Nonogi Park
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Ishihara
Alright, let me give you guys a quick rundown of the rules.
Ishihara
It's actually pretty simple. The thrower will throw the disc, and you get points if your dog catches it...
Ishihara
You have sixty seconds to throw it as many times as you like, and you'll be competing based on how many points you can score.
Ishihara
Actually, that's not entirely the case.
You can score more points if your dog makes a long-distance catch.
You can score more points if your dog makes a long-distance catch.
Akito
Which means you can form a strategy based on a lot of short throws or try to maximize the points you score with each throw by going long.
Ishihara
Exactly! Also, you get no points if the disc hits the ground first.
Ishihara
That's why I've been aiming up a little and having Max make catches by jumping.
Akito
Yeah... Now that you mention it, even when I threw his disc in a panic the other day, he jumped up to catch it.
Ishihara
I can show you how high and far Max likes you to throw the disc as we go along.
Ishihara
Anyway, let's start practicing.
Once you've gotten the hang of throwing the disc, we'll let Max join in.
Once you've gotten the hang of throwing the disc, we'll let Max join in.
Ishihara
That'd be great...!
Thank you both very much.
Thank you both very much.
Ishihara
Alright, Shinonome, let's get started!
Several dozen minutes later
Sound Effect: Play
Ishihara
Whoa! Nice throw, Shinonome...!
Your control's perfect!
Your control's perfect!
Ishihara
*Nod*
I'll go let the others know that we're going to start practicing with Max!
I'll go let the others know that we're going to start practicing with Max!
Sound Effect: Play
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Akito
(Your dog catching the disc you've thrown isn't the end of it. You have to get it back in order to throw it again.)
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
Ishihara
Thanks for waiting, Shinonome!
We're back!
We're back!
Max
Woof!
Sound Effect: Play
Ishihara
Okay, let me know if you don't feel comfortable. I'll make sure to stop Max.
Max
Woof!
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
Max
Woof!
Ishihara
That just leaves...
Max
Pant... Pant... Pant...
Sound Effect: Play
Max
Pant...! Pant...! Pant...!
Sound Effect: Play
Ishihara
Uh-oh...!
Max, stop!
Max, stop!
Max
Woof!
Sound Effect: Play
Ishihara
Alright, good boy. Come here.
Sound Effect: Play
Ishihara
I'm sorry, Shinonome. I know this isn't easy for you...
Akito
If anything, I should be the one apologizing for freaking out. I know he's your partner...
Ishihara
Shinonome...
???
*Howl*
Woof! Woof!
Woof! Woof!
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Ishihara
Sorry, this is...?
Rui
I happened to come across this old build while cleaning my room. So, I decided to give it some upgrades and take it out for a walk to see if it still works.
Robo-Dog
Woof!
Sound Effect: Play
Ishihara
Yes. He's taking my place due to an injury that I've sustained.
Rui
I see...
You have no problem throwing the disc, but have trouble taking it back from the dog.
You have no problem throwing the disc, but have trouble taking it back from the dog.
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Rui
I understand why you feel so pressured since the competition is tomorrow, but I feel that you first need to get used to being with a dog before practicing with the disc...
Honami
Me too...
I feel that you'll be able to take the disc from him without any issues if you take things slowly one step at a time.
I feel that you'll be able to take the disc from him without any issues if you take things slowly one step at a time.
Honami
He's only just met me. So, seeing me pet him should in theory make things a little easier for you.
Ishihara
She has a point...
Honami
First, introduce yourself by letting him smell the back of your hand. Like this...
Honami
Yes. Dogs are no different from us humans. We don't like being touched by strangers.
Honami
Which is why it's important to give dogs a chance to first learn your scent. That's the initial step towards forming a bond with them.
Honami
When you go to pet him, try starting by gently scratching his jaw. I'd avoid his head or bottom since many dogs don't like being touched there immediately.
Max
*Sniff*
Sound Effect: Play
Rui
Understanding the root cause of your phobia may help us find the right solution. Would you mind telling us what happened exactly?
Next Chapter: The Antidote to Fear