Service Dog Training at Walmart Vlog: Sit Stay, Ignoring People, Heel work | AstroFromTheBlue

[@Megan_Vel]

Service Dogs aren't robots and they still make mistakes even when fully trained even though Astro made mistakes he absolutely did fantastic and you are doing so amazing with the training so good for you and I hope you feel better

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Yes they aren’t robots!! They’re allowed to make mistakes!! Woooo ☺️☺️☺️

[@pawsatyourserviceassistanc2480]

I, too, get nervous when people approach and discuss my service dog or other related things. Or when people get offended when I say no petting. If someone asks to pet, I will say no she is working and she will get happy and distracted. If they are making eye contact with my dog, I will grab a treat and use a hand signal (touch command or sit with eye contact command) to engage with my dog then reward her. Then i will put her on the farthest side of me from the member of the public. A lot of times i just avoid eye contact with the public and act super busy, focused, or even bend down over my service dog and pet her and talk to her and that avoids a lot of convos hahahaha. Some people are entitled and will reach out to pet like that lady did and I definitely get defensive and explain that service dogs are not to be pet or distracted and interfering with a service dog is also considered a crime and can ruin their training. I have a german shepherd tho so a bit different, sometimes I get " why do you have a WOLF with you?" " does it bite?" Etc. Haha anyways, we do the best we can to educate the public:). You and astro are doing great!!!

[@rabbitplush]

you're genuinely one of my favorite service dog content creators on this platform, your aussie is just like my aussie SDIT!! and I love that you show the realistic sides of service dog training and that Astro is not perfect. It's also rare to see asian service dog handlers (for some reason) and as an east asian myself living in Canada what you said about holding up standards to not get discriminated against was relatable as hell....I definitely feel that way too so I just have to be nice. Thank you for making these vlogs I really enjoy them and Astro is such a cutie🥰

[@tlochili4609]

when people won't stop talking to me I I just Say" it is nice talking to you but I have got to get going." If I'm stuck in line with them I say " I'm sorry, it is nice talking to you but I'm just not feeling well right now" But just turning away from them will sometimes work and that is the easiest way.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! It sounds a lot easier than it is 🥴!! I have to work up the confidence, thanks for letting me know what you do! ☺️☺️

[@PawTrails_Crew]

Same here ​@@AstroFromTheBlue

[@Rose_remi_21]

✨Astro✨ did amazing I mean it’s crazy how much better he has gotten

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thank you! He’s improving everyday :)

[@Rose_remi_21]

@@AstroFromTheBlue that’s so good💜

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Thanks for your support always!! ☺️☺️

[@Rose_remi_21]

@@AstroFromTheBlue 💜

[@ramensoup762]

When people compliment my dog in public but I don't feel like having a conversation with them, I just respond them with a quick thank you with a nod or smile in a way almost like I'm saying oh cool thanks if that makes sense 😂

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Ouu I should try those out. IDK why but im always scared of a bad reaction for rejecting them...

[@PawTrails_Crew]

​@AstroFromTheBlue same here

[@daiyzanth]

Astro did really really well. No dog is perfect and we shouldn't expect them to be because we ourselves aren't perfect. Yes he did get distracted a few times, but in a new environment I feel that is normal. My oldest daughter (who is 22) mostly uses her own body language in public when people want to approach and talk to her. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Her dog is a 10 yr old Siberian Husky that I bought for her when my daughter was 12, she has been her SD since my daughter was 15. My daughter (with my help) did all of her dog's training herself other than we did take her to a 4 week group class at a local pet store so she would get better at ignoring other dogs because she was a very social Husky and just wanted to say hi to all the other dogs she would see. She no longer does that unless given a command that it's okay. My daughter is Autistic so some days does get frustrated with people talking to her or her dog. If I'm with them sometimes I will interfere and answer the person rather than my daughter having to talk to them. My daughter has mentioned to me that a few times she has literally had to tell people "I'm sorry but I'm not having a good medical day today and I just can't focus on talking right now." then use her body language, like turning away from the person or walking away depending on what they are doing at the time. Sorry this is so long. You are doing an amazing job with Astro and he is a great dog!!

