So I took the dogs with me to PetSmart because it is really cold out and I figured it would be a good outing for all of us, also, I am trying to get them more used to people.  We live in a very very very, did I say very, quiet area.  If we pass more than one person or dog when taking our walks, it would be unusual.  So, what I realize is that the dogs are not very socialized.  I have taken Lulu to the pet store with me since she ‘rescued’ me (she was about 6 months old), but that is maybe only once every 6 weeks or so.

Lulu Graduation 2010

Louise is actually a graduate of the PetSmart academy, and though she remembers the nice man. ‘Larry the Trainer,’ with the pepperoni treats in his pocket, it is not a very comfortable place for her when we first enter.  I put Sofie in the shopping cart, so that she is not underfoot, and the three of us walk around the store.  Today we had to get dry cat food and exchange this 40% off ‘Martha Stewart’ sweater that I bought Louise last week that was ripped.  Now can someone explain to me why people, adult people, think it is OK to just walk up to any animal, without asking, and try to pet it.  People always seem to want to do that to Louise, even though she is standing behind me.  I work really hard at making Lulu feel safe though the world is full of non-thinking humans that come right out of nowhere and try to pat her on the head.  Not even open handed from underneath!  Really people!

She did good with the store people today so I really have  to do this more often.  I hand people dog treats so that they can have something to reward her with if she comes close, which she did a lot today.  I would never put her in danger, or other humans, so I hope you don’t think that this is an overly anxious situation for her.  We have been doing this now for a year and a half and I am very proud of her.  And she looked really good in her now sweater!  Just another DogDaz morning at our house ❤