Today was a very exciting day for Miss Carolina! As a puppy, and especially as a service dog in training, socialization is incredibly important. Making sure that she is confident, happy, and fearless in new situations is an ongoing process.

Carolina was excited to start her newest adventure as she sat patiently in the car waiting to see where we were going.

For her first outing we went to the HomeGoods store. She did great walking through the automatic doors and past people, carts, hanging clothes, as well as an assortment of other random strange sights to a little puppy. She loved every person she met and learned to sit nicely for attention.

 

Anytime we came across anything she was slightly unsure of I was able to help her work through it with encouraging words and of course a few treats! 🙂

Carolina, as the fearless puppy she is, was mainly just super excited to see all the new sights and people.

 

As a young puppy there are several things this sweet girl has to work on on a regular basis when it comes to socializing out in public.

First of all she must have good leash manners. Carolina started working on her leash manners shortly before this little adventure, and so she does not know a “heel” command yet. But she is learning not to pull on the leash and doing a lovely job at that!    

 

 

She is learning to stay focused and not be too distracted by her surroundings, which is VERY hard for a curious little girl.

There are alot of new and exciting things that a puppy has never seen before and every one of them is a distraction! Everything from people talking to the “adorable puppy” to the extremely fun looking toy aisle.

Can you say… ”Squeakers!?!”

Through all these new things she is learning to stay focused and sit pretty. When she was approached by the “puppy in the mirror” she didn’t let it phase her as she stayed focused on her job.

 

 

That last obstacle she had to endure today was the one that I don’t think any of us enjoy…. Waiting in line at the checkout. Carolina Rose was a rockstar through it all! We had a successful shopping trip with no accidents….this time 😉 and lots of good behavior. We are so proud of this sweet girl and can’t wait to see what new exciting situations she will find herself, in the near future!  

 

Keep checking back to join us on this exciting adventure as Carolina learns what it takes to be a great Autism Assistance Dog!

 

For more pictures and videos check out our facebook website at www.facebook.com/allarounddogtraining