Posted January 20, 2022

Cassius

DOB: 3/5/20
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Career-Changed from: Guide Dogs for the Blind
Training Phase: B
Scent Training Phase: 0
Learn about our training phases and scent training phases.

Fun Facts:

Cassius is a loveable blockhead of a lab. He is attentive, enjoys chest scratches, and loves a good cuddle on the floor.

Cassius’s Journey

Active Training

Placement with Client

Ready for Graduation

Working Life-Saver

Cassius’s Updates

Training Status Update: 2/24/23

Team Cassius has met graduation requirements, please join us Saturday April 1st.

Training Status Update: 11 /22/22

Introducing #Dogs4Diabetics Client/Dog Team, Rachel and Cassius! Congratulations team!!

A massive thank you to all who have played a role in making this partnership possible… especially #NICST Canine Training Partner, Sue, our wonderful volunteers, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and their dedicated puppy raisers

Training Status Update: 8/3/22

Cassius has entered into final testing!

Training Status Update: 7/18/22

Just in case you forgot….. look how cute I am…..

Training Status Update: 7/7/22

Cassius has entered into pre-testing. We have added the phrase “Let’s check”, which lets him know we acknowledge his alert but need to verify it.

Cassius has moved up to a jackpot toy with the target odor inside. He is now searching for it on his own without the presence of food in the pouch. To help solidify the desirable behavior, he gets rewarded with a high value reward, such as peanut butter or a fun interactive toy. (check out video)

Training Status Update: 7/1/22

Cassius has very quickly moved through the scent work and has made it to 4 decoys, wow! He is continuing to build his duration and confidence with finding the odor, and working independently of the trainer.

Cassius is learning that it’s ok to be in a person’s space and constantly checking them out with his nose. His trainer is utilizing a jackpot toy (pouch with a velcro closure) that contains food. Before he learns to find scent on a person, he is using his nose to find food and getting rewarded from the jackpot toy.

Training Status Update: 4/21/22

Cassius is preparing for scent training by learning the food find-it game. This game teaches the dogs how to use their nose and work independently of their handler.