Earning his keep

It has been a long time coming but Rocco is finally calm and social enough to work for his keep.

His joins me at work almost everyday to help socialize, exercise and analyze client dogs. From his body language I am able to discern a lot about the other dogs. Having a calm and social dog around really is a great tool for helping other dogs find the same peace.

Rocco has even come as far as to play with many new client dogs, including some that were too reactive or nervous 6 months ago. Pictures to follow soon.

New house, new friends.

We moved again, this time for the better. We are out of the country and back into the small city life. The dogs have a fenced in yard for the first time which is wonderful but comes with its own set of challenges. Rocco is sharpening his skills by working hard to ignore the dogs and people as they pass by our yard.

Today a good friend helped us work on some training in the yard. Rocco was rewarded by a nice romp around with a small schnauzer mix named Lucy. They played like old friends, and even shared a stick together.

Rocco is a completely different dog than a year ago. It's amazing what a little structure and exercise will do for even the most neurotic dogs.

working dog

We are now past pregnancy and baby G is nearly 8 months old. I have returned to work and Rocco's life has taken a wonderfully modern turn.

After a year and a half of hard work and socilization he is finally ready to get to work. He spends his week days walking, playing and sniffing with client dogs and his weekends sunbathing and baby licking.

He is still nervous around some new dogs, but everyday is an improvement

Sharing

Rocco is very good at sharing with his cat friend Rudy

And Little Dog

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from Rocco the dog

and family

Baby life

Baby G arrived in late September.
Rocco spent a very exciting weekend with friend, hanging out with his pack of dogs.

There was also a baby there which helped prepare him for our son's arrival. 

Life with a newborn during a Michigan winter is almost as boring as winter when mom has morning(all day) sickness

At least he has a tasty new pack member to sniff and lick

So far Rocco is doing very well with the baby. He is very respectful, and seems to understand. As with any new change he is nervous so we are working hard on counter conditioning and positive associations. 

Rocco is used to the camera always pointing at him.

 photo bomb

Dog Class

Your never too pregnant to train your dog
(Photo's from September 2013)

After the initial morning sickness, Rocco's training and socialization and my work with rescue dogs resumed to normal, if not above normal levels.

37 weeks pregnant, tired and hot!

But look at Rocco's cool calm approach in the social group

Most of the dogs in these pictures were available for adoption through a local rescue group that I work with called Better Life Canine Center. Some of the dogs are attending group with their owners to help improve their social skills.

38 weeks and thirsty

39 weeks

These pictures were taken during a weekly pack walk and socialization group sponsored by the rescue.

All dogs adopted through the rescue receive training for life.

40 weeks and ready to pop!