normal labradoodle puppy behavior

[brittany mead]

He All,

i recently got a golden doodle puppy from a lady who was trying to get them  homes.  i understand he is still a puppy but he doesn't like to be around me or my family.  He will go off into a dark room by himself and not come out when we call him.  If he is sleeping on the floor and i pick him up to cuddle with him he will want to get off 5 seconds later and go on the floor away from me to sleep.  The person home was not very clean and i noticed that he has fleas.  Right now he is 8 weeks old, i don't know if this is normal behavior for the breed or if i have cause to be concerned.  if anyone could give me some  insight that wold be great!

[brittany mead]

my mom lets him out for me once and her boyfriend also lets him out while i am at work. and he has never peed or pooped  in his crate so bathroom breaks are not a problem.    I don't treat the puppy bad or despise him i love him a lot ( he just doesn't seem to love anyone back haha)  and care about him - thats why i got another dog in the first place ( my old dog passed away last month)

 i wouldn't have asked my original question if i didn't give a hoot about him.  

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm very glad you're taking him to the vet today! From your description, it sounds as if he could have a parasite or something more serious (I hope not).  Puppies need some transition time (some more than others) And they sleep a good deal of the time.  But when he's up, he should be playing and curious. If he was living outside, the sights and sounds of a normal home might be a bit overwhelming.  Try the idea of tethering him to you and gently go about your daily routine with lots of treats in your pocket, and periodically give the little guy one.  No pup can be kept in a crate all day while you're at work.  Hopefully you've found someone to let him out periodically to relieve himself and play with him for awhile before he's returned to the crate to nap.  Otherwise, if you decide to rehome him, please listen to Laurie and contact DRC ASAP.  Good luck, and keep us posted.   

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Sounds like you love him very much or you wouldn't have asked your question in the first place.  I think taking him to the vet is a great idea and it sounds like you have his potty training under control.  You're a good doodle mom for worrying so much!

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

This poor girl needed and asked for advice, not condemnation, and the best you can come up with is rehome?  For shame!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Marnie, If you read back through Brittany's comments here is what she said:

 I am considering re-homing him to someone that will be able to give him the attention he needs to work with him on this and be a happy lovey puppy!

My comment was in regards to this statement and to try and give her an option for re-homing. That is all. I am not sure how else you would have liked me to address this statement. I did not encourage re-homing. Only offered an option and I am not sure where condemnation is in a simple link offered with no criticism. It seems you can't win when trying to help. We are condemned when we don't offer the link and again, if we do.

[Kim]

I believe she stated she was thinking of rehoming due to the dog needing more attention than she can give him.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Marnie, whenever anyone talks about re-homing a Doodle we always try to direct them to one of the reputable rescue organizations who will find the best possible home for the dog.  Often people will use 'Craig's List" which is really not the way to find the safest and best home....especially for an eight week old pup.  Disreputable people looking for dogs to use for fighting or even medical research use Craig's List as a source.  Brittany was the one who brought up re-homing because she's trying to find the best answer for this puppy....I think Laurie was just trying to help her find the best way to approach this.  That's one thing about DK...we try so hard not to be judgmental, but to help one another when we're faced with some really tough decisions.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Well said Jane. Laurie was only trying to give Brittany a safe option for Levi if Brittany was seriously thinking of rehoming him. Boy, who hasn't gone through some puppy frustrations!!!I hope the two are on their way to a happier days.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I also have concerns about the puppy's health. Was the person who was trying to find homes for them the breeder?

[brittany mead]

Hey everyone,
Just thought if give you the update on Levi. Took him to the vet and he is perfectly healthy had his distemper and another one with a weird name I don't remember. Gave him a bath last night and used a flea comb vet didn't see any fleas. Also cleaned out his ears good last night they had some pretty nasty brown crud in them but she didn't see any mites during the visit. He seems a little bit better today as far as being social, didn't have any accidents in the house or his crate today. Got another de wormer to give in a week.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

I am glad he got a clean bill of health. Work with him, he is just a pup. Good luck!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so glad to hear that Levi's healthy and acting more like a "normal" puppy.