mmowens40@yahoo.com (845) 675-7200
Irwin learns to "Leave IT!"
In no time at all, Irwin had learned to “sit” “stay” “come”— well, “come-if-I’m-not-distracted”, and numerous other commands. “Leave it” was left for the “don’t-ever-touch-that-again-as-long-as-you-live” scenario. Disgusting foods on the streets, antifreeze, chocolate— things that could harm him or get him killed—called for a unique command, issued with force.
I’m not really that protective of my material possessions. I figure live critters—two legged
and four legged—are more precious that any couch or chair. Loosing shoes or pillows or
other things to puppies doesn’t usually bother me; they can easily be replaced. My lace
curtains, however, were another issue altogether.
I had just purchased lovely lace curtains for the house; they were still new and cost more
than a mere pillow. They had made a significant dent in my wallet. Irwin’s big pillows lay
next to the windows, and, of course, the lace curtains—my mistake. One evening, when he
was just a few months old, he lay in the living room resting from a romp. He casually turned
and took a big mouthful of lace curtain. I saw the move and without thinking used the
“LEAVE IT!” command with conviction.
I was surprised at my reaction—I was firm. That’s okay. I was clear. That’s okay. I was
very loud—well, not just loud. I’m sure Mrs. Irons heard it two blocks away. I was so loud
that I startled myself. “LEAVE IT!” I had screamed. Irwin jumped back and so did I.
He nearly jumped out of his very loose skin that he was in.
I regained my composure and went to his side. The poor guy; he looked at me with amazement.
Quickly, I changed the subject; we found a ball to chase. We went on with our lives.
Lessons learned. Irwin did not go near the lace curtains again, and I did not yell at him again
-- at least not like that, and, I did move his pillows.
Months later, we were playing with one of his many soft balls in the house.
I threw it across the room; it bounced against the window, moving the lace curtains.
Irwin stopped dead in his tracks, turned, looked at me with big saucer eyes as if to say,
“I didn’t touch ‘em, Mom, honest!” I laughed and Irwin relaxed.
He clearly remembered the lesson.
As for “LEAVE IT!”? --
Save that command for those things that will harm your dog, not just your pocketbook.
INTRODUCTION: In 1997, in New York, a kind, 40-year old man, Willie, had a heart attack. When he awoke, he was blind.
In 1997, a few miles north of New York City, puppy Irwin was born blind. In about two weeks, he awoke to sight, just like puppies do. His nine Labrador puppy brothers and sisters were soon enlisted in a special training program for exceptional puppies. They would study to become Guide Dogs for the blind, someone like Willie. In time, Irwin and Willie became partners, and Irwin shared his sight and insights with him. Irwin seemed to generate miracles ~ for me, for those around me, and for Willie and his family.
Irwin came to my home in early July to begin his training. Irwin cleverly made himself at home and showed us all his intellectual prowess by opening his crate locks (Episode 2) and doors! (Episode 3).
Other lessons would come for both of us over the next 18 months. This episode deals with the ultimate command, "Leave IT!"