- Location
- South Manchester England
Oh gosh, these updates are just special. Spencer looks tiny next to his new ‘sibling’ x
Spencer - Guide Dog 🐾
- Thread starter Boogie
- Start date
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
These updates are wonderful. It's so lovely to read about their partnership and really get a sense of how much these beautiful dogs change their humans lives for the better.
Boogie
Moderator
- Location
- Manchester UK
I love the detail in Terry’s updates.
Good afternoon Loungers - Its Team Spencer time
Today brought with it another extrodonary day.
We had our little morning routine.
I would let Spencer out to spend, then let the wolfhounds out to spend
Then 10 mins mad run around the garden, chasing each other around.
Then Spencer had his breakfast, and out to spend again. He is regular as clockwork, so, I know if he has emptied twice in the morning, we are good to go with only remote chance of anything happening in harness.
The GDMI arrived and as it was a beautiful sunny day, we were going to make the most of it, and get straight out on our walk.
Last night, I spent a while manipulating his lead and his harness inderbelly strap. So, today they were much more pliable and soft.
Spencer was laid down, so, I had him do a upstand, popped his lead on and then his harness. As usual, he was keen to get into his uniform
I did our controlled obedience leaving the house, and proceeded with a forward along my front path, left and to the kerb.
We made our way to the top of my road, and We already anticipated that as we were walking past the area where he has had three free runs already, by way of introducing hom to Vanda at matching time, that he would assume we were going onto the grass area to free run. So, with this in mind, as he stepped
kerb, I positioned myself right up to his shoulders, with a little blocking position with my foot/leg and said to him, Not today Spencer, straight on.
True to form, he was turning his head to the grass area, so I took the lead in my right hand and encouraged him to continue straight on. And we were soon past.
Yeaterday, we decided to make the route a little easier for us both today. Die to problems I had with childrens parents when passing the school with my white cane. I since felt a little intimidated passing the school, so did so on the opposite side of the road. But, by doing this, we were presented with many problems, blind spots at crossings, overhanging bushes, and more. So, my GDMI reminded me, I dont have a cane anymore, I have Spencer now, so I won’t have the same issues with the parents, as he will simply guide me by everyone.
So, we did the easier walk, passing the school. Again, as we walked this way back yesterday, we knew he would again find the fields/entrance a little distracting - so used the same kind of thing as we did at the start of the route - re-focus his attention.
There were parts of this walk where he clearly remembered things and morored along like he was on a mission.
This time though, i was armed with high value treats as well as regular. So, when we got to the pelican crossing, straight to the crossing was said. When he got me there, I positioned myself and pointed to the right and said find the box, find the box - he took me to where it was, I took out a high value treat, tapped the box with it, and he got a little giddy and jumped up to the box, sat back down and then held the treat in my hand, told him wait, wait and then take it, so he would take it nice and steady. And gave him
Loads of praise he was proud of homself as I was immensely proud of him.
We carried on, and made our way to the GP surgery, remembering little things from yesterdays samw walk. He found the surgery door for me, and agsin, I tapped the door with my hand and have hima. Treat, followed by praise.
I learned so much more on this second time doing the route today. For example:
Tapping the thongs I wanted him to find, like door, box etc got him too excited. So, on the way back rather that tap the thing Inwanted him to fond, I would simply touch it and repeat box, door etc. This was a great result.
Using my learned landmarks - using the steady command slowed him right down, which prepared me
And him for what was ahead, and gave us time.
If My arm brused the bushes, I would tell him “watch” and “over” and repeat that again. So that he was aware net time he needed to move over a little more.
Using different phrases, like “not today Spencer” and “off we go” instead of leave or just the same straight on, instead of leave, etc worked a treat.
Using dofferent voice intonations and then this would get his focus. Talking less to hom so that my voice wouldnt just become white noise in the background, meaning when I did say something, he would perk his ears up and listen.
All of these small things made a massive difference. The walk was cleaner, quicker and even more enjoyable than yesterday and the GDMI interrupted much less.
When we got home, we did a class on how dogs learn, whoch was hugely interesting, how they evolve, the different methods of learning, re-inforcing, consistency. Not always saying no, leave, etc, learning to dostract the undesired behaviour of sniffing etc, by giving him something else to do, th would then do and be rewarded for - this meant he doesnt focus on the negative, it rather the positive. All very clever stuff indeed.
Tomorrow our plan is to do the walk again, then learn how to get hin into the car, footwell snd boot in a controlled manner, then free run him and learn best practise for that. My partner is also coming along, as he will then be able to free run with me
A few times when the trainer isnt able to get over to me.
Its so inclusive and such a fantastoc experience.
