Caregiver Follow Me: How You Can Train Your Own Alzheimer’S Assistance Dog in Your Own Home

©2012 Patti Putnam. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/25/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6225-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6223-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6224-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012915706

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only. Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Preface

An Alzheimer’s Dog’s Story

Foreword

Chapter 1 An Alzheimer’s Dog

Chapter 2 Before Starting Sound Awareness Training

Chapter 3 Testing Dogs and Making a Selection

Chapter 4 Basic Obedience

Chapter 5 Correction Collars, Leads, and Th eir Uses

Chapter 6 Caregiver, Patient, Dog, and Home Criteria

Chapter 7 Uniqueness of Alzheimer’s Dogs

Chapter 8 Prerequisites Needed Before You Begin Training

Chapter 9 Basic Canine Health Care

Chapter 10 How to Train an Alzheimer’s Dog

Chapter 11 Training Aids

Chapter 12 Instructions

Chapter 13 Th e Game

Chapter 14 Troubleshooting and Miscellaneous Th oughts

Chapter 15 Biographies

Appendix

I dedicate this book to our beloved Sir Gandalf (three legged dog) who showed us hope, heart, courage and happiness, and to the all-American super mutt Megan (the fastest Hearing Dog around).

Gandi and Megan, the two dogs that started it all at home with author.

Illustrations by Kate Sundstrom, a childhood/lifelong friend and incredible artist.

Kate, who knew we’d have the opportunity at this stage of our lives to work together? Many thanks for coming to my rescue. You’ve always been so talented and I’m very proud and appreciative of you and your ability.

Photographs by Stephen Robert Ausmus, my son andprofessional photographer.

Dog Dunky with Stephen Ausmus.

Stephen Robert thanks for being tolerant with me throughout this escapade. Your steadfast guidance, encouragement, expertise, and love were and are cherished. How great it was to have collaborated, as mother and son, on a project so close to both of our hearts.

I thank Linda Tokaraz editor and proof-reader, who, in the nick of time saved my sanity!

I thank Pete Jenzen artist extraordinaire, for his delightful cartoon depiction of Alzheimer’s dog at work. I thank Sue Beamesderfer for creating the adorable cartoon mutt that ends each story.

I thank Matt Hyden a high school student, with forthcoming camera skills.

Those of us lucky enough to work with assistance dogs know for a fact that God’s hand is at work in each team that is created. He is present in the human-animal bond between an Alzheimer’s dog, caregiver, and patient.

I want to share the following story with you before you embark upon your own journey as a novice Alzheimer’s dog trainer, which, without a doubt, will offer you challenges. Be patient with yourself, and your dog, and know that God is your facilitator.

Once your dog is trained and has become your partner, you will experience, firsthand, all of the therapeutic benefits derived from having such an ally in fighting the ravishing effects of dementia. An Alzheimer’s dog is priceless. Therefore, when doubts creep in as you are training, remember that they cannot compare to the wealth you will receive when your dog becomes your loyal partner.

Enjoy this fantastic journey from the early days of training through a lifetime of shared experiences. I commend you for your efforts.

Several years ago, in the Midwest, a woman was introduced to another through their mutual love of horses, in particular the Paso Fino breed—a breed that at that time was practically unknown in their geographic area. Nonetheless, because of their ownership and love of their horses, these two women did meet and, during the course of a summer’s worth of trail riding, became friends. Heading into autumn, the two had agreed to commit themselves to the task of training and placing an Alzheimer’s dog with the one of them whose mother had the disease. Neither woman suspected that their friendship would deepen as they worked together in the successful training and placement of the Alzheimer’s dog, Rudy. One woman, Virginia, an assistance dog trainer by profession, would be training the dog for the other woman, Ana, whose 78-year-old mother, Irene, was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The following story tells the beginning and ending segments of what an Alzheimer’s dog is all about.

Six months prior to completing Rudy’s Alzheimer’s training, a mutual date was made for his actual placement with Ana. However, as with most carefully conceived plans, life intervened, major unforeseen events occurred and alternative plans were conceived. The Alzheimer’s patient’s husband, the intended caregiver, unexpectedly became critically ill. Without any hesitancy, their daughter Ana made the decision to become the caregiver for both of her parents. Since her employer had recently moved her to another state, it meant that both parents would also have to be relocated.

Even though the move was complicated by her father’s physical frailty and her mother’s dementia, Ana accomplished this major enterprise with equal amounts of determination, hard work, and love.

Having both parents living with her quickly reinforced the fact that she needed help—preferably from a trained dog that could provide her with an additional set of eyes and ears, as well as offer comfort. Ana had been the one responsible for her parents’ initial application for the dog. She was their major advocate. There was no doubt, in either Ana or Virginia’s minds, that Ana definitely wanted and needed Rudy

During the last stages of Rudy’s training Ana immersed herself in the task of assimilating her parents into her home and routine, dealing with the realities of caring for two invalid parents simultaneously, preparing for Rudy’s arrival, and holding down a full-time job. Suddenly, only days away from the dog’s arrival, Ana’s father unexpectedly passed away. Together, Ana and Virginia made the decision to keep the placement date intact, both feeling that the dog was needed now more than ever. Each woman realized that this was far from an ideal placement situation and that they faced a big challenge. However, neither Ana nor Virginia ever entertained the idea to call it quits. The placement would commence as planned.

