The training started out with Leslie ( I got permission to use her name finale)binging Breck to a testing session at our locale target. It was an access test by which they test my control over and Breck's reaction to many different in the "field" situations. Of course simple control of the pup in normal situations. Shopping, maneuvering between racks and such. It should be noted that Breck did better than I did getting through the rack of clothes. The turning radius of the store cart made it difficult to turn in the smaller aisles. Note to target the big aisles aren't the only ones that carts need to turn in. After banging into the racks I managed to turn, Breck was patient with me and stayed attentive to the turns.
There were also several special tests. In one Leslie dropped a clipboard behind us. Breck was momentarily startled. He stayed under control, while he turned to see what caused the noise he stayed in the heel position and we moved on. In the next test we had Breck meet some children. 2 very cute 2 year old twin boys helped us by meeting Breck with a short lesson from me. Normally visits from other humans are discouraged when he is "working" but this was a special occasion. Breck and the Boys did it flawlessly.
In the finale test of the day we went to the in store café. Breck did a "under-down" as he quietly sat at our feet under the table. He stayed awake watching the other patrons but never lunged at them. Even when a selection of his treats was put near him on the floor he remained laying quietly under the table.
With this last test passed Brecks leash was passed to me and Leslie left without him. I don't know how she and the other great people of can-do-canines do it. They spend all this time and energy (both real and emotional) and just pass the dogs along. I can never express how much I love every one of you. Thank-you. Breck, my wife and I came home as a new family.
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