Life now with Cocoa

[Lindsey & Cocoa]

Over the last almost 6 months I have been a member here I was thinking about all of my post's. Just about all of them have been reaching for help or to vent about this puppy thinking what did I get myself into.

Well I wanted to update everyone on Cocoa and how things have been.

Cocoa is now 5 months old weights almost 25 pounds.

We struggled for 2 months thinking she had Giardia. I was out in the cold, with the poop scoop, garden hose and bleach 6-8 times a day or more.  Only to find out Cocoa had a food issue and once we stumbled on TOTW salmon she has been a wonderful 2-3 times a day pooper with nice solid poops.

I thank all of you that put up with post after post until we figured out what was really wrong.

We were having issues with Cocoa being to ruff with my daughter but that role has been flipped and now the kid spends more time in time out than the dog does..lol

Tonight we go to week 3 of training (trainer told me last week to stay home because he doesnt want to help birth my baby..lol)  My due date is 10 days away but I want to go to every class I can to see how they are instructing everyone.  My husband does all the training in class and I sit and watch how they do it. 

Cocoa seems to really enjoy class and is doing better than some of the repeating dogs. She really is so smart and I am so proud of how well she is doing.

Cocoa knows, sit, down, off (this for counter surfing and jumping), She plays this game called touch, and will spin in circles with just the command of left or right.   Come is a big one that I hope they teach how to do soon but she is listening to us so much better.

The submisive peeing is getting so much better as well... I was telling the trainer she only does it for me now and I feel like I am walking on egg shells around her.  He told me that was the problem I need to be more force full in telling her what to do and consistant in when I do it and it will give her more confidence in me and should stop the peeing.  But he said as for excited when new people come around or one of us was gone for a few days that should be gone with time.

A month ago I was having to man handle the dog to get her to go potty (and she would pee as soon as i grabbed her) or to get her in her cage.  Then I had to have a treat in my hand anytime I ever wanted her to do anything.  Now I just stand next to her cage and tell her "bed" and in she runs no treat needed, but sometimes I slip her a treat to remind her how good she is. Same with going potty she goes out just about every time I ask now.  OH and if she steals something from one of us the drop command is coming along really nice. She still runs with it but will take it to the couch and when you walk up to her and tell her to drop it she gives it up right away. This is acually pretty nice when 9 months pregnant because she brings it up to my reach where I do not have to bend over..lol  She stole hubbys phone the other night and he called for her and she brought it back to him.

So I just wanted to thank everyone for putting up with all my whining and giving me such great advice Cocoa is turning out to be a really good dog.

Baby is due any day now and I hope things continue to go well once he gets here.  She is bad about running full speed at us and jumping on our laps when we sit down so that is my only fear right now about baby coming.  My friend said when she had her baby it freaked the dog out and he never came near her with the baby in her arms so I almost hope that happens here so she doesnt have to spend a lot of time in the cage.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad Cocoa is doing better. Hope you have an easy delivery and a healthy baby!

[Adina P]

That's wonderful news!

[Ginny Nightingale]

What a great success story--all your hard work is paying off!! Too many people think a good dog is something they can "order" from a breeder--I have heard many people say--"I only care about temperament and want a good dog"--well, all that can be guaranteed is a healthy pup from well-tempered parents--the rest comes with hard work--and you have done it!! Now reap the rewards and enjoy that new baby!!

By the way, I had a young dog years ago when I had my third child and he was terrific with the baby--but I was sure to let him sniff the baby and be introduced gently so that he was not too curious and would then "sneak a peek" when I was not looking--once he smelled the baby, he knew it was one of the family and that was that. 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Great job Cocoa! Quite the change! Thanks for the update and good luck with the baby!!

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

This is great! Rooney is just about 5 months old now too and boy, what a difference a couple of months makes, huh? Although, I think you've had a lot more issues to contend with given the food challenges you've had. So glad to hear that is all worked out now! What a relief!

I agree that Time and Training are two of the key ingredients in raising a great puppy. You need to give them time to mature and training so they can actually figure out what it is we want from them.

Best wishes for the arrival of your new baby! What a special time for your family.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sounds like everyone settled in and now you have your routine. Good luck with the delivery and new baby. Great news!!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

So glad to hear how well it is going! Here's to a healthy baby! We'll look forward to some photos!!

[Lindsey & Cocoa]

Thanks everyone!!!

And yes as some of you said we had more than the normal puppy issues to deal with. I think once the stress of the poop problems and thinking my little puppy was sick and it was just a food issue was a lot on us. Its seems once that was fixed everything just started to fall into place.

I am going to take your advice on how to introduce her to baby and open to any suggestions :)

I figure maybe we have her on a leash because she seems to listen better and have my husband hold her while I hold the baby because my reflexes will probably not be so great for a week or so.

[Karen and Bridget]

When we had our son, we let our dog "meet" him by having the dog sniff the car seat with the baby in it before we brought the baby in the house.  The dog was very curious and gave a few licks to our son's hand, and they were friends thereafter :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

This all sounds pretty normal to me... not excessive whining at all! I'm glad Cocoa is doing well and that you've found a good food for her. I hope you have a safe and easy delivery. We will want you to post photos, please! ;o)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You are doing all of the correct things. Cocoa is turning into a great dog with your hard work.  Best wishes for an easy delivery.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good news about Cocoa and good luck with the baby.