Hello! :)

[Misty R.]

Hi.  We are the brand-new owners of a sweet, playful, adorable f1B goldendoodle puppy named Jack.  He is 8 weeks old, 13 lbs., and we've only had him for 3 days, but we already love him.  I had been researching doodles for quite some time, and I knew I wanted one for our family (my kids are 10 and 5), but my sweet husband surprised us with Jack when we came home from school Friday afternoon.  Since I'm a researcher by nature, I feel like I'm behind, lol!   I'm looking forward to getting lots of good information here... I already have a million questions.  I guess I could start with a couple right off the top of my head, in case anyone feels like answering.

I've noticed that Jack's lower eyelids droop low enough that you can see the white part of his eye (under the colored part).  Is that normal? 

Jack has a very soft, fuzzy, (so far) non-shedding coat.  I would say it's very wavy, and it's a little curlier close to his skin.  What are the best grooming tools and/or methods to use for him?

At what age does he need his first trip to the groomer?

He very much smells like a puppy (which I love), but I think he might need a bath soon.  Is there something special I need to do after bathing him? Can I just dry him with a towel and let him air dry, or do I need to blow dry him?

Sorry for the question overload on the first post.  Feel free to say "hi" and not feel obligated to answer. :) 

Thanks!

Misty and Jack

[Misty R.]

Thank you. :)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Greetings Misty and Jack! And welcome to DK! You will find a wealth of information here, with many knowledgable people. Definitely join the "Puppy Madness" group. If nothing else, you will learn your are not alone in the day to day goings on of your puppy.
Our puppy, Enzo, has just turned 5 months and we have not yet been to a groomer. We too are hoping to take that task on ourselves.

[Misty R.]

Thanks!  I'd like to do the grooming too, but I honestly don't feel competent enough.  Maybe it will come with time.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Welcome Misty, Jack is precious! Definitely check out the groups, like others have said. The grooming group, puppy madness, the food group, etc are all invaluable! In addition, you may want to check out the "From pup to adult" group. It has the evolution of our doodles from puppy to adult, it's fun to see the change!

[Misty R.]

Thanks, Camilla and Darwin. That does sound like a fun group!

[Nikki]

Hi Misty, congratulations on your new puppy, Jack!! We got Botti at about the same age. He is closing in on 9 months now. He is like a walking dusty bunny:) No shedding, but stuff gets in his beautiful coat. I have a grooming service that comes to the house twice a month so that Botti has the same person grooming him. She, actually, told us that she did not want to "cut" his hair until after six months. She said that with goldendoodles it can make their hair "wonky." Not really sure what that meant but we listened and she has trimmed him up each visit. Also, cuts/shaves back the hair on lower abdomen and suggested baby wipes after he pees otherwise he gets a little matty area. We do shampoo/blow outs at PetSmart between visits if Botti is getting a little stinky or goes to the dog park. Hope that helps and good luck!!

[Misty R.]

Thanks! :)

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Congrats on baby Jack, he is a cutie...  Ditto on what everyone else said about this site.  It's a wealth of info! 

As far as training is concerned, you can start now with simple commands.  Just today this was said to me...  I was at a Hallmark/gift store with Bailey (65lb doodle girl) and I instructed her to sit then down, which she did on command.  The owner of the store asked me about training and I told her we were still in training every Saturday and her comment was "still in training and she is 2.5 years old"..

My comment was " yep, this is why I can bring her into your shop and she doesn't break anything"  LOL  She told me we were welcome to come in any time we wanted...

Pay close attention to Karen in the food group...she is a really smarty and will tell you like it is with lots of love and research to back up her comments.

If you are a photographer, join the Photography Group.. Camilla is a wonderful photographer and teacher..

have fun here and join right in.  And beware!!  IT'S ADDICTING!!

[Misty R.]

Great suggestions! Thanks!