BUILDING DAILY

This morning started at 5:30 as previously described. On our morning work in town, another student in our small group and I walked doubles with our instructor. This means that he takes us both out at the same time and we take turns leading for a block. Some dogs are very competitive and don’t like following. They try to charge ahead. Others don’t like to lead. Both our dogs were patient when following and were able to take the lead. Good news. At this stage it is still easy for them to not stop for curbs. Trinity wants to relieve herself in harness and we need to work on this.

They chose against going out this afternoon as it promised to be in the 90’s. Instead, we had a lecture on the history of the school and the new things that have been happening in recent years that are new since some of us have been here.

This is the day that they showed us how to use the laundry facilities. It was the day for me because I was running low on things to wear. I did my first load of clothes before dinner.

After those instructions, the trainers came around to show us how to do the basic obedience routine that will become our daily practice. There are times in the working of our dogs that they must disobey us for our safety. Doing daily obedience establishes that we are the pack leader. This has a direct effect on their guide work.

We were also issued dog boots to wear when sidewalks are hot or in icy weather where salt may be hard on their pads. We will be ready tomorrow if it is hot.

After the afternoon feeding and park, the trainers came to each of our rooms to walk with us to the dining room. Our dogs were in harness in the dorm for the first time and they worked down there. They are now familiar with the dorm and the routine. They are a little more settled. I think Trinity was very proud of herself. Her tail was wagging enthusiastically as we returned to our room after dinner. Once she turned and looked back at me and ran herself into something along the way. Oops!

After dinner there was an optional session for those of us who are returning for new dogs. It was to talk specifically about transitioning between dogs and the grief that comes with it. It lasted for about an hour and a half.

Still there is daily grooming and listening to those mp3 articles, lots of them. We are busy here.