Puppyhood is Full of Surprises

[Amy, Kokomo & Killian]

We got Kokomo on 7/23 and having never had a puppy before, I was quite shocked by many things.  DH and I had a rescue dog so I knew about all of the responsibilities that come with a dog...but I never felt the desire to hug and squeeze our previous dog like I do for Kokomo! :-)  She is sooooo adorable and even my 10 yr old who was petrified of dogs is now making sure he kisses her goodnight before bed.  I never would have thought that we would bond so quickly to this little chocolate sweetie. 

Other things that shocked me were the nipping and jumping.  HOLY COW --- there are times during the day where I just wanted to call the breeder and say come get her.  She is totally nuts with the jumping and grabbing with those razor sharp puppy teeth.  She has put holes in many of our clothes already. 

On the bright side...I am more shocked by how smart this little 10 week old puppy is!  She knows how to sit and is learning "down" to lie down.  She sits by the back door when she has to go out...most of the time.  She has not had an accident inside in 3 days!  She sleeps through the night without issue....not needing a potty break from 12 - 8 am!  She is still not voluntarily going into her crate but no longer barks, yaps and cries when she is put in there during the day.  Today was the first day we went out for a long period of time and left her home in her crate....she was perfect!!  No accidents and not a wild woman when we got home.  We brought her with us to the park for soccer camp for 2-3 hours and she had a ball meeting new people and watching the kids play.  Now she is wiped out. 

So, for all of those new doodle owners out there who are feeling they are at their wits' end...realize, you WILL find your groove!  Kokomo is still nipping and biting but we know how to handle it and she is learning to back off...maybe just for 3 seconds...but that will get better and better too!  We realized today tahte she is getting big....fast!  So we are all making sure we puck her up and hold her while we can.  Soon she will weigh more than 3/5 of the family! :-)

[Angel Schilling-Putnam]

It so amazing how very perceptive this breed is! I remember reading that when they are just sitting and chewing on a toy, that they are actually watching our every move and processing thoughts and actions. I now believe that it is very true. Winston jumps and is getting his permanent teeth also, but all of his insightful, intelligent behaviors by far outweigh his bad actions. They are so smart and curious. Very different than the dogs I've had in the past:-) So glad your having fun!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Amy, I am so happy to hear that Kokomo has won your hearts so quickly! Just in time for all that nipping, haha. We tore our hair out a few times with our little kleptomaniac Owen. His cuteness did him well. Enjoy your little Kokomo.

[Janel and Sophia]

Love your story Amy.  Kokomo sounds alot like Sophia.
We love her to death, but when the Pink Pirahna comes out...!!!  LOL
It can sometimes drive me crazy.