F2 Motorcycles Ltd support Dogs for the Disabled

PAGE UPDATE 05.08.2009	DOGS FOR THE DISABLED F2 Motorcycles Ltd supports dogs for the disabled.
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		From the age of 6-8 weeks to around a year, DFD assistance dogs live full-time with volunteer puppy socialisers. We have been puppy socialising for DFD since 2006, and the pictures that follow are of the DFD puppies that we have socialised. For information on what puppy socialising involves, please see www.dogsforthedisabled.org There is a link to DFD on our links page.
		This is Tyler, our first DFD puppy at three months old, wearing his ‘Puppy in Training’ jacket for the first time. It is important to understand that when a puppy is wearing a training jacket or fluorescent lead flash that it is in ‘working mode’. Many people see the jacket as a sign that the puppy or dog is safe to talk to and touch, and do so, often without even acknowledging the dog’s handler. The jacket says ‘DO NOT DISTRACT’ because the puppy needs to learn to stay focused on its handler.
		Tyler at 12 months having fun with friend, Willow.
		Tyler at 14 months with our second DFD puppy, Clover at 8 weeks.
		At just over 14 months old Tyler left us for DFD’s training centre in Banbury. At 18 months old he passed the first phase of his assistance dog training. During this phase, DFD dogs are encouraged to use a number of natural behaviours that can be formally paired with commands such as 'FETCH', 'PULL' and 'PUSH'. These skills form the basis of the dogs’ ‘task-work’. In this picture, Tyler is retrieving his lead for DFD trainer, Janice Blake. DFD dogs are taught to ‘FETCH’ a wide array of named items. ‘THANKYOU’ is used as the dog’s release command.
		Tyler demonstrating the ‘PULL’ command. This is used for taking off items of clothing such as socks and jackets, and for opening doors that have been adapted with a rope-style pull-cord. Be aware that many hours of training go into teaching the dog the correct use of the ‘PULL’ command so as not to encourage inappropriate tug-of-war type behaviour.
		Tyler demonstrating the ‘PUSH’ command with his paw ~ roll your mouse pointer over the picture to see him hitting the target on the wall. This is used to operate buttons and switches, such as those that operate lights and pedestrian crossings, and for closing doors. In certain applications, a dog may push with the nose instead of a paw.
		Another application of the ‘PUSH’ command ~ lowering the wheelchair foot-plates.
		Tyler demonstrating emptying the washing machine. This is taught by sequencing the retrieve, pull and release behaviours. It requires the dog to put its head into the drum of the washing machine ~ something that many dogs are naturally not comfortable doing. When socialising a DFD puppy it is important to allow it to be come familiar with everyday tasks around the home, so that what it will formally learn later in training is already familiar.
		After leaving DFD’s training centre in Banbury, Tyler completed his advanced training at DFD in Weston-Super-Mare and at 21 months old, was placed in successful partnership with Jamie Sutherland. Having to part with a beautiful young dog that you have loved and nurtured from puppyhood is heart-breakingly hard. Thank you, Jamie, for staying in touch with us.
		Our second DFD puppy, Clover, a GSD x Golden retriever, at 3 months old. Clover is an incredibly bright and energetic young dog. She is currently in training at DFD's Banbury centre.
		Lister, our third DFD puppy at 3 months old. Like Tyler, Lister is a pure Labrador retriever. He is currently living with us, and due to begin his formal training in early 2009.
		Lister (right, at 9 months old) with Tilly, our little rescue Labrador x terrier. We adopted Tilly in April 2008. She had been seized from her abusive owner, and although she can be fearful of people, she has obviously spent a lot of time in the company of other dogs. This has given her excellent doggy social skills, which makes her an ideal ‘puppy pal’ for Lister and our future DFD puppies.
	Thank you for looking at our website. If you have any questions, please contact us. David and Lizi Angel	F2 Motorcycles Ltd, Unit 6, Burgess Farm, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxon, OX17 2NE. TEL 01295 712900. Phone is attended between 2.00pm and 5.00pm, Tuesday to Saturday. E-MAIL david@f2motorcycles.ltd.uk Open to visitors from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Tuesday to Saturday.