WE DID IT!

I cannot say that the Elm Street solo came off without a hitch, but the trainer said we did well and we did live. Just to give you an idea of the factors involved:

We walked the rout once Monday morning and twice yesterday with the instructor giving information as we worked on memorizing the details. There were 9 turns, 5 controlled intersections (with signals) and 3 crossings without lights. There was one accessible signal that we crossed coming and going. (Accessible means that it have an audible indication that the walk sign was illuminated. It is a T intersection. They had set up one barricade for the dogs to negotiate by going into the street. There were pedestrians and dogs on leashes. The whole trip was about 1.3 to 1.5 miles in length.

In this walk, I sideswiped a vehicle that was parked and a fence along the way. We reworked these errors. Some cars ran the red light when the walk sign indicated that the walk sign was illuminated. This caused me to second guess my line of direction. I chose (wisely) not to go and waited for the next light. I spent the extra time there deciding that my original line of direction was correct. At the next intersection, I failed to line up correctly after Puffin tried to turn down the side street rather than taking me to the down ramp. The trainer was there to set us straight while we were still in the street. Once, on a curve, Puffin took me to an intersection that we had not stopped at before rather than following the building line. I knew it was not the quiet side street I had expected and the trainer asked if it seemed different. He helped me resolve my question and we continued on our way.

Although it is called a solo, the trainer is never far away. He or she is just silent unless or until there is danger involved and he comes to our rescue as needed. It is not that we should do the rout without errors; it is that we learn to resolve the situations that do come up. We are, after all, much more familiar with our own communities than this one. I personally like the challenge, but some of us really stress over the solo walks.

This afternoon we worked on an area that does not have sidewalks. There were definite curbs that we walked along. At every corner, the dogs are to follow the curb around until we are facing down the side street. Then we check with our right foot for the curb edge and turn to put our back to it. The dog is then to take us across this side street and continue around the corner and on down the street we were on originally. We are to indent corners at every turn so that we know that we are passing a cross street. I find this technique very tedious and try to avoid walking where there is no sidewalk whenever possible.

We ended the afternoon with a stop at Starbucks and had a chance to visit. Then we worked on clicker training targeting the counter. Clicker work is optional, but we all four in our small group chose to participate.

We arrived back at the dorm in time to feed the dogs, take them out, go to dinner, and then attend an evening lecture by one of the veterinarians. Following this, it was almost time for the 8:00 p.m. park time.

It was raining at the last park of the day and I used a towel to dry Puffin. She was very cute. She suddenly got very playful with the towel. For now, it is difficult to play much because she is to be either on leash with me or on tie down in the room. I have not started leaving her alone at any time except to be in the bathroom as to shower. Soon she will earn increased freedom in the room and it will be easier to play with her. She has lots of energy and loves to play. There is still lots of puppy in this little bird of mine.

Another busy day is behind us. Stop back tomorrow to see what it will bring.

Thanks for your continuing interest.

Huffin’ and Puffin