Cooper is training - and growing

Cooper is growing into a very fine figure of a Labrador indeed!

We've watched him grow seemingly before our very eyes. One moment he was a cute little Lab - you could almost have called him 'squidgy' - and the next, from nowhere, he started to get gangly legs and become more dog-shaped. You'll see what we mean below!

First though, let's look at the puppy version of Cooper.

He's already into his training, and is doing very well, thanks to Volunteer Puppy Trainer Clare.

Here he is executing a perfect 'sit'...

... an excellent 'settle'...

... and exemplary impulse control.

So, what are they all about then?

Well, sitting and settling are all part of learning to be a well-behaved boy. Cooper's future deaf partner will need to know that they can go anywhere with him, from a cafe to a restaurant, from a train to a bus, and that he will be happy in himself, just plonking himself down, and being no bother to anyone. 

When our hearing dogs graduate, and people see them helping their deaf partners, we're often told how they're paid compliments because they're so brilliantly behaved. It makes their partners so very proud, and can even start a friendly chat.

Impulse control is also important. Clare is helping Cooper to resist his first impulses. If he leaves the treats until he's allowed to eat them, he gets a lot of fussing and 'Good boy'. This is the very beginning of helping him to stay calm when, for example, passing the meat counter at the supermarket, or interesting smells on the high street.

So that's the puppy Cooper.

Then he grew!

See what we mean? Definitely more 'doggy' (but still very cute).

There does come a point when puppies sprout, and that's especially true of Labradors. However, Cooper put on such a sudden spurt, he seemed to shoot up overnight!

It didn't matter to Cooper. He just carried on, practising what he'd learned out and about, 'for real'. This is a wonderful settle in a local coffee shop.

Everything about it is right. He's relaxed, ears attentive, focus on Clare. This is because he knows that if he does the 'right' thing, a treat is coming his way. He gets treats for playing this game, and he keeps winning! What a great life.

Of course, during downtime, Cooper remains great friends with Watson, the other dog Clare is training. They still share toys...

... and a bed, although they're getting increasibly difficult to tell apart! And the bed seems to be getting smaller!

Let's leave you with a great portrait of Cooper - quick, before he grows any more!

That's another great settle Cooper, well done (even if you're really just after that treat behind the camera...)

Your kindness has made Cooper's progress possible. One day he'll change a deaf person's life, and help them to leave loneliness behind. Right now however, thank you for sponsoring Cooper.