Today,Alex and I went to the flea market for the first time since my BEB started. It is a really challenging environment complete with lots of children ( her worst distraction!) and hoards of people( my worst scenario and the one I need Alex for the most, to keep me from running into them during the parts when my eyes are closed. I was concerned too about the heat and asphalt surface as well as the ever present problem of off lead dogs. It was great! She was a little excited the first row or two but settled down nicely. She ignored people making noises at her and little kids running up to touch her and run away.. She would look, but not leave her position..I was very proud of her.. other than the one group of kids, I was surprised by how well behaved the kids at the flea market were.. better behaved than that man who came and almost got in her face , making comehere noises to her.. I was rude and told him to leave her alone.. she was avoiding eye contact with him and scanning our path.. We were stopped several times by people wanting to know if she wanted a drink, which I politely declined. Then there was the rollercoaster! Complete with a dragon head and roar! We stopped to use it as a training opportunity When the dragon came around the tracks towards her she stepped back about a step but came forward as it went past.. We stopped and watched while I told her about it. Sometimes just explaining things in a happy voice will calm dogs..Alex gets a little upset when children scream.. I think she thinks they are hurt.. It is also how I got her to quit stepping on me when she jumped up on the couch or was being prancy at the back door.. Now for the parts that need work.. We also had a lady almost walk a dog onleash over to us.. Alex got a little bouncy and I had to work a bit to get her attention.I had her do an under, under the counter we were buying produce at. That helped. Still something to work on when dogs offer play behavior to her... long term project.. sigh.. Alex was also annoying my sister when she was walking on my right side with Alex between us..Alex guides on my right for those who dont know.. Alex knows her very well and would crowd her and nose nudge her legs..We need to set this up as a training exercise with family members.. ok it might be a "fat chance" response from them but I will try.. If there are strangers walking in that position she is fine.. friends I will have to try later today.. All in all, I think she did VERY well today and her guiding was good.. not excellent as she REALLY would have preferred to be the shopper..looking at all the strange sights, sounds and smells.. canine nose smorgasbord! I reminded her that,, since she didn't have any money of her own, she couldn't shop! " No shopping" is a cue i taught her long ago when we were first going to grocery stores..meaning basically no sniff, but it sounds a lot nicer and isnt said with a strong voice.. just a reminder..I then use the cue "on by" as a follow up to get us past those enticing objects! Another cue meaning to go by something interesting.. that one had some use today! We didn't do that well with shopping, but came home with a rice cooker for the dogs for 5 bucks and a bunch of produce.. onions, jicama, peppers and limes.. I wanted a pineapple but they were pretty green.. We forgot to go back for the blueberries.. 2 pints for a buck.. bummer.. Chile rellenos this week! yum! Sandy Foushee Infinite Paws-Abilities Training and Service Dogs Teamed with Alexandra Guide/Service Dog