I've finally figured out how to get my doodle-baby to settle down!

[Marcy, Apollo & Phoebe]

Apollo will be 13 weeks old on Saturday. It's hard to believe that he's been with us for almost 5 weeks. Like most new puppies, he spent the first few days laying around quietly...waiting to let it all out! By day 4 with us he went from 1 to 10! Nipping, jumping, etc. We love him, puppy behavior and all.

I've figured out that the more exercise he gets the easier it is for him to settle down at bedtime. I've found it hard to get adequate exercise when we can't take him on walks through the neighborhood. I've been waiting it out until he finishes all of his shots for parvo. We have 2 human kids, a 2 year old and a 5 year old, that he loves to play with and they adore him. I've had to limit their play time because of the nipping and jumping. He tends to do it more out of excitement. It's easy to correct him when they're not around, but he gets distracted when playing with them. I've found that if I tether him in the area where we play he does much better. He can play with them, but doesn't have enough freedom to nip and jump. Yesterday was a particularly great evening...we all played together really well. Then, while my husband got the kids ready for bed, Apollo and I got to sit and snuggle. I sat there and handfed him his entire dinner. I've found that he loves to be with the entire family, but he doesn't mind a little one-on-one time with me.

We've also decided to get a trainer to come to our house in a few weeks to provide us w/ weekly training for at least 6 weeks. I thought that in-home would be best with my allergies and because I want my kids to participate. We all need to learn. Raising a puppy is much like raising a child...enjyoing every moment. And still crazy enough to be thinking about doodle #2 next year...

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Marcy it sounds like you are doing really well and involving the whole family in the process.  Its awesome to hear this bec ause lots of times you hear people with a busy family and young kids that they just don't have time for the dog and very often the poor puppy/dog ends up in a shelter or up for adoption :(    Keep up the great work !!!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

It sounds like a great beginning to your lives together!  There certainly are challenging times, but they are all worth it!  Just like having our real kids!  I personally am LOVING the 2 doodles, BUT my kids are a little older than yours and I did not get a puppy this time around - Maggie is a year old already, which made it a VERY smooth transition.  Sometimes I think it would have been so sweet to have gotten a puppy, but then I remember the nipping, potty training.....I'll keep my calm, potty trained girl!

[BG and Gavin]

Sounds like a love story :)

[Vicki and Harli]

Marcy you sound like you are enjoying your puppy !! I have found the same thing with my Harli: walks or playing ball with her calms her down. Enjoy your family and your puppy- they grow up so fast! I love that your husband puts the kids to bed and you get one on one with Apollo!! :)

[Marcy, Apollo & Phoebe]

Doris, I'm trying! I'm going to give the ball play in the house a try this evening. And I've gotten most of my tips from Puppy Madness...and learned things NOT to do!

[Marcy, Apollo & Phoebe]

I didn't figure it out on my own. Doodle Kisses has been a great resource for me. Of course, w/ some trial and error:-) Julie, I'm glad to hear that it's easier w/ two...that's what I keep telling my husband:-) Deanna, yes, I can't wait for the puppy teeth to go...my arms and toes will be happy!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Wow, Marcy, you are one busy momma!! Two little kids and a puppy sounds so exhausting, but it seems like you are have it under control (at least better than I would!) I remember hearing that the only GOOD puppy is a TIRED puppy, so try throwing a ball inside or doing other indoor activites to help wear him out when you can't walk outside.  I'm sure you have already joined the Puppy Madness group -- there's a ton of help there!  

[Julie, Izzie & Max]

It does sound like you have it all figured out.  We had all the same issues with nipping and jumping usually when excited.  Our are both three years old now and no longer have those issues. 

We did get a second doodle. I think it is easier with two.  They have such a great time together playing and running. They are exhausted and settle down quickly for bed time.

We have thought of adding a third doodle but I think we have our hands full with the pets we have.

Glad to hear everything is going well.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

It sounds like you're on the right track and falling into a nice routine.  The nipping and jumping do get better - especially once those razors called baby teeth fall out!!!!