This was a big day for my boys. They started out the day playing together in Mico’s crate. I’m so happy that the two boys get along so well. I have a head cold or maybe allergies. So, when Jean decided to go to Walmart, I suggested it would be a good opportunity for me to do a little socialization with Brand at PetSmart.  It was quite an experience. Lots of new things: dogs, children, toddlers, shopping carts, automatic doors, fish, kittens, loud seagulls, different surfaces ,and oh so many smells. He relaxed enough to accept chicken and even begged for dehydrated treats. He offered behaviors and bravely sniffed the shelves. He has a quick recovery time. He is very aware of the sounds around him more than anything. Things I never even pay attention to.

The weather is cool and cloudy so he seemed very comfortable; but, it was a long jammed packed session and he was one tuckered pup when we got home.  He did seem to watch out the car windows as we were coming and going.

So far no accidents with the indoor potty area. I’m a bit concerned that the transition to going outdoors will be rough; but, if he chooses to go in a potty area then I guess that’s the best thing.

When we got home I could hear a band playing in the park. Mico and I spent nearly 2 hours enjoying the music and activities at the park. He’s such a solid dog. He isn’t worried in the least about fireworks or loud music. He greet strangers as he should and seems interested in other dogs unless they look at him then he barks at them.  This is something we need to address.  

I subscribed to Pupford Academy today mostly to have some reminders. It’s been a few years since I’ve done serious training.  I was reminded immediately of the work by Karen Overall a dog behaviorist vet. Originally, I was thinking of that segment of the training for Belle; but, you know, now I really have some good ideas for working on the Mico/Jean relationship. His body language shows concern and if we start desensitizing; they might just become more comfortable in each other’s company.

Most of today was screensaver training which is not as easy on the trainer as it might seem. You need to stay attentive and flexible to control what environmental variables you can control and still be flexible enough to use what happens though it might seem to bother the pup. Training Jade was so much easier because I had no other obligations and could focuss on her 100%. Also, we were on a road trip so I didn’t have to look far for new experiences and people. There were some challenges to controlling her environment and some time issues for acclimatizing her to new things.  All in all her training and socializing went pretty well.

I don’t want to make mistakes with Brand since I want to show him and perhaps even compete with him. Great expectations for a smol wee guy.