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g him to stay off of laps. He won't get on furniture unless invited or excitedly playing with one of his toys which happened to get on the furniture. He came from a home with children and other dogs so he is very well behaved around both. He does desire a clear leader, and is NOT cat friendly.
Coco loves to be touched and pet and can be handled very well, I can put my whole fist in his mouth to get a stick he was chewing on out no problem, cleaning his paws when coming in the back yard, not a problem. Though I have tried over the last few months to train him, he still has a rough time coming when called. However, he knows: Sit, Lay Down, Off, Stay (don't expect a long time though), Out, Inside, Outside, Car, Food, Water, and I maybe missing a few. He is a smart boy and an eager learner.
He still becomes overexcited upon meeting new people – it just seems SO exciting! Coco can be a little vocal when playing and with new people, just get close to the other person to show they are not a threat and invite him over. Coco does just fine. The vet is a different story - he is not happy or calm with vets unless “his person” is present. I typically have to hold his head while he's muzzled to keep him calm enough and the make the vets feel comfortable. This might be mitigated by a vet who takes the time to welcome him with treats and a “happy place” approach, but that remains to be seen.
I have been walking Coco on a leash and haven't got him to the point yet of loose leash walking. He’s improved, but still wants to pull. I train him on a short leash, no further than hand by my side. He keeps pace, very seldom does he stop or advance for smells. Plush toys are a violent storm - he loves them, but you'll hate them. He loves balls - expect them to be destroyed! I’ve been trying to find a middle ground and have picked up this Jack-Shaped toy that you can put treats inside - so far it's holding up nicely and keeps him greatly entertained. Coco absolutely loves Tug-A-War. You can take the rope while he's sleeping and drop his end in his face, he'll wake up grab it and start playing. Coco also loves to play keep-away rather fetch. I am okay with this behavior as he runs around a lot more on his own and with little input on my part. That behavior however, doesn't matter when he's picking up things he's not supposed to. A sharp and stern, "No. Drop." And Coco will comply.
Medically he is a healthy happy puppy. All in all, if you're looking for a buddy to follow you around, who knows basic commands, as dog to love on and a great walking buddy - Coco is a great addition to your family. More advanced obedience training will require some more work as he is easily excited and tires from commands quickly.
If you feel your home might be the right place for such a great dog - the place to start is with the adoption application found at www.dfwrescueme.org/adopt. Once submitted, the foster will contact you promptly to tell you more and to arrange a time to meet!
The adoption fee for all of our dogs is $250.00, which includes their vaccinations and spay/neuter.
Coco is participating in the DFW Rescue Me Guest Dog Program, so ongoing care and custody are provided by their foster, not by DFWRM.