Andrea and Kevin, Oh how I wish I could choose “red collar male” again! I am going to Ireland at the end of October and my husband put the nix on it! LOL. But don’t be surprised if we come knocking on your door some day for another pup! It would be so fun to have Hoka’s half-brother. You know my friend Elizabeth has one of the Sheepadoodle litter, Otis. I am anxiously awaiting the time when Otis has all his shots so we can play.
As far as a Hoka (red collar male) update, he has matured into such wonderful, fun-loving pup. As he approaches 10 months, he is affectionate, sweet, and biddable, but still full of life and energy.
Hoka LOVES to walk, is obsessed with the ball and fetch, and loves his “big” sister. While he is a powerful chewer, he stays with his toys for the most part. We had a brief counter-surfing phase at about 8 months, but it seems to have died away with a few corrections.
He was my walking partner over the summer as we trained for Mt Kilimanjaro! I broke down and let him start some “runs” with me in the forest preserve last month, which is barely a trot for him. He is really smart and I swear he understands the trail etiquette. He stays to the right of the yellow line on the trail and moves over more if he sees a bike! He will pass squirrels, people, bikes, etc without distraction because he is all about the run! People on the trail are so impressed with him.
We attended puppy class, but have not done any formal obedience yet. I would love to get him to Canine Good Citizen level, because I actually think he could be an awesome therapy dog once he is fully mature. He has such a great disposition and honestly loves all people and all other dogs. And we agree that he is the smartest puppy we have ever had.
We have yet to use our veterinary insurance as he has been healthy and happy. Hoka is 43 lbs and his head comes up to the level of my hand. He is really lanky. He does not shed at all.
Thank you again for letting us have Hoka. He and Moxie are a great pair. We are really happy with him!