Hi, Everyone!
In November, the pumpkins and leaf piles disappeared. They were fun while they lasted. Now, fog rolls across the park, frost crunches underfoot, fuzzy slippers sit by the door and twinkly lights are popping up everywhere. So, my PADS world is coming alive in different fun ways!
On the serious side, I’ve been practicing patience in boring situations, such as when my Raiser stops to chat or look at paint samples. (Jeez, is white really that complicated?) Also, I’ve been working on taking serene mini-breaks during training. (I actually prefer to keep the momentum building.) So, it’s been all about “duration,” “do nothing” and “all done” around here. Throw in the “go-ins,” “rolls” and “chin-downs” and you have the full (still life) picture. But that’s okay because I’m also working on rousing skills like “touch” (using different targets) “wrap” (circling tons of crazy stuff) and “wait” (mid-stride in open space no less.) So, a very balanced agenda, I’d say.
O! And I met Community Coach George this month and had the greatest off-leash adventure! My Raisers and I joined him and his PADS string – York, Cheshire and Norquay – at Pacific Spirit Park. It was magnificent! Although I hike the trails on a long line quite frequently, I’m not often completely off-leash alongside other dogs. But with George and his string, I had a chance to venture off the beaten path and prove that my recall, check-in and interaction skills are solid. It’s great fun when you have such steady companions!
November is birthday month in this house, so, I wore lots of hats! And, as usual, I’ve been out & about participating and proofing skills. The other day, we stopped by the dollar store, where I tried on reindeer headbands. Also, we made a trip out to Tsawwassen Mills Mall, where I posed by a twinkly evergreen and politely watched ballerinas dance The Nutcracker by the food court. By all indications, special days are headed our way…
In the meantime, there’s so much to do! Tonight, I go to the PADS Campus for the Vaccine Clinic. And my Favourite Person Susan is taking me to meet Don Quixote, the rescued Donkey.
AND, my first ever Puppy Swap starts Monday! PADS Indy is coming to my house and I’m going to hers – for 15 days! I’ll tell you all about it next time. Until then, wear your reindeer headband!
Submitted by: Mikal
