Day 10: Practice, Practice and more Practice.

We have just two days left with 4 Paws, and Friday is our Public Access test. If we don't pass this, then we don't get to bring Abbott home. However, never fear, we had our dress rehearsal today, and Abbott performed like the champion canine that he is. Today we didn't learn much new, so here are a couple of pictures from practice.

 Here is "Bobo" taking Abbott for his 10pm potty break. Abbott doesn't yet have the bladder to make it from 7:30 to 7:30 when Si sleeps so each night Mike gets him up and they practice various elements of what we've covered in class. Since Abbott will be staying with Bobo, she needs to be trained, so Bobo got a first hand look at what it was like to walk with a dog that heels!

We did some practice at Target today, Abbott does really well with Si, and he's so gentle, even when Si doesn't reciprocate. Si enjoys walking Abbott, and the tether gives Si freedom that he can't get from holding hands with an adult or riding in the cart. It also gives us as parents peace of mind to know that he will be reasonably close when we have to pay for groceries, or are trying to decide which item to buy. 

    We did work on various scenarios that we may encounter. For instance at school, Si will have to walk on Abbott's right side where the handler typically is. This is because the handrail at Greenwood is on the right side, and the goal is to get Si independent walking the halls between the rail and Abbott. So we have to create a command for this when we get home. 4 Paws suggested "Walk" as this command, and if we only do it at school, Abbott shouldn't get confused. 

    In public we learned that dogs get very excited in places where other dogs are allowed, specifically a Petsmart or a Pet Supplies Plus, so if we don't have to bring them in with us, it's best that we don't. 

Short post tonight, our energy levels are really getting low! Seizure detection work in the morning, taking our dog home preparation in the afternoon, and Friday is Public Access Test and Graduation! Thanks for all your support!