Life now with Cocoa

[Lindsey & Cocoa]

Over the last almost 6 months I have been a member here I was thinking about all of my post's. Just about all of them have been reaching for help or to vent about this puppy thinking what did I get myself into.

Well I wanted to update everyone on Cocoa and how things have been.

Cocoa is now 5 months old weights almost 25 pounds.

We struggled for 2 months thinking she had Giardia. I was out in the cold, with the poop scoop, garden hose and bleach 6-8 times a day or more.  Only to find out Cocoa had a food issue and once we stumbled on TOTW salmon she has been a wonderful 2-3 times a day pooper with nice solid poops.

I thank all of you that put up with post after post until we figured out what was really wrong.

We were having issues with Cocoa being to ruff with my daughter but that role has been flipped and now the kid spends more time in time out than the dog does..lol

Tonight we go to week 3 of training (trainer told me last week to stay home because he doesnt want to help birth my baby..lol)  My due date is 10 days away but I want to go to every class I can to see how they are instructing everyone.  My husband does all the training in class and I sit and watch how they do it. 

Cocoa seems to really enjoy class and is doing better than some of the repeating dogs. She really is so smart and I am so proud of how well she is doing.

Cocoa knows, sit, down, off (this for counter surfing and jumping), She plays this game called touch, and will spin in circles with just the command of left or right.   Come is a big one that I hope they teach how to do soon but she is listening to us so much better.

The submisive peeing is getting so much better as well... I was telling the trainer she only does it for me now and I feel like I am walking on egg shells around her.  He told me that was the problem I need to be more force full in telling her what to do and consistant in when I do it and it will give her more confidence in me and should stop the peeing.  But he said as for excited when new people come around or one of us was gone for a few days that should be gone with time.

A month ago I was having to man handle the dog to get her to go potty (and she would pee as soon as i grabbed her) or to get her in her cage.  Then I had to have a treat in my hand anytime I ever wanted her to do anything.  Now I just stand next to her cage and tell her "bed" and in she runs no treat needed, but sometimes I slip her a treat to remind her how good she is. Same with going potty she goes out just about every time I ask now.  OH and if she steals something from one of us the drop command is coming along really nice. She still runs with it but will take it to the couch and when you walk up to her and tell her to drop it she gives it up right away. This is acually pretty nice when 9 months pregnant because she brings it up to my reach where I do not have to bend over..lol  She stole hubbys phone the other night and he called for her and she brought it back to him.

So I just wanted to thank everyone for putting up with all my whining and giving me such great advice Cocoa is turning out to be a really good dog.

Baby is due any day now and I hope things continue to go well once he gets here.  She is bad about running full speed at us and jumping on our laps when we sit down so that is my only fear right now about baby coming.  My friend said when she had her baby it freaked the dog out and he never came near her with the baby in her arms so I almost hope that happens here so she doesnt have to spend a lot of time in the cage.

[Shannon and Finn]

Congrats on the training and baby! We also let our dog sniff the baby in the car seat right away and tried not to get freaked out or mad at him if he gave big licks and sniffs. We didn't want him to think the baby was a bad thing or something to use as a way to get attention. I think if you are calm they are calm and things get to normal quickly. The hardest part was leaving time for the dog and not forgetting about his attention needs since they kind of get the back seat for a while. Once the kids grew, the dog become a horse to ride on and pillow to sleep on! Good luck with the delivery!

[BG and Gavin]

Love this good news post!  Good luck with the your labour and delivery!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

So glad to hear that things are going well with Cocoa! Here's hoping that your delivery goes as smoothly as possible! Post pictures as soon as you can, lol!!!