What can I expect with a Doodle.

[Susan Collins]

Hi.  My BF and I are the proud parents of a gorgeous (if we do say so ourselves) black golden doodle named Boo Doodle.  The first day we brought him home, he was so lethargic and non-responsive that we almost started thinking he had something wrong with him. We even thought he might be deaf.  On the ride from the farm, he barely had any reaction.  He shivered a bit, but that was it.  He had just had his worming medication, so maybe that had something to do with it?  Anyway, we got him Sat. and today is Tuesday.  Each day, more and more of his personality comes out.  He sleeps alot, which is to be expected since he is only 8 weeks old.  So far, he seems like the sweetest, most laid back little guy I've ever met.  He seems very smart, maybe a little stubborn.  He still doesn't respond to all sounds, but does respond to some sounds, so we don't think he is deaf anymore.  Today, my 2 twin grandsons came bounding through the door to meet him for the first time.  He actually barked!  Then he ran and hid behind a chair.  Can't say I blame him.  If you met those 2 boys (age 3) you would hide, too, lol! 

I researched breeds for a long time before deciding on a doodle.  His father is a AKC champion Standard Poodle that weighs 120 lbs and his mom is an AKC registered Golden Retriever.  I'm thinking Boo (named for the song "Me and You and a dog named Boo". is going to be a great companion.  Any words of advice, things to expect, tips, tricks, etc. would be appreciated!

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

When I read the title of your discussion the first thing I thought was ...Lots of love, laughs and hard work! 

Try checking out the Puppy Madness Group...Lots of your questions will probably be answered there...  Love the name...and the song...by the way!!

[Susan Collins]

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to his journey.  I am 55 and I'm an empty nester.  I've been a mom for 37 years so I did not take the responsibilty of a dog lightly.  However, now that I've got him, I can't help but wonder why it took me so long to decide! My BF (who was TOTALLY against getting a dog at all), is so smitten with this dog. He can't take his eyes off the dog and he talks about Boo constantly. We've been together almost 8 years and he told me yesterday that me and Boo were his "family".  I think he needs to put a ring on it, don't you?

[Lynette Main]

Wow 120lb mom. You might get a real big boy... I love the big ones. Shea is tall and about 75lbs. The vet likes them thin when they are that tall. Better on the hips. The girls are 65,and 71lbs. The 65lb er looks thin but the 71lber is a chunk. Shes shorter.Its funny you thought he might be deaf,we thought the same with Shea when we got him. Now we spell!!! He hears everything. All of my Doodles developed personalities as the months went on. Really about one year.They are so much fun you will really enjoy them...

[Susan Collins]

That makes me feel better that you thought your puppy might be deaf.  I think Boo just has "selective" hearing. He is a male, after all!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Zoe was like that when we first brought her home.  She kind of sat around all timid and calm and we were so happy with a cute calm puppy.  THEN in about a week or so she was running around like a mad dog!  Don't worry we still love her haha

and OH WOW! 120 lbs!  

[Sheila & Finnley]

First of all, Welcome to DK !

Of course every doodle is different, but BOO sounds quite a bit like mine was at the same age. Although I think everyone on here probably will tell you that first and foremost you can expect, lots of LVE ! Follow that with enthusiasm, playfulness, and of course zoomies... they all get zoomies sometimes !

Stubborn moments happen at my house too. To test and make sure she hasn't gone all deaf on me I say "cheese" and she comes running. That is how I know her hearing is still in tact ! LOL

Check out the groups on here like Puppy Madness, Heavyweights, definitely you are going to have a big doodle !!

Black Doodle's group and so many more.

Enjoy you small boy, because he will be your BIG boy before you know it !!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I would suggest teaching your grandson's how to be calm around a puppy because you don't want your pup to become afraid of them or aggressive with them.  Puppies have to be taught how to act appropriately with children but children also need to be taught how to act around puppies/dogs.

[Lynda Kamrath]

I also have a black (phantom) goldendoodle and he is the greatest.  He is about 85-90 pounds and has the greatest coat we have ever seen.  He never mats and is so easy to comb.  I gave him a full bath on Sunday after a trip to the beach and he feels wonderful.

Maybe the breeder gave him something to sedate him, but that sounds more like what they would do with a plane trip rather than a pick up from a farm.  He probably is just adjusting to him new environment.  Twins?  I'm sure that was a welcome stimulation for the dear boy.  Enjoy his puppyhood.  It goes too quickly.  Look at the photos of my boy on my page.  You have so much to look forward to.

[BettyAnn, Holmes & Lucy]

Congratulations! I personally love black doodles since I have one too :)  WOW- Boo's mom is huge! So seems like Boo may be also-- that's gonna be fun. Holmes' mama was a standard poodle too, but only 60 lbs. 

I'm a fairly new owner myself, but I have come to the conclusion that having a puppy is a LOT more like having a kid than I ever thought it would be, with the benefit of leaving the puppy at home (for me in his crate) when you go shopping-- and it's legal! LOL I read this puppy book and it had a great summary at the end: Be patient and realize your puppy isn't perfect & Be Consistant in your training. Hmmm... there were a few others, but those 2 really stuck out. Doesn't that remind you of parenting? 

Enjoy your puppy! There'll be good days and bad and a lot of what I've read here and elsewhere seems to boil down to going with your gut and common sense. Plus if it doesn't make sense this is such a great plus to get the right info! I figure if you've survived motherhood and your wonderful twin grandchildren-- this has got to be easier. And Welcome to DK too.

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Easier,? I don't know..grandchildren you can leave with their parents!! And go home, but it's definitely more fun, kisses & happiness with them!! Similar to children, but they don't cost for college, and they'll never come home later than their curfew!! Lol

[BettyAnn, Holmes & Lucy]

I was going to say they don't talk back either... but mine has unfortunately found his 'voice' and isn't afraid to use it!!! 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Nothing but love and more love, happiness, laughter, joy, pride in owning one, tenderness, protectiveness, knowing you have a best friend who is always there.  The best thing to ever happen to you on four legs!!!  I was 60 when we got Gracie Doodle. Four grandchildren living in Boston and my daughter at the time living in NYC.  I had a huge, huge hole in my heart just waiting for something to fill it.  Yes, grand children can but not easily when you only see them a few times a year.  Gracie was that one constant that I could rely on every day and she always had a smile and wag for me.  They are never grumpy or mad...unconditional love and it was just what I needed.  I am a better person because of Gracie Doodle!!!  She is a GD standard and stands tall and is 75 lbs.  I love them big.  Really great for wrapping your arms around and hugging.  That is the best ever!!!!