Mean streets

Well, Hanni and I have made it through a week. So have Harper and Beth. But it sure seems like it’s been longer.

Ain't no messin' around on the streets of Chicago.

Out in New Jersey, Beth’s learning more about Harper. He likes to chew on his Nylabone. A lot. For those who don’t know what a Nylabone is, it’s this synthetic bone-like toy that’s designed not to break off into pieces that could choke a dog. And they’re very tough. Apparently Harper’s already just about rounded off the big knuckle on the end of the bone. And I can hear him — while on the phone — gnawing on it.

The best news out of Morristown is that Harper is great at traffic checks. A traffic check goes like this: Beth and Harper go out to work on stuff for the day with their trainer. In addition to whatever they’re drilling on that day, other instructors are out and about in cars. They intentionally cut in front of Beth and Harper to simulate the very real and insane behavior of texting, distracted drivers.

And Harper has done exactly the right thing several times now. If there is one thing I’d want Harper to be good at, that’s it. Here in Chicago, it’s a must.

He stops for cars but apparently, he likes walking fast so much he sometimes doesn’t stop for curbs and crossings when there’s no cross traffic. Which requires a correction. Which brings me to Beth.

It’s been clear to us since Beth’s first time at the school that the time at the Seeing Eye is as much or more about training the humans as it is training the dogs. The dogs have had the bulk of their training. The humans are learning, in essence, how to be dog trainers, and to keep the dogs doing right. When Beth checks in with me, she usually mentions some basic technique that she’d forgotten or that had gone rusty since her last time there. Like how to hold the harness. There’s a natural tendency — which can be exacerbated by a dog walking slower as she ages — to want to guide the dog, and to push. But you have to hold the harness loosely and let the dog feel a sensation of pulling and leading. The dog has to count on that.

The whole thing — as people who have had dogs or kids well understand — is consistency. So, a warning for all of you who might run into Beth and Harper when they return: Beth’s going to be intensely focused, perhaps less friendly than she usually is for awhile, and she’s going to have to stay on top of her and Harper’s game for a good long while.

I hope you’ll remember it isn’t personal. It’s just necessary for Harper and Beth to be safe and sound.