DaGirls Rv Travels: The Adventures of Mocha Teal

Continuing the Saga of Mocha Teal

How many Days has it been? Sometimes I think it has been too long but is has only been 48 days, or just a little over 14 weeks since the birth of Mocha teal. Is it true she is only 3 months and 12 days old?

In the last week Dana, Tom, Susan and I have notice big changes in Mocha. Color of her fur, her lenght, weight and just her body shape.

Let's continue with her adventures:

The crate cover is down, the RV is quiet, and Mocha Teal is officially down for the count. As she snoozes away, it is the perfect time to reflect on why this downtime is just as important as the physical exercise. For a high-drive puppy, sleep is when the brain processes all those morning lessons.

Moving her time-out to the new 2’ x 4’ pen on the passenger side has been a total game-changer. Because she can still see us, she learns to settle without feeling isolated, keeping her connected to her pack even during quiet time.

Training the Mind, Not Just the Body

Our refined morning schedule focuses heavily on impulse control. Labradors are notoriously enthusiastic about food, and Mocha is no exception! Her breakfast kibble goes fast, so we are turning mealtime into a mental workout. Rushing, jumping, or barking for food are officially retired however still in process. Now, we practice the "wait" command. Making her slow down before eating, teaches her that patience—not pushiness—is what gets her what she wants.

We are also building her focus through:
The "Look at Me" Game: Teaching her to choose eye contact over distractions.
The Mat Game: Giving her a dedicated place to learn the art of returing to her place with all 4-paws down.
Adding the Release Command. Mastering the exact timing to say "release". Then follow up with "Yes" and a treat so she knows precisely when she has done a good job.

Velociraptor Wanes, Wardrobes Under Siege!

Speaking of a work in progress, there is finally a light at the end of the puppy teething tunnel! We are thrilled to report that Mocha’s infamous "Velociraptor period" is finally starting to wane (only 3 mths to go). Those razor-sharp puppy teeth are spending a lot less time mouthing our arms, and our daily play sessions are becoming much less painful. Our reflexes are also getting faster.

However, that typical Labrador puppy energy has to go somewhere. While our arms are finally getting a break, our wardrobe is officially under siege! The second her high-energy switch flips, she goes on a targeted mission. If you are wearing tennis shoes or jeans with a loose cuff, you are instantly her favorite chew toy! We are staying consistent with trading these targets for appropriate toys, but it's a funny, daily reminder that she is still keeping us on our toes.

Tapping Into the Gundog DNA

The most exciting new addition to Mocha’s routine is her whistle recall, channeling the method we used for Dakota. Two short blows on the whistle, followed instantly by a jackpot of high-value treats—no talking required. We are striving for a 5 day a week training schedule.

Because her DNA is packed with pure gundog drive. Watching her natural instincts kick in is nothing short of amazing. Labradors were bred to be working dogs—high energy, bright, and deeply desiring a close relationship with their humans. Whether she is fetching a ball during her 20 minutes of fun, or automatically sitting down the moment she spots a bird, her drive to serve is truly amazing.

We still have a long way to go, but structuring her day around her natural traits makes the journey incredibly rewarding. Every command, every walk, and every quiet nap brings us closer to the companion we know she is meant to be.

Stay tuned for more updates from the road as Mocha Teal continues to grow!

Down and out for the Count