New to the forum

[Tom and Tab]

Hello all.

Just joined up today. Lurked for a few days but decided to sign up. We just recently got our Australian Labradoodle on 12/23. Beau is a great little pup but he is a handful. 

I'm hoping I can get some good info from here to help get this little guy going. This is wife and I's first dog as adults. We have 2 kids who are just crazy about him and at the moment are willing to help.

As of right now we are crate training him. Knock on wood only one accident and that was the first or second time we left him in there alone for about an hour (son's hockey game down the street). Being in New England, the breeder suggested box training him for the winter. It sounded great at first but it only prolongs the process. He sleeps through the night and is up at about 5 to go out. Being a working family he will be crated for a portion of the day. The ability to work remotely helps too.

Thinking of looking into the Doggie Dan methods for training. I've read nothing but good things about it. We will most likely do some local stuff too just for socialization and some different info.

Any and all suggestions on books and websites is greatly appreciated.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Hi there and welcome! I would join some of the popular groups on DK and browse through some old discussions to learn different things different people do. Some good starting groups are Puppy Madness, the Training group and the Food Group. Lots of good tips in these groups and lots of great tips in the other groups here. I remember when I first joined I would read through everyones old discussions especially in Puppy Madness and the training group hoping to absorb as much as I could so when some puppy issue came up, I was better prepared to handle it right when it happened. Doggy Dan is fantastic and I think many members here will attest to that. Good Luck with your little guy! :) 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Welcome to DK. Lots of groups and advice and even potential friends.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Welcome to the DK site.  When you get a chance be sure to check out the groups section on the main page and join as many as you like.  Many new puppy owners join the Puppy Madness Group, Grooming Group and Training group.  I wish every new puppy owner would sign up with Doggy Dan when they first get their puppy!  Although my two doodle have had several obedience obedience classes over the years and are well-trained - last year I was having an issue with them feeding off each other's excitement when company arrived at the door.  I join Doggy Dan for 3 months and I highly recommend him.  I read where some people were disappointed they had to put their credit card in initially to get the first month for a $, but I can tell you there is no problem with canceling the contract with him when you feel you no longer need it.  I loved the site so much I spend 3 months going over it and watching the videos and then when I thought I no longer needed it, I emailed DD and immediately he stopped the autopay!   I also believe all puppies benefit from a formal class like the ones AKC give that last - 8 weeks.  After all they are really training you how to train your puppy! And it is also a social experience for them to realize that they need to behave around there puppies in the class.  Good luck with  your cute little doodle.  Hang in there as the first six months can get a little frustrating with a little puppy, but with time and training, you will be amazed how quickly your Beau will catch on.

BTW - we have a Beau also (Beauregard) - he is a parti chocolate/vanilla! Looking forward to photo of your dood.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Welcome! Doodlekisses is a great place to learn/share about doodles. There are many groups that you can join. For example, there are groups for grooming, nutrition, health/medical, types of doodles, puppy groups etc. Enjoy!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Welcome and you're off to a great start by being a member here. My first doodle (now 7) was our first dog as well. Neither even had one as children. So everything I learned about being a good dog owner came from DK. I now have 2 doodles, 5 and 7 yrs old and they are very well behaved, socialized, healthy, sweet dogs. Again, I owe it all to DK. Good luck.