I started my Alert Dog training when I was nine weeks old. I was first taught to respond to a lot of common commands like- sit, down and stay. Nancy added a hand motion for each word so if we were in a noisy place, I could follow her hands and she did not have to strain to talk over the noise.
Then my trainer taught me some untraditional commands to help me maneuver inside offices, medical facilities, restaurants, elevators, airplanes, buses, and unpredictable situations. These commands taught me how to move backwards or sideways, slide under Nancy’s chair, and crawl under furniture to retrieve something Nancy might have dropped and finally how maintain complete composure, and restrain no matter what was happening around me. These commands helped me learn the amount of control and leadership I would need to maintain a calm composure out in public. These responses also helped me stay connected with Nancy and for us to move as a team.
After I accomplished these tests, I began learning how and when to obey and not obey. This also meant I needed to understand when what Nancy was asking me to do was not in her best interest at the time. I was taught to do this by smell.
I can still remember the first time I disobeyed. Nancy wanted us to go out for a walk, but the smell coming off her body told me that she was not strong enough to step into the outside world at that moment. So, what did I do? I stood in front of the door with my four legs bracing me, so I was unmovable. At first Nancy was annoyed by telling me to move so she could open the door.
I didn’t move, but instead I just looked at her with a soft but steel gaze. After a few minutes her breathing changed, and she stopped pushing to move. I could see she was trying to make sense of my behavior. Finally, after about a five-minute stare down, she laughed and said, “You are probably right. We should stay home right now.” My body relaxed and I began wagging my tail. Then she said laughing, “You are one amazing service dog. I have never known anyone to hold the line and stop me better than you. You are really a team player! I love you.” Then she gave me a big hug and we climbed onto the couch to rest.
If you would like some help reconnecting more deeply with yourself or dog, I suggest you explore the I Create What I Believe (ICWIB) program where my friend Luke will demonstrate the ICWIB activities and show you how to shift mind states which is where this ability to connect deeply lives.
You can also explore by yourself some of the ICWIB activities https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/explore/ that can help you see and generate the support you need.
For more information about the ICWIB Online Training Program
visit https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/online-training/
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or you can email Alex at Alex@icreatewhatibelieve.com
In a recent interview Dr. Bruce Lipton said, “…Freedom is the ability to create without the limitation of generational programming. The I Create What I Believe! (ICWIB!) Program is a gateway and a pathway into a new and better future because it allows children and (adults) to fully express themselves and to not be limited by the beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation. This program also frees up children’s and (adults’) minds and allows their creative nature to create a better world for all of us, which is what we need right now!”
