Category Archives: Pennsylvania

CONGRATS TO CHRISTIAN AND ELLEN

CONGRATULATIONS TO CLIENT CHRISTIAN AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, “ELLEN”!!! THEY PASSED THE PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!! Christian suffers from PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and night terrors. Christian was a first responder at Ground Zero (in an unofficial capacity) and suffered from sexual abuse as a child.

Trainer Robin, in Philadelphia, writes:

“Service Dog “Ellen” was initially trained as a Seeing Eye dog through another organization. Therefore commands are different, and she was trained to walk further ahead (hip to leg) and to keep the leash taut. She is, however, extremely bonded, obedient, enthusiastic and responsive. Great dog!

Location of where PAT took place: Bridgewater Commons, NJ

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST Always=All the time Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time) Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time) Never=Never demonstrated the skill The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

Ellen did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.

Ellen waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Ellen waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Ellen remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Ellen stayed in relative heel position. Always
Ellen was calm around traffic.* Yes
Ellen stopped when Christian came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

Ellen waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes Ellen waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

Ellen was within the prescribed distance of Christian. Mostly
Ellen ignored the public, remaining focused on Christian. Always Ellen readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Ellen readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Ellen readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

Ellen responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Ellen remained under control and focused on Christian.* Yes Ellen came within the prescribed distance of Christian.* Yes
Ellen came directly to Christian.* Yes

SITS ON COMMAND

Ellen responded promptly to the command to sit. Mostly
Ellen remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Ellen remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Ellen maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes

DOWNS ON COMMAND

Ellen responded promptly to the command to down. Mostly
Ellen remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Ellen remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Ellen or be overly dramatic.* Yes

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

If Ellen jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Ellen should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.

Ellen remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

Ellen is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Ellen maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes

OFF LEAD

When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Christian got the leash back in position.* Yes

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

Another person can take Ellen’s leash and Christian can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Ellen.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT

Ellen stayed in relative heel position. Always
Ellen was calm around traffic.* Yes
Ellen stopped when Christian came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

Ellen waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Ellen readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Ellen did well, Christian praised Ellen. Always
Ellen is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Christian kept Ellen under control. Always
Christian was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). No

PASS TEST: Yes