On the day of Rudy and Virginia’s arrival the activity level in Ana’s home was in high gear. Everyone’s stress level was elevated as they made funeral arrangements. Their emotions were raw. Ana was on overload status. Her mother, Irene, was in denial, not understanding where her husband of a lifetime had gone.

Meanwhile, Virginia and Rudy were faring no better. The long hours of flight to the placement had not been pleasant. Everything that could go wrong had. They were as exhausted as Ana.

Once landed, the airport was crowed, noisy, charged with energy. Out of the fray Virginia spotted and recognized an equally frazzled Ana advancing toward her and Rudy, wearing a tentative smile and leading a confused older woman by the hand. When Ana stood before Rudy and instinctly reached out and placed her hand on his head, he eagerly accepted her touch. In that first physical contact, in that instant of time, Ana began to relax. Intuitively, Ana knew that she had a partner to help her; and Rudy knew that he was home. Virginia faded into the background watching as Ana carefully introduced Rudy to Irene, placing her mother’s hand upon the dog. Placement had begun.

Virginia and Ana could not help but notice Rudy’s natural ability to know where he belonged and to whom. From that first contact in the airport his focus shifted from his trainer to his new family. The trainer’s presence gave the dog a sense of security; God gave the dog the innate sense to know, without a shadow of doubt, where he was needed and belonged.

During preparations for the funeral, and the period of grief following death, Rudy determinedly sought out Ana and Irene, insisting that he be with them both.

It was decided that Rudy and Virginia should attend the small church service with the family. Rudy was placed in a down stay position between Virginia and Ana, with Irene, on the other side of Ana. That way Ana would be there for her Mom, and Virginia would be in charge of the dog. However, Rudy soon broke his command to remain in the down stay position and calmly, but assertively, repositioned himself between Ana and Irene. Instinct told him that the trainer did not need him but his caregiver and patient did. Before Rudy moved himself—Irene not comprehending exactly what was transpiring—only that her husband was not with her—had begun to get agitated. When Rudy physically repositioned next to her and touched her, she calmed down and was able to tolerate the situation. He had reassured her. Ana, too, periodically made physical contact with Rudy, finding his presence soothing.

Later that morning Ana, Irene, Rudy, and Virginia traveled in the same vehicle to the gravesite. Ana requested that Rudy be placed in the back seat with her mother to try to keep her calm for the extended ride. As Rudy tucked himself in beside Irene, she automatically reached out her hand for her dog, while Rude tenderly placed his head in her lap. The ride was quiet, without incident.

Alzheimer’s dog Rudy’s Unconditional Love.

Once at the gravesite, Rudy was not allowed out of the car because his presence would cause too much of a distraction for other members of the extended family. Instead, he stayed in the car with Virginia, throughout the short service. The entire time he remained on alert status, watching his family from the back seat of the car. It was impossible to distract him. When the service was completed Rudy was quickly reunited with Ana and Irene, remaining by their sides. Virginia watched as both Ana and Irene were comforted by the quiet strength and unconditional love that Rudy offered each of them. Never once did he falter in his role, stoically standing with them both. An air of pride could be seen emanating from Virginia.

Several weeks later, Virginia headed back to the training facility but would continue giving follow-up as needed on a long-distance basis. The new Alzheimer’s assistance dog team, Ana, Rudy, and Irene, transitioned quickly and was able to stand independently without incident. Placement was completed.

Throughout their years together, this Alzheimer’s team worked well as a unit, which enabled both Ana and Rudy to give Irene the best of care in her own home, a quality life.

From the beginning, Rudy zeroed in on his assignment as an Alzheimer’s dog and performed with zeal. That is not to say that he was beyond getting into trouble from time to time. He especially enjoyed rolling in whatever smelly thing he could find, and proudly come back into the house wearing his chosen cologne of the day. Further, any stick that presented itself within his domain was snatched up and brought inside if at all possible. Then there was his passion for retrieving socks, much to the chagrin of his family members. He was a happy camper, sitting in the old golf cart, stationing himself between Ana in the driver’s seat, and Irene riding shotgun, as they did the daily outside barn chores—especially the feeding of the horses, llamas, goats, chickens, geese, and other assorted barnyard critters.

Rudy welcomed other dogs as they were adopted into the family unit, showing them the ropes and lay of the land. He commandeered his master’s walk-in-closet as his office/safe place during wicked rainstorms. No one would ever accuse him of being fearless in the face of stormy weather. Rudy kept a watchful eye on Irene when they were outdoors and would quickly respond when she wandered too close to the front gate, physically placing himself between the gate and his special person. He also acted as a sentinel deterring any unwelcome strangers.

From that first meeting at the airport, a definite, indestructible bondhad been forged between this gentle giant with the gorgeous red coat and his family. He was totally committed to watching over his special patient and even old age could not deter him from his task. As his physical health began to ebb, he still brought Ana to Irene whenever Irene needed help.

