Dante, Jump!

I had  introduced the "jump" command to Dante a few weeks ago, but we haven't had too many opportunities to practice it.  So, today's outing was focused on going somewhere where Dante could do lots of "jumps!"  So we ended up at - you guessed it - the mall.  The closest mall to us is an outdoor one, so there are lots of benches and low walls that Dante can practice on.  

Ahh, Dante you don't know what your in for! :-)

 I only had to lure him onto the first one, before he remembered what to do, and he did all the rest himself.  I loved this row of benches because I could ask Dante to do something different at each one - at one an "under," the next a "jump," etc.  It is important that I change the command often, so that Dante learns to listen to what I say instead of guess.

Dante was a little uncomfortable on the little kid benches at first, because they were so narrow, but he still "jumped" and settled onto them after a few times.  

Have I mentioned lately what a cuddle bug Dante is? ;-)  As soon as I sat down, he laid down with his paws in my lap. 

And the only thing I can think of when I see this picture is How can someone look at this puppy with his mouth wide open, than ask me why he's wearing a muzzle!  Sheesh!  I don't mind educating people about Gentle Leaders, but when they say it like they think I'm abusing him or don't know how to train him correctly, I get a little annoyed!

But I digress...

After 30 minutes of jumping up and down in 95 degree weather, Dante was tired out and ready for some AC!  We headed to Barnes and Noble since we had some time to kill before my mom came back for us.  Usually I never would feed or give anything (even kibble rewards) to Dante in a restaurant-type setting (because I don't want him to expect or beg for anything when we go out to eat), but I had forgotten to grab his water bowl from the car when my mom dropped us off, so I had no other choice.

I got an ice tea for myself and cup of ice for Dante, but than realized my predicament.  I'm sure the gentleman behind us was wondering the same thing - how am I going to get this to the table?  An (almost healed :) broken ankle = one crutch + Dante's leash = no extra hands.  


A quick scan of the room revealed that one side was completely empty, I decided to take Dante to the table in the corner and leave him there in a "down."  Now before you say "you left an unattended 7 month old puppy at a table!" - I must tell you that  it was only 15 ft. and Dante was hot.  Very hot and tired.  Hot puppy + cold floor = 99.9% chance that he will not move, and knowing this pup, if he does decide to move, he only wants to know what I'm doing.  As I walked away, the afore mentioned gentleman remarked, "Wow, he very well behaved!"  I smiled.  I guess he didn't do the math!  Haha!

I enjoyed my tea.  Dante enjoyed his ice.  And everyone who walked by laughed at the way he crunched it!

Blurry crunching!