Adventures With Molly: We Survived the 1st Month

[Dawn and Molly]

For this blog entry I just wanted to list reasons why DK is so great.  I thought this would sum up our first month of dealing with all of the puppy craziness.  

I have learned a few things...

1)  Giardia will not ruin your first few weeks home with your new puppy.  Panacur works.  I don't think I have ever been as excited to get the test results of a stool sample before.

2)  Two words:  Snuggle Puppy.  Not trying to sound like the mom who says her baby is sleeping through the night already, as you are up every two hours for the last 3 weeks, but Molly slept through the night (10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.) from day 1.  We have other issues, but sleep has been great.  Again, for the first few weeks, I credit Snuggle Puppy.

3) You. Are. Not. Alone.  This was the biggest comfort to me.  I don't know how much time I spent reading older posts and reading comments that could have been written by me.  I appreciate all of the love, frustration, amusement, and knowledge that is shared on this site.  It is nice to know that others survived.

4)  Molly is part shark.  When you look in the puppy madness group, there is a whole section dedicated to mouthing/biting.  If you just got your puppy or are waiting, read this.  It continues to be one of our biggest struggles.  This is especially true with my 2 kids, who are having a hard time with "calm" and "consistent".  I am just glad that Molly isn't the only mini-Jaws out there and others have made it past this stage (see #3).  

5)  Doggy Dan is my hero.  O.k., I am not being paid to endorse him or his website.  I just know that he was recommended by a couple of people on this site and I like what he has to say.  I think his 5 golden rules make sense and it has helped us.  Pack leadership is important.

6)  I love my doodle.  This is a pretty simple one.  With all of the hard work it takes to raise a puppy, every minute is worth it.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What a great blog.  Thanks for sharing.

In a few months I would add Grooming! Thanks to Kemp at Country for recommending the correct LesPoochs brush and comb to get those nasty mats out.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Good for you!  To survive the first month is a true challenge.  I would look at Skadi the first few months and think "where's that cuddly puppy I thought I was getting?"  Skadi was 5 months old when she stopped being an "alligator", and I didn't even have to deal with kids who may have not been calm and consistent!  Patience & Love, = enjoyment. (oh ya, and all that training you are doing!)   Molly is one lucky puppy.

[BG and Gavin]

Great insights.  Glad to have you and your mini-shark on board.

[Dawn and Molly]

Nancy, I can't wait to hear about your puppy journey :)

Lori, I am sitting here thinking I don't think I could do another dog.  Remember I wrote this when I am posting about doodle #2.

Thanks Jane!

[Nancy & Echo]

Its so wonderful to see how your love for your puppy helps you get you through the frustration and hard times of raising a puppy.  It helps us who are following in your footsteps to know what may lie ahead.

Thank you so much for sharing both the highs and lows of puppy training. It sounds like you're building a firm foundation for your relationship.  I really enjoy reading your blog, and learn from each one.

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Great thoughts!! Like so many things in life, you have to try and take the long view and realize that puppyhood won't last forever and if you put in the effort you will come out the other side with a lovely family companion. It sounds like you are doing exactly that! 

It's hard to believe but someday you will look back and think, "Ohhh...I miss having a puppy..." and then you will lose your mind and get another one- like we are!!! Adding doodle #2 at the end of April! Yikes!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I love this blog....thanks for sharing!