We may be puppies, but we're not airheads!

Our June mid-month meeting took us to a new venue in Tampa for a unique exposure for our pups.  AirHeads is a trampoline arena that offers volleyball, dodgeball, fitness,and "free jumping" to its customers.

Before we went in to absorb the excitement, we settled the dogs with an obedience routine that incorporated a variety of commands.  Group matriarch, Theia, sports the guide dog harness body for the first time.  Our older pups now begin their conditioning to the harness so that they will be over that hurdle when they begin their professional training on campus.

As we entered the building, we re-demonstrated the "switch" command for our six-month-old pups.  This is a special technique for negotiating left-hinged doors without hitting the dog with the door.  Here, Liberty practices the multi-step maneuver.

Once inside, the dogs were able to witness the craziness of jumpers in three separate sections of the arena.  The viewing platform was small, so we couldn't set up ideal photos, but we captured some of the action.  Surprisingly, the dogs weren't overly excited.  Their moderate excitement, however, did make it challenging to maintain the desired "loose leash."

"Triplets" Liberty, Cracker, and Anna demonstrate their best attempts at self control.

In addition to the trampoline area, the arcade provided intriguing sights and sounds.  The general volume level in the building was a stimulus throughout our visit.

Ella teaches Cracker the finer points of skeeball,

while Chris demonstrates air hockey for Theia,

and Mary-Jo teaches Liberty to cross her fingers for the jackpot.

P-A-R-T-Y!!!!

OK, so it's officially a "pool safety meeting" -- and we really do teach them about stairs and safe practices -- but it's also one of the best parties in town.

Joanna spoiled us more rotten than usual with lawn chairs and her new tent!  Announcements and obedience were pretty posh this time.  =) 

Our first exercise focused on a number of "moving commands," allowing each dog to walk the route separately.  In addition to the highlighted commands, the dogs had to pass each other at close quarters.

Connie with Paxton.

Linda with puppy-camp guest Liberty.

We did our first run-through of an "aversion drill" technique to squelch the habit of snatching contraband.  Sticks, bark chips, cat toys, sweetgum balls, and lily pods provided plenty of chances to correct for grabbing, and each of the dogs improved notably on the second lap around the course.

Nora shows admirable self restraint as she approaches a fuzzy toy mouse and a pinecone.

But enough of that business stuff -- bring on the party!

A good romp in the yard is a rare but welcomed occurrence at a puppy meeting.  Safe, public, fenced locations (since we avoid dog parks) are pretty hard to come by.

Liberty, Paxton, Anna, and Nora warm up.

Anna goes airborne over Nora!

Nora (a.k.a "The Piranha") maintains a solid grip on Anna's leg as Paxton keeps his nose out of the fray.

Team Yellow makes itself heard!!

With a tiny bit of energy out of their systems, it was time for "swimming lessons."  Several of the pups went into the pool for their first times, with varying levels of trepidation. 

Moosette, the champion swimmer, soaked up a little lovin' before the "little guys" moved in.

Paxton showed everybody that he could do it...after a little coaxing.

And a little encouragement from cheerleader/coach Moosette.

Liberty's initial strategy was to "become one with the screen" and skip the whole darn thing.

Until Christy and Theia stepped up for a quick demonstration.

Then with Linda's gentle guidance,

and Moosette's continued cheerleading (do you notice a theme, here?),

Liberty joined the ranks of "advanced beginners!"

Pool-owner Nora didn't need any encouragement, but Moosette was there to offer some "constructive criticism" of her breast stroke.

And a tip or two on the proper approach to the stairs.

When it was Anna's turn, everybody seemed to have advice for the first-timer... 

It was a splashy endeavor, but Anna came to LOVE the pool.

After a brief technical delay put Jan's lifesaving skills to the test,

the rest was smooooth sailing.

Theia, an old pro on the aquatics scene, steered clear of most of the theatrics of the amateurs.  =)

Once we'd finished our delicious potluck lunch, Moosette, having exhausted her opportunities to give counsel to the young upstarts, decided to assume the role of "enforcer" -- ensuring that Linda waited the full thirty minutes before going back into the water.   =)

All in all, in the words of one program puppy, "It was the best day EVER!"

Thank you, everyone, for the gifts you bring to our very special group.

Cute puppies in baskets

Yeah, a basketful of puppies is pretty endearing.

(Nora's litter.  Used with permission of SEGD.)

But, c'mon -- can they top her?  Really?

This blogger's blatant bias couldn't resist sharing a quick peek at the group's honorary new member, three-week-old Puffin -- Jan's foster.

Please don't throw tomatoes.  It's just not friendly.  I'll get back to dogs very soon.  =)