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Just Started AKC Beginner Novice Obedience Course
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Member Since:
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1 March 2021 - 6:48 pm
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Hey everyone!  It's March 1 and I submitted the first 3 legged dogs AKC Beginner Novice Obedience Course!!! This is the first ever Entry in Obedience in the history of the AKC!!  Hopefully I didn't mess anything up cause the rules were very strict on what you needed to say and do and film!  Hopefully I got it right cause Ari certainly did!  Here is the link to her performance!!

t=7s

I encourage everyone who is interested to give this a try! It's a lot of fun working with your dog and the dogs love the attention and the mental/physical stimulation of working with their favorite person in the world!   Watching your tripawd navigate these courses can truly inspire someone with challenges, try to overcome those challenges just like our dogs!  

I will keep you posted on Ari's score, depending on if I filmed and submitted correctly, but I was bound and determined  to submit an Entry today!  

Carolyn and Ari[Image Can Not Be Found]

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1 March 2021 - 7:56 pm
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This is very cool, congratulations! When do you find out how she did?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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2 March 2021 - 9:43 am
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Hi Jerry!  I'm not sure!  I know her application needs to be check for accuracy and also video needs to be evaluated by a judge.  So not sure how long this will all take.  When the heavy winds die down this week I will be filming her second and third courses to be evaluated and if she passes then she will have her AKC Beginner Novice Obedience Title!! 

We are also going to Maryland this weekend to compete in person at a Companion Dog Sports Program Obedience Trial that allows Tripawds to compete in all levels!  Ari is entered in Starter Novice and is in 2 trials.  Chayce entered in Novice in 2 trials!  So excited to be able to trial in person!  

I'll keep you posted on this also!!  

Thank you for all you do for us Tripawd Moms and Dads!!!

Carolyn and Ari

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2 March 2021 - 11:15 am
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I just had a chance to watch the video again while sipping my morning coffee. This is REALLY impressive for so many reasons. The way she looks at you, her calm demeanor while you walk away and she patiently waits, but most interestingly, is that she is walking on a slack leash. 

For most Tripawds, especially front leg amputees, it's more natural to walk at a fast clip. They're far ahead of their human, at the end of a tight leash. Until now I always assumed that there was no altering this gait, and have told people "Get your running shoes on and get used to it, there's no such thing as 'heel' to a Tripawd. But Ari and you have just disproved that theory.

What I see is that she is taking much shorter hops forward than a typical front-leg Tripawd. It's almost like she's taking two hops for every single one that other front-leggers do, in order to keep up with you and allow for a slack leash while you walk. What I would love to know is, HOW DID YOU DO IT?! We would love to know the secret to this Carolyn! Do tell 🙂

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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2 March 2021 - 1:18 pm
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thank you so much for your critique of Ari's performance and your comments on how she adjusts her gait to walk on a slack leash!  Ari is the ONLY tripawd I had ever come in contact with so I was unaware that most front leggers walk at a much faster gait on a tight leash! I learned something new today!! I've never purposely tried to change her gait, she just does it! Seems like Ari disproves lots of things regarding Tripawds!! heheheheh! 

 In order to compete in ANY Obedience/Rally Trial a loose leash is necessary or you get "whistled out of the ring!"  Also, in order for Ari to earn her AKC Canine Good Citizen Title as well as her Therapy Dog Title she had to pass a  total of 20+ evaluations and all of the evaluations are required to be on a Loose Leash!  

Believe me, when Ari is running around and we are walking off leash, which is most of the time, she moves out like any other!!

Once Ari was healed from her surgery, I trained Ari just like I trained Chayce, with Positive Reinforcement using food rewards, Simply by rewarding and praising her when she was where I wanted her to be. Training sessions consists of Play 5 minutes, Train maybe 10+ minutes, Play 5 minutes!  Keep it light and fun and when I ask Ari if she is ready to train, she runs and gets her leash!  lol!! Ari is an apt pupil and revels in learning new skills.  

While working in Obedience and Rally Ari adjusts her stride naturally....normal, fast, normal....normal, slow, normal....Fiigure 8s she is usually lagging a bit around the right hand turns but I'm not going to worry about that.   But she has also learned my body language when changing direction as you can see in the video.  I drop my left shoulder a bit to make a left hand turn and turn my head and look to the right just before we make a right hand turn.  When doing an about turn I slow my pace a step or two and she knows something is coming!  Working in Rally you can talk to your dog so I taught them both LEFT and RIGHT so they know which way we are going!  

I am not sure if ALL tripawds can manage to change their gaits to do this type of work, but I never thought one minute about it.....I just went about my business and trained her!  Physically, I just had her adjusted today with the chiropractor and there were no issues!  I had Ari to a Physical Therapist awhile back, just to play devils advocate to make sure nothing was amiss.  I would rather get her checked and nothing wrong than be doing  something harmful, and she was given a "clean bill of health"!  So clearly doing this type of training with her is not hurting her in any way!!  

I don't train this type of work every day.  We do something every day...Rally, Obedience, Scentwork, Tricks or just play.  3-4 times a week we do a little Core Strengthening and Stretching, Perch Work, Wobble Board, Travel Board.  These are all Core exercises and I make sure she  has her naps, rest  and down time!  

