Guiding Eyes Day 4 Wednesday 29th

Yeah, yeah 6:00 AM Park-Feed-Water-Park. We are DEFINITELY adjusting this schedule back home!

You know the guy on Seinfeld who harshly told folks in the deli "No soup for you!" ?? Well, I think my Doggie looks at me and says, "No poop for you!"
In the past 24 hours, we have parked our dogs 10 times and nine of those, my Doggie said "No poop for you, Mom!"
Finally, FINALLY.... the last park of the night (9:30), my Doggie said, "Ok, made you wait long enough." Ahhhh, relief (literally.)

Listen, we are going to start keeping track next week and while instructors were the pooper-scoopers this week, it's all hands on deck starting next week!

As  we all stand outside (some nights have been pretty darn cold, like hat-and-gloves cold) waiting around together, you can't help comparing your dog with others. (Jeez this sounds like preschool or kindergarten parents!) The dog next door, a big yellow lab, does #1 and #2 every single time. I kid you not. He's like the rock star of guide dogs, the gold standard. That's a tough act to follow So the fact that my Doggie stands around looking at others and waiting to be the last one, every single time, can frustrate a new mom!

Today was our 2-walk day, one before lunch and one after. I've been bad about keeping my head up when Doggie completes a command correctly, We are to respond "YES" with enthusiasm, and hand over a treat/reward. I keep looking at that cute face looking up at me. My instructor said it distracts Doggie from staying focused, and Heaven knows, I want that dog paying attention!
So my goal was to serve up reward looking ahead, reaching down quickly and give the next command. Every delivery of a treat- and we are only allowed to give one at a time- is met with a mouth full of slobber. Since I can't stick the slimey hand back in the bag without sliming the rest of them, I have to wipe my hands either on my shirt or pants. Such a dignified approach, don't you think?

At the end of the route, I was congraduated  for not looking down once. Seriously. Go me!

The afternoon walk was a bit rough on the "take offs and Landings," or stepping off a curb and coming up to a curb. Doggie stopped on a dime but if I didn't slow down to match the change of pace, I either stepped into the street or jammed toes into the curb up. So tomorrow, that will be my goal- to be cognizant of Doggie's movements right/left around obstacles and rate of speed. My instructor also wants me to do some of the walk under blindfold. Gulp.

Tomorrow instructors. who have also been attached to the dog with a leash, totally detach and we are "driving." We've been warned that in the next week, we should expect our dogs' true personalities to come through. Sort of like the first few days of the school year when most kids are a little unsure of the teacher. Once they get comfotable, the devious, mischevious side comes out. Apparently that's the same with guide dogs. Sneaky? Ok I can deal with that. Cujo leanings, not so much!