I took Dodger in to town the other day for a walk and some
training in the stores. We went to the local drug store where he sat
nice and relatively calm for people to say hi to him. He also met a
Pharmacist. White coat and all. The guy was a bit uneasy around him but
really wanted to say hi. Dodger didn't jump up, he just went up, sniffed
the guys hand and leaned in for rubs.
This is the dog with springs in his legs.
After earning some treats there, we went on to the vet's office to
use their scales. With my dogs, the scale means COOKIES! So they're not
afraid of it. Infact I have to lure Dodger to get off of the bloody
thing. I then proceeded to get lectured about not neutering Dodger (I
asked about a tattoo without surgery). I so was not going to mention his
diet!
And then it was off to the pet store! Where he met the chinchilla
nicely, interacted with an old little dog and discovered that he's tall
enough to reach counters.
From there it was time to go home.
We ran into a seeing eye dog that Dodger has always barked at..
except for this time. He just watched him go past (thank god!) But then
proceeded to get mad cuz we couldn't say hi to the NEW SD dog in town.
We're working on him learning that he can't say hi to all dogs!
So on the way home I see a lady with a young boy (About 3 or 4) with a
bag of Beggin' Strips. I move off the sidewalk so Dodger doesn't tackle
the poor kid when I hear a really quite voice...
"Lady! Can I give the puppy a treat?"
Turns out the boy was on a mission to find "puppies" and give them
treats since he can't have a dog of his own.
Of course I said yes but explained that Dodger was still young and
that he had to sit before he could a treat. So in a strong voice, this
little boy looks at Dodger and says SIT! Dodger planted his butt so
fast! LOL. This boy pulls out the biggest piece and his mom suggests
that he breaks it up. The boy states quite firmly that Puppy was a good
boy and deserved the largest piece.
I was worried that Dodger would snatch it but he didn't. He took it
quite nicely, ate it then went back for loves and kisses. No jumping,
no over excitedness. Just stood there calmly while the boy and his mom
gave him loves.
I am quite proud of my boy
ETA:I was soo glad to see the boy's mother using this opportunity to teach the boy manners around strange dogs. 