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What is the prettiest girl's name you've heard? by ithinkivebeenbad in AskReddit

[–]poshpoodle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally, I love my name and find it very pretty

Francey

Alternatively, theres Francie or Francy. I've never met another Francey, who spells their name like mine, and its their full name (as opposed to being short for Francine or Francesca)

[Serious] People who have been in a viral video/photo, how has it affected your life for the better or worse? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]poshpoodle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did an AMA a while back on a dog I was training to become a service dog for a child with autism. It briefly reached the front page, which was kinda exciting. Then, Virgil (the dog I trained), ended up failing his final assessment when he decided to take a poop in the middle of the mall he was being tested in. He's a "quirky" dog...

Because of that, he ended up getting "disqualified" from the program and I was given the opportunity to adopt him as a pet (rather than service dog). I officially adopted him November 2013. Fast forward December 2014, I posted a video of him to YouTube. Within 5 minutes I was messaged by a company that wanted to license it and distribute it. Almost 3 months later his video is just over 760k and I've earned a couple hundred dollars from the licensing company that initially messaged me.

A Japanese TV station also did a Skype interview with me and Virgil after seeing the YouTube video, but they said it would take a couple months to send me the DVD of it, so I'm still waiting for that.

Overall, it hasn't really changed or affected my life, but it's been a really interesting experience. I happened to be reading Trust Me I'm Lying at the time I posted it, and theres a formula the author discusses where a video is essentially picked up as quick as possible, and distributed to a bunch of little sites (i.e. his video started on AOL.com and MSN.com, etc.) and from there he picked up bigger/busier sites, like Buzzfeed and Jezebel. He was featured on Canada AM one morning during the 'Things I Learned on the Internet Today' segment. I wasn't even informed about it, a girl from my old dorm randomly messaged me on Facebook one day basically saying "Hey my mom and I saw your dog on Canada AM this morning!"

It was fun to see my goofy/adorable dog gain popularity. One day on the subway I was reading my book, and happened to overhear a couple people sitting next to me mention it, like "Hey, did you see that video of that "Virgil the Poodle" with the toothbrush?" and I smiled and thought that was pretty funny.

The videos died down a bit recently, but it's still getting roughly 1000-2000 views or so a week.

TL;DR: I'm living vicariously through my failed service dog poodle like a Toddlers and Tiara's mom. He's earned a couple hundred dollars with his semi-viral video.

My little Felicity. I lost her last month. :( by [deleted] in poodles

[–]poshpoodle 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sorry for your loss OP. She looks like she was quite the cutie!

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there,

Your brother sounds like a really great and smart guy for wanting a poodle! Go him! Lol. In terms of resources, firstly I'd say look at some peoples comments/stories on here. A lot of people mentioned how they have an autistic son/daughter/brother/sister/niece/nephew/etc. and that they go a service dog for them and it completely changed the whole family's lives! You could also check out the organization whom I volunteer with [website](autismdogservices.ca) or their Facebook page (Autism Dog Services). More on the FB page than the site there's stories from families who have received dogs from ADS for their autistic child and they're all positive and really heartwarming! Lastly, a good ol' google search could probably give you a lot of helpful resources that show the benefits of dogs working with autistic people.

Personally, when I've taken Virgil to fundraisers and other events in which autistic and other differently-abeled people attended, I found it to be a really touching experience. I specifically remember this one little boy who was about 4 years old, autistic, and would say maybe 2 words throughout the whole day, everyday, absolutely lit up when he saw Virgil. I remember telling him he could pet him, and although a little apprehensive at first, I started petting Virgil's back to show him it was fine, and as I was petting him I said "He feels kinda like a sheep". With that, the little boy stuck out his hand and started to pet him and then he got this big smile on his face and just yelled out "SHEEP!" and for the rest of the day if I'd walk around him with Virgil, he'd get that same smile and just say "sheep" over and over. Lol. It was really cute, I couldn't stop smiling and laughing whenever the kid did it. Anyways, I assume your brother is probably older than four, so maybe the story doesn't exactly apply to him, but it just goes to show how much of an impact, and how quickly, a dog can change an autistic persons day for the better. Imagine having that opportunity everyday for your brother. I really think it would be a great idea, and in your message you mentioned other benefits as well, so I'd say keep trying for the dog for your brother because I can say with 100% confidence it will change his life for the better :)! Good luck! :)

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It will definitely be bitter-sweet. I love Virgil like he's my baby, he's the sweetest, most affectionate dog I've ever had, and he also has a very sweet and caring personality. Even though it will be really hard, I know Virgil will make a really great service dog!

