This puppy stuff is hard

[Chantelle Adair]

We picked up our mini doodle on April 25. I had no clue how difficult it was going to be. I am trying to raise him to be a good dog who people want to be around. He already gets tons of attention cuz he's so darned cute! I am currently struggling with the decision to groom or not. He looks like a teddy bear and I love it but I don't want him to over heat this summer. What to do??

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Their coats actually insulate them against both heat and cold. In summer, it traps pockets of cooler air close to the skin ans also prevents sunburn. Cutting it short won't keep him any cooler; in fact, it may do the opposite. But you must keep it brushed out and free of mats to allow the air to circulate.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

What Karen said :) Shorter coats sure are easier to maintain, but do not help them with the over-heating issues.

[Lynda Kamrath]

I wouldn't groom a puppy, but do get him used to having his eyes and ears cleaned, his feet handled and toenails trimmed.  Brush him  as much as he tolerates and use different brushes.  It is all just good training for future grooming.

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

Just curious, what's wrong with grooming a puppy? I agree with the preparation part though. Very important for whenever grooming is initiated.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Nothing at all wrong with it, but the puppy look is just so darn cute, why make him look like a dog?  Puppyhood is just over too soon.  I think grooming a puppy is like getting your toddler ready for preschool or kindergarten.  You can do it, but why?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I felt the same way when Tara arrived at 8 weeks old. OMD!! It is a lot of work if you do it right so you must be doing it right! LOL

I keep Tara's coat short in summer and winter primarily because she hates being brushed so in order to keep my and her sanity we cut it down.  She wears a sweater if it gets too cold in the winter and I just keep an eye on her for overheating in the summer. It can be done.:)

There is some disagreement on DK about whether or not dogs are cooler with or without their long coats in the summer, but ultimately you'll have to decide what works best for you and your lifestyle. If your baby is going to have an active outdoor life and need frequent bathing, etc. you may find a shorter do is in order.

And you're right he IS darned cute!!

[Ginny Nightingale]

ADORABLE!!!! Yes, he will be easy to spoil!

I groom my dogs myself and started cutting the coats shorter today--they seem happier, but I agree that it is not necessary unless the dog is wet often or goes hiking etc and picks up all sorts of stuff! On the other hand, when your pooch reaches the tender age of 10-12 months, he will go thru a coat transition and this can often be a difficult time to combat the mats--as the puppy coat will fall out and mat into the adult coat on SOME doodles...so a shorter coat at that time might help. I agree that a trip to the groomer for a nail trim, ear cleaning, comb-out and  bath is a must--get the pup used to the groomer right away!

[Marilyn Sucher Cohn]

Helo, I agree how hard it is. I forgot. I got my Gracie Mae in mid June, 4 weeks ago. I live in a 2nd fl apt and the housebreaking has been the hardest. We ring the bells every time we leave for a potty, but she doesn't get it yet. Hopefully soon. She's also a nipper, but that has also improved. Best of all, though, she's a sweetie and I have a wonderful companion.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Dogs don't overheat, the fluffy hair actually protects them.  However, if you are getting into the water, you may want his coat shorter for summer.  Just get a puppy cut if you take him to the groomer and make sure that you do a lot of handling of him, and his feet and ears so that he is accustomed to being handled in a grooming sort of way.  Do you have children?  Puppies are way easier than children and puppyhood is much shorter.  Enjoy this special time with your new pup.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Such a cutie!  Puppies are hard work, but that's why they are so cute! 

[Toni Clayton]

I had a super hard time at first, as George was my first dog/puppy ever, and I had no idea "how to do this" (which is what I said to my husband). But with a little time, and a lot of reading, and then deciding what would work best with our pup and our family, it's gotten a huge amount better. Your pup is freaking ADORABLE! At that age we did get a puppy cut- face, sanitary, legs...then in the beginning of June, I think, we did get him groomed shorter. Not shaved, but short. I love that I can see the shape of his body, and he seems to do ok with the length. It has been much easier with the brushing, especially since we do a little camping, and much rolling in mulch, dirt, grass and whatever else he can roll in.