And Even More Socialising

Zeke's starting to feel a bit heavy to lug all around town for an hour, so instead today our socialising adventure had us sitting outside one of the entrances to the Marketplace. It was actually better for people exposure than walking about because oh my goodness, there were so many different people walking past. There were quite a few wheelchairs, a few people using walking canes, lots of prams, bikes, and people ranging from babies up to a few who looked to be in their eighties. He had pats from a half dozen or so different people; some adults, an older lady and a kid who couldn't have been more than four or five. And Zeke got lots of treats for his excellent manners.

We also just sat there, with Zeke on my lap, and I fed him pieces of kibble for calming observing the people walking past and the cars driving around the car park.

I got asked if he was a shepherd puppy again, as well as quite a few people asking me, "Did you just get him from in there?" and gesture to the pet shop windows behind us. Perhaps not a good place to have sat? :P I tried not to sound too repulsed when I answered, "No, definitely not, he's from a breeder".

One of the ladies who stopped to pet him had about as positive an opinion about the pet shop as I did. She asked me in this restrained voice, "Did you buy him from the pet shop?" and when I said no, we're just hanging about for socialisation, she told Zeke, "Oh you lucky puppy, you've got a really good owner". Made me feel warm and fuzzy, hehe. We bonded for a few minutes over the plight of pet shop puppies and Zeke got pats- and he didn't use his teeth, thank heavens.

Overall, I think I'm actually doing okay socialising my dog this time round. It's helping that he's such an outgoing, engaging little guy who wants to be friends with every dog and person he sees. I'm going to keep up the trips into town, but I really can't wait until he's fully vaccinated and has long enough legs to keep up for walking because he's going to be way too big and heavy way too soon to carry about.