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Hii!! Please don’t apologize for sharing! Thanks for sharing!! Good luck with your training and thanks for the tips ☺️☺️

[@PawTrails_Crew]

I'm autistic to I find it very hard to talk to others

[@daiyzanth]

@@PawTrails_Crew you are not alone in that and just know that, it is okay not to talk to people, no matter what they say or think. it is your right not to.

[@PawTrails_Crew]

@@daiyzanth I know but my mother forces me to sometimes. She doesn't really understand the meaning of autism or how to treat someone with autism

[@daiyzanth]

@@PawTrails_Crew It took a while for me to figure things out too. You both have to figure out when to pick and choose your battles when it comes to talking to others. If it's family, or a family friend etc it can be easier. Complete strangers I have learned are where it can become more difficult. Hopefully your mom will come around to understanding better.

[@Kmoreno0124]

I love Astro he is so sweet and smart, keep up the good work

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Hi hi! Astro loves you too ☺️☺️

[@timg2998]

This video was recommended to me by the YT algorithm and as someone who is very much into responsible pet ownership, I had to immediately subscribe! Love watching and learning from others. While our baby - a mini dachshund about to turn two - is not going to be a service dog, we still do plan on undertaking the CGC test within the next year or so. Astro is very beautiful btw 🥰🐾!

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thanks for subscribing!! Awww sooo cute, I love them ☺️!! Good luck with your training and the CGC! Keep me updated for sure :)

[@chrisvandoros1805]

I like this type of video training videos

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thank you! You’ll definitely see more of them :)

[@Country_sunflower]

I think what your husband said to say was right. I am training with my dog right now, thanks for saying hello and walk away.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Lols that’s plan, let’s see if I can actually do it 😅😂☺️

[@TroyceBennett]

Liked it made it to the end. I have the same problems with my Aussie service dog. When in Lowes and asked for help a man jumped through some plants to directly in front of my dog. Had to pull him away to keep him from attacking him. Had to leave the store to get him calm. Sometime people don’t think or care. I understand you.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Thanks for watching until the end!! I don’t understand why people it’s okay to touch other peoples dogs without asking. Mind blowing!! I’m sorry that happened to you!

[@kristenmoon4405]

Wonderful job and that is a gorgeous doggo! Love the heterochomic eyes!

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thank you! Yes I love his 2 colored eyes :) ❤️❤️

[@tyekarson]

im a POC handler and i agree with the “holding standard”… im in a very nice neighborhood (not a lot of other POC’s) and i find that being disabled and a POC is exhausting because i get treated different! enjoy your content and Astro is sooo good! definitely will take some notes on how you edit because my content needs better editing lol

[@missfluffybunz]

I went to Walmart with my SDIT, I had a guy in line talk to me I was super anxious luckily my mom took over the convo for me 😅 the guy had some mental issues and I didn’t want to be rude my moms a nurse so she understood thank goodness

[@Bidancer101]

I made it to the end of your video!!! Thank you so much for posting this; I'm currently working on getting my service dog and to see this video has made my day, so thank you so much for posting this video xoxo

[@starrriaa]

i get it i do. Especially bc i rly suffer from social anxiety so ppl think im being mean when they come up to us and talk to me but im like 2 seconds away from having a panic attack lol😭 but i just get through it because i have to be his advocate and need them to know hes working. I started taking my anxiety meds before leaving to go into the public and it definitely helped with lowering my heart rate and allowing me to take the time to explain to them why. Because honestly its just that some people dont know why distraction can be so detrimental and most ppl understand which i appreciate

[@annesnow3370]

