Mini F1B Goldendoodle coming home end of August!

[Regan and Indy]

Hi everyone!

I've been a lurker here for a while, but I feel it's finally time for me to join DK now that I've officially reserved my doodle to come home at the end of August!  He's a mini F1B Goldendoodle and his name is going to be Indy (short for Indiana).  He's six weeks old now but the breeder is going to give him a month of training before he comes to live with me to make everyone's lives a bit easier. Pictures from the breeder are below.

This is such a wonderful, warm community and I am thrilled to be a part of it!  Now I'm off to continue my list of puppy necessities--recommendations of must-haves are welcome (I've read many of the other discussions, but you never know if someone's forgotten to mention some toy or tool they absolutely love).

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I would add Nature's Miracle to your list!  It would be really, really great if there are no "accidents" and you never use it, but I am more practical minded than that!  

Have you given the pup an old shirt or like item with your scent on it?  I have heard of that and then of course taking home an item with his Mom's scent.  

So exciting!  good luck! 

[Regan and Indy]

Thanks!  Good reminder about Nature's Miracle--I am sure we'll have many accidents.  I'll definitely pick out a piece of clothing with my scent before he comes home.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

He is so cute!  You must be on pins and needles waiting.  I took my dood home the first day I saw him! instant gratification.  he was already over 11 weeks and ready to go.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What a cutie!  Enjoy your puppy.

[Sally S Miles]

I have to toss in a warning about antlers as well - while the first antler was well received and enjoyed, we quickly saw the potential for gnawing  through one and bought a larger one.  Our pup is an enthusiastic chewer, but was getting overly enthusiastic with them.  Her mood would change, highly focused on the antler, she became possessive - none of her other toys produced this response. She was determined to clobber it.  I decided to limit her time with an antler to her quiet time, always supervised, and still the darn thing seemed to put her in a mood.

I tossed them out and we have had no more issues with mood escalation or possessiveness regarding other toys. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sally, have you tried giving your pup any other type of chew such as a bully stick? Just wondering if her behavior is unique to antlers or to chew type treats in general.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Laurie, we get our sticks through BestBullySticks.com. They  claim to be odor free but sometimes I can still detect some scent to them.  But they are much more tolerable than the ones we have in our local stores.

http://www.bestbullysticks.com/home/bbs/smartlist_21?utm_source=adw...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, they do sell in bulk. They also sell on eBay and I usually get them there. I buy 1 pound of the standard size, 12 inch and it costs $31.23. That averages about 10 sticks. So they are a little more than $3.00 a piece and they have free shipping on eBay. But I think if you buy larger amounts the savings are greater.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, you can buy large packages of them at Costco.  My dogs love bully sticks and we have a routine with them.  I give them bully sticks and put the timer on the range for 20 minutes.  When the timer goes off, I go to the door and tell the dogs to bring me their bully sticks which I put in a ziplock bag until the next day.  They get three chews on a bully stick (they last about on hour).  I have to watch the last chew and like to take them away when they are a few inches long and throw into the trash. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Welcome to DoodleKisses.  It is always great to have new puppies and family members.  Indy is a doll and he will probably get a little lighter, which is very common.  About treats, my dogs love bully sticks and Frosty Paws.  I hand it to them at the door and they eat them on their beds outside.  Get him used to surrendering his treats and toys when you ask for them.  You will have so much fun with this darling pup.  Keep posting those photos.