I think this is my first time putting in an update. I have been with my raiser now since February 13. I’ve gone through so much since then and have learned a great deal. It did take some time for me to settle in. I’m the kind of pup that needed help to settle down and even go to sleep. But now I can do it by myself. Learning to be in a kennel took a lot of time, too, because I wasn’t used to it and needed help to teach me that it was ok and actually better for me to be in the kennel. I sometimes actually like it better.
Another thing was my demand barking. I used to do it all the time, and now it’s mostly at nighttime to get my raiser’s attention. I guess I should stop that if I want to be a good service dog.
So for the month of April, we did a lot of things. I have been going to my training classes as well as training a lot at home. I go out with my raisers a lot. We go to the grocery store and other big stores like Home Depot. I’ve been told I’m really good at these outings. We also do a lot of walks, especially around the Lagoons here, where I have learned to walk on a leash properly, and this month I learned to use the long line. Which means I was able to walk a lot further before I could get to the end of the leash. Usually, I didn’t get that far. I have been training not to run up to other people and especially kids and other dogs. Dogs are the hardest, but my raisers always have my attention with the treats, which I think is much better because I like to eat.
I’ve learned to be in the kennel now for about 2 hours, too. Oh, and I have also gone to work with mum a couple of times too, which is fun.
Unlike my mom Lumina and grandma Nat, I do like water. I don’t jump over puddles, I walk through them. When we were by the river, I wanted to go in, but didn’t get far because it was too cold and they wouldn’t let me.
Well, that’s it for now. Let’s see how next month goes.
Submitted by: Monika Dunphy
