First full night's sleep!

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

 I have had some of the most wonderful dogs through my life.  I was always the woman in town with the one dog who was so well behaved, I was discouraged by shop owners from obeying the 'no dogs allowed' sign on their doors.  And, I've raised three children.  Lots of experience!  Never, in my wildest imagination, did I think I would have such a difficult time with a puppy. Even my beloved Basset Hound who used to eat EVERYTHING including the carpet, seemed easier because she wasn't always biting at me and my clothes!  It's humbling.  Only other Doodle mums get it.

The common denominator is poodle.  Is it the poodle that is so nippy?  I know it's not typically the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Golden Retriever.

Yarrow is 11 weeks old today.  Last night we fell asleep around 10:30 and she didn't need to go out to pee until 6:20.  Yay!  That's the most sleep, all at once, that I've had since bringing Yarrow home on November 6th.  Being more well rested will certainly help.

Right now it's time to hit the trails.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, F.  The encouragement is wind beneath my wings. :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Luca nipped fiercely as a puppy and is the best dog and has been for a long time.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I suppose you can imagine how relieved I am, hearing from others who have gone before me through the gauntlet of doodle puppy nipping, that it is well worth all the extra work at this phase.

You know, that evening I had a good sob, about 10 days ago, while sniffling and wiping tears I told my daughter, over the phone, that aside from what I am going through, I have a strong feeling that Yarrow will be my best dog EVER!  And this 'Timmy' has had some remarkable 'Lassies' in my life.  Being a painfully shy child and teen, dogs and horses have always been my best friends.  Now, 50-something, I'm up for the challenge of raising a doodle up to be the love of my life.  And it certainly doesn't hurt that I think she is the most adorable thing I have ever laid eyes on!

[Three Doodle Life]

We are still working through the nipping and chewing, too. We have four miniature schnauzers and none of them were this bad! LOL! Luckily Beowoof is the sweetest most snugly dog in the world so I forgive him every time. For every sock, hand bite, table leg chewed.... We'll make it through! :-)

[Miss Ellie]

Don't worry Deb...it really does get easier...so glad to hear you had a good night's sleep...that always makes everything better...hang in there:) 

[BG and Gavin]

Ah the nipping!  I remember it well lol.  I didn't even attempt to pet Gavin at that age without giving him a knotted up tube sock to occupy his mouth first.  He is now the calmest and most well-mannered dog you can imagine.  Congrats on the full night of sleep; it certainly helps to improve your perspective.