Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Another Video by Parker

Monday, May 18, 2009

Problem (mostly) Solved!

Last week when I introduced myself at a cocker forum I joined someone mentioned using a Belly Band for the marking problems. I googled and thought it was a great idea. I found several WAHM types selling them, but I didn't want to wait. So I googled for directions to make one and created my own version of the Belly Band. Now Cooper is off leash and able to roam around the house a little more and I don't have to worry about him marking. Here is the link to the directions. I didn't have enough velcro, so I did tie closures on mine.Coopers has been using them for 5 days and hasn't tried to take it off or pee inside. He must love the Snoopy print I used! LOL!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Monday, May 11, 2009

He's a Party Boy!

Cooper thoroughly enjoyed his party on Saturday night. He was well behaved (except for trying to get people's food) and relished all the attention. I ended up putting him in his crate while we ate and he didn't whimper or fuss at all. What a good dog! I wish I would have remembered to take pictures!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Cooper's Past

Earlier this week I went to register Cooper with Animal Control and the lady there said she remembered when they picked him up. They found him roaming around a neighborhood a few times and his hair was long, matted, and a mess. They found his owners (an older couple) who were just not willing/able to care for him properly, so they surrendered him to Animal Control. They brought him in, washed him up, and shaved him down. Then they took him next door to the Humane Society to be placed for adoption.

I was glad to find out that he wasn't a dog someone lost and missed. He's a happy-go-lucky guy and now has a good home.

I have him sleeping in his crate now, but people will be coming over in about an hour to meet him and enjoy the Bark-B-Q. I plan on keeping his leash attached to my belt.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Cooper's Party

Monday, May 4, 2009

All Checks Out A-OK!

We took Cooper to the vet today. He's is very healthy. Dr has owned cockers before and said that he's full cocker. Cooper did very well and didn't freak out at all at the vet. Of course there weren't other dogs there and he didn't seem to notice the cats.

Settling In

We had a good weekend with Cooper. He enjoyed having the whole family around and we used the techniques that we learned in training on Friday and we can see a big difference. We are still keeping him contained, but I can take him around the house with me without him marking everything.

We got our backyard cleaned up and safe for the dog. Our neighbor put in a new fence last year so there was some gaps left where the old fence was. We filled in these gaps and the yard is now safe for Cooper to run around in. He wants us out there with him, in particular either Eric or I.

We have our first vet appointment today.

Cooper also has his own profile at YouPet. Click here to join and become friends with Cooper.

Here is a photo & video we took yesterday~

Friday, May 1, 2009

Overdue Update

I am worn out. Cooper is A LOT of work!! He likes to 'mark' everywhere, so we need to keep him by our side all the time. And that is mostly my side. He's good about being in his crate and doesn't use it as a potty at all and can stay in it all night without fussing. I am trying to limit his time in it during the day, just putting him in when we aren't home or I'm showering or maybe cooking. I did notice that he was a bit mellower today. I think he is used to the 2 rooms we've allowed him in and hasn't marked inside for a few days. He is very interested in any food and will jump up when we are eating.

We started Pet Training class at Petsmart tonight. I think it is going to be very helpful. My goals are that he will be able to be loose in the house with us without marking, jumping, or trying to eat everything, that he will stop marking all the time, and that he won't pull when we walk him. I'll have to look back at this in 8 weeks to see if we've accomplished the goals.
 

Template and Design by Custom Blog Designs/FreeStyleMama Creations