Toddler, 4 yr old, doodle puppy any positive thoughts on this

[Kimberly Park]

Hi, I am new to this forum, and going to be doing the puppy thing for the first time in a long time. Being a dog groomer I have ended up with my share of people can't keep their dogs situations over the years. We decided the next dog would be one we pick out. I want a poodle which goes back to what I do for a living. He wants a golden retriever. So we're compromising and hope to have the best of both. Our collie is going on 12 or older. So on one hand it's the perfect timing house is child proofed, already dealing with messes and toddler potty training daily. on the other hand We have 2 boys 2yr old and 4yr old and it's the middle of winter in northern Ontario brrr. I recently teased a friend about her getting a puppy in the middle of winter (gets 20 below freezing here) then I had to go look at a litter of puppies and fall in love, anyways the decision has been made and our life will once again change in a week when the 4 legged toddler arrives.
Now I've read some wild stories on here and have prepared myself for chewing, messes etc, u all and your puppy stories are scaring me lol.
Anyways any tips in regards to puppies and toddlers and keeping sane?
Also any thoughts of her coat type? I was hoping to have a non shedding dog, but the more I read up the more she seems to be the retriever type. I doubt any shedding would be near what we have with the collie. Of course 4 of the other pups had thick curly coats, poodle muzzles but there was something about her and my little boys that just made the decision. She is f2 both parents were doodles. She is 6 weeks old in the pic. Sorry for all the rambling, last minute jitters lol.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

It sounds to me like you have done your research and know the pros and cons of puppyhood and kids!  I am looking forward to hearing how it is going for you and your family and that cute little doodle.  I can only imagine how excited your kids are. We always had a dog when I was growing up and we taught early on to respect and love our pet, and I get from your discussion that you are prepared.  Looking forward to updates! Welcome to Doodle Kisses!

[Kimberly Park]

I would like to introduce you all to Reece whom loves to chew wood. Boys and her seem like they have been together forever. Our collie on the other hand tolerates her but it will take time for him to appreciate her. Really I can't believe how she settled in so quickly. Tomorrow is a new day. Shirt is in relation to a joke hubbie did to our parents. This is as close to a daughter as he is going to get lol.
I think we're already quite attached. It's going to be a long road ahead but I couldn't have asked for a better start.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Reece and your boys are all cuties!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Reece is gorgeous!  Good luck.  We are here to give you support.

[Kimberly Park]

Reese update.....Kennel has become her safe spot, when she wants to be alone, boys are to leav her be if she goes in by her self. I'm amazed by potty training so far. Now for the chewing I tried nature miracle brand chew detouring and she loves it. It was to the point that I intentionally sprayed a large Lego duplo with a bunch and she went for it like a kid with candy. So much for the spryaying of all the furniture. I'll be back to pet store tonight.. Kids are learning to pick up toys however removing baseboards and kitchen table, chairs not an option says the husband. Good thing she is adorable lol.
Any bitter brands u all reccomend?
I'll get more chew toys today also to add to the pile

[Laura and Angus]

Bitter apple did nothing for us :( Ice cubes and different textured chew toys (i.e. Petstages chew sticks) were our saviors - see below for an example. Sometimes they want to chew a soft texture and other times hard - it changes when they are teething. We would freeze different things - like broth or plain yogurt to increase his interest in chewing ice cubes - this should be done in the kitchen or outside fyi messy! Also having a "time out" spot was key for us. Sometimes they just get too excited and too bitey and you need a calm-down break with separation. Giving a safe chew option when your puppy needs to chew will help. We found we were always replacing things in Angus' mouth when he was teething. Good luck with the new baby!! Teething is rough, but you'll get through it! Loads of advice on here! 

it won't let me attach image for the stick ,but just google "petstages stick" ...

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Have you tried an antler or thick bully stick?  She really does need to chew in order to teeth, etc.

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

Almost 8-month-old Belle, a dedicated chewer, highly recommends the Himalayan Dog Chew, which lasts a long time. She won't touch whole antlers, but demolishes split elk antlers in about a week. Her bully sticks only last about an hour. She also loved the taste of bitter apple, but a sprayed solution of water and spicy pepper or horseradish kept her away from the baseboards and walls. For some unfathomable (at least to me) reason, nothing kept her away from the wooden legs of my computer chair, especially if I was sitting on it.  That chair is now in the garage, and I have a metal desk chair that Belle tried to chew on a few times, but now ignores completely. Finally, a warning:  when outside, Belle will try to chew on sticks of any size. Some people allow this, but swallowing shards of wood can cause fatal injury, so I watch her very carefully at all times outside and always carry treats or chewies to trade for sticks.  Good luck, and enjoy your adorable girl.  

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Or my girls really like the Himalayan dog chews. All natural and very hard. Keeps them busy for hours.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My Springer loved bitter apple. :-{   My mom made a thin paste mixture using red pepper and water and 'painted' her table and chair legs.  It worked when her dogs were puppies.

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Reese us ADORABLE!! I'm a little partial to redheads... !  :-)

Congratulations- it sounds like things are going well!

[Tiki Cain-Collins]

I have an almost 4 year old and a 1 year old.  The major problem right now is them being trampled on.  Of course Gingy was small when we first got her and that lasted about a week! She's a sweetheart but gets very excited and jumps on them.  I tell my 3 year old not to react or scream which helps a little.  She used to try chewing on them but has thankfully grown out of that.  The crate has helped a lot in them becoming personal with each other without being knocked down!