I wish I had known about this site when I first brought Miss Beasley home. I picked her up at 6 weeks because I didn't know the importance of her staying with her mama until she was at least 8 weeks …

[Debbie Daniels]

I wish I had known about this site when I first brought Miss Beasley home. I picked her up at 6 weeks because I didn't know the importance of her staying with her mama until she was at least 8 weeks old. It was summer time and I had a lot of friends in and out of my home. I had read that you shouldn't talk to a pup when inside it's crate and I also read to feed the pup inside for a few days so it would want to go into it. I soon made a list of rules for Miss Beasley so that everyone would be on the same page and I made them as if the pup was talking. She now loves her crate and goes into it for naps even when I am home. I never say things like "I'll be back " or "I know you hate this" at first I put a treat inside and said Crate when she would go inside I wouldn't say another word to her. As she got use to that I started saying Crate and hold the treat until she went in and then put it in the crate. I work 4 hours a day and she stays in the crate while I work and at night , I started seeing that she wanted in the crate even on my days off, so I put her in there and I go about doing whatever I want cleaning house , etc. I love the fact that she doesn't think that I'm always leaving just because she is in her crate. I do keep the crate in my bedroom .  As hard as it is, I also don't say a word to her when I get in from work ...I don't want her to be all excited to get out of the crate as if it's a bad place so I just come in and I'll open a door to another room put down my things walk over and open the door take her to the back door and when her leash is on her to go out, then I say "lets be a Good Girl " she knows that's to go potty and I make over her like crazy ! I will try to blog things as I remember them that has helped me along the way , in hopes that it may help someone else down the doodle road ! 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

We got our Gracie Doodle at 6 weeks and have never had a problem with her training or socially wise.  I noticed you made that comment that you "didn't know the importance of staying with her mama until at least 8 weeks" but you did not tell us why.  She sounds like she is perfect and doing everything correctly!

[Jennifer and Jack]

I am so glad you found this sight now! There is so much to learn about dogs....I Hope you enjoy being here as much as I do,