I Met my puppy at 5 weeks

[Missy]

Oh the excitement of finally meeting the little pup!  Then the overwhelming realization that all is REAL, and how unprepared I am.

It has taken months of research, lots of phone calls, and energy to decide this is the breed for us. Then the time to search out breeders (which was very taxing too) and then the waiting for the pups to be conceived, and then born, and then observing to see which you will be 'matched' with, and then the day you finally get to "meet and greet" your puppy. AHHH!!

I had to travel 4 hours one way to see my puppy, and I didn't have to 'choose' a pup as there was only 1 curly hair male, but only 2 hours for the visit went by quickly!!   I had only planned on staying 1 hour, but the pup that was suppose to be mine, was scared every time I held it, so I was having second thoughts.  I am so glad I stayed the second hour as I was eventually able to hold him without him shaking.

For all those that told me, "you will know when you hold him", I never got that feeling.  This pup was actually more interested in others than me.  What to do now?? was my feeling.  and the thought of having to wait for another litter could take years!! I was so thankful that the pup warmed up to me a little and I even got a hand lick right before I left.  I left a blanket that we had been sleeping with, so maybe when I go back, the pup will recognize our scent.  that is the hope!!

We are very excited, and it finally feels very real!! I have been buying dog stuff since we got home.  

For those that are still waiting...it is worth the wait. Look at how cute he is!!!  

[Katherine Henry]

I love this.  I go up to my breeder's next Saturday (it's a 3 and 1/2 hour drive for me, so I feel you on that) to choose my puppy.  I have second pick of the males, and the people with first pick are already set on the one they want...which is good, because they chose the one I didn't think I wanted.  So I get pick of the other adorable 4 males.  I am so incredibly excited to go up there!  I am sure your little guy was just nervous, and once you get him home, he will be fine.  He is adorable!  I am so happy for you!

[Missy]

oh enjoy your time!! How old will your pups be? My feelings are with you on the choosing-hope the magic happens for you!  I hope you can take someone with you-as it is difficult to play, take pictures, and hold at the same time! lol

Be sure to reward yourself with a nice dinner on the return home-it is hard to go home empty handed!

can't wait to see who you choose!!

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Missy - he is SO cute. I'm sure that once you have him, all fears and doubts will vanish. Interesting that I've seen several posts from people waiting to get their new pup that are all about the same age.  We will be picking our new little boy up on the 25th. Can't wait!!  I also found it interesting that so many are choosing males. I wonder why? We have had both male and female (other breeds - not doodles) and they are both extremely sweet.  However, we currently also have 3 dachshunds and one of them is an alpha bitch, so decided that we would go for a male doodle. Didn't want to take the chance of having a little alpha trying to compete with a BIG alpha!  Good luck to you and your little boy.

[Sara and Birdie]

Joyce, I have also noticed that most of the dogs everyone is picking are males.  I wonder why too.  I personally, grew up with female dogs, and naturally prefer them.  I also have 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl.  My girl has always wanted a sister, so I told her I would get her a sister dog.:)  But I wonder if there is there a big difference in temperament or something?

[Missy]

Joyce,

I'm sure all will be fine, especially when he counts on me for food!!

We went with males, due to the research and chatting with owners.  Males tend to be more laid back and easy going was the phrase most used to describe personalities.  I initially wanted a girl, but heard they are more aggressive in a doodle way (nosey, bark more, on edge type of description) 

We have no children and just want a dog to join us on fishing trips and laying around!!

I think it's great there are so many of us getting boys about the same age-we can help each other thru the tough times!! post pictures of your little one when you get him!!

[Amy & Albee]

I'm with you, Missy. We are on a list for a male mainly due to stereotype of them being more laid back. I have also heard (probably another myth) that the dog will be attracted to it's opposite gender owner. My in-laws have a male lab and he just adores me. :) Can't wait to see all of these beautiful pups soon!

[Sara and Birdie]

Aw... Missy, he is adorable!! I can't wait to meet mine!  Is he a F1 or F1B? And do you have a name picked out yet?  I am so excited for you!!

[Missy]

Sara,

He is an F1bb, which is an F2b.  His mom is a doodle and dad is a doodle.  We are hopeful Theodore "teddy" Blue will cap off at 25 pounds, but he has a large rump...so I don't know.  Mom is 20 pounds and dad is 28 pounds.  We were only concerned with the weight as we travel a lot , and getting into hotel rooms, the under 25 pound limit is cheaper!!

How much longer do you have to wait?

[Sara and Birdie]

Missy,

An F2b, cool!  I can't wait to see what he looks like when he gets bigger!  "Teddy" is a cute name! :)  And how lucky that he will be so little!  I am hoping mine won't get more than 40-50...ha ha. 

Now you have me worried.. I also wanted a laid back easy going dog.. ha ha.  I already have 4 kids, so I don't need a rambunctious dog.  I didn't have good luck with my last dog who was a male.  He didn't like my husband and my husband didn't like him.. ha ha.  In fact, he only liked me.  I am hoping my husband might get attached to a female.:)

I go pick out my pup and bring her home 3 weeks from Friday, hooray!! 

[Missy]

I am sure not all females are hyper...and since you didn't have good times with the boy dog, you are on the right track I am sure.  Don't want to cause alarm!! 

Plus we have a female parrot, so it kinda evens us out here...two boys and two girls. 

3 weeks will go by fast!! can't wait to see pictures!!

 

[Kristin and Sophie]

Missy,

Don't panic.  At five weeks, they are still so young.  We watched videos of our puppy and 4, 5, and 6 weeks and 'worried' because we didn't think she was active enough and wondered why she wasn't more playful.  Now, we laugh that we thought she wasn't active enough as she runs laps around us.  Also, in the breeder's video - she pulled her face away from the breeder's hand when the breeder was trying to get a close up.  We worried that she didn't like touching -- and she is a total cuddle bug.  So, don't worry - your puppy is very young and I believe that by treating him with love and affection - he too will be a great dog for you!

[Missy]

Kristin,

Thanks for the support.  I think I have adjusted to my visit, but I thought others should know the 'you know it when you see it' doesn't always happen!! Here most of us spend a great deal of time waiting to pick up our doodles and it can be a bit disappointing when the fireworks don't happen.

I'm glad I'm not the only one 'wondering' about choices. My husband says we always have 'potted meat' to win the puppy over to liking us!!  just kidding. I do believe that all will be fine and I agree with you that he is still very young!!

Either way, he has my heart, and I am hooked now.  So, I'll be bringing him home!!

Sophie is darling!  She has similar wave look to our male.  what kind of brush do you use?