Working Addie at Petco

On Sunday I worked with Addie in the front and back yard reinforcing heel, sit, down and stay. Then the two of us headed to Petco to continue working but with more distractions. In the parking lot at Petco she got a little anxious, not knowing which way to go. I had her focus on me with praise and a treat when she listened to me and she was fine. 

We then walked into Petco and immediately came upon a young family with two girls around 5 and 6 years of age. The mom had a baby that she was holding and the dad was pushing a cart. They immediately noticed Addie and asked me about her. I asked if it the girls would like to pet her and the mom said sure! I brought Addie over to them had her sit and the rest was magic! The girls were in love with her petting her all over, Addie gave them kisses. I praised Addie for being a good girl. Addie gave me a look like, I know what I'm doing and can be a good girl. 

After that we made our way around the store practicing all of her commands. She did just great! For some reason the fish department freaks her out a little bit. I'm not sure why. She was afraid of one of the displays so I gave her a moment to smell and look at it and then praised her for being brave and exploring. 

Being such a good girl, I let her pick a prize. Addie chose a hoof. I never buy these but I could not turn her down. I picked up one for her and for Lucie and we headed to the checkout counter. Once we got up there I placed Addie in a sit and stay. As always, I found many items in addition to the prize that Addie picked that I couldn't leave without. While the gentleman rang up all of the items, Addie sat and waited. She watched her hoof sitting on the counter and waited patiently as he packed up all of our items. Then it was out to the car and back home. While we are waiting on the new collar, I am still using the choke chain. But the big difference on this trip is she did not pull. I only used the chain sparingly when needed. The combination of lots of praise, a good treat, a very loose leash and the chain worked perfectly for her.

I am very proud of Addie! I know she has it in her to follow commands and adding additional opportunities for her to learn is making her more comfortable in public.

My Happy Addie!