On Sunday, we arrived in Duck, NC for a field study. We had a day to settle in, set up computers, and take Hugger to the beach. Then it was time to start unpacking gear.

First the shipping container, or c-van. I worked Hugger over, with directions from Steve, and clicker trained her for “VAN.” Yum, happy dog. And happy to lay quietly in the shade as we unloaded dive tanks, pipes, dive weights, dive bags, anchors, and tool boxes in the heat and humidity. Phew, Hugger was panting lightly. I looked like I had just taken a shower.

Then a Gator-ride to the dive locker. The front seat is the safest place in the rusty vehicle, so Hugger got a seat of honor, and a nice breeze. Followed by more clicker training for “LOCKER.” Field work is fun, smile.

We unloaded, and then worked back to the VAN (while Steve drove the Gator), and Hugger went right to the door. Loaded up more gear and worked back to the LOCKER. Back for another load to VAN. And back to LOCKER. Ok, Hugger has this pattern down, but wow its hot. When we finally decided to quit, I didn’t have to train her for “OFFICE” – that’s the place with the air conditioning, and she had no difficulty finding it!

The next day I clicker-taught Hugger the conference room, which has a blue door and therefore was named “BLUE.” There’s a large ice-maker just inside the door, so Hugger not only got clicker treats, but also ice cubes. She isn’t going to forget where BLUE is located! At least not during summer!

After finishing we went back to “VAN” to grab some gear, and then to “LOCKER” to drop it off and unpack my dive gear. Hugger didn’t hesitate.