention. The clicker is giving the dog information by marking a behavior. Much like a camera takes a picture of the behavior or pose you want.

Some of the advantages of training with a clicker:
• It is a hands off technique;
• It is faster and more precise;
• It can be delivered from a distance, bridging the time gap;
• It can be used by more than one person;
• It is non-punishing.
Please let me know if you have any questions. More videos will be posted soon.
Thank you for Subscribing

Pronto pondre el video “Aprenda a Ganar”.

“How can I train my dog to walk nicely on a loose leash?” This is one of the most common questions I get as a dog trainer. You have to keep in mind that walking restrained on a leash is not a natural behavior for anyone. Much less if you have a nose that can identify smells anywhere between 10,000 to 100,000 times better than your human handler. Plus, that nose can also track a scent where as, human noses can only smell at a short distance. That nose can pick up on a variety of smells and gather contributory information for a advantageous hunt.
You would think that this is more than enough to distract your lovable pooch, however, your dog’s scenes of hearing also contributes to the battle with the leash. In fact, those ears can hear something as far away as a quarter of a mile, sometimes even farther.
I’m not saying you can’t train your dog to walk nicely on a loose leash. I just need you to understand of what you are competing against each time you take your pooch out for a walk.
There are many ways to train your dog to walk nicely on a loose leash. I’m sure you are also aware that there are also an array of products you can purchase to help you to “stop your dog from pulling”. The problem is that it doesn’t matter what tool you use, if you continue to follow your dog when he pulls you, your dog simply learns that the only way he can enjoy the environment, is by pulling and dragging you along with him.
The Loose Leash Walking J Method shown in this video is one of my favorite. Mainly because you never allow the dog to pull to begin with. The dog learns to follow you and stick by you. This coupled with the “Learn to Earn” protocol, set the team up for success when it comes to going out on a leisurely walk you both can enjoy.

Learn to Earn video coming soon.

El termino “Condicion del operante” sucede cuando un animal elige voluntariamente realizar un comportamiento porque probó beneficioso. Los comportamientos son controlados por sus consecuencias. Los perros harán un comportamiento por muchas razones, pero a menos que se refuerce el comportamiento, el perro no repetirá el comportamiento.

¿Que son las cosas que su perro encuentra beneficioso? Nos confunden a menudo sobre lo que encuentran nuestros perros reforzar. Si su perro trabaja para él (cambie su comportamiento para conseguirlo) entonces que está reforzando. (Su perro tiene gusto de las galletas. Si él está estando parado y usted le ofrece una galleta para sentarse, después él cambiará su comportamiento — de estar parado a sentarse — para conseguir la galleta).

Hay un número de cosas que un perro pudo encontrar reforzar, tal como tacto, los juguetes, paseos del coche, funcionamiento, incluso agua si el perro tiene sed. Puesto que los perros deben comer para sobrevivir nuestro reforzador principal será alimento.

El castigo está reforzando para el quién está castigando. Nuestro entrenamiento se centrará en usar el refuerzo positivo. La recompensa buenos de comportamientos (que refuerzan) mientras que no hace caso de comportamientos del problema (cuando es posible) da lugar a un perro que sea tranquilo, feliz y que quiere conformarse. El perro no debe sentirse que el entrenamiento es una situación que castiga.

Usando un clicker como “reforzador condicionado” (que asocia el clicker al alimento) usted puede comunicarse con su perro con un mayor grado de exactitud. El clicker le dice exactamente qué comportamiento usted desea, y lo deja saber que está viniendo una recompensa.

No utilice el clicker para conseguir la atención de su perro. El clicker está dando a perro la información marcando un comportamiento.

Algunas de las ventajas del entrenamiento con un clicker:
• Es más rápido y más exacto;
• Puede ser entregado de una distancia, tendiendo un puente sobre el boquete del tiempo;
• Puede ser utilizado por más de una persona;
• Es las manos de técnica;
• No-está castigando.
Mañana pondre un video.