Hey love you training styles and think your do an amazing job with Astro! You’ll be able to tell better than me but food for thought. I know he get “ excited” to get out of the car and check everything out. But it might be more helpful to view is as he gets “anxious” about getting out of the car. Cause excitement can turn into anxiety when you have to wait. So watch out for rewarding that “anxious mindset” being still doesn’t automatically equal a calm mindset. Instead of rewarding staying still you can work on having a calm mindset and understanding that stopping the car doesn’t always mean getting out. You can try and get him distracted from wanting to get out of the car by doing something inside the car when you stop and when he’s forgotten about wanting to get out then you can get out. Or drive places with him and not bring him in. Just teaching him that the car is like his kennel. A safe place that he can relax in and wait patiently until you bring him out.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Hii, thanks for the insight! I will definitely work on this with him! He’s still learning, but he has improved a lot!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@anniepark6694]

Watched all of it!

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thank you!! ☺️☺️

[@actuallyspacey]

to get people to stop talking to you (tips from someone who trains a psd) you should always do something that teaches him “behind” and he’ll go behind you and be less of a distraction to others. you could say things like “we’re working and currently we’re being distracted, i’m sorry.” or “hey, we’re working and need some space.” and just also simple physical things like turning your head, or scrolling around on your phone, etc etc. also, walking off at a pause in the conversation if the person doesn’t seem like they’d blow up.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Thanks for the tips, much appreciated. We tried the “behind”, but it actually made it a lot worse. Somehow him being behind me made it “okay” for people to touch him without permission! Or they’ll make kissy noises and distract him! Will try the “we need some space” tho! ☺️☺️☺️

[@Country_sunflower]

Made it to the end!

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Thanks for making it to the end! Much appreciated ☺️☺️

[@alicegrey9011]

What works for me to keep people from talking to me is to wear headphones to look more unapproachable. I also try to answer their first question and just look away or at my dog to try and politely be done with the conversation. My dogs vest also tends to have big text that says do not distract or do not pet which sometimes works.

[@jaynecreekmore9759]

U r such a great team! I ❤️ watching u 2 work - lots of 💕 & respect 4 each other…that bond is so important! PEACE 🐾

[@aubrypuppydog6350]

I love the longer videos! you are hands down my favorite youtuber and im so happy i get to see astro grow and learn! you both have come a long way! love your videos as always!

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thank you!! Thanks for your love and support!! Love you 🥰🥰

[@haileyarnett6375]

I felt the “hope I can hide my dog so people don't talk to us.” My service dog is a big 80lb boi. I can't really hide him.😂😅 Astro is doing amazing! Honestly, after being a SD handler for 7yrs, you kinda create a go-to “conversation gotta go” phrase. I also taught my dog to do an “alert” I can use as an excuse to leave a conversation. It helps so much! You guys are doing amazing!!

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! It’s so shocking how people still don’t have boundaries. Wow your SD is a big boi, what breed is he?? Thanks for your comment, it truly made my day! Good luck with your sd journey ☺️☺️

[@haileyarnett6375]

@@AstroFromTheBlue People are gonna people, lol. My service dog is a boxer/lab/pit bull mix of sorts. He does guide work, allergen detection and psychiatric work. I love him so much!

[@JBKJSA]

Those flappy ears will never get old ❤️

[@derpycare6341]

when trying to end a conversation, I tend to frame my response like: "Thank you! Have a nice rest of your day!" or something along those lines

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Haha I say that but they keep talking 😅🫠

[@KillerartRC123]

The best way to cure car anxiety in dogs is to exercise them before you go anywhere my dog had that for the longest time and I thought there was something mentally wrong with him until I started you know exercising him before I got in the car and he stopped doing it❤

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Yes you are so right!! Exercise is a great way to calm our dogs!! you're doing amazing 💕

[@KillerartRC123]

@@AstroFromTheBlue thank you😊

[@christinarangel6971]

You could train Astro to paw or wine at you when you make a hand gesture and say that he has to use the bathroom and just straight up go to where you need to go lol

