Day Ten: Posing Labradors and Buses
We got off to a slow start this morning. I was scrambling to try to get some work in. During obedience today, Bob brought over one of the kennel cats, and he had her in a wire crate out in the court yard. I must confess that Troy was far too interested in the cat. I think some of it was that she was in a crate and he couldn't actually reach her, but I was not pleased, and I made it clear to him. He hackled a little bit, didn't growl, but his snort was just a step or two above a growl. Most of it was excitement, but a little bit was prey drive I think. We did sits and downs and recalls and by the end, he was actively avoiding the crate. I hope that when he meets my two who aren't in a kennel where he can't quite reach them, he will be a little less difficult. Either way, I am sure we will reach an understanding.
After obedience, we had some more time to get some work done, and then we headed over to a studio to get professional pictures taken. This photographer is incredible, and she donates the photos. She was really good about giving me good information on how to adjust myself and how to adjust Troy to get the best shots. Troy is so chill that I could pretty much get him in whatever position she asked, so that was a lot of fun.
After pictures, we came back to campus and I worked some more until lunch. After lunch, we went back into Palm Springs, and we took the bus for a couple of miles and then worked back to the van. Troy was wonderful for all of it. He was enchanted by a baby on the bus, but other than that, he was very focused the entire time. There were a lot of obstacles on the way back to the van, and he didn't miss a beat. We got a lot of practice with our curbs, and I am now completely confident saying we're all set. What a good boy!
When we got back this afternoon, we got our going home stuff. I got all of Troy's records and paperwork. I also got a six month supply of heartworm prevention, toothbrush, toothpaste, finger brush and some pickup bags. We also got grooming tools, boots and feed pans. I will get a few pounds of food to take home with me, too, so that will be fabulous!
This evening, while sitting at my desk, I had Troy over on his bed in the corner. He let out a very pathetic little noise, because he was very concerned about not being over at the desk with me. I brought him over, and he happily snuggled in with his paws and chin on my foot. It makes me feel so special that he wants to be close to me so much. We are now relaxing. Tomorrow is platform work, trains and downtown Las Angeles.
Sorry, no clever witty lists tonight.
After obedience, we had some more time to get some work done, and then we headed over to a studio to get professional pictures taken. This photographer is incredible, and she donates the photos. She was really good about giving me good information on how to adjust myself and how to adjust Troy to get the best shots. Troy is so chill that I could pretty much get him in whatever position she asked, so that was a lot of fun.
After pictures, we came back to campus and I worked some more until lunch. After lunch, we went back into Palm Springs, and we took the bus for a couple of miles and then worked back to the van. Troy was wonderful for all of it. He was enchanted by a baby on the bus, but other than that, he was very focused the entire time. There were a lot of obstacles on the way back to the van, and he didn't miss a beat. We got a lot of practice with our curbs, and I am now completely confident saying we're all set. What a good boy!
When we got back this afternoon, we got our going home stuff. I got all of Troy's records and paperwork. I also got a six month supply of heartworm prevention, toothbrush, toothpaste, finger brush and some pickup bags. We also got grooming tools, boots and feed pans. I will get a few pounds of food to take home with me, too, so that will be fabulous!
This evening, while sitting at my desk, I had Troy over on his bed in the corner. He let out a very pathetic little noise, because he was very concerned about not being over at the desk with me. I brought him over, and he happily snuggled in with his paws and chin on my foot. It makes me feel so special that he wants to be close to me so much. We are now relaxing. Tomorrow is platform work, trains and downtown Las Angeles.
Sorry, no clever witty lists tonight.