What can I expect with a Doodle.

[Susan Collins]

Hi.  My BF and I are the proud parents of a gorgeous (if we do say so ourselves) black golden doodle named Boo Doodle.  The first day we brought him home, he was so lethargic and non-responsive that we almost started thinking he had something wrong with him. We even thought he might be deaf.  On the ride from the farm, he barely had any reaction.  He shivered a bit, but that was it.  He had just had his worming medication, so maybe that had something to do with it?  Anyway, we got him Sat. and today is Tuesday.  Each day, more and more of his personality comes out.  He sleeps alot, which is to be expected since he is only 8 weeks old.  So far, he seems like the sweetest, most laid back little guy I've ever met.  He seems very smart, maybe a little stubborn.  He still doesn't respond to all sounds, but does respond to some sounds, so we don't think he is deaf anymore.  Today, my 2 twin grandsons came bounding through the door to meet him for the first time.  He actually barked!  Then he ran and hid behind a chair.  Can't say I blame him.  If you met those 2 boys (age 3) you would hide, too, lol! 

I researched breeds for a long time before deciding on a doodle.  His father is a AKC champion Standard Poodle that weighs 120 lbs and his mom is an AKC registered Golden Retriever.  I'm thinking Boo (named for the song "Me and You and a dog named Boo". is going to be a great companion.  Any words of advice, things to expect, tips, tricks, etc. would be appreciated!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Welcome back, Nancie.  Good to see your name (and Gracie's) here again.  Life is good!  FIrst the grandkids and now the doodle.  Never enough of either one.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Congratulations on your new puppy.  Funny about that selective hearing, Meg hears perfectly in the house but outside it is like I never say a word, however if a T_R_A_I_N goes by in town suddenly she can hear and can't get back to the porch fast enough.  My hubby also was stubborn about getting a pup for the longest time but he takes Meg out to play a lot and has a grin on his face the entire time.

[Susan Collins]

Thanks everyone for the replies!!!! I can see why people go crazy about Doodles!  Boo is sooo lazy!  Is that because we are lazy?  LOL!  But even when I try to get him to play outside, he seems interested for a few seconds and then he wants to go in the house.  Is this just the calm before the storm?

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Congratulations and welcome to DK.  My doodle is 9 months, and we have had him since he was 11  weeks.  I can't remember not having him now!  We are in our 60's too (sounds so weird) and our only child is away at school so our Quincy filled the empty nest.  

My best puppy advise, from our puppy kindergarten, Never set your pup up to fail.  If he grabs the sock/shoe/underwear, it's because you left it in his reach.  We had cardboard posters blocking off bookcases, child gates limiting his space, nothing on the counters, etc for months-but this too shall pass.  He now has the roam of the house when we are home,  with me just keeping an ear and a sense of where he is and what he is up to.  

Next best advice for when your Boo gets his puppy energy going- a tired puppy is a good puppy. 

Enjoy! 

[Jen and Annie]

Congratulations on your new addition!  When we first brought Annie home, she was distant, and slept off in the corner - wasn't very interested in us at all.  Give Boo another few days, LOL and you will be on here saying "How do I stop puppy nips - he is tearing my clothes!".  I think the initial shock of leaving the mother and littermates makes most puppies seem like a dream for the first few days - they are probably a little depressed and confused.  Annie started coming out of her shell after about 4 days home.  My number one suggestion is that you NOT let Boo jump on you.  Try to break that right away - it's cute when they are small, but with a 120 lb dog in Boo's ancestry - you want to stop him from jumping up as soon as possible!  I posted a 'what to expect' about a month ago - it's here if you are interested in my tips and tricks from raising Annie so far.  She is just about to turn 10 months old now...:  There is also an e'book attached to this thread that I found super helpful:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/puppymadness/forum/topic/show?gro... 

[Mike Gruenke]

It's kind of funny how a thread like this will pop up when I need it the most!

Our GoldenDoodle Porsche turned 1 year old on December 21st. That time went quick. When I first brought her home she seemed like the most distant pup we have ever had. As the days went past she turned into a more "normal" pup, but she really trained easily. I think I even managed to get control of her digging all over the place, we'll see if things here ever thaw out.

BUT ....

Lately Porsche has been testing to the limits and we have her back on "training 101". I can't seem to wear her down for more than 5 minutes and she's back up and looking for something to get into. Even our Labradoodle Bentley seems fed up with her! I know we'll get it under control, we've just gotten a bit too lax on her and need to step it up on her daily training exercises. This morning I got up early as always and after letting the dogs out to do thier duties and letting them back in, feeding them and giving them thier little personal time with me, I sat at the computer to soon hear the sound of something ripping. I jumped up and quickly ran into the livingroom to find Porsche ripping apart my wife's brand new pair of tennies. That's a new one, none of our dogs have ever been shoe chewers, and then brand new!

Don't worry Susan, you'll have plenty of time to find out that your new pup isn't lazy or deaf. Enjoy it while you can!

and BTW have fun! I'd never trade my time with my dogs.

Mike