Someone asked me today if Isaac was in training. I get asked that all the time. I mean, almost every time I go someplace new with him, someone asks.
I'm not entirely sure why that bugs me so much but it does. I think it feels kind of insulting to me. I know people don't mean it that way. I know why they ask. I know why, because for a while, every time someone asked me that, I asked them why they were asking. Mostly it was because I don't look blind. Therefore they assume I must be training him for someone that is blind.
So it seems like it shouldn't feel insulting to me, but it kind of does. Isaac is highly trained. He's had a ton of training. He was trained for about 18 months before I even got him, but I do ongoing training with him all the time, too. He's had tons of training. So I think it feels like they are minimizing that or downplaying it or something, even though I realize that's not very logical because they have no way of knowing what kind of training he's had.
He behaves like he's well-trained, though. Some people notice that. Sometimes people comment on how well-behaved he is. Well, dogs just don't naturally behave like that. They behave like that when they've had a lot of training.
I try to understand why people ask if he's in training, and I do understand, but it still bugs me.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteDon't let that bother you. I get asked that same question when my service dog is with me. I just respond with, "yes, he is in training because a service dog never STOPS training. They learn something new each day just as we humans do". Hope is is of some help to you.
I tell them he is already trained because in Ohio, where I live, service dogs in training are only allowed in businesses with professional trainers, unless the manager or owner gives permission. If I was training a service dog myself, I wouldn't be able to take him into a grocery store or restaurant. Plus, I understand what you're saying, they are always learning and in fact I do train Isaac to do new things all the time. But at the same time, he is already trained. I mean, it's like if you are doctor, you have to do continuing education, but there is a different between being a medical student and being a board certified licensed physician.
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