Cooper comes home (night/day one)

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

Hello fellow doodle-lovers!

 

I just joined the site and am so happy I found it. So much great advice and loving stories on here. I want to share my experience after bringing home my boy, Cooper. I'm looking for tips or even assurance that I'm doing the 'right' things and also want to share my experience so maybe others can learn too!

A little about my guy
I got Cooper from a breeder in Niagara Falls (Goldendoodles of Grassy Brook). I had a great experience with the breeder (Betty) the whole time leading up to the pick-up and the pups (12 in total) couldn't have been more cared for. It was great seeing them all playing and having both parents onsite when I got there.

He's just over 8 weeks old and is an F2 doodle with a tan coat that will likely be on the wavy side (though you never an tell). His parents around 40 and 50 lb doodles and are beautiful dogs both in appearance and personality. I can't wait to watch him grow up!

I decided on this particular dog and breeder because I'm not overly fussed on size and coat. I'd like him to be min-shed but I'm not totally hung up on hype-allergenic. I wanted a pup that had a good temperment (though, don't we all) with a fair amount of energy (though I'll probably regret saying that) as my intent is to have him do activities with me (hiking, camping, running, boating, swimming). This breed seemed like an ideal fit after all my research!

The ride home
The 8 hour car ride was pretty easy too. He slept most of it and was very calm when we'd take him out to do his business. No accidents in the car!

When I got him home and was alone was when it all sunk in. He was bouncing around with pent up energy and I was hit with the 'this is it, no turning back' feeling. Luckily the feeling of love I have for this little guy is already through the roof.

Night 1

Night 1 was easier than I expected after having everyone tell me 'good luck sleeping'. I placed the small travel carrier on top of the large crate I have and let him sleep in there so he'd be level with me in my bed. He whined a small amount but slept half the night. I let him out and then he slept again until 8 a.m.

Day 1
Day 1 was a bit of a different story. He definitely wants to be by my side all the time. I setup his pen and he managed to escape so I put it away for the time being. I mostly let him stay in the main living room because he can't really get into trouble. With the exception of some big bursts of energy he was pretty calm and napped a lot. I also tried to get him used to his toys by giving him the toys if I caught him trying to chew something else. I'm trying to give him options rather than just doing the "TSKKK" thing.

He didn't have ANY accidents and has become really good at going fairly quickly after we do the 'go pee' routine which has been nice. He also got out on the leash a bit. I didn't take him too far because of the fear of him not having his boosters but he did well on the leash and it did help to tucker him out!

 

Overall, day 1 was as good as can be expected but I knew that I needed to focus more on getting him crate/pen trained.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sounds like you had a great first day!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Cooper is such a cutie! Congratulations on your new family member! I remember that -"What have I done-no turning back" feeling that flashes through your mind once the little one is actually home!! And you are right! The love overcomes it all!!  Looking forward to watching little Cooper grow up!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

So cute!!!! Cooper is a doll and seems to be doing well for Day 1!!!