Sasha

Posted on: September 27, 2020 in [ Service Dogs in Training ]

Sasha's Journey

Stage 1 Introduction

Hello! My name is Sasha. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program from Harvestime Kennel. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Jessica.

Throughout Stage 1, I will learn the basics obedience, public behavior, and a lot of socialization. I understand that it takes a very special dog to complete the program as there is a high standard to become a Service Dog. I am aware that I may be one of the dogs whose purpose is outside of service work so I will be updating my profile on a monthly basis for all that would like to follow my journey through the program.

November 2020 - 2 months old

This month I transitioned from my wonderful breeder in Wisconsin to my new volunteer foster home in Iowa with Jessica! Now that I am settled with her, we will begin working on crate training at night, potty training, walking on a leash, and learning my name. I had my first public outing to a quiet church service!

December 2020 - 3 months old

I got this beautiful Christmas photo taken at my foster Jess' place of work! At training class this month, I worked on building confidence and balancing on the colored peanut equipment. I'm getting pretty good at it!

January 2021 - 4 months old

February 2021 - 5 months old

After Jess and I train diligently at monthly puppy classes, I had the opportunity to run around and play with friends my size, Story and Hayden!

March 2021 - 6 months old

I am half a year old already! I'm growing so big, strong, and smart!

April 2021 - 7 months old

This month I did my first of two simulated turn-ins at the Retrieving Freedom facility. This is where I practice staying in the kennel for one weekend at a time. I did great! It was fun to play with the big kids in the kennel and work with new trainers. I was excited to be united with Jess, though, after the long weekend.

May 2021 - 8 months old

June 2021 - 9 months old

I tend to squint my eyes and smile at people. I completed my second simulated turn in this month, and I'm all ready to turn in for formal training when my trainers say it's appropriate to do so!