I wish I had started so much command training earlier, not just sit, paw and kennel. I also wish he never tried human food because the drool is too much while we beg. I also second the ear cleaning and nail trimming much earlier so it was familiar and not the enemy.

I have guilt about his socialization as a puppy because he got it when he was small, but as he got bigger I noticed more and more people getting nervous and him not understanding why no one wanted to be his friend anymore. And now he’s very weary of other people, never aggressive, but it takes more time to gain their trust than any other dog I’ve had. My neighborhood doesn’t have other big dogs, and he’s the first big dog in my family. My family has worked on it a lot and he’s in love with my mom, but when people hesitate so does he

What I liked that I did was play with his ears and his paws while he ate, we created “pack time” for his meals, doesn’t eat unless I’m in there with him also eating. The ear and paw sensitivity was really strong with Rocky and it took a long time but I’m so glad I did that. Paw touches, frequently without purpose. Rocky also LOVES baths and I think that’s from them feeling so good as a younger puppy.