Training Session - Saturday Shopping

Here is a photo of some of my buddies and me in the advanced dog training class.  All in this group have passed the Canine Good Citizen test. 

Saturday we went to the local shopping area to practice our socialization skills in preparation for the upcoming Delta Dog Test. After we pass, we will be allowed to visit schools, nursing homes, or any place there is a need for people to dog interaction. Of course, it is as much about the handlers' control as it is the dogs' behavior. Apparently, there are other animals that can visit as well - cats, bunnies, and others. I just like to concentrate on my doggie friemds.

Have you ever wondered what things look like from our point of view? Well, here is a small example - plenty of feet wandering around in the shoe store. Well, thank goodness our humans have only two feet to worry about, Otherwise, it could be very crowded. Oh, BTW, we had permission to visit the stores and our people were very careful to see that we behaved appropriately.

This was my first time to see a mirror at my eye level. At first, I wondered who was trying to sneak into my territory, then I saw a friendly face. A pretty handsome fellow.

The shoes were boring since I was not allowed to play with them. I did steal a little kiss from the nearest girl.

Ho-Hum....the ladies were all excited about the shoes.....

We finally visited a place with pizazz.....the local Pet Smart. I got to look at the toys, but all MFM said was "Leave it!" I have to admit to a little bit of pouting.....

My second favorite part of the store is the aisle with food! I sniffed it all and sometimes, if I time it just right and scrunch way down, I can find a morsel or two right under the shelf.I didn't have my picture made at Office Depot. I totally embarrassed MFM by pooping on the floor. She was very quick, scooped it up with handy bag she always carries, then got tissues to finish the job from another doggie handler. MFM is now talking about having to revert to a "diaper bag" type device to carry more essentials.....Whoops. On top of it all, MFM bought a new "dinger" bell for me. She thought maybe the other one, from a game, was too hard to ring. She has decided that ringing the bell will be my "trick" to demonstrate at graduation since I am not learning to pick up my toys.....yet.

PS = Thanks to my instructor, NYRuth for the photos!