Six months old, sporting new teeth and an incredibly fluffy coat, my Cocker Spaniel, Cooper, embodies the perfect blend of fading puppy sweetness and burgeoning teenage attitude. His locks are styled with a sexy flick, and his personality is developing with a playful spirit that fills our lives with joy. It’s a rewarding experience to witness him grow into a magnificent specimen of his breed.
While Cooper brings immense happiness, there are moments of emotional complexity. My mind sometimes merges his presence with that of Oscar, my beloved previous dog. This synthesis brings a unique, hard-to-explain contentment, a feeling of wholeness derived simply from having a dog. Yet, the ache of missing Oscar remains. The name “Oscar” itself evokes a pang of envy when heard associated with another dog, and seeing older dogs triggers a sense of unfairness at Oscar’s early departure. The associated pain is profound and deeply felt.
Cooper’s vibrant energy, however, is a powerful antidote to lingering sadness. His affectionate kisses and boundless enthusiasm for running and playing keep me constantly engaged. This pup is a true runner, fearlessly exploring his surroundings with wild abandon. Witnessing his uninhibited happiness and his natural dog behaviors is a constant source of delight.
To channel this abundant energy, we frequently take him for long walks in the countryside. These excursions allow him to expend his physical and emotional energy, resulting in him returning home to collapse into hours of deeply satisfied sleep. These outings have become so central to his well-being that we’ve temporarily set aside other plans, preferring to savor each day as it unfolds. During these walks, I’m focusing on training him in loose-lead walking, a skill that, in my dreams, would also allow me to catch up on sleep – a current impossibility.
Indeed, sleep remains a significant challenge. We had hoped Cooper’s sleep schedule would normalize around the six-month mark, mirroring Oscar’s routine. However, Cooper is an early riser, necessitating a 5 AM wake-up call for his toilet break. If fortunate, I might snatch a little more sleep until 6 AM, when Cooper and I begin our day with a morning walk, or more accurately, a jog. Following our return, Cooper undergoes his wash, blow-dry, and breakfast routine. Once settled for a nap, I commence my own day. Perhaps in a few months, or with the seasonal clock change, this demanding schedule will ease. Until then, coffee is my indispensable lifeline.
Training Focus: Loose-Lead Walking
Our primary training focus is on loose-lead walking. Cooper retains much of his prior training, so we reinforce his existing knowledge through play during our walks.
Dietary Regimen
Cooper is currently on Royal Canin, with meals served twice daily, supplemented by a small snack around midday. He also enjoys chicken (integrated into his meals or used as training treats), organic eggs, carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce. I plan to introduce a small amount of cooked broccoli and regularly include organic passata, twice a week.
Developing Character and Independence
Cooper exhibits increasing confidence. He approaches certain dogs selectively, demonstrating a discerning social behavior. His affection for humans is broad, though his primary devotion remains with us. He seems to perceive himself as grown-up, disliking being carried like a puppy. Despite this, I still need to carry him as he cannot independently navigate furniture or descend stairs – actions I do not intend to force.
A Photographer’s Delight and a Constant Learner
I find immense pleasure in photographing Cooper and spending time with him. While this occupies most of my days, with work interspersed when possible, I don’t feel I’m missing out on life. Being with him, continuously learning about dogs – my reading list of veterinary and dog-related literature is extensive – and teaching him about the world is deeply fulfilling. And yes, he still smells wonderfully sweet!
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