Go away, stupid people

3/10/08

We’ve had another break due to the Show. I was in a foul and foggy mood today for the same reason. But we went to the park anyway, at 3.30 and braved people (agh, not more people).

There were three cars parked in our spot, so went to the place across the tracks near the dog park. It was OK, but she was whining her head off about getting out of the car, and I felt like I was in exposed territory. There were a few cars around here as well. I gave up on her once the harness was on, giving my “fine” cue and hopping back in the driver’s seat. Instead of leaving, I went back to our usual spot, but parked off to the side where there is a lone picnic table, next to the water fountain. The people at this spot were content to stick to the picnic shelter and chat (sounded like an informal business meeting to me).

Amika didn’t seem to notice the guys at the picnic spot, but I did a little LAT session with her ball while still in the car. We moved in next to the picnic table and did some pretending to relax on the mat, sniffing and a lot of LAT with the picnicers. Another car pulled in and a family got out. We did LAT wonderfully on the mat until they walked straight at us. Not sure why they didn’t veer off for the path, but Amika jumped up and barked at them, at which point I said “oh shit” (it was that kind of day, with that kind of attitude). But after they veered back towards the path and words were exchanged (I think I heard “muzzle” in there, but ignored it) Amika was able to take cues and get back on the mat and calm down a bit.

We did some tug off switch and stuff, but it was pretty un-structured due to my fog. We went home when we ran out of treats. I wished I could have stayed and gone for a walk, but wasn’t game to leave Amika in the car with people around. I’ve decided I need to work on heeling so we can be in sync a bit better when moving. I managed to do a couple of micro heeling position shaping games while fixing dinner.