The parking is right in front of my building, which is helpful. It's a 35-40 minute drive, so I pulled Reilly over onto the grass and told him to go potty...and he did. It looks like he's gotten the idea of going when told to pretty well. Then we went to the main door of the building. I didn't realize that there's no keyholes on that set of doors! We backtracked and went to the side door that my key always sticks in. this time was no different. Reilly was patient while I got it worked out. A colleague was there, also picking things up. He was fascinated by Reilly and kept saying how beautiful he was. (Good taste there!)
We walked down the hall toward the elevator, with Reilly walking on a loose leash like it was a completely familiar place. When I pushed the elevator button, his ears pricked at the sounds coming from the "wall." Then the door opened, and he walked right in, wanting to explore. He sat for the ride, and was just as interested in exploring through the door when it opened on my floor. We went down to my office, and he checked things out there while I dropped off and picked up. Chris suggested a stroll around the hallways, which we did. And he was relaxed enough that he started wanting to play with the leash.
When we went outside, there was a train going by. The track runs right in front of our building, so the car was parked right next to the track. Reilly hasn't shown a problem with loud noises, and was interested in the train, so we headed toward the car. I wouldn't have done so had the train just been starting by, as they blow the whistle a lot when they're coming through. But the front of the train was well past, so a whistle wasn't going to surprise us. The end of the train went past as we crossed the parking lot. We decided to drop my pack in the car and walk about campus in the hopes that a squirrel would be out and about so we could see Reilly's reaction to one. No squirrels out, but Reilly did appear to want to join a couple of students who were having an animated conversation. I had to give his leash a tug to regain his attention. That was the only time we were out today that I had to redirect him at all. I think he may need to go more places with people exposure, so he gets past wanting to play with everyone. Puppy school will help with that.
Speaking of puppy school, last week's class was interesting. I got there a bit early and took a seat in a chair against the wall, so I could lean my sticks on it. I pulled out my knitting and people-watched until it started. People trying to one-up each other on jobs and degrees earned and dogs and all kinds of things. It was rather funny to observe.
The session was an orientation, with check-in, vaccination check, payment, and then some guidelines, rules for arrival with dogs next time, and some tips to use in the meantime. It was emphasized that this is a beginner class, not a puppy-only class, so there would be dogs of all ages. It's not a socialization class, but one where the dogs learn to work even with distractions present. Exactly what Reilly needs. In fact, I think I'll be taking Jake to the next one, since they allow adults. If Reilly's legs don't straighten up properly, then I may try working with Jake and seeing if we can overcome his door phobia. Murphy would still have a companion in Reilly. Not my preferred plan, but you should always have a back-up.
So...pictures. Yes, Chris took one of Reilly peeing on command! I included it because it shows what his hind legs are now doing. They were pretty straight when it was just his front legs acting up. Now he's all cow-hocked. We'll keep watching. He's got a lot of growing to do before his growth plates close up. Also, just to state that I would never allow pictures of me looking like this to be posted if it weren't for Reilly. Those that know me in real life...yes, I've gained nearly thirty pounds while on the prenisone. Ugh.
Here he is, waiting for the elevator door to open back up.
Checking out my leather bookbag in my office:
And noticing the train when we came out of the building:
Meg and Reilly
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