just check-in' in....

Today it was "load 'em up and move 'em out" heading down to NEADS for our monthly check in with Dave. We "threw" three Labs and one Labradoodle in the back of Rick's jeep and headed south with humans - Rick, Bernice, Kathleen and myself. Sadly, Randi was not feeling well, so she brought Stoney to us, and went back home to bed. Norton doesn't seem too impressed with the idea of riding with labs....







They were having a grand time together....














And Norton felt that he should be up front with us.... too bad for him!!!!









We chatted with Dave for a bit on campus, and then headed right into the city. It was a HOT day... way more like summer than March. Since I was working with Stoney, Bernice took Norton -- and I got to take lots of pictures...











First stop... the train station. We can always find many things to work with at the train station!!!!












Norton and Otis practice "under and stay" with the train station benches....












While puppies Monty and Vickie practice how to go up the stairs one step at a time. Dave demos how to teach them to take one step and wait... since puppies in particular like to "rush" steps, this is an important lesson.









We were in good timing for the train itself. The dogs sat nice and quiet while it pulled into the station ( you don't know how "loud" a train is until you are standing right beside it)









And then we practiced walking calmly beside it, and entering and exiting the cars. We have to remember that some day these dogs could be placed with handlers who do not move as quickly as we do, so much of this is about taking your time and remaining calm and patient.








The station was very hot, and the train cars had AC... so when we practiced getting on and "hiding" under the train seats.....













Norton was very happy with that idea!!!!!














Training "pow wow" with Dave.......











And "good job" pats from Rick.....













and then over to the hospital for rides on the glass elevators!!! Vickie seems to enjoy the view... Norton decides it's a good time to rest. This is "good" to all the humans.. dogs that just go with the flow and take advantage of when they can chill...It was another excellent day of training in the city.....







AND... we brought back a new member to the group... this is Thai.... she is a six month old Labradoodle and will be Bernice's project for a while. Goodness, first we have the golden group and now it would seem -- the doodle group....







And again.. a trip home brings very tired puppies... there certainly wasn't any goofing off in the back this time. Norton seems pleased.....