Socialization Adventures

As I mentioned in my last post, puppies in hand means every little thing is a learning experience. They have to learn that the world we live in is not a scary place and anywhere they go or anything they may encounter while working is "fun". Because of my working situation, I have some time to get the puppies out and about during their time with me. My go-to initialization place is always the flea market at the NC State Fairgrounds. They will meet all kinds of people, other dogs, see crazy objects, new smells, and practicing navigating through a crowd while maintaining nice leash walking; but they are still in an open outdoor space. GRANT is the only puppy old enough with his vaccinations to walk on the ground, so he got the most out of this experience; but STERLING came along and was carried.

GRANT in front of a big wavy thing - no big deal! 

STERLING thinks this whole being carried thing is for the birds

Apparently the new smell of kettle corn was way more interesting that a picture! 

GRANT making a new friend 

All you need in life is love and a dog :)  

well, GRANT, that's one way to cool off 

taking a little break in the shade  

GRANT got to try a yummy puppy pop  

it's safe to say he very much enjoyed it, thanks Citizen Pops! 

cutie pie just making another friend!

The fan is big and loud and noisy, but that doesn't bother us because it gives us nice cold air

A little photo op for a fam pic  

And of course a selfie with my main man 

COULD HE BE ANY CUTER?! 

As it turns out, later that afternoon, we needed something from Lowe's. When you have puppies, everything turns into a training session. So WALLIS and CONNELLY got packed up in the car and off we went!

Despite their skittish-ness, WALLIS is very comfortable being held. 

Just walking' through Lowe's with my baby WALLY

CONNELLY  

Mom, do we really have to pose on this little bench? [WALLIS and CONNELLY] 

But, seriously. [WALLIS and CONNELLY] 

I promise they love me :)  

sweet CONNELLY  

WALLIS  

CONNELLY

Just growing a WALLflower 

If you look real close you can see us in front of Lowe's lol 

Overall, I'm so happy with the way these five have begun their lives as Service Dogs. I see change in them everyday and I can't wait until they head down to Wilmington and get the 24/7 training and socialization that is required to produce our high quality Service Dogs to see them make even more progress on their path to changing someone's life!