It happened again tonight! Another high alert from Bo. I was sitting at the dining room table with my laptop and Austin was in the bathroom. Bo came over to me and nose bumped my leg and he then paw swiped my leg. (He is learning the chain I've been teaching him. In the chain, he first gives a nose bump to let us know he smells something, then he gives a paw swipe for a low. We are working on teaching him to spin when he smells a high.)
When he nose bumped and paw swiped me tonight at the table, I stood up and asked him if we should check. He barked. (We don't want him to bark when he alerts, so we've got to figure out how to handle that behavior.) To redirect his behavior (the barking) I had him follow me to the kitchen to get Austin's pack and then went to Austin to check his blood sugar. When Bo got to Austin he started sniffing him vigorously. We tested and Austin was 274. We used the opportunity to have Bo spin and receive carved chicken breast pieces, all while Austin was breathing on him and we were telling Bo Austin was high.
I am truly beside myself with how all the training we've been doing is coming together. Bo is turning out to be the dog that I have hoped and prayed for and it is such a wonderful feeling. We still have a long road ahead of us but we are happy to celebrate the successes along the way!
Gives me goosebumps. Bo is only 9 months old (today) and look at the progress :-)
ReplyDeleteSyl
I started reading about Bo a week ago in my effort to learn about DADs if and when my son needs a DAD. My son, now 17yo, was dx'd 6 months ago in November and thankfully so far he isn't having BG swings. I've done simple obedience training of my dogs so I know how much consistent work you are putting forth. What a dedication you have! And yes, celebrate the successes!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry your son was recently diagnosed with Type 1. My heart breaks each time I hear of another young person diagnosed with T1. I pray and hope each day that our children will see a cure in their lifetime. I hope our journey with Bo inspires you and your son!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment and to share your kind words.
Jenn