Weekly Training Update (March 26)

Last Sunday, Lilly did the Tour du Grandmas, vising first my mom who now lives in an assisted living facility and then Tom’s mom who is home after more than two months away. I ran out the door without my camera. So, sadly, I have no photos or video to show.

Automatic Doors

Lilly handled the outward popping automatic doors at my mom’s place much better this time. She stood quietly while I signed in, even though Rooney (a Wheaton Terrier) was hanging out (on leash) near the main desk.

When my mom first got up in the dining room to greet us, Lilly got a little freaked out because EVERYONE turned to look at her. She threw out a couple of little woofs, but that’s it.

Since the desk had mostly blocked Rooney’s view of Lilly, he took her bark as an invitation and made a little ruckus. I felt badly. I hope he didn’t get in trouble because of us.

The Elevator

Lilly waited politely for the elevator and even POKED another resident who was waiting with us and seemed interested in Lilly. I didn’t cue the behavior, but Lilly went over and gently poked this lady in the pant leg on her own, which was really cute.

Lilly turned into a monster TREAT SHARK once inside the slow-moving, humming elevator. We’ll work on that, but we may start taking the stairs.

In the Studio

Once inside my mom’s studio, Lilly was totally fine. She just hung out for a nice visit.

When we stepped out into the hallway, though, to leave, she had a little barking fit because there was a man in one of those power chairs and a couple of staff members in the hall, who were backlit.

I think it just surprised Lilly because things were so mellow in my mom’s apartment.

Over at Tom’s Mom’s

Lilly got VERY excited when she realized that Tom was at our second destination. I forget sometimes that she isn’t a person and, therefore, didn’t have any expectation that he would be there. She gets REALLY happy when we “run into him in public.” It’s very sweet.

Lilly also found Cloe the borderline feral cat who lives there quite a draw. Cloe, being street smart, took off.

Once inside, Lilly was a super polite guest while we enjoyed our lunch.

I’d say all in all it was a good outing for her.

We stopped for a creekside walk on our way home, but that’s a story for another day … LOTS of dogs wearing pinch collars.