Promenade at Providence 6

(video and pictures below) Yesterday we had our second Out on the Town class this session.  We met up at an outdoor mall called Promenade at Providence.  They have a fountain in the middle of the mall, and some open green space next to it so we were able to spread out and train.

We worked first on the name game, and then on a come-into-heel.  This means you call the dog’s name and as they come to you, you walk backwards to keep them coming in close to you.  Then you reverse directions and walk forward and treat right away when they are in that seam of the pants heel position you want.  Not only is it great for beginning to teach heel, it is also really helpful if your dog is distracted when you are out and about.  It’s a great way to get their attention back.

The only problem with it is that when you are looking down at your dog when you are running backwards and moving quickly, you do things like run into a giant wooden post.  Ouch!

We moved over to the fountain area, and worked a lot of heeling and stays both passing other dogs and having other dogs pass us.  Since heel work is the most important thing for me to train right now, I was in heaven!  Hestia did overall a very good job.  She did get a little distracted every now and then, but refocused quickly.

At one point we started to pass another dog and I could see from the dog’s body language that we were going to go too close to them, so I grabbed the leash and tried to walk closer to the water (cobblestone steps around the water, not good for my balance!).  We were too close still, and the other dog reacted, but Hestia just walked right on by.  I was very proud of her (and feeling like a stupid head myself for not seeing the situation sooner).

There were a group of people eating their lunch around the fountain, so extra distractions yay!

Brad made a movie about the class involving lots of slo-mo of Hestia’s fur in the wind.  Her coat is made for slow-mo!  She looks like a movie star!  There are also pictures of every dog in the class in the video, too 🙂  And of course Brad took a million pictures!  I’ll post my favorites below.  Enjoy!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gvYgxPu63CLQjVaz1

Hestia, a small black and white dog, play bows to Jose, a black Havanese. Picture is in black and white.

The two Havanese, one black and one white, cuddling with each other in the wind. Picture is in black and white.

The trainer, Jill, reaching down to pet Hestia who is mid play bow!

Veronica in a pink and green paisley skirt bending over to give a treat to Miss Hestia.

Black and white picture of Hestia with her tongue out, hair blowing in the wind.

A full portrait of Hestia looking at the camera, with her tail being blown to the side by the wind.

This is Brad’s favorite picture! It is of Veronica and Hestia walking together in front of the fountain. Veronica looks like she is in a photo shoot with her hair flowing in the wind, and Hestia completes the picture with her tongue sticking out LOL!