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Usually he will whine and seem very distracted when he needs to go! 😊🤤

[@Chuggsservicedog]

I always say “ umm sorry but my parents,friends, ect texted me so I gotta go sorry” it is always works or just plain out act like you didn’t hear them when they first started taking Also it seem like saying you can’t pet the dog gets people mad and there more likely to distract your dog agin so don’t say anything and just get Astro to sit beside you agin and say leave it the people will leave him alone I notice that method of just focusing on your dog works a lot better for people to leave him and you alone

[@Myakressin]

my recommendation is to just not respond in the first place. if they ask a question be blunt, if they compliment don’t answer though. it helps a lot, it’s rude sure but it’s less stressful.

[@candacemarieswearingen1675]

I loved that I found your channel! So helpful, training my girl to be my service dog and she is doing so well.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thank you! Welcome to our channel! Good luck with your training :)

[@bblue3239]

I wear headphones when training in public and find people are less likely to bother me. Hope this helps

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Good idea, but I’d be worried about not being able to hear my surroundings. Hmmm maybe I won’t put music on

[@jademartin7934]

My Service Dog loves the bred aisle at Walmart and I always have to redirect her.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

HHa that’s so cute!! She loves bread!! 🥰🥰

[@jademartin7934]

She really does. She tryst to stick her head in the shelves and sniff

[@HenryTheHampter]

I love the bread isle too!! I just love the smell🤣

[@_beeman_3992]

Stop while watching this i got a ad for ESA’s saying they are here to stay erm yea alright

[@vishakhab-l6309]

when people talk to you, you can simply look at Astro and make up something. :D "yes, Astro? are you 'Alerting' me?" - "I'm sorry, but Astro needs my attention." ---service dogs are great with.. getting out of those tricky conversations. :D

[@JBKJSA]

I love the face-cam when narrating! 🔥

[@Celestial.x.]

I really like the longer videos! (Yes I made ir to the end) Also does your service dog get distracted by other dogs? Mine does pretty fine with people distraction (makes a few mistakes here and there) but when it comes to dogs, he gets hyper focused. I can call his attention, and he'll give it, but it's a back and forth, and it doesn't help when someone brings their "ESA" in and their untrained. He doesn't pull or anything, and still listens to commands, but he's more interested in the dog. Depends on the distance tho as well. Down the aisle is okay, next to each other it's a bit hard for him

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thanks! Yes ofc, astro gets distracted by other dogs! As long as I have a reward higher value than the dog, he’ll ignore it. He’ll ignore other dogs for cheese and boiled proteins such as beef and chicken!! Thanks for sharing and good luck with your training!! ☺️☺️

[@Celestial.x.]

@@AstroFromTheBlue thank you, you as well! I will try bringing higher rewards when I do dog distraction training!

[@MistaWikked]

Which training treats were you using in your first scene? Also I struggle with the people who want to talk about dogs or try to place themselves in a spot to interact with us. I'm super nervous and avoid upsetting people normally so I struggle to tell people not to try getting her attention. On top of that walmart is just super high stress for both of us lol. This however did help my doggo ignore people calling to her over time. Great watching Astro bloom into a pro :)

[@LuckyAndCoast]

Love the longer videos!!

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Aww thank you!! Will definitely be posting more longer videos for y’all! ☺️

[@Country_sunflower]

Was he always this calm, even as a pup?

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Yes he was calm as a puppy but he definitely has crazy moments 😝😊

[@PawTrails_Crew]

I had the same problem when training Chanel people kept asking me questions and I didn't wanna be rude so I answered they asked to pet her I said I'm sorry she working right noe

[@dixie122]

❤

[@brielleimana1408]

For people talking I think I’d just try to interrupt and say “I’d really love to talk more but I have to go” or “but I have to focus on enforcing training with my service dog” that way ur still polite but getting to the point

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Thanks for the tips, will be using those for future outings!

