Duncan Goes To Church

Last night when I got home, I decided to take Duncan to church with me. But let me step back a couple days first. Monday night I took him on a car ride with me, and let him wait in the car while I had dinner with a few people from church. I did have to pick him up and put him in the car when we left home, but he did initially look like he was at least considering jumping into the car. He'd never even done that before. I checked on him once during dinner and he seemed to be content, just laying on the back seat. So, when I got home last night I asked him if he wanted to go bye-bye. And guess what he die. He jumped up into the car all by himself! It took some patience and coaxing (he was trembling pretty good) but he decided to do it and all of a sudden was up in the car. I gave him a treat and praised him enthusiastically. He seems to be doing better in the car now, settling down and not seeming to be as frightened during the actual ride. So we got to church and I took him for a walk on the back field that we have on the property there. He did absolutely fine walking with the leash attached to his training collar so I don't think we'll buy another halter for him. The halter was probably very helpful in getting him started out on the leash, but it looks like just using his collar will work now. He fell into step on my left side automatically, and he responded very quickly to any corrections that I had to make for him drifting to my right. He seemed to enjoy the walk (smellfest) and when we got back to the car he once again jumped up into the seat by himself! He then waited for me while I went inside for Prayer Service. When I came out he again seemed content just hanging out in the car waiting for me. He's doing so well! I'm going to try to take him with me on any errands that I have to run as often as I can so he will get more and more comfortable in the car, as long as the weather is favorable that is. And of course we'll work up to going to the park for a walk (where there will be other people he will have to learn to encounter) and eventually Petco!