Coco Gets Schooled By The Best Trainer in Tallahassee: Bruce From Groovy Dogs

Since we have been having trouble with Coco, and it seems as though our training her ourselves wasn't doing much good, we decided to get a professional trainer for her.  I am so glad we did!  Bruce from Groovy Dogs has helped us take Coco from neighborhood hooligan, to model citizen (almost) in a matter of weeks!

Specifically, we were having trouble with Coco mauling visitors when they came in the front door, just about knocking them over with her excitement (or disdain, depending on the visitor).  And of course on walks, where she was lunging and barking at strange people and dogs, so that she was getting a bad name around the neighborhood.  Both behaviors were embarrassing, but more importantly, made me feel like I was failing her.  Both Bill and I knew that we had to do something.

I contacted Bruce and with just a few easy to implement strategies for us to practice, he had Coco in shape in no time!  I mean, really it took just a few sessions at the door before Coco let Madam's Mommy in without jumping on her.  This was a miracle.

In addition, after practicing Bruce's method of walking with Coco, she can now let strangers pass without any anxiety at all!  What we had been trying to correct for almost a year, with Bruce's help, we managed to almost eradicate within a few weeks.

I was hesitant about getting a trainer for Coco, but for the life of me now I don't why.  Coco is happier (she gets more walks), we are happier, and I'm sure our neighbors are happier (some have even commented on how good she is behaving).

If you are considering a trainer, I would highly recommend it (if you are in Tally, look Bruce up!).  It was one of the best decisions we ever made!

A Message From Coco

"Mommy has been so busy at work she hasn't had much time for me.  I'm so lonely.  I have only had 3 belly rubs in the last week.  If anyone out there sees this, please send treats.  Things are getting desperate.  If you see my Mommy, tell her we miss her. "

Black and White Sunday: Sitting Sisters

I wonder what they are watching...

Wordless Wednesday: Madam's Rebellion

Cousin Madam Star refuses to come inside.  Instead, soaks up the sun a little longer.

Coco Puckers Up for Pecks!

We received quite possibly the best Chewy.com box last week.  Daddy thought it was our regular food shipment, but oh no, it was so much more.  In our little box was was another little box of treats.   These treats from The Honest Kitchen are called pecks and may very well be the perfect treat (other than Mommy's homemade treats, of course).

Let me tell you why we love these so much:

1. They really are perfect for training.
We have been in the habit of carrying treats with us on walks, since Coco has a little bit of trouble being nice when meeting strangers.  Pecks are great because they are small (sometimes we need tons of them) and they don't make our hands stink.

2.  They are only .6 calories per treat!
And Coco is just fine with this.

3.  Coco loves the flavor.
They are buffalo and blueberry.  Yum.  Them more she likes them, the better they are for training.  She likes just about every treat we throw at her, but these really get her attention.

4.  I have confidence in the brand.
The Honest Kitchen produces pecks in the USA, and in a human food facility. Pecks are made with 100% human-grade ingredients, to boot. Cheers all around.

I think we have found our new favorite treats.  Thanks Chewy.com; we couldn't have done it without you!

Coco's New Milestone

This time last year I was singing Coco's praises because we had left shoes out in the living room for a whole 3 weeks without having to pick laces out of her butt.  Now it has been a year and the dog who once pulled off and destroyed the refrigerator magnets has calmed down significantly. So when I accidentally left my laptop and the remote on the couch this morning I was only slightly worried that I would come home to a mangled mess of electronics.  I am thrilled to report everything was intact, including Coco's butt.

Wordless Wednesday: Selfie

Coco's 5 Love Languages

Recently Bill and I were talking about our Love Languages (my prevalent language is quality time, and his is receiving gifts).  It got me thinking about Coco's Love Language.  Receiving Snacks probably is her #1, but Repetitive Ball Throws is so close behind!  Here is my version of the translated list:

Receiving Snacks (Receiving Gifts)
Repetitive Ball Throws (Acts of Service)
Snuggle Time (Quality Time)
Belly Rubs (Physical Touch)
Atta Girls (Words of Affirmation)

Now that I'm looking at it, this is pretty close to Bill's preference.  I guess they are more a like than I thought, at least in how they express their love.

What's you dog's Love Language?