The Ex-Pen, or exercise pen, is a powerfully simple training tool that I wish I'd known about when I began this journey with Robbie. I learned about it in an online dog education class, and absolutely love this tool. Ex-pens can be a variety of materials, but are typically plastic or metal. They range in price depending on the height you buy. Most are 8 panels that are linked together, with a door. They can be unfolded to make a wall, arranged in a multitude of shapes, and used inside or outside. They're popularly used as a containment method for younger dogs, because they allow the dog to play safely, while keeping them destroying your home in the process. It can also be used as a safe play area for small pets. We bought ours to be dual purpose for our rabbit's playtime, and for use with Robbie at other times. The Ex-pen has the potential to be so much more than that to dog owners. In this post, I'll share 5 of the ways we use our ex-pen for training at home.
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Keeping our service dogs safe is of utmost importance to a handler. We train them to help make us more independent in the face of our disabilities, and they become a vital part of our lives. In this post, I will delve into the importance of car safety with your service dog, various options available to you, rules to enforce, and commands to use in regard to getting in and out of the car.
This post will talk about Robbie's primary task of bracing for me, as well as a bit about counter-balance. I'll also explain what counter-balancing is, how bracing helps me, and why this type of harness is used for mobility & how it differs from a guide harness.
Like many chronic pain warriors, I have days where I can't do very much, let alone take Robbie for a 45 minute walk. Or there are days where I might be physically able, but the weather is terrible. That's where the treadmill comes in handy.
Taking your dog with you everywhere sounds like a dream, right? Think again. It's not so much like taking your best friend with you on an adventure, as it is taking a 3-year old with you everywhere. A 3-year old who still needs a diaper bag. When you leave the house, you may have a plan of stops to make, but you really don't know what the day has in store for you. It's a good idea to keep a bag of supplies in your vehicle all the time so that you are prepared for anything. Below, I will provide a list of everything we keep in Robbie's go-bag and why we need each thing. Type of Bag
We use a UA Trance Sackpack purchased at a local sporting goods store. It was on the expensive side, but it has been worth it. It has mesh backpack straps as opposed to the traditional drawstrings, which makes it comfortable to wear. But it has the same design as a drawstring backpack and you'd be surprised how much you can fit into it. It's like Mary Poppin's bag! The one we got is bright red, so it is easy to spot in a full car. |
My Name is Sally...I have a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This blog is about my journey training Robbie, a dog who helped me regain independence, confidence, and achieve the impossible in the face of my disability. It continues on with the training of Austin, Robbie's successor. Check Out... - "More than a Dog" was published on a site called The Mighty Categories
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