This is just a snippet of what we did today, and I hope you enjoy reading about it
In this picture, Dpencer and I are having a well earned rest after a hard days work.
We are both laid down ona. Blie carpet, toeh our heads on a chahion together, me at the back and spencers head right in front of
My head. The cushion isnted , white and blue, in the English flag design. We are cuddling and both have our eyes closed. I of course have a very satisfied happy smile on my face and Spencer looks extremely content too.
Good afternoon Loungers - Its Team Spencer time
Today brought with it another extrodonary day.
We had our little morning routine.
I would let Spencer out to spend, then let the wolfhounds out to spend
Then 10 mins mad run around the garden, chasing each other around.
Then Spencer had his breakfast, and out to spend again. He is regular as clockwork, so, I know if he has emptied twice in the morning, we are good to go with only remote chance of anything happening in harness.
The GDMI arrived and as it was a beautiful sunny day, we were going to make the most of it, and get straight out on our walk.
Last night, I spent a while manipulating his lead and his harness inderbelly strap. So, today they were much more pliable and soft.
Spencer was laid down, so, I had him do a upstand, popped his lead on and then his harness. As usual, he was keen to get into his uniform
I did our controlled obedience leaving the house, and proceeded with a forward along my front path, left and to the kerb.
We made our way to the top of my road, and We already anticipated that as we were walking past the area where he has had three free runs already, by way of introducing hom to Vanda at matching time, that he would assume we were going onto the grass area to free run. So, with this in mind, as he stepped
kerb, I positioned myself right up to his shoulders, with a little blocking position with my foot/leg and said to him, Not today Spencer, straight on.
True to form, he was turning his head to the grass area, so I took the lead in my right hand and encouraged him to continue straight on. And we were soon past.
Yeaterday, we decided to make the route a little easier for us both today. Die to problems I had with childrens parents when passing the school with my white cane. I since felt a little intimidated passing the school, so did so on the opposite side of the road. But, by doing this, we were presented with many problems, blind spots at crossings, overhanging bushes, and more. So, my GDMI reminded me, I dont have a cane anymore, I have Spencer now, so I won’t have the same issues with the parents, as he will simply guide me by everyone.
So, we did the easier walk, passing the school. Again, as we walked this way back yesterday, we knew he would again find the fields/entrance a little distracting - so used the same kind of thing as we did at the start of the route - re-focus his attention.
There were parts of this walk where he clearly remembered things and morored along like he was on a mission.
This time though, i was armed with high value treats as well as regular. So, when we got to the pelican crossing, straight to the crossing was said. When he got me there, I positioned myself and pointed to the right and said find the box, find the box - he took me to where it was, I took out a high value treat, tapped the box with it, and he got a little giddy and jumped up to the box, sat back down and then held the treat in my hand, told him wait, wait and then take it, so he would take it nice and steady. And gave him
Loads of praise he was proud of homself as I was immensely proud of him.
We carried on, and made our way to the GP surgery, remembering little things from yesterdays samw walk. He found the surgery door for me, and agsin, I tapped the door with my hand and have hima. Treat, followed by praise.
I learned so much more on this second time doing the route today. For example:
Tapping the thongs I wanted him to find, like door, box etc got him too excited. So, on the way back rather that tap the thing Inwanted him to fond, I would simply touch it and repeat box, door etc. This was a great result.
Using my learned landmarks - using the steady command slowed him right down, which prepared me
And him for what was ahead, and gave us time.
If My arm brused the bushes, I would tell him “watch” and “over” and repeat that again. So that he was aware net time he needed to move over a little more.
Using different phrases, like “not today Spencer” and “off we go” instead of leave or just the same straight on, instead of leave, etc worked a treat.
Using dofferent voice intonations and then this would get his focus. Talking less to hom so that my voice wouldnt just become white noise in the background, meaning when I did say something, he would perk his ears up and listen.
All of these small things made a massive difference. The walk was cleaner, quicker and even more enjoyable than yesterday and the GDMI interrupted much less.
When we got home, we did a class on how dogs learn, whoch was hugely interesting, how they evolve, the different methods of learning, re-inforcing, consistency. Not always saying no, leave, etc, learning to dostract the undesired behaviour of sniffing etc, by giving him something else to do, th would then do and be rewarded for - this meant he doesnt focus on the negative, it rather the positive. All very clever stuff indeed.
Tomorrow our plan is to do the walk again, then learn how to get hin into the car, footwell snd boot in a controlled manner, then free run him and learn best practise for that. My partner is also coming along, as he will then be able to free run with me
A few times when the trainer isnt able to get over to me.
Its so inclusive and such a fantastoc experience.
This is just a snippet of what we did today, and I hope you enjoy reading about it
In this picture, Dpencer and I are having a well earned rest after a hard days work.