Maybe I should do a few videos and show how I train her for a loose leash if that would interest anyone!!  

Virginia







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2 March 2021 - 4:05 pm
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OMD!!!  ARI IS A BLUE RIBBON ROCKSTAR TRIPAWD OBEDIENCE COURSE CHAMPION!

YES!  Would love to see some training videos!   This whole process is fascinating!  Pointing out  the .little.  nuances....the way you hold your body. or drop a shoulder, etc....FASCINATING!!!

Like Jerry, I Ialso was intrigued by the way she was able to control her gait, keep her head up and focused on you!  Yes, usually a faster gait is  necessary for momentum and balance, along with some slight head bobbing sometimes.    This juist shows us yet another dimension of how  front leggers  can adapt to a specific gait to ,match the skill they are mastering   

ARI   Is. indeed  mastering  an Obedience Competition skill that, thanks to you two, was not an option for Tripawds until now!  I truly had some Hhappy tears watching the way you two worked together....the bond....the devotion....the "oneness"....it was just beautiful to watch!.

Cannot  imagine the patience and skill and time and understanding and devotion  on your part....and on Ari's part.....that it took to achieve this three minute plus video!  It truly was magical to watch you two!  

A d whe Ari was asked to stay and you walked away and there was a ,loud background noise Iwas astounded  that she merely  glanced in that direction and immediately  returned her focus to yoi!!

Can't  wait for more follow up!  Thank  you soooo much for doing whatever it took to make this happen forAri and for all Tripawds everywhere!-    Ari is clearly touching  lives!!!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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2 March 2021 - 7:12 pm
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thank you so much Sally!  This has truly been a labor of love!  I will see what I can do about getting a few basic skills on video with the loose leash walking.....And yes, there is an unbreakable bond between us!  It started the first day I rescued her except I didn't know it!  She did!!  lol!!  Ari has a willingness and lots of drive to do this work!  She wants to please and will doing whatever I ask. However, I make sure that I am not asking her to something she shouldn't do!  

I would love to say I worked really really hard to train Ari to be able to compete at this level, but I have to admit....Ari is very easy to train.  Chayce, my chocolate...the same!  They are actually cousins!  Time, consistency, definitely patience and some know how!  

When you start to work with your dog in these venues, the understanding, the bonding and that becoming "one" with each other just naturally happens.  All of a sudden your dog knows exactly what you want without saying a word!  The little nuances with the body language also comes in time. 

Praising the dog and rewarding the dog when they get things right!  If they don't get it right, Ugh Oh, Let's try it again.  And try again!  When they are having a bit of a tough time with something and they finally "get it"  JACKPOT!  They get 4 food rewards one after another with their Marker Word YES!  Then they know they really really did something good!! lol!  It really is so much fun!!  and so rewarding!! 

And yes, I shed several types of tears along this path!  First tears of frustration of being told NO when I knew my dog could do it and do it well!  Then tears of joy when the news came out that we would be able to compete! And finally very proud tears watching her video and submitting it to AKC with her application yesterday!  

I  would love to do whatever I can to facilitate anyone who is interested in pursuing this path!  Give it a try!!!  what do you have to loose!?!?!?  Nothing and plenty to gain!  Even if you don't get into competition, the time spent with your dog is priceless!!

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3 March 2021 - 10:19 am
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I am not sure if ALL tripawds can manage to change their gaits to do this type of work, but I never thought one minute about it…..I just went about my business and trained her!  Physically, I just had her adjusted today with the chiropractor and there were no issues!  I had Ari to a Physical Therapist awhile back, just to play devils advocate to make sure nothing was amiss.  I would rather get her checked and nothing wrong than be doing  something harmful, and she was given a “clean bill of health”!  So clearly doing this type of training with her is not hurting her in any way!!  

That blows my mind Carolyn! It's pretty incredible, and clearly shows that Ari was put on this planet for a purpose. 

I love that you had her evaluated by the PT. That is exactly why we encourage everyone to take advantage of the Tripawds Foundation Rehab Reimbursement Program. Great job!

Maybe I should do a few videos and show how I train her for a loose leash if that would interest anyone!!  

Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you, that would be amazing. Tons of people want to know how to make this happen, we get questions about it all the time.

I  would love to do whatever I can to facilitate anyone who is interested in pursuing this path!  Give it a try!!!  what do you have to loose!?!?!?  Nothing and plenty to gain!  Even if you don’t get into competition, the time spent with your dog is priceless!!

I couldn't agree more. With Tripawds, it's so important to re-think what "play time" looks like in order to preserve their joints and minimize injury risk. There is so much more to life with a dog than throwing a ball and going for the same old walks. Thanks for sharing as much as you'd like about the activities you do with her, we are always interested in seeing more.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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3 March 2021 - 6:38 pm
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Thank you again Rene and Jerry!  This week I am focusing on our upcoming trial in Maryland.   After we get thru he trial I will plan on filming some of our training sessions starting with the basics!  Believe me there is no magic!  Just requires a little bit of coordination!  heheheh!  