Ten years passed. Then one day Ana found Irene on the floor cuddling Rudy. Had her mother fallen again? She did not think so, because Irene had actually pulled pillows from her bed, and had spread them on the floor for herself and Rudy to nest upon. Several days later, this loveable, loyal member of the family could no longer stand by himself, his immune system having failed. Only death had stopped him.

For those of us left behind, we were in awe of the love between this Alzheimer’s dog and his patient, how the two of them had known and understood, each in their own way, that his end was near. They had said their goodbyes.

Rudy is at peace now, and both friends—one a trainer, the other a caregiver—know in their hearts that there is an ever-vigilant, handsome, red-coated canine watching over his family, patiently waiting for their reunion.

Rudy arrived with his trainer for placement on March 6th, 1997, one day after the death of the caregiver’s father on March 5th, 1997. After Rudy’s death in 2007, following a period of mourning, the caregiver brought another dog into the family home. A gangly, all paws and tummy, male puppy, whose date of birth is March 5th 2007. This young pup clumsily climbed into the hearts of each family member, including the Alzheimer’s patient, who mistakenly called him Rudy. It is said that the pup mirrored many of the qualities that made Rudy the exemplary Alzheimer’s dog that he was. And, like Rudy, this pup too, can be a court jester. He tears about the house scattering toilet paper, cruises the wastebaskets for used Kleenex, and has his own fetish for smelly socks, alias his sock babies.

God continues His work

Ana, Irene, and dog Rudy.

CAREGIVER FOLLOW ME

How You Can Train Your Own Alzheimer’s Assistance Dog In Your Own Home

Why Write a Book?

Simply put, there are far too many deserving caregivers out there who need and could benefit from the help of a specially trained Alzheimer’s dog. Most of the assistance dog provider programs are not addressing this particular human need. There is one provider program, Okada Specialty Dogs, which did try to reach out to the caregiver. Okada produced the first prototype Alzheimer’s dog in the early 1990’s and was training this type of dog. Sadly, due to lack of funding for such dogs, the ability to produce these canines was severely limited. Even so, potential clients kept contacting Okada requesting that Alzheimer’s dogs continue to be trained. Because of the obvious need for these dogs, coupled with the lack of money to replicate them, an alternative solution had to be sought. The idea to help caregivers train their own dogs to assist with looking after loved ones struggling with Alzheimer’ disease or any other type of dementia was born. Caregiver Follow Me is the realization of that idea.

Certainly not every caregiver is going to be able to follow up his or her good intentions and, in the end, have a trained working dog. One must also realize that there are certain criteria, in both the caregiver/dog trainer and the dog, which ideally should be met in order to set the stage for success. This is not a job for someone who wants instant gratification, is not tolerant, does not have patience, and above all is not in tune to the needs of their dog, their patient, and themselves. A person who is narrowminded, does not listen, and cannot follow directions should definitely not try to work with a canine. With that said, I firmly believe that it is worth the effort to reach out to teach, not the dog, but the caregiver. I remain optimistic that there are caregivers with true grit out there who will prove me right. They will succeed in training their own dogs. Those who do will have a loving partner able to work with them for the benefit of their Alzheimer’s patients. Indeed, the caregivers themselves, as well as other family members, will benefit from their specially trained Alzheimer’s dogs.

Further, I refuse to accept the fact that money, or the lack of it, should be allowed to prevent the training of more Alzheimer’s dogs. Lack of funds can no longer be allowed to stand in the way. Through this book I can continue to reach out to caregivers by placing, in their own hands, the tools they need to train their own dogs. By sharing my knowledge, skills, and training techniques I am enabling determined and tolerant caregivers.

There is no magic number of hours needed to produce a well-adjusted working Alzheimer’s dog, nor a fairy wand to sprinkle magic particles. It’s done by hard work and persistence. Further, one must accept the fact that at any stage of the training process the caregiver/trainer might have to concede the fact that they, their dog, or both, are unable to meet this challenge. If such is the case, at least they are not left with what if. This is not a job for the faint of heart or the over-zealous personality.

What Is Required?

1.   Trainers must commit themselves to working with their dogs approximately 15-20 minutes each practice session, two times per day, five days per week, for at least 8-12 months.

2.   Trainers must be tuned in to the needs of their dogs for the rest of their dogs’ lives. Trainers must learn how to communicate with their dogs by learning their language.

3.   Trainers need to know what their goals are and must be persistent, consistent, and insistent. They need to explore their motives, be honest with themselves and dedicated.

4.   Trainers need to be able to ascertain when something is not working and then figure out possible reasons why not. Trainers need a sense of humor. Trainers do not give up.

I have not written this book to create failures but rather to work around the financial bottleneck and continue to get the job done with class, wit, humor, and dignity. The end product will be a happy, well-adjusted, working triad of caregiver, dog, and patient. Every assistance dog team I have had the good fortune to work with have succeeded because the dog, the client, and I were a unit. It took all of