Today was another special day here at MIRA. The girls walked with their dogs and followed the commands they have learned. They are getting every so much more comfortable with this now and the goal is to make it almost automatic.
They also worked at the "four corners" which is a simulated street crossing. Great patience and understanding are needed to recognize the NW/SW etc. corner and while they are working and also listening to traffic. While we are still on the campus, there are vehicles that go by from time to time and the echolocation skills are important. The trainers and the O&M specialist are always with the girls, helping them to understand each command and how it helps to keep them safe.
The people who work here are absolutely the best. They care deeply about the girls and about the dogs and about the match between the student and the dog. The corrections they make are gentle and they always explain why. These young girls are great. They ask questions, they truly want to learn and to understand.
Today, the trainers tried to tease the dogs to eat cheese treats. When the trainers held the dogs, not one dog touched the treats. The girls were told how to correct their dogs if the dog reached for the treat.
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| Pierre tries to tempt Ahbee's dog with a food treat. |
At first, when the girls held the leashes, the dogs tried to get the food, testing the girls who were handling them. Within the hour every girl had the dog in place and showed the dog that this was not acceptable. At the end, the dogs didn't even try. Great work by our young students.
Do know that this work is hard and very serious. It is rather hot here and yet, there are no complaints from our young students, they keep asking more questions and just are so eager to learn.
It is an absolute pleasure to see this happening.
Editor's note: This post is from the President of MIRA USA.
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