She loves me! She loves me not! This is what I think of when processing my feelings about my bonding with Penny. At first, she reminded me of a cat. After her initial excitement upon our meeting, she tolerated me. She was a bit hesitant in her knowing how to interact with me since she had not really connected with me yet. Like a cat, she would want affection when she was in the mood; but otherwise kept to herself. My first Leader Dog (LD), Mississippi was similar in his personality. Titan, on the other hand, was a total and absolute love sponge from the beginning. I am not intentionally comparing Penny to either of my previous LDs, but I am noticing some of their personality traits in her. She is the epitome of a Golden; and that is a compliment.
Yesterday, we had our morning training session at the school. The instructors set up obstacles on the walking course for our dogs to guide us around. Penny, still with a little tug in harness, did a good job. I, on the other hand, messed one up for her. I have been so accustomed to an older seasoned dog, that I am having to be reminded of some good old fashioned basics. In other words, Titan has me spoiled. I am taking it all in as a new adventure; and trying to be patient with myself and Penny. I also have a little anxiety about the ice and snow on the sidewalks which Penny senses. She is a very smart dog; and knows her stuff.
The afternoon training took place in downtown Rochester. The sidewalks were clearer making our travel route safer. Randy’s training leash was not attached to us allowing more freedom in our journey. We walked the blocks over to Main Street and made our way past the coffee shop (no longer a Starbucks). We continued the rectangular route returning to the training center. Instead of finding the door, Penny likes to take me straight to the smoking area. Penny feels better and moves smoother in her harness with each subsequent trip.
Penny has started to initiate play with her Nylabone. I let her come to me when she feels like it for play. I am sharing yesterday’s short play video. She actually played a few times today and is beginning to show more of her personality. She has quite the play growl. She bounces around the room like a bunny rabbit. She still entertains our classmates in the lounge by rolling on her back, kicking her feet up, and chasing her tail. This is different from her allowable playtime. She is a bundle of energy; and entertains our classmates as a stress reliever site internet. She is beginning to reduce these episodes which tells me that she is becoming more comfortable.
As I stated in earlier posts, the transition process can be trying and stressful for dog and human. Yesterday, Penny decided that she was going on a hunger strike, skipping her morning breakfast and water. She did not refuse any treats; and the hunger strike ended by supper time. She has also demonstrated Billy goat in her heritage by dive bombing things under the table. She starred as the opening act at last night’s BINGO game by lunging for one piece of Chex Mix diving under the table leg causing it to levitate about six inches. I was highly embarrassed and had to excuse us to a less crowded area of the room to calm the situation down. We had a little ‘Come to Jesus’ meeting once back in our room. Nothing physical passed between us; only some major mental energy (she calling me a bitch, and me expressing my unhappiness). The result was Penny sulking on her bed. A new day dawned with neither of us any worse for wear.
Randy and I had a Touch Base meeting this afternoon (held weekly during training). It went well with objectives for Penny and me to work on during this week’s training. Penny and I will be working on our walking pace, much smoother heeling, using the ‘around’ command more as needed, and reducing under the table snarking. Randy feels that the behavioral aspects will improve as we bond and consistently reinforce the positive outcomes. Overall, our training is going well.
Sundays are low key down days. We were able to visit the gift shop, laze around, do laundry, and generally screw off. Usually, graduates (those returning for successor dogs) are allowed to work dogs on the practice course. Unfortunately, the wind kicked up blowing snow and wreaking havoc on the safety of course conditions. Temperatures were below twenty-five with wind chills in the single digits. Both football games ruled the lounge. We have a really good class where everyone gets along well making for a relaxed and fun atmosphere. It shows in the dog’s playful attitudes when we are all together.
Penny and I may be at the crossroads for her turning over to me. Tonight she decided that she wanted lots of affection. She sat next to me raising her paw for me to scratch her belly and chest. She even nudged me with her nose when I stopped. She was also very good under the table at dinner tonight with no snarking, rearing up, and very little need for resettling. She is also beginning to follow me around the room. Tomorrow begins a new week of adventure. Our training activities will depend on the weather. Temperatures are expected to be in the single digits and teens with wind chills below zero.
By the way, she loves me!
Until next time…