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Keblinger

Keblinger
It's Official: Team Training in 2 Weeks!!!!

Yes, you read that right. Team Training for Leo and I will start June 25th. SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! And our Primary Support Person, Kami, will be there with us almost the whole time!!! (I didn't even think I'd have a Primary Support Person, which is why I've never mentioned it.) I'm SO excited, can you tell??? I don't even know what else to say other than I'm ready, Leo's almost ready, and the logistics of travel, accommodations, rental car, and ground transportation are all in place. I'm sooooooooo grateful to each and every one of you who helped to make all this possible. Seriously, couldn't have done it without you.

Here's a recent video clip of Leo in his fancy, custom-fitted, custom-made harness practicing his new skills with Leslie:
Here Leo and I are doing Harness Training: curbs and street crossings. I repeated the approach at the far curb, when Leo placed a rear foot on the curb. He quickly learned that we only continue on our way when he "marks" the curb with his front feet only. He also does an excellent job waiting at the down curbs until I step down first - providing resistence to my forward and downward momentum.
Notice that she's no longer using the clicker and there are no treats in her pockets. The former is because he's graduated in his learning to a level where he no longer needs the clicker as a marker for desired behavior. The latter is because Leslie discovered that he's not food (or toy) motivated. His treat of highest reward is a hug, followed by "scritches" — pats, scratches, strokes, caresses — and verbal praise. How awesome is that?!? His highest reward is being loved on. I flove that about him — we are such a perfect match, lol.

I cannot WAIT to see him again. Soon. So very, very soon.

More for y'all then, too!

Much love and many hugs,
Mal

4 comments:

Anonymous at: June 11, 2012 at 8:04 AM said...

This sounds like a match made in heaven! I'm so thrilled for the both of you. You'll get a loving companion who'll help you, and Leo gets a loving companion who'll appreciate him. Complete win-win.

Thanks for giving us the update. I love hearing how Leo's doing. And it's great knowing you'll be together in two short weeks.

{ credorosa } at: June 11, 2012 at 3:56 PM said...

Fantastic news! I am so happy for your both and can only imagine your excitement! Big hugs to Leo! He is a treasure :)

{ SAtlas } at: June 11, 2012 at 5:19 PM said...

So very happy for you! I know how long you have waited for this day. I'll keep you and Leo in my thoughts. Happy training!

{ mostly a lurker } at: June 13, 2012 at 2:32 PM said...

Thanks, y'all for your wonderful, supportive, loving, excited comments! I have waited a long time for this day and it approaches rapidly now. I am intending to make a few posts along the way of team training, so stay tuned!

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