March 07, 2003
Dusty puzzles over the IQube.
2:00 p.m.
Yesterday, we took a short foray onto the sidewalk in front of the house. Dusty really seemed drawn to it, so I thought it was time.
This morning, we had part of our lunchhour training session on the sidewalk and practised walking on a loose leash and sitting periodically. I didn't bring the clicker, but I think I will next time I do this, just so I can let her know when she's doing well.
Dusty tugged on the leash a few times, but was very good for the most part. She didn't bark at anyone and even greeted a woman who was on her way to work. After I let the woman give Dusty a treat she told me that seeing the pup had "made her day." I thought that was sweet!
10:00 p.m.
The snow has been melting a bit during the day and re-freezing at night. There's a thin crust on top of the snow that makes it feel solid.
Dusty ventured off the beaten path tonight and walked only a few metres before her weight caused that thin veneer to break and her foot sunk all the way through.
She tried to remove her foot, but by leveraging her self, she actually pushed her *other* foot in! Nose to the snow and trapped, she cried until I came to get her.
It was funny and cute, but I understood how scary it was for her. I'll sure be glad when all this snow melts!