Kasey has worked
as Mickey’s service dog almost since she went to live with them as a 10
week old puppy in 1995. Mickey has MS and has had some years when he
depended on a wheel chair. He has recently had some periods of remission
when he can walk, so Kasey’s job involves a variety of activities to help
Mickey. Mickey and Kasey participated in some puppy raising activities
with a local CCI group, but Kasey is owner trained to do what Mickey
needs. Karen, his wife, took Kasey to work many times as a puppy, to
provide socializing experiences. Kasey’s raising and training was a
family effort.
Kasey was trained
to do some “life saving” activities. She barks on signal, if Mickey
falls and can’t get up. She has a press pad to call 911 if Mickey needs
medical help. At the young age of 6 months, Kasey was retrieving coupons
that Mickey dropped. I was amazed that a pup did not tear or slobber on
fragile paper. Kasey retrieves everything from coins and meds to the
other matching sock. She has figured how to use a toe nail to tip a
small object in order to pick it up with her teeth. Because Fields are
smaller than the usual service dogs, she was not expected to brace or
pull because Mickey did not plan to need that help. However, Kasey has
in some situations helped pull Mickey’s manual wheel chair. She helps
him maintain balance when walking.
Mickey claims
that Kasey knows more commands than he can remember, 110 by verbal and
hand signal. She often does what he needs, just anticipating for him.
He said one of her special talents was one she wasn’t taught. “As
my legs were rigid or shaking and hurt due to spasticity or restless leg
syndrome while bed bound or sleeping, she would lay on the effected leg
or legs to stop it. She often knew before I did which leg it was and laid
on it or them with out a inkling from me. She stopped the worse thing
about having MS, the leg pain.” They have a very special
relationship. Kacey has recently retired from active duty but is still a
very important part of the family.
TRAINING STANDARDS FOR FACILITY DOGS:
- All Facility Dogs must have completed a minimum
of 50 hours of training.
- Facility Dogs have spent a minimum of 3 months
with an AATA Trainer.
- Facility Dogs have spent at least 24 hours training
in high distraction public places.
- Facility Dogs have been obedience trained to
a standard that would allow their new handlers to compete in ANKC obedience
trials if they wished. Some facility dogs have already competed if time
has allowed.
- Facility Dog handlers have completed a five
day training course.
- Facility Dogs are all thoroughly tested for
tolerance and reliability around even the youngest children. Facility
Dogs all have a very high bite inhibition level (i.e. – they are strongly
programmed not to bite – even if they are under stress..)
