By Kelly Vates | Executive Director
Happy Summer Everyone!
Thank you for your continued support of our First Mate Program at Fair Haven- Lake County's Rape Crisis Center. We could not do any of this without your continued support. You are greately appreciated!
We continue to develop Aspen's skills through training. We are currently working on "auto focus watch." When given the command watch, Aspen responds perfectly. She will keep her eyes on me and follow me in each direction. However, in a counseling environment, I am not her focal point, our clients are. During these times she needs to focus on the needs or our clients first and check back in with me for what comes next. This is called Auto Watch.
We are sharpening this skill through focus games:
Focus! This game teaches Aspen to give her focus to me rather than her favorite treat. (Aspen working this game in training pics 1 & 2) The metohd begins by holding the treat near the face and waiting for Aspen to shift her eyes from the treat to me. When this happens, I mark the behavior with, “Yes!” and give Aspen the treat. As this has gotten easier, I move the treat further away from my face and wait for Aspen's eyes to shift to mine.
The “Follow the Leader” Game we practice at all times while in the office. Aspen rests in her “spot” while I work at my desk. However, when I move, our eyes meet and when I stand she stands and comes directly to my left side. She walks in heal position with me to the printer or my next meeting. At the beginning, I needed to use the commands “come” and “follow” to build behavior. Now, Aspen makes eye contact with me and follows in position without command.
The "Ask Permission" Game has also been veery helpful at building focus. Aspen sits at the door entrance and looks at me as I open the door. She must keep her eyes focused on mine and not move to go through the door until I give her the command.
The three techniquest may seem very simple. However, in a counsleing room, with lots of emoitions and sounds and energy, it takes alot of practice to reamin calm and focused. I am happy to report that Aspen is developing well and hitting her marks for progress! She really loves her job and does it well.
Update on my last report, we did not receive additional funding :( We will need to put the "Paws Off" prevention curriculum on hold until additional funds are secured. Until then, we move forward with training and working with the clients that need the support of Animal Assisted Therapy.
Thank you for your support of this project. Aspen has been a welcomed addition to our team!
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