First Couple Weeks

Wow, we are three weeks into the semester already!  It has been a whirlwind of a time (in a good way, I promise).  Chester and I have gotten to know each other a little bit better, and we have had the chance to go on a few public access trips.  We went to the dollar store, the grocery store, and went out to eat a couple times.  Our public access so far has been mostly local, but I would really like to go to the Mall of America at some point in the future.  Chester and I should probably practice elevators together a couple times around campus first though since that is the main way to get around the mall.

​Chester isn't a big fan of confined or dark spaces.  For the first couple days, he did not want to come through the entryway into my house, nor did he like the hallway leading up to my room because the light is currently burnt out.  He has gotten over his discomfort of those areas now though!  The biggest things we are currently working on are loading into vehicles and dressing (putting his harness and vest on).  Yesterday was the first time he jumped into my car with very limited coaxing; I was so proud of him!  He is a little head shy when it comes to putting on his vest, so we are doing some clicker training to form a more positive association.  

Chester has made a lot of progress since I worked with him briefly a year ago.  He used to be very scared of shiny floors, and now he rarely has issues with them.  He did slip on one of the entryways to a building the other day when it was raining, and he showed a little apprehension the time we entered the building after that.  I made it a super positive experience, and he hasn't had any more issues with it.

Our first few weeks of classes have gone pretty well.  He has whined a few times, but he seems to be getting used to being settled for a few hours of classes at a time each day.  We have a couple classes with one of the other ADEPT dogs, Penny, and her and Chester do a great job of not distracting each other in class even when they sit close to each other.  We have also had a really enjoyable first few ADEPT meetings.  It is awesome to see how well all the dogs are adjusting to being on campus (either for the first time or coming back after the summer off) as well as getting to know the new interns!

Over the past few weeks, I have learned a lot about Chester's personality too.  He is super goofy!  He really likes to roll around with his lips flopped back, and he is very snuggly.  Last night, he got to sleep up on my bed, and I woke up with his head laying on my side.  He really likes to offer his paw as well.  His favorite thing to do when we go outside is to find the biggest stick in the yard and carry it around for a little while (as you can see from the photo on the right).  There is also a perfect "balance beam" in the yard that Chester and I worked on some rear end awareness the other day (see middle photo).

We have had a crazy first few weeks, and I am super excited to see how the rest of the semester goes!  Until next time, stay pawsome!