Tobias the Cockapoo Puppy

Introducing Tobias, our sweet little cockapoo puppy. After three years without a dog in the house, I knew it was time for another canine pet. Toby, as we call him, is now officially part of the family.

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Decision to get a dog

Getting a dog is a huge decision. A lot of care and commitment is involved providing for the needs of an animal. This responsibility of caring for a pet throughout his lifetime can seem overwhelming. Besides food and shelter, dogs need exercise, medical attention and company. Lots of loving interaction.

Getting a dog after the loss of a pet

When is it time to get a pet after the loss of one? That is a very personal matter. For some, sooner is better than later. If you followed my blog for a while, you may remember our miniature Schnauzer, Raider. Raider died three years ago of sick sinus syndrome at the age of 13. My heart was broken. But as time passed I knew I wanted another dog. Another schnauzer. I searched and searched but one didn’t turn up.

Scotty and Abbey

Our first dog came from the Animal Orphanage. Scotty,was the dog from heaven. A big 90-pound mutt who couldn’t be sweeter and more well behaved. He had more friends than me and everyone loved him. But Scotty developed arthritis in his paws after Lyme’s disease and as he aged, we realized carrying a big dog is not possible. We knew we want a dog that stays small and also one that does not shed. A rescue pup can’t guarantee that.

Cockapoo Puppy

Cockapoo from a breeder

A friend knew I was looking for a dog and connected me with a breeder she saw on social media. I called and well, the rest is history.

I took two of our grandchildren along for the almost 2-hour drive to pick up our cockapoo baby. One in a litter of eight, he was the last puppy available.

Looking a little sad though safe and secure in a pet carrier we were finally home.

And of course, when we got home, the big kids had to come right over to meet Toby.

Puppies and children

Tobias and Joelle

Puppies and children can be great life-long friends. Learning is important for both of them since they are equally curious, impulsive and excitable. It wasn’t planned but the same weekend we brought our puppy home we baby sat three of our grandchildren. Constantly supervising all interaction between a puppy and small children assures that both learn how to interact and avoid injury and tears. 

The first night home 

We used a crate with our schnauzer puppy and were very pleased with the ease it provided in training. So we purchased 2 crates for Toby, one to keep upstairs and one to keep on the first floor. Some feel using a crate for their lovable little pup is unkind. But when used in the right way it is gives the puppy safety, security and prevents destructive behavior as well as aids in housetraing.

Using a crate

The first night home, we placed Toby’s crate in our master bedroom bathroom but now we keep it a little nearer our bed. We cover three side of the crate leaving a side that doesn’t have a view of us uncovered. It is best to let a puppy play hard prior to bedtime and to take him outside to potty. Give some gentle affection so he is calm and sleepy before tucking him in. Some soft blankets and a couple of toys help too. The first night will require a little patience as puppy adjusts to being away from his liter mates and familiar surroundings. A time of complaining and barking, and then he will settle and fall asleep. Toby slept 7 hours the first night!

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Leash Training

There is a lot to learn as a puppy so we are introducing each new experience gently. The first few days I took Toby outside without a leash. During a 1 o’clock am potty walk around our front lawn, I looked up to see an opossum coming toward us. It crossed the street from our neighbors yard and was scurrying right at us. I scooped Toby up and ran into the house. I peeked out the window of the garage door and the opossum was right at the door. That sure did shake me up. So much so that the very next morning began leash training for my little guy.

Tips for introducing the leash to a puppy

Learning to walk nicely on a leash is a skill that needs to be learned. With lots or praise and food rewards, your puppy will quickly grow to understand. Toby is just beginning his leash training but already is getting the hang of it.

For more instructions on leash training, check out these helpful articles from the American Kennel club and the Spruce Pets.

Toby will be 9 weeks old this Saturday so we have much more to teach him. How wonderful it is to have a sweet puppy again and I know he will bring so much joy, companionship and love to all of us.

Follow Toby on Instagram 

Yes, I have become one of those crazy dog ladies. I have actually created an Instagram account for Toby. Mainly because I don’t want to bombard my Facebook page and personal Instagram account with too many puppy pictures. Plus I have met so many nice people who own Cockapoos and other types of dogs. I have even met a couple of Toby’s litter mate families. So if you love puppy pics, you can follow Toby on Instagram. His address is Tobias.cockapoo.

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