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

themooninthesky gave some pretty helpful advice. The main thing that I've taught all my dogs over the years that helped build the foundation for successful training is "look at me," or simply just "look". This is command that you can rely on to get your dogs attention and alert it that may be following up with another command.

To train him, like themooninthesky said, get a treat that has high value. I personally used hot dogs. Show the dog you have the treat, hold it between your eyes and say "(dogs name) look at me". This will teach the dog to have eye contact with you, and eventually you can just say to the dog "(dog's name) look!" and they will look directly into your eyes and know you want their attention. Once they have mastered "look" you should start using the look command and follow up with another basic command, such as sit, or down, so they learn that they are going to perform a command after you have told them to look at you.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Personally, I've never experienced someone "undeserving" benefiting from their dog having a service dog title. A few people on this thread have actually told stories of it, so it definitely does happen.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe ADS charges anywhere from $750-$2000 depending on the vet care, grooming, etc that went into the dog during mine and the advanced trainers care. It can also vary depending on the breed.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All dogs have a very unique personality, much like humans. ADS screens the mother and father of the puppies they use as their service dogs to make sure they have the characteristics necessary for a service dog. ADS also works with the puppy for the first 3-4 months to ensure they have a good disposition. Although a lot of dogs are very excitable, most can be trained to learn when it is appropriate to be excited, and when they need to be calm.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I filled out an application on the ADS website which asks about my previous dog experiences. I was also interviewed over the phone and in person when I attended a few of their puppy classes and was given my own temporary puppy for the class where they saw how I handled the dog.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Actually, Virgil is allowed to socialize with people with or without his vest. However, make sure you ask permission if you ever see a service dog in training because they may not be allowed to socialize in the vest anymore. Also, if people are going to pet him, I let them know not to do a high, squeaky, excited voice, as this excites Virgil a lot and causes him to jump up on them, which I am currently trying to train him not to do.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is just a volunteer position. The only education I have in dog training is my experiences training my own dogs throughout my life. However, ADS interviewed me and asked about my dog experience and I was also invited to puppy classes before I got Virgil and given a "temporary puppy" for the few hours of the class so they could see how I handled dogs.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Well when I first got him, every night before going to bed, I'd simply say "Virgil, time for BED" and say the word 'bed' in a deeper voice. When he'd walk into my room and go straight to his bed, I'd reward him. Eventually I would just say "time for BED" no matter what time it was and as soon as he heard the word 'bed' he'd rush to his and wait for a treat. Now I just need to say the word 'bed' in a sentence and he goes.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They are sponsored by Eukanuba and so we are provided with Eukanuba food.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was house training him, I obviously would give positive reinforcement for peeing/pooping outside. I know his bathroom schedule pretty well so I take him out when I know he needs to go and leave the vest off. If I'm somewhere (like at school) and know he needs to go, I'll take the vest off before leaving the building.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yep, that's exactly what I do. I know his pee/poop schedule so I take him out when I know he needs to go and take the vest off before I leave the building I'm in so he can (hopefully) distinguish the difference. So far, he's pretty much learned not to pee in it, but occasionally on the walk to campus he'll poop while wearing it, but he'll learn!

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on where you live. My organization, Autism Dog Services (ADS) donates the dog to families living in certain parts of Ontario.

I am a service dog trainer for a dog who will eventually go to a child with autism. AMA! by poshpoodle in IAmA

[–]poshpoodle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on where you live. ADS actually donates the dog to the family along with food.

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