We are both laid down ona. Blie carpet, toeh our heads on a chahion together, me at the back and spencers head right in front of
My head. The cushion isnted , white and blue, in the English flag design. We are cuddling and both have our eyes closed. I of course have a very satisfied happy smile on my face and Spencer looks extremely content too.
Interesting reads and really full of joy. You can tell they both are enjoying the training, and Terry is getting excited about his independence more and more.
Boogie
Moderator
- Location
- Manchester UK
TRAINING UPDATE:
Just had a lovely chat with my GDMI, and the call was a little emotionally charged, as The Corona Virus, has got to a point where is is affecting us all in some way to a greater or lesser extent.
All face to face contacts have now been stopped at Guide Dogs - however, they are still there 24 hours a day by telephone for anyone that may need their help throughout this whole sorry state of affairs.
This of course, means that team Spencers training will not be going ahead next week. We knew this point was fast approaching, and whilst it is very sad, as my GDMI put it. We are not pulling the plug, and we like to say that we are NOT stopping - we are simply pressing the Pause Button
The GDMI was extremely supportive and both they and I feel comfortable that, I/We have gained enough skills throughout this weeks training to maintain a happy, healthy and safe environment for Spencer.
So, the plan, until training can re-commence is to:
* Utilise the skills gained so far
* Keep practising and implementing all of the obedience training every day
* We can now, after todays training go on regular free runs
* Walk the route we have practised, on leash (not Harness) and in such a way that, although Spencer will not be "guiding" me, we will maintain all of the correct guiding actions. eg. Walk Spencer as if he was guiding me this route - stopping at kerbs, using the correct signals and body positions to make turns, and everything we have been taught so far
This time, however long it may be for will only strengthen our bond. I have been told to be re-assured that Spencer IS MY dog, he isn't going anywhere, training will commence as soon as possible, dependant on government advice, and when we do press the Play button again, we may need to do a little refresher training for both me and Spencer, but, we will then take it forward and complete it.
Whilst of course, I would rather be able to continue training, I recognise, this isn't possible in the current climate. Guide Dogs staff have been remarkably supportive, and continue to be. The GDMI;s and I have struck up a great partnership too, and we will just pick up where we left off.
Spencer and I will have loads of fun, but will also do our daily tasks, ensuring we are a solid working. partnership in the future.
Im certainly not looking at this as a negative at all, its simply an unavoidable blip in the road - Team Spencer will continue onwards and upwards
We will still of course continue to post lots off pictures and posts, when there is something to say
MASSIVE thanks to all of our wonderful supporters and friends
x
.........
Bless them both, I’m so glad Spencer was placed before the virus hit.
Just had a lovely chat with my GDMI, and the call was a little emotionally charged, as The Corona Virus, has got to a point where is is affecting us all in some way to a greater or lesser extent.
All face to face contacts have now been stopped at Guide Dogs - however, they are still there 24 hours a day by telephone for anyone that may need their help throughout this whole sorry state of affairs.
This of course, means that team Spencers training will not be going ahead next week. We knew this point was fast approaching, and whilst it is very sad, as my GDMI put it. We are not pulling the plug, and we like to say that we are NOT stopping - we are simply pressing the Pause Button
The GDMI was extremely supportive and both they and I feel comfortable that, I/We have gained enough skills throughout this weeks training to maintain a happy, healthy and safe environment for Spencer.
So, the plan, until training can re-commence is to:
* Utilise the skills gained so far
* Keep practising and implementing all of the obedience training every day
* We can now, after todays training go on regular free runs
* Walk the route we have practised, on leash (not Harness) and in such a way that, although Spencer will not be "guiding" me, we will maintain all of the correct guiding actions. eg. Walk Spencer as if he was guiding me this route - stopping at kerbs, using the correct signals and body positions to make turns, and everything we have been taught so far
This time, however long it may be for will only strengthen our bond. I have been told to be re-assured that Spencer IS MY dog, he isn't going anywhere, training will commence as soon as possible, dependant on government advice, and when we do press the Play button again, we may need to do a little refresher training for both me and Spencer, but, we will then take it forward and complete it.
Whilst of course, I would rather be able to continue training, I recognise, this isn't possible in the current climate. Guide Dogs staff have been remarkably supportive, and continue to be. The GDMI;s and I have struck up a great partnership too, and we will just pick up where we left off.
Spencer and I will have loads of fun, but will also do our daily tasks, ensuring we are a solid working. partnership in the future.
Im certainly not looking at this as a negative at all, its simply an unavoidable blip in the road - Team Spencer will continue onwards and upwards
We will still of course continue to post lots off pictures and posts, when there is something to say
MASSIVE thanks to all of our wonderful supporters and friends
x
.........
