Day 4... First visit to the vet!

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

So last night went really well. Cooper spent his first night in his 'big boy' crate on the floor and slept through the night again with no accidents which makes mommy really happy. Today, however, was a different story. He peed in the house TWICE and it didn't make much sense. Both times he had been out about an hour before.... I didn't make a fuss and just cleaned it up and made sure to keep taking him out regularly but it did seem a bit odd.... two steps forward, one step back I guess!

He also went to his first vet appointment. We walked most of the way and got caught in a downpour! He handled it like a champ but I was FILTHY by the time we were done as I had to keep him on my lap in the waiting area and he was wet and muddy. Everything went well and he weighed in at a whopping 13 lbs at 8.5 weeks. I may have a giant puppy on my hands. The walk home lasted about 2 minutes before he crashed an had to be carried. He then napped most of the day while I worked away.

Pretty uneventful day. I haven't been doing a tonne of training but am just focused on some simple stuff. I have him waiting at the base of the stairs now and sitting until I walk up and then he follows. Trying to get him used to me being the leader of the pack ;). I also found that shaking a pop can filled with pennies when he barks helps to break the behaviour since I'm not sure my voice is firm enough yet. Seems to be helping! He was also left 3 times (for about 20 minutes at a time) and didn't make any fuss. WOO HOO.

Time for bed. He hasn't pooped since mid-day so hopefully all goes smoothly and I don't wake up with a stinky bedroom.

Good night doodle lovers!

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

Thanks! Wow 4 lbs 4 oz! He's triple her size at that age. That's hilarious. The leash is still very hit or miss but overall I think he's doing pretty well with it. I can't WAIT until he's old enough for the dog park!!!

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

Cooper is so cute...and on a leash already... and walking on a leash after 4 days...you rock! Lilly was 4lbs 4 ozs at her 9 wk check up.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

We also did 20 min potties and gradually went up 5 min longer etc. Sounds like the vet went good and too funny that we all pooped out and had to be carried home.

Keep up the good work Cooper!!

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

Thanks all. I think I got a bit too cocky as I was letting him out and he wasn't going. I increase the frequency again as it's better to have him not go outside than go inside!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Love the wet puppy pictures! Thanks for posting. I know we took the puppies out every 20 minutes, an hour seems way too long for day time. Potty training is definitely two steps forward one step back for what feels like a long time.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Cooper is going to a big boy, sounds like he is doing really well. The potty training will come sooner that you think.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sounds like Cooper is doing great. I swear in the beginning we were going out every 20 minutes to go potty!