Learning Together

Learning Together

From Wayne’s Journal

With each training session, I’m reminded just how much there is to learn —not only for Charlie but for me. I’m constantly humbled by the skills I need to develop to help Charlie do his job more effectively. Sometimes, it’s the simplest changes that have the most profound impact.

Take treats, for example. When I started this journey, I bought Charlie small peanut butter treats as his reward. That was all I used. However, during one of our sessions, Julie introduced me to the concept of high-value treats. She demonstrated with Charlie, offering him something far more enticing. The difference was immediate — he became more attentive, eager, and quick to respond to commands. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just about rewarding him but making it worth his while. I’ve now started rotating between different high-value treats to keep his interest high. The results have been fantastic — our training sessions this week have felt more effective and engaging.

Another valuable reminder from Julie was that Charlie is still very young — just 15 months old. Essentially, he’s a teenager. And just like any teenager, he occasionally pushes the limits. There are moments when he gets a little stubborn or playful. But with the right encouragement, he always comes around. It’s a good lesson for both of us  in patience and consistency.

Charlie continues to impress me with his calm and steady demeanor. We’ve been traveling back and forth between Flintstone, GA, and Greensboro, NC, and I’ve been grateful for how well he handles it. He takes it all in stride, whether in the car or adjusting to new environments. This week, we had dinner at my son Hung’s house twice. Hung often has several friends over, making for a lively, social atmosphere. Hung also has a small dachshund mix named Tiny, who is full of playful energy. Despite Tiny’s repeated attempts to engage him, Charlie stayed locked in on me. He calmly laid at my feet under the table, so still and unobtrusive that most people didn’t even realize he was there. Moments  like these remind me just how dependable and focused he is.

We also tackled more public outings this week, including a trip to the grocery store. Charlie was once again the perfect partner, navigating the store with steady confidence. I couldn’t help but smile at how naturally he seemed to handle it all — it’s becoming clear that he was born for this work.

Of course, we’ve had some lighter moments too. Don, Charlie’s foster dad, once warned me that Charlie could be a picky eater. Well, that pickiness finally caught up with us early in the week. No matter what I tried, he refused to eat. I added special toppers, switched bowls, and even sat with him — nothing worked. That is until I stumbled upon a solution by accident. Out of sheer desperation, I got down on my hands and knees and pretended to share his food. To my surprise, it worked! Charlie happily started eating, pausing occasionally to back up and let me have my “turn” before taking another bite. This little routine has now become our mealtime ritual. It may look a bit silly, but it works like a charm. Honestly, in those moments, I have to ask myself, who is really training whom?

There was also a special milestone this week: my 70th birthday. On April 16, my family planned a dinner at Kubota, a Japanese steakhouse. It was a big deal — not just because it was my birthday but because it would be Charlie’s and my first attempt at navigating a busy restaurant together. My family, aware of my anxiety, made arrangements to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Charlie was a champion. Despite the crowd, the noise, and all the distractions, he stayed laser-focused on me. As the meal went on, my anxiety started to build. But about halfway through, Charlie picked up on it. Without hesitation, he lifted his head and leaned his body into my thigh. Just like that, he brought my focus back to him. I stroked his head, breathed deeply, and was able to finish my meal. Though I didn’t stay for dessert or socializing, I was proud that I had made it through dinner. Before Charlie, I never would have even entertained the idea of going to a crowded restaurant on a Friday night. No, it’s not something I’ll be doing regularly, but the fact that I did it — and that I was able to enjoy a meal with my family — was a huge victory.

This week has been filled with lessons — some practical, some profound. I’ve learned the importance of high-value rewards, the necessity of patience with a teenage pup, and the reality that sometimes the best way to support Charlie is simply by being more consistent myself. But most of all, I’m learning to trust him — to lean into the partnership we’re building.

Charlie continues to show me that I’m not walking this road alone. With every nudge of reassurance, every glance of loyalty, and every steadying presence by my side, I am finding a freedom I never thought possible.