Bless them both, I’m so glad Spencer was placed before the virus hit.
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
I feel so sad they can't both fly with his but Terry is remarkably philosophical good on him x
Boogie
Moderator
- Location
- Manchester UK
Spencer and his new sister
- Location
- Isle of Man
Oh my! I have just caught up with Spencer & Terry. Just the best read ever.
Boogie
Moderator
- Location
- Manchester UK
Somebody already loves his new sister. 
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
I so love Spencer , always have done but even more now , bless him xx
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Oh that is so special Mags x
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Oh, gorgeous!! I always think of GDs as being only dogs - not that there's anything wrong with that at all, but it's so lovely to see Spencer so settled with a doggy family, too.
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
I am so pleased that Spencer has such a wonderful home.
Boogie
Moderator
- Location
- Manchester UK
Happy Birthday Spencer - two years old today. 
He continues to guide his owner with lead only as they didn’t finish harness guiding training before the lockdown. But Terry hasn’t used his long cane since!
“HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY Spencer!
Im so very proud to be able to celebrate Spencers 2nd Birthday with him today. I was VERY OLD on 3rd May and Here is my little boy - 2 yrs old on 5th May.
We have had a marvelous morning , Spencer was really giddy and excited opening hisnpresents and has had a jolly good time for sure. We will be out for a walk and a free run later, then a tootle aboutnin the garden and paddling pool.
I have out together a little video of Spencer opening his toys, I will do my best to describe it.
It starts with Spencer sat, with two amazon boxes on the floor beside bim, one addressed to Spencer Quinn - this was from hos puppy raisers Mags & John.
Spencer giddily, and quickly opens the box to discover a fabulous brown furry and squeaky wobber - he dances around with it all over the kitchen. Then he goes in for a second dig and finds a box of bis favourite treats, a handmade borthday card from Mags and John and there is also a beautiful hand crafted wooden key ring holder. It has a black lab wood carving which is attached to a brown wooden base. On the wooden base it has spencer written in black and then has three brass coloured key hooks - its beautiful.
Spencer then goes onto open his second box from me, his dad, and he enjoyed to find a selection of kong toys, a purple squeaky ball, black ball stuffed with treats, a red squeaky ball and also a red rubber ring.
Spencer is so excited he doesnt quite know what to play with, so dances around the room with them all in turn.
He then diverts his attention to having a damn good ripping time with his boxes, leaving the kitchen floor strewn with cardboard bits - he has had a great time so far.
We hope you enjoy his little video.”
gopro.com
He continues to guide his owner with lead only as they didn’t finish harness guiding training before the lockdown. But Terry hasn’t used his long cane since!
“HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY Spencer!
Im so very proud to be able to celebrate Spencers 2nd Birthday with him today. I was VERY OLD on 3rd May and Here is my little boy - 2 yrs old on 5th May.
We have had a marvelous morning , Spencer was really giddy and excited opening hisnpresents and has had a jolly good time for sure. We will be out for a walk and a free run later, then a tootle aboutnin the garden and paddling pool.
I have out together a little video of Spencer opening his toys, I will do my best to describe it.
It starts with Spencer sat, with two amazon boxes on the floor beside bim, one addressed to Spencer Quinn - this was from hos puppy raisers Mags & John.
Spencer giddily, and quickly opens the box to discover a fabulous brown furry and squeaky wobber - he dances around with it all over the kitchen. Then he goes in for a second dig and finds a box of bis favourite treats, a handmade borthday card from Mags and John and there is also a beautiful hand crafted wooden key ring holder. It has a black lab wood carving which is attached to a brown wooden base. On the wooden base it has spencer written in black and then has three brass coloured key hooks - its beautiful.
Spencer then goes onto open his second box from me, his dad, and he enjoyed to find a selection of kong toys, a purple squeaky ball, black ball stuffed with treats, a red squeaky ball and also a red rubber ring.
Spencer is so excited he doesnt quite know what to play with, so dances around the room with them all in turn.
He then diverts his attention to having a damn good ripping time with his boxes, leaving the kitchen floor strewn with cardboard bits - he has had a great time so far.
We hope you enjoy his little video
.”GoPro Shared Link
gopro.com
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Wonderful Mags
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
How lovely to see, thanks for posting this. Happy Birthday Super Spencer!
Boogie
Moderator
- Location
- Manchester UK
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
Crikey those ears!!!!
- Location
- Isle of Man
Wonderful!
Emily_Babbelhund
Mama Red HOT Pepper
- Location
- Regensburg, Germany
Happy birthday, sweet boy! He's landed with such a wonderful family. 