Pup to Teenager

Koda is now 15 months and I was thinking about the progress he's made and wanted to share with you all.
Background: Pedigree, home with us since 8 weeks, now 15 months. Fed dry & treats incl. steak, cheese & peanut butter. Walked 45 mins twice daily. We both work full-time. No children at home.

Biting/nipping - as a pup everything was fair game, as a teenager he very very rarely nips and if he does he realises and let's go straight away and looks remorseful.

Jumping up - as a pup it was non-stop, as a teenager he does it when excited but can reason with him to sit down so he calms down a little then he is allowed to move.

Whining - as a pup as soon as we left the room he would start (hate to imagine what he was like when we were out!), as a teenager only whines if he wants to be let outside or if a toy is tucked under the lounge he can't reach.

Walking - as a pup LOVED it, as a teenager LOVES it!

Car rides - as a pup was timid and would hide on the floor or race around on the back seats constantly trying to get into the front, as a teenager lays on the back seat or puts his head just out the window or if in my 4WD sits in the back tray flirting with fellow motorists.

Toys - as a pup destroyed everything, as a teenager destroys what he can but I have learnt as tempting as it is to NOT spend a fortune on toys as they will be destroyed in a day and he gets the same satisfaction from an empty juice bottle with a treat inside as he does from a $30 toy.

Eating - as a pup fussy, as a teenager not as fussy but not a big eater. Good healthy weight & proportionate so not worried (19KG).

Sleeping - as a pup we tried everything and eventually let him in our bedroom, as a teenager sleeps on our bed and loves a cuddle - only a problem when hubby hops in with us !  

He is still terrible walking (chronic puller) but we are trying new techniques and it is getting better and we will keep going until this problem is resolved. Several months ago he destroyed our brand new $1400 BBQ, we have since made change there (cover, deterrent spray) and he hasn't touched it again. Success !

In his 1st few months we were tearing our hair out and at times literally at our wits end. The key is to train train train your pup/dog, and as equally important is to educate yourself ! The best thing I ever read on here was: A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG. So very very true. So pup owners who feel they are bad parents or can't cope, hang in there it DOES get better, I promise !!!

Great post, Bek, and gorgeous photos! He really is a looker!

It's always great when you're struggling with something that seems a mountain to climb to know that it is do-able. The only thing I'd say is that Koda's progress won't be down just to him growing up, but also to hard work you've put in.

aww he is beautiful, such a lovely photo by the Christmas Tree xx

Thx guys. Just hoping it gives hope to those going thru puppy hood as it's a very trying time & i remember thinking 'but you don't understand my puppy bites more than the average does' etc! It does calm!

Brilliant post and fab pics too

They can be trying weather they are puppies or an older rescue, you hit the nail on the head when saying training is the key. Even with an older dog that is clinically deaf, we now have a very well behaved Staff.

I hope others read this and take heart... It does get better with hard work

Shame about the Barbie though, take it out of his allowance

Haha spot on, I should give him an allowance (weekly) - he wouldn't get anything until 2025 at this rate !!!!!!

Good post thanks for sharing.

great post!! thanks for sharing, he's gorgeous I'm in Sydney too

Thanks peeps ! Hi fellow Sydney-sider

Great post. We're similar to you, with the use of this great forum and putting the graft in early, we have a pup to be proud of.
He's a real looker. Keep up the good work.
Pete

Amazing! Has made me feel good about our pup and the whole training process!

Fab Bek and so true, Aunty Inez loves you Koda

Great! I honestly thought i had the most severe biter/nipper etc. Now i know it really is a phase and they do grow out of it all with consistent training (him & us!).

Yep Bek its well worth all the hassle

What a lovely post Its so rewarding when all your hard work pays off! Glad to hear Koda is doing really well and not to mention growing up beautifully! Fantastic piks, loving the smiley one A fab piece of advice on the end there as well!

Thanks for sharing!

Thank you x

Aww what a lovely post Great to see how he has grown up so much!

Great pics aww lovely koda