Cas is not your ordinary dog. A mix of Black Lab and Great Dane, he hails from the heart of southern Louisiana. With his sleek black coat and towering presence, he might seem intimidating at first, especially when he barks loudly at strangers. But don’t let appearances fool you—Cas is a true softie. He loves nothing more than being close (or rather, on top of) his family. Despite his size, he still thinks he’s a lapdog and will eagerly curl up with you at any chance.
Though he might look a little scary to those who don’t know him, Cas’s personality is anything but fierce. Once you spend time with him, you’ll see that he’s gentle, loving, and maybe even a little bit of a coward at times.
Life in the USA: Backyard Adventures and Family Time
Before his big move to Sweden, Cas lived a carefree life in Louisiana. He shared a house with his mom, Maggie, and his sister, Kukla, where they had their own backyard to roam freely. Most days were spent playing with Kukla, visiting friends and family, or splashing around at his grandma’s pool.
Cas was never leash-trained because he didn’t need to be—he had his yard to protect, and he took his job seriously, barking at anyone who passed by. It was a simple life, filled with love, play, and endless backyard fun.
The Move to Sweden: Adjusting to Apartment Life
When Cas moved to Sweden, his world changed overnight (actually almost five full days but that’s another post).
No more backyard, no more endless space to run around, and, perhaps the hardest part—no more sister to play with. Living in an apartment has come with a lot of adjustments for Cas, especially since he wasn’t used to city life. Gone were the days of lounging in the sun and barking at pedestrians from the safety of his yard.
Now, every walk is a new experience. Cas had to learn to walk nicely on a leash, which has been a challenge. The bustling streets, bicycles zooming by, and kids playing around have all been overwhelming at times. But through it all, Cas has adapted remarkably well, even if it’s taken (taking) some time.
Challenges in Sweden: New Environments, New Rules
The biggest challenges Cas faced after the move have been leash walking and socialization. In Louisiana, he could roam freely, but in Sweden, he had to learn how to navigate busy sidewalks and ignore the many distractions of city life. Kids running, bikes whizzing by, and other dogs are still hard for him to handle.
It hasn’t been easy for either of us, but we’re making progress every day. I’m proud of how far Cas has come, even if there’s still room for improvement.
Overcoming Challenges: Training and Progress
Despite the obstacles, Cas has made incredible strides in his adjustment. We’ve taken training courses, and I’ve spent countless hours reading, watching videos, and learning about positive reinforcement techniques. One method that’s worked well for us is clicker training combined with conditioning—slowly getting him closer to triggers without overwhelming him.
Today, Cas is better at walking on a leash, ignoring other dogs (almost), and even staying calm around bicycles. He’s not perfect, but the progress he’s made fills me with pride. Each small victory, whether it’s a quiet walk seeing another dog or ignoring a bike, is a testament to his resilience and how much he’s grown.
Cas may have started out as a Louisiana boy with a big personality and even bigger bark, but he’s adapting beautifully to his new life in Sweden. Every day brings new lessons and challenges, but with time, patience, and a lot of love, Cas is learning to thrive in his new environment. And no matter where he is, one thing remains certain: Cas will always be the best dog.