Took Gambit to his first convention this past weekend with Ryuk.

We've done a few day shows (Bark for Life events and the New England Pet Expo) but this would be his first multi day show that he'd have to okay alone in a hotel room (crated of course), be okay with the elevators, noise of parties in the rooms around him, completely new and strange sounds, people in elaborate "scary" costumes, people dressed as giant stuffed animals (often with squeakers in the hands and tail) called fursuits, and drunk con goers who, no matter what you say or do to them don't always understand the "ask before you pet" rule or the "it's not a good idea to run screaming up to a strange dog" code.

I travel all over the US doing these conventions regularly, it's part of my job. Pet sitting is extremely expensive where I am and I've yet to have found one person I'd trust with my dogss outside of friends and family. Doesn't help I've known a lot people who's animals were killed while they were away by "good pet sitters with excellent references" and a few who's dogs have bite histories after hiring a pet sitter. . Unfortunately my parents are not local and my mother is allergic to dogs so we don't want to fur up their house and the friends who don't go with me to these shows aren't local, don't have cars, or don't live in pet friendly housing. Most of our good local boarding places are to expensive for me or not accept intact males. So before Gambit I would simply bring Ryuk along with me. I've trained for "bombproof stability" with both dogs, Ryuk is a wonderful convention buddy, he's even been personality invited down by convention heads to hang out at my table in otherwise non-pet-friendly areas of the hotel. This was Gambit's first time and the test to see if this was going to be possible for him. Biggest concerns was that he'd see some of the dancing bouncing people in padded costumes as things to bite or bark at and that he would not be quiet in the hotel room. I've been doing exposure to scary figures with him since he came home. He had some learned paranoia initially and would often respond defensively, I'm assuming from personal protection senario training at his previous home. However this is a social butterfly of a dog, that's his real genetic temperment. We worked on all the "wrong" ways people can approach, then worked on what an appropriate reaction is (look to your handler for instruction), then threw in some weirdly dressed strangers as wildcards. This convention was to see if the training held.

He passed with flying colors He was calm, stable, friendly, interested in everything but very attentive to commands. I don't think his tail stopped wagging even once when he left the hotel room. He was very interested in the fursuits and with the help of a dog savy person wearing one he was able to be introduced nicely in a controlled setting outside before we had to brave the crowd of them in the hotel hobby. He was confused about the hands (kept thinking he was being handed a toy and would gently take hold of it in his mouth, we took the glove off and put in on a few times to help him catch on that there was actually a person in there. He showed no fear walking through the crowds and remember all of his obedience (a little two much, he kept "flashy prancing heeling" though the lobby, which is extra goofy looking on slick floors. He greeted anyone who asked politely and even did some "training" with one of the conventions younger attendees. He was completely quiet in the hotel room. The hotel caught fire (minor, someone lit the stairwell on fire) and had to evacuate at 4am Sunday morning. He was perfect in the chaos (the alarm interrupted the late night rave, so there was a lot of blinking flashing costumed drunk people stampeding around) walked calmly past the blaring alarms, down crowded stairs to the safe area and just watched with interest as the fire trucks arrived. He just laid down and played with Ryuk's tail (Ryuk was not as amused by this lol) and be pet by the con goers around us while waiting to be let back in.

Overall I'd say he could improve on nothing, he was completely bombproof, perfectly behaved, and had tons of fun. He'll get to go again when I do this show next year and I no longer have to worry about being forced to bring him if I pet sitting plan falls through!

My god did that wee man get lucky when you got him

I have nothing but admiration for you Jamie, you rescued that dog in every way a dog can be rescued, worked your arse off, and Gambit went back to day one when you brought him home, lucky, lucky boy.

It's always great to read your posts, and nearly a year on since that epic road trip, he is paying you back in bucket loads, for your love, dedication and tireless work to give him a whole and happy life.

Big, big respect

Sounds like Gambit is turning out to be a heck of a great dog, thanks to you, Jamie.

Sounds like that convention was a great adventure for all of you! Gambit has come so far. Jamie, you rescued a diamond in the rough, and it's clear that the gem in him is coming through in a big way thanks to your love, patience and training abilities. What a lucky dog!

 Quote: tracey holden

My god did that wee man get lucky when you got him

I have nothing but admiration for you Jamie, you rescued that dog in every way a dog can be rescued, worked your arse off, and Gambit went back to day one when you brought him home, lucky, lucky boy.

It's always great to read your posts, and nearly a year on since that epic road trip, he is paying you back in bucket loads, for your love, dedication and tireless work to give him a whole and happy life.

Big, big respect

I couldn't have said it as well!

Jamie, let me know when you get back (zero rush) about a PM I sent you. I don't think you've seen it yet.

Gambit is one great and lucky dog. I'm so glad you found each other, Jamie.

Great work Jamie, like they said Gambit was very lucky. I really am happy he's doing so well!

What good news, it's so wonderful when they make you proud, you taught him everything. Just a great story.
Do you have any photos to post from your convention?

Man, you give me hope! I hope to one day have all my dogs be that calm and friendly. They are friendly, but with all that noise and giant stuffed people, my Cody would have been freaked. Have been working on distractions and fear issues with him. After being in the hospital for one week, he came out afraid of men and beeping noises.
Working on the men issue, right now.
Thanks for sharing, again I say, you give me hope. sharon
(Cody is the little black dog in the photo.
Terra on the left was pretty neglected and mistreated, she is afraid of anything in someones hand.)