Short trip to Home Goods (pet friendly) to pick up a bathmat. I want to use it as a place mat since they don't slide around on the floor but aren't too unwieldy to bring out on longer outings. Or at least that's the theory, plus they tend to be inexpensive.
Forte did amazing! It's really clicking for him that vest + store = time to focus. I ultimately don't want him to be vest reliant. But it definitely helps him switch from teenager to working dog so we're going to roll with it for now.
Some heeling in the store. The sound of the squeaky toy clearly got his attention but he didn't try to go investigate or lose total focus and I'm super proud of him for that.
He's also crushing it in check out lines. He moves when I do and settles into an auto block when I stop for more than a few seconds. This alone is hugely helpful because check out lines are a thing I really struggle with.
Of course the guy at the register had to be weird. When he saw Forte he (the guy) lifted his leg up and told me he's marking his territory. I responded that he (Forte) doesn't do that as he's working.
Even with that nonsense it was a good outing. He's growing into a real gentleman and I could not be happier.