BUSY WEEK...OH MY!

Patriot has been to small coffee shops and outdoor cafes before, so this week was his first visit to a large restaurant.  It was a buffet with wonderful aromas, along with many people moving about.  He did pretty good, he occasionally had to be reminded what he was suppose to be doing, but I think he did well for a fifteen week old puppy.

Saturday, Feb.19, 2011   Our obedience class outing was held at the Sanford Mall, we practiced using elevators, stairs, and our under/downs at the food court. Patriot did fairly well most of the obedient exercise and then for whatever reason, he lost his focus.....Dr. Jekyll appeared!  Patriot wanted no part of his leash or the exercises, he acted the same way when the area coordinator took control of his leash.  I am making a concerted effort to watch what triggers this behavior.  At fifteen weeks it could be his age, attention span, distractions, thirst (he was panting) or just plain tired and cranky and not wanting to take orders! How is it that a puppy can be soooooo good and also soooooo ornery?



Puppy Kisses



Some of the family were in visiting for the weekend, it was their first time meeting Patriot, I think they were amazed how good he behaved. It was love at first sight between Patriot and our granddaughter Abby.



Playing Hold & Give



Monday, Feb.21, 2011  Time for Patriot's Vet appointment with Dr. David Gunderson of Lake Square Animal Hospital in Leesburg, Florida.   Patriot weighed in at 37 pounds, all of his final vaccinations were given and he is now "street legal"   Dr. "G" said Patriot is a normal healthy puppy who is teething and is experience the terrible twos.



Dr."G", his assistant & Patriot



 Wednesday, Feb.23, 2011  Patriot's first visit to Publix grocery store and Mulberry Shopping Mall.  He showed no fear of the shopping carts, or traffic.  We took time to just sit on a bench and observe the surroundings.  He did well!

Thursday, Feb.24, 2011  Took Patriot on the golf cart to a nearby pond, we watched while people were feeding the ducks and birds.  He was very observant and interested, but, he held his sit/stay.

"GOOD DOG"....pat pat

Went on to Ace Hardware, he did well (short in & out, floors were very slippery) then off to Crispers for lunch.

Under/down at Crispers

Someone's tired so it's home for a nap.  Later this evening our golf group, (16 couples and 1 black Labrador) will be dinning at Red Lobster :) this should be fun!

"STRICKLY PUPPY"

The following photos are of Patriot hanging out at home and taking time to be a puppy.

Patriot at 9 weeks and 17 lbs



Patriot at 14 weeks

See how I grow...32 pounds

 Such a handsome pup!

Checking himself out in the mirror

Patriot rings his bells when he needs to go outside.

"GOOD DOG" ....pat pat

Likes to play hunting dog

Multi tasking:

Sunbathing & Gecko guarding

When we attend obedience class, Patriot has a Jekyll & Hyde streak, the last two classes, Dr Hyde has been in attendance  :(

Following photos are from the Feb. 11, 2011 obedience class

The youngest puppies of the class were let off leash in a enclosed tennis court.  It was interesting watching the interaction, Patriot has a dominant personality. I think my work is cut out for me....... hummmmmm

 Patriot

Patriot, Clem and Shirley 

Clem & Shirley playing in a puddle

4-H RANCH

Saturday we held our obedience class at Triple Diamond Ranch, it's a 4-H ranch located in Eustis, Florida.  The dogs had the opportunity to get up close to one of the horses named Hickory.

Patriot checking out Hickory. Hickory is being held by Amanda, one of our puppy raisers, who also volunteers at the ranch.

Jocelyn, Amanda and Archie

It was not Patriot's or my best obedience class!  He was very distracted by every acorn, leaf or clump of Spanish moss, and I in turn lost my focus.  Training with a guide dog puppy is like learning a whole new language. I found myself reverting back to using words(commands) that I used in training my personal pets, instead of using guide dog commands.  Trying to end this session on a positive note, I realized it can only get better!

Looking forward to our walk in the morning.

Recess

 Class is tiring