New puppy blues?

[Jenna & Cider]

Hi Everyone. I am a new doodle owner. My little guy is named "Cider", which is my grandpa's nickname having been in the business of distributing hard cider years ago. My dood is super relaxed and has had no problem going potty, which at 10 weeks is great. I am having a VERY hard time with walking him, he does not care for the leash and it's very challenging right now. He is stubborn and isn't easily coaxed and does not come to me when I call him.

I felt exasperated the past couple of days andtrying to do the right things when he whines during crate training etc. I had myself believing that I made a mistake, that this was too overwhelming for me but I've also heard that this is normal... but is it?  I have him starting puppy training classes on Sunday but was wondering if anyone had any advice or anecdotes of feeling new puppy blues? I am hoping that these feelings will subside, he's a beautiful dog and I just want to do the very best by him.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jenna, When I got Fudge it had been fifteen years since I had a puppy and I swear I had postpartum blues after bringing her home....LOL!! It is very normal to feel like a new puppy is overwhelming, because they are and they require lots of attention, care, and love. Don't expect too much of your little guy right now.  He has been through a lot of changes, too, and you are both finding your new normal. It gets so much better and soon, you will be wondering how you got along without him. BTW, I love his name.

[Leigh & Allie]

Totally agree with what everyone has said. I think it would be abnormal for you not to have had a crying fit :0 We have all been there done that. One thing I don't think anyone commented on is trying an easy walker leash. I think this is what it is called. I never tried one because by the time I found out about one Allie was past the crazy walking. Good luck and know you will never look back after you get past this "short" phase.

[Sequoia & Dudley]

I agree about the Easy Walk Harness. It's a harness that connects with the leash under the dog's chin in a martingale loop. Instead of pulling the dog by the neck, it pulls his body. Dudley was really difficult to walk with until I switched to the Easy Walk. It's made by Premier (http://www.premier.com/View.aspx?page=dogs/products/collars/easywal...) and they give it a lifetime guarantee, which is really nice.

When we got Dudley from his breeder, he was 4 1/2 months old, so we lost a lot of the early puppy period which has so much training potential. I pulled out my hair periods a lot. But, like Cider, he potty trained quickly and well. That was my TOP priority with him after having had two dogs who used the house in marking wars in the past. So don't underestimate that accomplishment; it's HUGE. Keep us posted on Cider's progress. It's such a joy when you and your pup learn how to be on the same page. But it don't come natural or easy. It's work. It takes time and dedication. Fortunately Doodle Kisses is full of people who have been there before you and can help/support you on your way.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

We used a Gentle Leader to teach Wally how to walk properly.  We used it every time we went out for a walk for close to a year.  It worked wonders.  After a while, I realized that it was no longer necessary to use it.  BTW, Cider is adorable!

[Jenna & Cider]

Thank you! I will definitely be checking this out!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I forgot to mention that they are available in assorted colors.  I bought a sand-colored one, so that it would blend into his hair and not look like a muzzle.  Good luck!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

This is all normal .....  Sasha was terrified to walk on a leash.  I got her in January and each night we would walk a few steps farther, after a few weeks we finally made it around the block - LOL.  The leash, collar and walking is all new to them, you have to gain their trust first and everything will fall into place after that.  It takes tons of time and patients but it will be worth it in the end.  Puppy class is a must.  After I finally trained Sasha I got Oliver and it started all over again :)  I am use to a two dog house and always had dogs so it was second nature to me and I knew what to expect.  Hang in there, be persistant and patient, I found a routine worked best for us and lots of exposure to different sounds, people, animals, car rides, is such a help.  They are not always going to do exactly what you want them to do when they are such young puppies but use this time to train - train - train, it is a investment of your time now but it will pay off in the long run - I promise !!!  Congrats on your new puppy.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

My DH had the new puppy blues - believe me you will get over it, I remember him saying "I wish we had our old life back" after a particularly rough day. I told him he was welcome to his old life but Daisy and I would be living our new life he can come along (and grow up) or stay behind, it wasn't long before Daisy did something adorable and he was in love again. Hmmm, I think he may have said the same thing when our daughter had colic ha ha

There are going to be challenges but you will work them out.He is worth it.

[Suzanne & Jack]

It will get better.  I remember when we first got Jack 5 years ago.  We had just lost a 13 year old dog and our other one was around 10 so we had not been around puppies for several years.  We brought Jack home and two weeks later I left him with DH and I went on vacation.  The entire time I was gone DH kept saying this was not going to work, we would have to get rid of him.  He was such a pest with his chewing, peeing, and hanging onto our ankles.  Once we got into a routine and he had some structure things got better.  Now when I remind DH that he wanted to get rid of Jack he vehemently denies it, and I would change anything.

 

[Judi and Daisy May]

Hi Jenna....First Cider is absolutely adorable!!! I experienced the exact same feelings as you. I had suddenly lost my chihuahua of 12 years totally unexpectedly and was heart broken. I found an ad in the newspaper about Goldendoodles and my mission to own one was on!! Well I finally found the one that I thought was right for me however she was in another state so in never met her till she arrived on the plane....She was everything I WASN'T expecting remember I had a chihuahua so this one was big, fluffy, scared..etc!!! Well I was bound and determined to bond with her so I did the same as you I signed her up for training classes and now I have a puppy that I can't live without. You will be AMAZED at how smart these dogs are...I am everyday!!! Their training ability is endless..Daisy is 10 months old can sit, stay, lay, she plays hide and seek, if I say where's daddy she looks for my husband....you made a great decision in getting a golden doodle....you will be forever happy with Cider!!! If you ever need to vent private message me....I wish would've known about this group when I first got Daisy...life would've been so much easier!!! Good luck!!!

[Jenna & Cider]

Yesterday was Cider's first day of being left by himself while I went to work. My fella, George, is working in Michigan for the next 3 weeks so Cider and I are on our own right now.

I had him gated in hall with his bed and crate. I came home at lunch to feed him, let him out and play. I was shocked when I walked in and saw him laying in his crate, nothing chewed and no accidents!!! When I came back home from work in the evening, same thing. I was so impressed, he did so great!

These postings by all you fine folks have given me confidence and his good behavior reinforced that this is going to work and he's a really special pup. I think most of the anxiety was nothing my pup has done, but was a derivative of my own commitment issues (just realizing how deep that ran, oy vey!).

I am so appreciative of everyone who has responded to my cry for help! I take each of yours advice and stories to heart. Thank for you caring and not judging my puppy ignorance. <3 Jenna & Cider

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

So glad to her that Cider is settling in! He is a beauty! Congratulations on your little guy!!!