Chuck Billy and I are always looking for opportunities to reinforce Mom and Dad’s training. Therefore I jumped at the chance to accompany Dad to get the car’s oil change yesterday. Little did I realize we’d soon become the center of attention at the Subaru dealership!
Now I’ve accompanied Dad before on this errand, so I was expecting the waiting room to have one or two people in it. Boy was I surprised to see the room was filled with people. I almost panicked. Would Dad behave in such a high distraction area? Humans can sense nervousness on the other end of the leash. So I shook off my concerns and confidently walked with Dad into the waiting room.
Instantly my fans started cooing in delight. I resisted the desire to start entertaining this captive audience. Instead, I chose a spot near one of the few empty chairs, and directed Dad to sit while I did a down/stay. Before I could assume the position though, a toddler came bursting out of nowhere and hugged me! Dad explained to her though that I was in school, and couldn’t play with her. Well technically Dad, you’re the one in school. But at least you got the general idea correct. The word school must have made the child want to show off the barking she’s been learning. She got down on all fours in front of me, and started barking in my face. I have to give her credit that it is truly inspiring to see such a young child being so opened minded about learning our language. It’s rare you ever see an adult barking. However, whoever was teaching her barking was doing a poor job because her grammar was atrocious! I just smiled though and listened as she practiced her lesson.
Meanwhile, Dad was talking to the people in the room who were curious about my training, and in awe that I was staying in one place. Humans are so easily entertained. I, on the other paw, was pleased to see that it was Dad, who was obeying my command and staying seated. Eventually the child stopped barking, a couple of people left after being told their cars were ready, and I settled in to supervise Dad. Well that got awkward really fast! Everyone was just sitting there staring at me in anticipation of what I’d do. I know I have a reputation as being a great entertainer, but today was all about training Dad. To avoid their gaze, I purposely faced myself toward a big window looking out at the showroom. However, even there folks would periodically walk by and wave at me. I’d thump my tail with hearty hello, but knew I had to keep a close watch on Dad, who had his face buried in his phone as usual and was oblivious to everything going on around him.
That’s when the lady who was sitting next to Dad got up and walked over to the snack table. I immediately perked up. I’ve been smelling those peanut butter crackers since the moment I arrived! I love peanut butter! Apparently sitting up startled my new best friend, because she exclaimed, “he’s being so good I forgot he was even here!” Forgot me? That’s the saddest thing a dog could ever hear. But she was holding a package of peanut butter crackers, so I was more than willing to forgive her. Next thing I know, she’s offering Dad a peanut butter cracker. “Can he have a cracker?” Oh Dad, be strong. Remember our training this winter that we’re not suppose to accept treats from strangers!
I’m proud to report Dad did remember his training! He explained to the woman that I’m only suppose to accept treats when Dad says it is ok. Again, he’s a bit confused on who’s in charge here, but overall Dad is on track. He then asked the woman to help with that training by offering me the cracker. She held it out in front of me. I drooled. But all I could hear in my head was Mom and Dad’s trainer’s voice, telling me to leave it. How did he fit inside my head? That guy is huge! Yet there he was in my head reminding me to resist, which I did. That’s when Dad petted me on the head and said, “good boy!” He then asked for the cracker, and placed it in front of me. I started to do a perfect plank. Oh boy did I want that peanut butter cracker. However, if I’m going to set a good example for Dad, I needed to pretend it wasn’t there. Unless of course Dad said…the…magic…word…”Dismissed!” As soon as he said it, I swallowed that cracker, and settled back into my down/stay. The room erupted into applause! Who knew we could entertain a room full of people by simply eating a snack? Dad should feel so proud of himself!
It was at this point that the friendly receptionist popped her head in to tell Dad that his car was ready. So with a wag of the tail to say goodbye, we headed home after another successful training opportunity. Thanks Subaru for welcoming dogs into your waiting room! Dad and I had a fun time together practicing his training!
