Kailaq's Training Update

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday Kailaq and I went back to PetSmart to train for the Pet Partners Skills and Aptitude test. The hardest part was getting Kailaq to ignore his biggest weakness. . . tennis balls. Kailaq absolutely loves to play fetch, and if any tennis ball is laying on the ground he immediately picks it up. Part of the test is to have Kailaq walk past a toy on the ground. Kailaq was quite distracted, but after a few runs Kailaq was able to walk past the tennis ball with some minor distraction.

We also practiced crowding Kailaq and petting him. Kailaq sat for a while and then eventually laid down for belly scratches. Needless to say, I am not worried about this part of the test.

After this exercise, we had Kailaq be placed in an environment of angry yelling (acting of course!) Kailaq was more confused than scared or nervous. When there are loud noises however, Kailaq does show signs of fear. I will have to work with him on that.

We also got the experience of Kailaq interacting with a little boy who wanted to pet him. Kailaq was much bigger than he was, but he remained seated the whole time! Yay!!!

In the end, Kailaq overall is pretty prepared for the test with the exception of the tennis balls!!!

Kai's Vet Check Up

Kailaq recently had to go to a vet appointment in order to be an eligible Pet Therapy animal. He was at the vet office for a little over an hour while the vet ran a number of tests on him.

 Kailaq had to meet the following criteria in order to be certified according to Pet Partners:

• Current on all vaccinations
• Free of all parasites
• Does not eat raw protein diet/treats
• No signs of infectious disease
• Must be tempermentally able to participate in the Pet Partners program
• Any conditions must be under control using a prescribed medication
• If there is any disabilities, the animal can still participate with accommodations. 

After all was tested, Kailaq passed the vet exam! Yay! Now Kailaq and I have to continue training in order to pass the Pet Partners skill and  aptitude test.

Handler Course Update!!!

Hi Everyone!

On the fifth of February I took and passed my Handler Exam! After taking PLENTY of notes through out the entire course and reviewing a little, I felt I was ready to take the test. I had to answer twenty questions of which I answered 85% correctly. The minimum to pass is an 80%. Next step is to fill out the registration packet and to get Kailaq tested by the vet for health reasons. After everything checks out, Kailaq and I can begin to practice for the Skills and Aptitude test as the final step!