And you are so right!  Ari was put on this earth for many reasons!  I don't think we scratched the surface yet! smiley_clapwhen I decided I couldn't give her up....My friend told me, "you have no idea where this little pup is going to lead you!"  And boy was she right!  sp_hearticon2

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3 March 2021 - 9:44 pm
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You are so welcome! Great seeing you on the Zoom call. Good luck this week!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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3 March 2021 - 9:44 pm
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You are so welcome! Great seeing you on the Zoom call. Good luck this week!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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4 March 2021 - 12:30 pm
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I gotta say it was so heartwarming to interact with so many other tripawd parents last nigh via Zoom!  The stories not only broke my heart but made me realize what special people Tripawd parents are!  I have so many people tell me what a "special" thing I have done for Ari!  Frankly, I don't feel special, I just did what needed to be done and felt was the right  thing to do!  

After hearing what so many others have gone thru with cancer, amputation, chemo to give them more time with their beloved dogs, and those who have lost their beloved pets,  I was humbled and amazed at how special Tripawd Parents really are!  

I also learned a lot and will continue to get more involved in this community!  I know I will need help and advice with Ari and I know that this is the community that can help me with keeping Ari fit and healthy!  

Thank you so much for the "group hug" last night!  I felt the warmth down here in Lower Slower Delaware!  

Carolyn and Ari

Virginia







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4 March 2021 - 12:53 pm
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I wasn't able to be on this zoom, but have been on the others.  It was .lovely  to read  your thoughts on how it impacted you.  You articulated  this very well and from such a beautiful  place in your heart💖.

So, belatedly and without zoom, I'm sending you my part of aa "group hug" from myself, Tripawd Frankie. Blind Merry Myrtle and My Chunky Spiritual.Being Happy Hannah.  (((((((((((((HUG)))))))))

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Livermore, CA




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4 March 2021 - 2:45 pm
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What a great team!

I agree with you that training together really helps the bond become stronger.  My little rear amp Elly is the first dog I've had that I've invested lots of training time.  All my past dogs knew the basics and maybe a trick or two but with Elly I've done lots of classes and she knows her obedience and lots of tricks, she also earned her CGC.  In our case though the training investment started to try and help with her fear issues and separation anxiety. She lost her right back leg to a car accident at 7 months old, I adopted her at 10 months old and this was her 4th home!  For us the CGC test elements that presented the most challenges were when the evaluator needed to touch her and with Sep Anx the 3 minute separation. 

I am really interested in Ari's gait too- I'm not sure I've seen a front amp so comfortable going relatively slowly (I've been around here since 2009!).  Elly is small and a rear amp but her most comfortable gait is faster than my normal walk.  She has good lose leash skills but when I am able I let her go at her own pace.  It seems to me that a slower pace is harder for Elly and more tiring.  I also think standing still for long periods is very tiring for her.  Elly has always been reluctant to sit on hard surfaces and she doesn't like to sit or lay in the grass. I'm not sure about why she won't sit in the grass except that I don't think she was exposed to it until I adopted her. 

Anyway- Rene- there were some gait studies done some years ago- did they address gait speed at all?  I think it would be interesting to see if there were any conclusions of slow vs fast comfort in Tripawds.

I still do some training with Elly but we got into the sport of Nose Work a few years ago and so spend a lot of time on that.  We haven't competed in about a year due to Covid but we've entered a trial that might happen in April.

Elly is like Ari in that she loves training! Even when we do our balance exercises her tail is wagging like crazy!

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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4 March 2021 - 6:49 pm
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Thank you for the hug Sally, Frank, Hannah and Myrtle!  We love hugs around here!!  

And Karen and Elly, that is so awesome that you are doing Nosework.  We are getting into Scentwork, close to the same and also going to be testing both chayce and ari for Barnhunt.  I have a barn with bales of hay and I cannot keep ari off the hay bales.  So I know she and chayce can hunt thru the bales but will they hunt for the rat?  Your guess is as good as mine...we'll see!  

that's also awesome that Elly earned her CGC!  I am a CGC Evaluator and the 3 minute separation is hard for lots of dogs.  I don't really get that part of the test.  who is going to leave their dog with a stranger for 3 minutes!  lol!!  I'm sure it signifies something but........it is what it is!  Since Elly has her CGC Title you would only need 5 easy tricks for her Novice Trick Dog Title!  Have you gone for that yet????  Ari has Novice and Intermediate.  I haven't tried Advanced yet since we;ve been training and working at other things.  But will get to it one of these days!  

I will be very interested to hear how you do in your upcoming nosework trial!  

as far as Ari's gait, like I stated earlier, I had no idea that tripawds tend to walk out faster than most...I thought Ari was just doing what came natural to her and how she worked out her own gait.  I didn't do anything to try to "change" her gait, just trained her.  So will be interesting if Rene or anyone else comes up with any kind of studies.  

This is all cool stuff!  So happy to be part of it all!  A new family for me and Ari!!  

I'll let you know how she and Chayce make out at the Obedience Trial on Sunday!  Looking forward to it although I'm a bit nervous!  My first Obedience Trial and the first for Chayce and Ari!  We'll do our best and see what happens!!

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