A New Chapter

Well we've been in a new chapter of training. Logan went to "dog school" back to SC to the Dogs For Autism Center to get some extensive training done. It is extremely hard on us not to have Logan here but they are able to do alot more training in a shorter period of time with having him there.

For us this time away from Logan has really made me realize how much of a vital role he has in our lives. He isn't only a member of our family but is a stress relief for me. Jacob is having a huge time trying to adjust not having his Logan around. The bed time routine has changed because he doesn't have his Logan with him, which means Mommy isn't sleeping aswell because Logan would alert me if the boys would get up. We also were teaching Jacob to walk with Logan when he was getting "over stimulated" to calm him down.

Logan was also a comfort for me. Petting him or brushing him was a stim for me, I could block out the rest and concentrate on one item.

When Logan comes back we will begin a new chapter filled with new adventures and outings, With Logan doors are opening for Jacob, we can plan and go to places that we thought were imposible for us to visit. We can't wait for our Logan to finish his time at "dog school"

Training...

We are officially in advanced training with Logan. We have a trainer that comes up every 2 weeks. We are keeping our paws crossed that Logan will be certified by the end of summer! We hope you guys stay tuned and watch as we grow!

This week we are nailing down the the "Plotz" or "down stay" command. This is a very important command especially since we are planning on harnessing Jacob and Logan together. Its a very interesting training sessions the kids think I've lost it a bit. Jumping up and down, banging on the walls, walking circles around him but he is doing a great job staying put until we release him and give him lots of praise.

We will also starting venturing into public outings which will be a whole new can of worms. Alot of people don't understand what services a service dog can provide for a "normal looking" child. Which will take alot of explaining in the begining but educating people on service dogs and autism is worth taking a few minutes to deal with ignorant people.

Next week we continue on down stays increasing the time and begining to work on the first stages of the harness....

Training...

Well with a few more bumps along the way we are into our advance phase of training. This process is very much worth it but is most deffinately lots of hard work in every way. Our trainer which was wonderful today gave us some great advice. We are teaching Logan the "Go-to command" which is the first step of him being able to help us find Jacob if he goes on his own little adventure. He's having to get back into the training brain since its been a few months for him, but I am sure he will get back into the swing of things quickly...

This was Logan and Jacob this evening after a hard day of training....

Promise more updates and pics soon...

2 Weeks and a Day....

Can you guys believe that? Its been 2 whole weeks and a Day since Logan's Grand Arrival....

It has been an amazing life changing 2 weeks. We have had some alerts which is FANTASTIC and is distracting meltdowns. But the AMAZING part is this is so far just from instincts!

Now we have had a few rough patches last week when we up and changed the schedule on Logan, let me tell you this guy doesn't like to be separated from his boys, especially Jacob.

Now on to the ALERTS!!

On the same day as arrival I was in the kitchen and Jacob was unlocking the front door I yelled NO Outside and Logan got between Jacob and the door, now I just brushed this one off as a chance happening but he is still doing this, we haven't got it down to a science and if by chance Jacob gets by Logan, he starts barking and I come running.

On the 4th day he stopped Hunter from having a huge meltdown which was AMAZING to say the least. Hunter's meltdowns are indescribable. Hunter and I were doing homework and Hunter was having issues with me suggesting he call his teacher on the homework helpline for help. So Hunter drops to the floor starts crying and rocking. Logan walks over and paws him on the back and then started to put his face where Hunter was rocking and trying to sniff his face but Hunter turned around so Logan grabs his rope toy and brings it over to Hunter and start shaking it at Hunter and then when Hunter grabbed it Logan started pulling and shaking it so Hunter pulled back some and Logan let go, So Hunter threw it and Logan ran and fetched it and brought it back then they played with the rope for about 10minutes by then Hunter was calm and laughing at Logan. I praised Logan the whole time and gave him a doggie treat when he was done.

We have also had multiple alerts of Night Waking by all 3 of the boys I honestly never knew they got up so much at night.

Now it hasn't always been easy, Logan is a lot of work its not all fun and games. I've had to change my schedule to make sure I have time to walk him, and let him have his exercise and what not. He will let you know at time he is still a puppy and wants to play. But we are very thankful for DFA and for Logan and what a great match he is. I promise I will post more pics in the Morning...

Chapter 2 Logan Arrives...

A new chapter in our lives begins now. Logan is home. Can you tell the meeting went great between Logan and the family? This is some of the pictures that were taken shortly after the meeting. The meeting of Jacob and Logan was amazing. He was istantly attached petting him and saying Good Boy, Good Boy and want him to follow. He loves to tell him "your my oggie". He is bonding wonderfully with the family. He is already chasing Jacob down. For example tonight I put the boys at the table for dinner and Jacob jumped up and ran towards the living room and Logan was on his trail and starting pawing him to stop him. We are so thankful and blessed to have Logan with us, this is going to open so many doors for our family. For the next few weeks he will be getting use to our family and schedule. Then we will begin his training. Can't wait to update with more as it comes. Please feel free to leave a comment and make sure your following our blog.. Amazing things are comming...
Well I think its about time for his bedtime potty break....

Important Announcement....

Bumps in the road....

I wanted to update everyone since we've had lots of questions.. Yes we are still starting our Adventures but with all great worth wild adventures you hit bumps in the road that change and delay plans.

Last week when things were set to start rolling. Logan got sick. It was extreme touch and go for a little over a day. He is healing nicely but as of now, the vet has put him on " No Placement" for atleast a little longer.

We know that he is in great hands but we also know that if it is decided that Logan go on perment "non working status" that there is another dog on back up.

I will post more details as I find out. Please keep your paws crossed for Logan's health.