Cole has almost completed his obedience training. He’s gotten very good at sit-stay and down-stay, watch-me and leave-it. We’re practicing “come”, this week. We are generally trying to have Cole earn every treat, meal and walk and practicing taking a more dominant role toward Cole. Our instructor at obedience school thinks that that will help Cole with his dog issues and some territorial behavior. It’s taking a little getting used to, but I think it’s good for everyone. The friends we saw at Halloween complimented me on how calm and happy Cole seems.

This week, Cole and I went to the beach. He chased seagulls and waded in the water. There are very few people or dogs on the beach and lots of room, so he can be off leash. He’s very good about staying close to me. For Halloween, Cole dressed as a fairy (see the photo, attached). He loved wearing his wings on our walk – a lot of humans complimented him on them. One of our neighbors had bought a special dog cookie for him, so at the end of our walk we went to trick-or-treat at her house. He absolutely loved it. Cole enjoyed having children come to our door, but he had to wear his leash so that he wouldn’t scare them in his exuberance. Greeting guests more calmly is something that we’ll work on in the next few weeks.

We are really happy having Cole in our life. He’s a really wonderful addition to our family.