I woke up right on time today and was eager to get to class. Today my Mommy and Daddy learned a couple of new commands for London. They learned “Over” – which I really liked.  This is a command for London to lay on top of ME! They also learned how to tell London to “Stand” from the “Sit” or “Down” position.  For Stand, London does just that.  She stands up but does not move.  This is good for when I need to use London for balance.

Mommy and Daddy also practiced some commands and tasks she already has shown us.  One of the trainers fussed and cried to make London nuzzle her.  This is when London would bump me with her nose to try to change my mood, stop crying, or stop really any bad behavior.  We also played “the seizure game” in class today. London barked at my Daddy when he pretended to have a seizure.  Last night Daddy tricked London and pretended to have a seizure when she was on the other side of the room and wasn’t expecting it.  She jumped up, ran to him and barked.  She is so amazing! Have I told you that lately?

Today we were also back at the park for search and rescue tracking.  This time Daddy took me for a walk, but neither Mommy or London knew which way I went or what path I took.  This made the tracking very realistic for Mommy.  Her job is to “read” London and to keep London from going too fast.  If it was up to London she would sprint the entire time.  The problem with that is that she could overshoot a turn that I made and lose my scent.  London found me super fast and we had a big party for her for doing her job so well.

This afternoon all of the parents asked the trainer questions about their dogs (luckily I got to watch movies). Then Mommy and Daddy worked with London on getting her to listen when they used either a verbal or hand signal command.  That’s right, my puppy knows sign language for sit, down, stand, heal, free, tricks, and more.  Daddy also practiced dropping London’s leash and walking away.  This shows that she know to hold her last command even when someone is not watching right over her.

All of the practice we are doing is in preparation for Friday’s Public Access Test, where Mommy and Daddy have to show the trainers that they can handle London in public.  The Federal ADA Law basically states that services dogs are granted full access to all public locations. However, it is the handler’s responsibility to maintain control of the dog at all times.

The doggies are getting really tired.  They are not used to working as many hours as what we are doing right now.  Going home with me should feel like a vacation for London (well, at least the car ride will).  I think tonight London fell asleep in my bed before I did! You can see today’s pictures on my Facebook page!