Is there an echo in our pupdates? The month started quietly, again! This time, the human wasn’t feeling well.
When Bryn wasn’t sleeping, her snores competing with humans’ coughs, she practiced her skills – sit, down, heel and side, moving around the perch pot. When we needed fresh air and exercise, we headed outside to watch dogs from a distance, where Bryn learned that if she tries her very best to stay calm and remain engaged with her person, she gets treats, praise, and lots of sniffy time, after and away from the distractions.
When the human was feeling better, we hit the ground running! As fast as a puppy can run with their nose down for a good sniff (when given permission) or chewing sticks (behaviour we discourage).
We spent time in malls to practice walking, shopping, and settling. Once with PADS Bowie, a couple of times with friends, and a few times on our own. Lying quietly while the humans eat is Bryn’s biggest challenge. But she is a wonderful shopping companion. She didn’t take things off shelves, she ignored popcorn, candy, and a balloon, and she remained engaged with her human, even when surrounded by colourful characters at the Rubber Duck Museum, an oversized aquatic life at Bass Pro Shops, and young people who were stuck inside on a stormy, spring-break day. We met PADS Meadow for an on-leash trail walk to learn that in any environment, we demonstrate good loose-leash walking skills and neutrality around other dogs.
An off-leash walk/run/jump/play with PADS Puzzle turned into a family reunion when Bryn met her grandpa, PADS Cleat! With all the excitement of a sunny day and new friends, Bryn remained alert to her human, checking in and responding when called (a cough-irritated, high-pitched voice is ideal for recall).
Submitted by: Gwen
