Hello from Baxter & his people!

[Nancye50]

We're a family of 5 plus two guinea pigs, a fish, a Jack Russell & just added 4 month old Baxter (about a month ago when he was just shy of 3 months).

I planned to get a puppy next spring so the kids & I could spend the summer with him/her.  My husband was very reluctant (see above) but when I was finally able to convince him, he was okay with getting a puppy right away!  I'd done tons of research on the breed and had already contacted a few breeders & "stalked" their feeds and blogs for litter updates.  So when I got the green light, I spent all day looking for available litters and found a very small breeder in town.  She admitted to thinking the listing had expired and was considering keeping him.  We visited and we all immediately fell in love.  He was so sweet and friendly.  She let us adopt him and he's really been great.

My husband and I had agreed on a 50lb weight limit but he was fine with a standard at 60-65lbs at my protests that a 30lb mini would be way too small to be the pet we wanted for our family.  What was I thinking?  I totally didn't have my head wrapped around just how big a standard would be.  He's going to be giant!  I'm looking forward to seeing how big he is full-grown.  But the worries about the size have kept me very focused on training, especially his behavior around kids and visitors.

We've started clicker training & I'm looking forward to getting some support on that from the trainer we're meeting later this week and maybe even here...?  I'm also interested to see what you all have to say about Puppy  Kindergarten at pet stores.  The private trainer doesn't have any class openings so our next option is Petco or PetSmart.

Wow, that's quite an intro.  I'm obviously quite relieved to have found a place for my inner crazy dog lady!

Also, he really can't run vertically, I'll work on that profile pic!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Hi Nancy and Baxter! And WELCOME! Crazy dog lady? LOL...I do believe you have found your niche! ;)
Enzo( our 4 month old) actually just finished a Petco puppy class. My only complaint was the training area was extremely small and confined. But the trainer was decent enough and Enzo got the extra socialization I was looking for. ( I was looking for puppies for her to socialize with, that I could be sure had current Vacs.). We will not be going on, simply for the reason stated above. Just too small of a training area. I guess I was spoiled, as I was use to training in a horse arena with lots of breathing space.
Lots of info here on DK...any questions, just ask away!
Looking forward to seeing pics of Baxter!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Welcome to DK. Yes, lots of crazy doodle people here.

[Miss Ellie]

Welcome Nancy & Baxter...you can rest assured, we are all Crazy Dog People here...so you are not alone and will fit in perfectly:o)

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Crazy Doodle ladies (and men!) central here! you have found your virtual hangout.  Welcome and have fun.

[Nancye50]

Thanks everyone!  I wasn't calling y'all crazy...happy to have found this place nonetheless.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Most of our members are pretty much doodle obsesssed, so you fit right in. Welcome!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Welcome to Doodle Kisses! This is the best place to be if you are crazy about your Doodle and dogs in general.  We are so happy you joined our Doodle family:)  Have fun and enjoy!