Congratulations cuckoo, sounds like all is going very well. Pictures would be very welcome if you have time
On the subject of dogs in coats - house dogs in centrally heated houses do, so I'm told, now have inadequate covering to keep them warm enough outdoors, especially in very cold weather for any length of time. I guess if they can run about enough they should keep warm, but not everyone lives where the dog can be off lead and racing around all the time.
When my collie had to be overnight at the vets, they said I'd better come and fetch him home, he was suffering from the heat in their kennels.
