4 weeks - did life exist before Coops?

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

What can I say about week 4. I love this dog and honestly can't remember life before Cooper.

As I write this he's lying on my feet (though he has a bully stick to keep him occupied lol).  I feel compelled to write a bit of a cheesy post. I have been a pretty indepedent person. I've lived alone for about 10 years and haver really only had to look out for myself. I turned 30 this year and decided it was time to get a dog - something I've been waiting for since I've been young. I never knew that having this guy for under a month could have such an impact on my life. As I've mentioned before, I just moved across the country (Vancouver to Ottawa), I work full time (though mostly from home) and am also doing my MBA part-time. People thought I was crazy for getting a puppy to add to all that but, honestly, bringing Cooper home has been the best thing that's happened to me. I have no doubt that there are many trying times ahead but the way he's already changed my outlook on life, added so much joy and laughter to my life,  and has encouraged me to take time out each and every day to be healthy and have fun. I honestly don't remember life before him.

As for progress/challenges.... I'm able to let him out of his pen more. Like I said, right now he's out and is by my feet (something that NEVER would have happened two or even one week(s) ago. Each day I trust him more and more in the house. He had another vet check and is healthy as can be at a big 22.3 lbs (yeah) and is definitely showing more retriever traits/structure than poodle. Week 2 of no accidents. sleeping like a champ, playing REALLY well with other dogs, and leash walking is going well.

The challenges for week 4 have been that he is barking more in the house (I'm trying my best to ignore). It's nothing major (usually no more than 3 barks) but still a change that I don't really love. The humping has been minimal since that first day (woot) but the nipping continues (sigh).

 

Puppy kindergarten startes in a couple weeks and I look forward to that. This upcoming week I'm going to be focused on his 'drop it' training and also working a bit more on his name recognition and 'coming'. We had it down pretty well but he is getting more distracted these days.

Overall, I am so in love with this little dude it's not even funny. I truly believe that 'they' choose us and there is a reason why each of us find our special pups.

Have a great long weekend everyone.

Elizabet and big boy Cooper!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Cooper is very handsome. They do have a way of changing your life, don't they? It sounds like everything is going according to plan. Good luck. Thanks for the nice post.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Nipping will only get worse as he really gets into teething ;)

 

My best advice - exercise, exercise and more exercise!  Consistency in training too (ignoring the biting worked best for us).

 

Good luck!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Elizabeth, Cooper is just beautiful.  It looks like he's going to be a big boy!  I'm so glad he's brought so much joy to your life.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think you have just pretty much summed up how each of us has felt after getting our Doodles!  You pics are adorable.  Glad that all is going well.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm in love with him too!  What a cutie  :)   Congratulations on getting a puppy.  Sounds like you are doing well for yourself and certainly will do a great job with your dogs.

 

[Melody & Bruin]

Ditto to all of the above!  love love love :o)