[@sire2215]

I think he did amazing! Even though he approached, I wouldn’t blame you or him.. people approaching were clearly TRYING to interact with him. He is a dog, so things do happen! But people need to leave working dogs alone 😭 also, about training your dog to find your car.. how would you do that? I know some people teach dogs to retrieve or find items with those hunting scent sticks from amazon. Would you do that with your car?

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Thank you! He is a cutie so it’s hard to ignore him! Im not sure how people train their dogs to find their car, but surprisingly astro knows my car and will walk right up to it! ☺️☺️

[@Rose_remi_21]

Stacey you haven’t posted in a year of smth are you ok 😭

[@Jessmeee808]

I hate when people won't leave us alone and ask a million questions. I was taught to be careful not to give out too much information because you never know people's intention, not trying to scare you but better be safe than sorry I guess. I think it is perfectly fine to say you need to focus on training and can't talk but thanks for saying hello. Also, it is sad but I try to come off as stand off-ish so people don't feel too comfortable approaching me anymore, I don't want ppl to think us Asians are quiet or whatever, but at the same time, I gotta do what I gotta do, I used to be like you, worry about what ppl would think so I tried to be as nice as possible. Oh, one more thing I do is tell my dog to leave it and focus and say good ignore, well the good ignore is more so for the human to hear it and get a hint. I guess after having a sd for a while and ppl being inconsiderate, I learned to stand my ground more even though if I come off as rude at times.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! Thanks for sharing. I definitely hold a higher standard out in public just bc I don’t want to be discriminated against!! But it’s really important to stand up for ourselves and our dogs! I will definitely be more stern when it comes to outings! Thanks again ☺️☺️

[@ivorywilliams7190]

Hello Astro

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Hello!! ❤️☺️

[@alexandralindamood3615]

Maybe say, "Thanks for saying hi, but I need to go now." Or, "Please leave me be, I don't feel like having a conversation right now." Also, maybe have a leash wrap that says, "Interactions cause handler distress."

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

Hi hi!! Yes that’s such a good idea! I already have 2 leash wraps but I guess people don’t like to read and listen to them :(

[@HappyPawsDogTrainings8x]

where did you get his vest? i have an SDIT and need a vest for her thank you

[@Sage-tv9os]

Where are you doing from your training for astro from? I have a sweet 8 month old Border Collie Pit that I'm training.

[@zuz_uz1997]

How have you taught Astro to go potty on command?

[@christineleneghan9319]

Where did you get Astro

[@markleesbruisedknee]

hello! i wanted to ask just a few questions im autistic and dyslexic so sorry if i word things weirdly/wrong but i really wanted to know if all you half to do is have a disabillity that qualifys can you just train your dog yourself and thats what certifies it as a service dog or do you half to get it professionaly trained i really want a sd i have bad anxiery panic attacks im autistic and have nerological problems when i have anxiety or panic attacks its usually caused by too many ppl being around i know you can train a sd to do a block for that and i think that could really help me and it could just help me go out in public in general and help me at home when no one else is here if anyone could give me tips/advice that would be great! again sorry if this made no sense or if i worded things wrong

[@BearCentral-b2c]

is an astrulain sheep dog the same as a cathola

[@JBKJSA]

So sassy when he ignores us 😂

[@Liann888]

Maybe also say thank you and say he's an SD for anxiety. Not to disclose your diagnosis but maybe people stop talking.

[@AstroFromTheBlue]

!! That’s such a good idea! Will definitely say something along those lines next time :)

[@tempest4804]

Ik this is a long time ago but for people asking questions make personal throw away cards and just give them to anyone who is wanting to or is ask(ing) a lot of questions put one side full of info on your dog like breed,tasks, and what kind of service dog they are and on the other side put sd laws that commonly are broken by random people like distracting, asking about the handler’s disability, and any others you would like to mention then at the bottom put the Ada.gov so people can get more info on there themselves or a QR code if you know how to make them❤( hope this helps!)