Today was GAP Dogs annual field trip to the National Western Stock Show. Attending the national Western Stock Show introduces service dogs to all kinds of interesting sights and sounds. Additionally it helps the dogs improve their behavior while working among crowds of people and constant noise.
Seven assistance dogs and their partners were able to participate in this event. We met up at the entrance to the hall of education and proceeded by elevator or stairs to the third floor where the Children’s Ranchland exhibit was located. We worked on “leave it” and “no sniff” while walking through the exhibit allowing the dogs to look at the calves, lambs, piglets, ponies, chickens and rabbits. I think the dogs were most interested in the rabbits and chickens.
We then proceeded to the wildlife exhibit where the dogs were allowed to smell hides from bear, deer, antelope, fox and coyote. We also took them to an area of the exhibit where they were able to see animals that had been stuffed. All in all the dogs did far better than I expected at this exhibit, even Jasper who usually exhibits some fear.
We concluded our trip by walking outside into the yard where the dogs were able to see much larger animals such as full size horses and long horn steer. I think everyone including the dogs thoroughly enjoyed today’s adventure. I know I certainly had a good time and look forward to when we get to do it again next year.
