I worked hard today. We went for a long walk and I began learning "heel." There were all kinds of new sounds and smells and stuff. Wow, it was "sensory overload," Mom said, but good for me. There were cars and loud trucks and dogs barking from their yards. At one point Dad said to Mom, "those dogs are outside their fence." Mom said, "that's okay, if you have to you pick Hugh up and I will kick!" Mom said, "what ever it takes to protect the Hughman." It worked out. They were two older black labs and they didn't come out of their yard, but boy did they sound like they wanted to eat me for lunch. I didn't like it much, but Mom just kept up a stream of talking to me. She told me I was a good boy and that I would be fine, hold my head up, stuff like that. She said that I was doing really well. Dad gave me a lot of praise when I got home. This is the time in my life where I am supposed to be exposed to all kinds of different stuff so that I don't freak out about stuff when I am older. Mom says if it is done right with a lot of praise and comfort it will give me confidence.
So what was the one thing that really totally and completely freaked me out today? Dad put the weatherized cover on the bbq and I thought it was going to eat me alive! I mean ALIVE!! Dad coaxed me outside and Mom talked to me and patted the bbq to show me it wouldn't kill me. Whew, I thought I was a goner - give me two mean old labs any day!
I am Hugh
Sounds like you did very good! Your brother Liam says "Hi!"....he started daycare this week and is meeting lots of different dogs. Also, he's been going to PetSmart to see lots of different people. He starts his official training on the 27th...when you both turn 4 months. :o) That's also his big sis Em's 2nd birthday and they are going to have a birthday party for her at daycare.
ReplyDelete