Just Visiting

I am running out of ideas for interesting photos, but thought This one is worth including because it shows what I hope, by this time tomorrow will be reality and not simply a staged photo. 

 

All being well, Jay will be an official Guide Dog within 24 hours.  Over the past few days, as the training has been less intensive, I have focused on other areas of life which are important if Jay is to be the kind of Guide Dog I can take anywhere without concern about his behaviour.  He has had several runs – his recall is excellent, also visits to a couple of dog-friendly homes.  I find that he is very excited when we first arrive but quickly becomes calmer and able to settle.  He doesn’t seem unduly distracted by biscuits or cakes I am offered – I could tell you a few tales about two of my dogs in particular and the way they helped themselves to things they were never intended to have.  My first ever dog, Yvette, once pulled over a Christmas tree to get at the chocolates!! 

 

I have to say that, since Jay’s arrival my personal habits have improved.  Jay, like another of my dogs, loves to pick up socks and knickers – clean or dirty, if they are left where he can reach them.  Next weekend we will be staying with friends and I must warn them about this habit to spare them potential embarrassment!

 

This morning we practised our usual route into the centre of Worcester and then did a local route for part of which I can safely let Jay off the lead.  His confidence is clearly increasing.  This means that he is beginning to test the boundaries – slowing down to sniff interesting things and veering slightly to the left when crossing the road (if he believes we will be going that way anyway).  These are minor things which I can easily correct; he is a sensitive and willing dog and only needs gentle correction to remind him of what is and is not acceptable.  Poor dog – he doesn’t know I have been a Guide Dog owner for more than a quarter of a century and that there is no way he is going to get away with anything much.

 

Tomorrow we will use the route from here to County Hall as our test route – I do hope it isn’t raining as I haven’t yet worked Jay in the rain and some dogs are not too keen in the wet and can be aware of the increased noise of the traffic on wet roads.  We have been so lucky to have trained while the weather has been good – it has been a pleasure to be outdoors.