A little outing

I have sadly fallen out of the habit of taking the dogs places and have realized that I need to get back into that habit.  Usually I have several errands to run that include a dog friendly stop, but I just leave the dog(s) at home because I need to get the errands done in one trip.  They really love to go places and they do need to socialize, plus it is fun for me to take them out and meet other dog people, too.

Yesterday I needed to get the car washed and make a run to Petsmart so I decided that Bentley could go along.  The car wash has a waiting area outside with a covered patio, and it was really a nice day with temps in the 60's so I knew we would be okay. He did great, after we got out of the area with the vacuums! He totally freaked out and I had to pick him up and carry him inside to pay.  I had put a lead on him rather than the harness and leash and the lead had a slip ring so when he freaked and pulled away from me he was choking himself. He sat in my lap for a while and then got down to smell around a little.  He let a mom and her little boy pet him.  I always love for children to pet the dogs.  It is good for the dogs and for the children to learn how to properly approach a dog and not be afraid.

Then we headed for Petsmart.  He strutted around the store and let several people pet him and was generally a very good dog. His time in the ring and the Canine Good Citizen training have paid off.  He walks beautifully, always beside me on my left side.  He sits to have his leash or harness put on and whenever I tell him to do so.  I did carry treats in my purse (like I used to carry goldfish crackers for my children, LOL) and used them frequently.  Good behavior deserves a reward!

(This picture was from a previous shopping trip) Bentley fell in love with this zebra and begged me to buy it for him.  What a sad face, right?

I was just going in for dog food, cat food, and litter but also walked out with a retractable leash (more on that in a future post) and a clipper set.  I had been thinking about both and decided to drop some change and get both.  I was prompted to get the clippers after we wandered over to the grooming area just to see what was going on.  Low and behold, there was a sweet little long haired red dachshund on one of the tables!  I watched the groomer work on her and decided that I needed to invest in some tools.  The set includes a DVD and I'm going to look for a book, too.  I had a retired groomer tell me that she learned by reading a book so she could groom her own dogs, then she went to work in a grooming shop and watched the groomers work on different breeds until she felt comfortable enough to open her own shop.  I don't want to open a shop, but I need to give the dogs a little trimming and want it to look decent.

How could I resist? He was using his Canine Good Citizen leash on this trip.

When we got home he promptly snuggled with his new friend!

Bentley you're a good dog!