Week One (ish)

[Rachel and Ollie]

So if any of you have been "following" my posts, chats, discussions, etc you know that this has been somewhat of a challenge so far! With all of the drama surrounding the plans for getting a puppy, and then leaving on a work trip and relying on a puppy sitter for his first few days, I think I lost some of the excitement that I expected I would have. 

 

To explain a little bit...I just moved really far from home and have been experiencing a ton of homesickness. I think I thought that a puppy would cure my loneliness. Well he came home and is adorable, but he is well...a puppy. (who knew that puppies are a lot of work?) 

 

So after coming back from the work trip exhausted and more homesick then I have ever been in my life, I suddenly had a dog to take care of. And wow, talk about a constant responsibility. He poops on my carpet (duh right?) and cries if I leave the room. I feel guilty when I have to leave him in his crate too long and even more guilty that by the time he goes in, I am happy about it. 

 

The other night I gave him a bath and the poor little guy just hates baths. He let me scrub him though and then after he curled up on the kitchen rug (he is gated in the kitchen...I spend most of my time in here sitting on the floor now lol) and was shivering. I picked him up and he fell dead asleep in my lap with a blanket to warm him. It was adorable. Then all of the sudden two jumping fleas were spotted on my kitchen floor! I was real freaked out. I hate bugs. I am still really nervous about it. I vacuumed all of the carpet (which he does not spend much time on anyways) and I gave him a pill to kill all the live ones (which I didn't see any on his coat) and then I got him a preventative (which smells weird lol). Anyways, I saw one or two more after I gave the medicine, but haven't seen any more since. Hopefully we are good to go. If not I am sure you will all hear about my freakout...because I will lol. 

 

I taught him the sit command which is working well. I am working on trying to get him to not bark or nip/bite (it is a challenge if I leave the room, or if he wants out of the crate...he goes in fine, just doesn't want to stay a long time). 

 

He is really smart and loves everyone (as I am sure all doodles do). Great dog. I just am still unsure about whether I am a great owner.  

[Chelsea and Bailey]

Rachel, like you I had just gotten a puppy in a stressful time of life.  I just finished school, got my first big girl job, and moved out of my parents in to my BF's house (our house).  I remember sitting on the floor in the middle of the hallway feeling SO overwhelmed and just cried.  The accidents happen in the house, the nipping happens for at least a couple months, sometimes you feel like you are a horrible teacher and get an overwhelmingly scary feeling that you are creating a monster! (well at least thats what I felt).  I was so overwhelmed and wanted to do EVERYTHING right, and create this perfect dog who was potty trained in 3 weeks (because apparently some dogs are, which I soon found out was like 1 in a million)... Anyways I got off track here. I just wanted to say that the greatest piece of advice I have gotten that applies to Life in general, is when you feel stressed just take a breath and try to relax.  Things will get done when they get done, so the pup is whining now, its just a stage, continue with the training in a calm, assertive way, and more often then not, things will fall in to place!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Rachel, I haven't been on DK this week and am just seeing this! Please know that me, Christine and Elizabeth are available to help you in any way! Please let us know what we can do! We have "been there, done that" and can get you through this trying time. Puppies are HARD WORK -- there's no question about that-- and having some support is really key! We're ready when you are! Lol!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Rachel, the first few weeks are a bit overwhelming and from what you say you are battling homesickness too and I know that is something not to be taken lightly.  It's a really difficult thing to overcome all on it's own.  It seems to me you are doing just fine.  You will be surprised just how fast the time goes.  My Riley is now six months old and I can't believe where the time has gone.  Each stage brings it's own joys and problems too.  We are all here to help each other.  You are in the right place on DK.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Rachel, Great update. I am glad things are getting better each day.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

Hi  Mimi Linna checking in on you. Moving away from home and getting a puppy. what an adventure.. notice I didn't say great adventure..as everyone says it will get better- hugs. remember we are all here for you.

[Christine & Shelby]

I think what you are experiencing is normal.  There were a few days that I was so exhausted & overwhelmed that I was in tears.   I loved my puppy, but it was my first dog and a rude awakining.  These feelings passed after about 2-3 weeks once I started getting in the groove of things.   I did crate Shelby and she did fine.... I was able to do a flex schedule at work and come home mid day to let her out, play with her, wear her out and re-crate her.  It's just the two of us, so I worked hard on training her for house freedom beginning at about 6 months. 

I agree with Elizabeth... we should try and get the B/CS doodles together.... we have a great core group that is well socialized and can help "teach" Oliver the ropes.  I'd be willing to host in my back yard... we did that a couple of times when other pups were in the "can't go for a walk stage" but needed some sociailzation with other dogs.

It will also be helpful for you... then you can chat with us in person and hear different ways of approaching

problems.... Shelby was a horrible nipper - drove me crazy, ruined some clothes... it was out of control.  My breeder recommended a few different approaches, and they worked like a charm - seemed odd, but they worked!

No pressure to get together, but if you are interested... let me know and we can get something planned... maybe this weekend?

[Rachel and Ollie]

You all great. Last night and this morning went really well. He sleeps pretty well and has been going into his crate without barking. (I covered his crate with a towel so he doesn't know when I move and think it is time to get up...it worked really well...we didn't go out until 6:50...I am so proud of him to hold it all night!) He is now sitting patiently by his food bowl when hungry. It is pretty cute. 

 

Thank you all for helping me to not feel like a jerk for being overwhelmed. It is getting better daily and I know that he is okay in his crate when I am at work (still makes me feel bad for him, but he forgets about it in a couple minutes and will go in with excitement with a peanut butter Kong) 

 

He also let me shower without crying or trying to get in! Success. :) 

 

[Becka]

Hi Rachel,

You will not believe how fast he will grow--the overwhelming period will be over before you know it. I suggest you do what you can to tire him out (and young puppies can get tired fast)--toys, balls, running him in the house. And don't feel guilty for putting him in the crate and taking a break--it will help keep you sane. Hang in there.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

It may have been a rough start but these are the best bonding times ever! Please cut yourself some slack, that pup will be your best bud ever and you will soon wonder how you ever lived without him! Any questions at all can be asked here and you will get a ton of help! Enjoy your puppy and hope you feel better soon (homesick).

[shelley knopf]

Having a puppy is very over whelming!!! I promise it will get better!!! Brinkley is a handful and I know it will pass soon! Each day has been better for us and I think I am about 6 weeks ahead of you.It is all worth it!!