I will no longer be updating Iron Guide (see below). Instead, I am now writing at my new, personal blog. Though that will be about some of the newer things I'm doing in life, if you want to see updates about Louie, Lester, and now Dusky, add me on Facebook -- there's enough ridiculously cute pictures to go around.

Now that Lester has all his vaccinations, he's been getting to go out and play more. At the same time, Lester knows enough standard obedience that we can start work on some training specific to Guide Dogs. But, really, for now, we're happy to just go out and play more. =)

After work today, back in Kirkland, I took him out to the tennis courts and cut him loose. The courts are enclosed to prevent tennis balls from escaping, but, as far as I'm concerned, they're enclosed to prevent hyper little puppies from escaping. That means they're perfect for said little puppies to get out their sillies. (And not take it out on my poor apartment.) For a puppy who sleeps as much as Lester... well, let's just say he's taken to doing laps around my living room as a way of telling me when he hasn't gotten enough exercise.

Officially, I don't think Guide Dogs wants us to do this, but, mreh. You do what you gotta do. It's intense enough to have these dogs around you for 23 of 24 hours and sometimes you just have to bend the rules a bit to get the job done. I learned it from -- er, well, maybe I shouldn't mention that, lest she get in trouble. It's a wonderful, life-saver of a trick, person who shall remain nameless. =)

Anyways, a few warm-up laps around the courts, a dozen wind-sprints from leaf-pile to leaf-pile (and dead worm to dead worm, and ...), and many puddle hurdles later, the boy looked ready to pass out. Panting, tongue flapping wildly in the wind, it was a sight to behold: a tired puppy! (They're a rare species; you've probably never seen one.) Mission accomplished.

Well, mostly. Time for training. What with all the leaves, worms, and random stuff only puppies can find, "that's enough!" had gotten more than enough practice. Some trials of "sit," "stay," and "come" later, we went for a walk to practice loose leash handling and, well, go for a walk.

Loose leash handling is basically the idea that, no matter what, whenever the dog is with you, he should always be on a loose leash. It's important for several reasons, some specific to Guide Dogs, but the general idea is that, on a taut leash, (a) dogs learn to pull (and you really don't want your full-grown, eighty-pound Labrador pulling you anywhere) and (b) you can't give proper leash corrections. So, loose leash, always.

Turns out puppy wasn't so tired at all. Two steps into our walk, he decided that a wriggling, dying worm was the most exciting thing in the world since... the last most exciting thing in the world five minutes ago. Of course, this wasn't just any worm. (How could it be? It's the most exciting thing in the world! I mean, really.) It was the worm wriggling right where my shoe was about to land. Of course, now that it was officially the most exciting thing in the world, it was going to be worm + Lester's nose under my shoe. And that'd be bad.

To make a short story even shorter, both Lester and I ended up planting our (previously clean) faces straight in the mud.

We're going to need to work on distractions. Dirt doesn't taste so good.

Labels: Lester

Permalink | Written at 1:31 AM | Post a comment | 7 comments | Trackbacks

It is totally fine if you link!!! May I link you back? I look forward to reading all about little Lester! Cute name! :)
Permalink   | Posted by  Joanna and Dash at March 13, 2007 7:15 AM

Hey, I have been reading your blog for a while. I love it! Too funny about your walk with Lester. And congrats on Louie on becomeing a breeder. I linked to your blog let me know if that is alright. You are welcome to do the same. Thanks.
Permalink   | Posted by  Megan at March 13, 2007 7:29 AM

Thanks for the link! We'll list you guys too...and one of these days I'll actually get around to updating my sidebar....
Permalink   | Posted by  8675309 at March 13, 2007 1:37 PM

Rei think's Dirt taste pretty good herself!!
Permalink   | Posted by  Erin & Rei at March 14, 2007 6:17 AM

Hmm, eighty pound labrador pulling you around? Sounds familiar to me. :)
Permalink   | Posted by  Joanna and Dash at March 14, 2007 6:17 PM

I am laughing hysterically at this. Kushal, it's just great to read Lester's blog and learn more about the raising trials and tribulations. Thank you for not only raising these pups for us, but for sharing the daily life. May I suggest you make pass-out FAQ fliers, maybe 4 per page that you can cut, to give to all those people interrupting you at Tully's and Starbucks?
Liz Halperin and her new Alex, the Magnificent from GDB Oregon
Permalink   | Posted by  Anonymous at March 14, 2007 9:01 PM

Hi Kushal,
Of course you may link to me, and I've linked to you as well! I had to laugh at the picture of Lester & you face-planting, sorry... I've been there.
Permalink   | Posted by  Angie at March 16, 2007 4:37 AM