Fenway

[Eva and Fenway]

Hi!

 

I'm new to the forum, as well as to goldendoodle ownership (6 days and counting). I can honestly say this has been a huge blessing so far. My pup came to me much by accident - your standard story of someone who couldn't care for (didn't want to, probably) a puppy any longer. I took the chance on her as I've been planning for a doodle quite some time.

 

Fenway is quite young, only 9weeks old, and while I'm not a new dog owner, it has been quite some time. 

 

We've made some great progress on most fronts - when she came to me, she had not even heard of pottying outside, and had never seen a crate. She's adapted quite well to both - the crate is her friend, and I'm lucky enough to live near my work and to be able to come home during the day. She also has only had rare accidents in the house (always during vigorous play time) as I'm diligent with the trips outside. 

 

I have a couple of questions for the collective wisdom of the forum.. I have learned much from Google, but often find first-hand stories much more useful to me. 

 

1. I'm wondering what types of things are appropriate for a young puppy to have in her crate during the day or night.

 

2. I'm concerned slightly that she seems very attached to me. I guess I don't know what behavior to be okay with for a puppy (I've never had a dog this young) and what is worrisome since she was taken from her mother at 7 weeks. There is some degree of whining and barking when I leave a room or even her line of sight within the same room (I have an area for her). I've been doing the 'ignore' routine and this has helped dramatically. Barking and whining subsides quickly at bedtime or when I leave (I pretended to leave a few times to check), but it still happens. 

 

I'm sure I sound slightly like a worrywart, but I would much rather develop good habits and behaviors young than write something off as 'she's just a puppy', and end up with an SA dog.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Fenway is so cute...and I LOVE the name!  I think a Snuggle Puppy will be perfect for her in the crate.  If I was going to be around to supervise I also let my guys have a couple of toys in there with them.  I took them out if I was leaving them alone...I used to worry that they'd chew them or break off pieces and swallow them.  I think the barking and whining when she can't see you is pretty normal for this age puppy.  I think ignoring it is the right approach.  What you don't want is for them to think they can use a whine or bark to get you to provide affection or attention.  Oh, if you're a worryward, you're in great company here....most of us are!

[Lorraine Bromley]

Welcome to the site. THIS site has helped me in learning about doodles and about dogs all together. So much info and fun. I was just helping with a little pup that was taken away at 6 weeks and had developed a terrible resource guarding issue. She was 11 weeks when I had her and she would bite and be visious when she got her food. Or a toy she wanted. I had two other dogs here and they helped quite a bit with her behaviour. We had to do alot of training with her around her food issues. So just be aware that this could be an issue with being taken so young. You won't need to worry too much if it happens as you are here now. The inexperienced owners of this little girl didn't have this resource. This is just an awesome sight.

Welcome again.

[Linda and Murphy]

Fenway is adorable and sounds like you are doing a great job.

[Jennifer Tramell]

I think the "ignore routine" is the way to go - especially if you've already seen improvement :-)  I have 2 goldendoodles and I noticed immediately how loyal our first boy, Webster, was.  He would follow me from room to room and lay at my feet.  I was surprised that an 8 week old puppy was SO devoted.  I've had dogs all my life but never seen a puppy with such devotion.  We got our second goldendoodle and I was surprised a second time.   She was as devoted and loyal as Webster and she joined our family before she was even 8 weeks old.

My two dogs are now 11 months and over 2 yrs old and they are as devoted as ever.  They do not have separation anxiety but they sure like being close. 

[Eva and Fenway]

Hi all, 

 

Thanks again for all the great advice and reassurance - it's nice to be in the company of others. I'm already totally in love with this dog. After a lot of research through the archives and online, I decided I would get her an EX pen. After a couple of great days, the crate suddenly seemed to be stressing her too much during the daytime without me. 

 

She's currently passed out happily inside the pen, and doesn't seem to care if I leave the room as much. Must be something about having her own space? 

 

[Debbie and Thomas]

When our goldendoodle Thomas was a puppy he followed me from room to room and he was usually biting me from behind...my pants...nightgown...bare legs or even my behind !  The sweet little guy just wanted to be with me! (he was  the king of puppy nipping)  I adored him.  For time outs he went to his crate in the laundry room with only a stuffed toy that he cuddled with.  Now the big lug is 100 lbs. 2 3/4 years old and he is quite independent....he doesn't follow me around the same as he used to and honestly I kind of miss those puppy teeth jumping up and biting me! 

[Eva and Fenway]

Memories...!  *cue music*

Well, it's been a long time since my last post because work/master's/life/dog have sucked up my time. I just wanted to drop a line here to all those of you who were such a big help to me in my pup's early days. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

She's doing just great and is now about 16 months old, and is snuggled up with me as I write this. Training has been good, and she's the brightest joy in my life. Maybe I'll stay hooked in for a while and see if I can pay it forward for all the help I got. There was a time I thought I would NEVER survive.. lol. 

Here are the required "Look at my grown up dog" pics.. =)

[Pat and Traveler]

Eva, Fenway is adorable! 

[Moe]

 Fenway is so cute. Love the update!