A shopping trip to Petsmart but only after a weekend of good walking.

Lusi taking a nap on her mat after 
two good walking days.

It's amazing how two days of good walking weather can restore harmony and rebalance the energy levels of our dogs so that they are not all climbing up the walls. Lusi is currently on her mat having a quiet nap with a new marrow bone that we got when we took a trip into Petsmart this afternoon. She was, I am pleased to say, quite mannerly with all the dogs she met there. If she has a failing it is certainly not one of unfriendliness or aggression; the occasional exuberant burst of welcome can still be difficult to manage in confined areas though. We were tested by two black and tan GSDs as we entered the store and on leaving by a small long-haired Dachs which stood just in front of the open doors. I can report that Lusi behaved well in both instances; she gave the little Dachs a very gentle greeting, and then returned her attention to me as we left the store. She definitely won some approval for that.


Her excitement at "shopping" was indicated by way of constant tail wagging as we made our way along the shelves. She definitely wanted to greet everyone at first but settled sufficiently after about five minutes to give a good impression of herself generally. 


I couldn't help noticing though that almost all the dogs we saw had some form of correcting collar on; prong collars, martingale collars, and choke chain collars seemed to be the norm. I found this to be an over use of correcting collars and a little bit disconcerting, even assuming that all the dogs had just been in a training class, which I am sure they had not. 


Lusi's biggest "social failing" is still wanting to jump and greet. Now being as she is a Dalmatian, I notice that children are especially attracted to her as a "Fire House Dog," and I am aware, once again, that we really must get Lusi more settled and socialized with strangers so that she does not jump.