Oh boy.

[Margie Payne]

So, I did this same thing with all 3 of my kids...as I laid pregnant in bed at night I would think....what have I done?!, what was I thinking?! How am I going to deal with this?!....and again, as our puppy should be born any day now I'm doing the same thing! LOL!  (No, I don't think I'm having a puppy...lol) I'm reading things about puppy nipping, eating poop (oh no no no no no), humping (things to whomever titled their message "The Humpty Hump", I'm going to bed with visions of that video in my head...I've given away my age I think), getting sick and needing pumpkin and I'm like...AHHHH!  

I'm sure I'll be okay, I realize our little pup will be much like a baby for the first few months and that training and patience will be of much importance.  I like order, I like things to be clean.  I choose a Goldendoole b/c they seemed so dang smart and were less likely to shed (although I'm fully aware this is not a guarantee). 

Maybe b/c its closer I'm feeling more like....AHHHHHHH. :)  So so excited though!  We couldn't have dogs growing up and it took me about 12 yrs to talk DH into this!  Our kids are sooo fired up!  I've been wanting one my whole life!  But at the same time I'm like....AHHHH. :):)

So a few thoughts/suggestions:

1.  I'm planning on Taste of Wild as our puppy food.  Our breeder uses Exclusive Brand Dog food.   The puppy will have been eating that so we plan to switch over after being with us for a week first.  We figure introducing the food change after the initial new environment change would be good.   I'm guessing from what I've read that doing this very very slowly is best.  Like 1/4 of a cup or less at a time.  Thoughts?  Anyone else using the TOTW?

2.  What kind of treats can I give such a little puppy for training?

3.  Anyone have any books they especially liked?

Thanks!

Margie

[Missy]

Oh the analyzing you will do once the pups are born!  I looked at countless pictures of puppies to adult growth to see what changed and to guide me in the picking.  All of that went out the window when there was only one male born that tested positive for the curly hair.  WE are in love with him and can't wait to get him home.

I am a homeschool graduate (long long time ago), so yeah for flexibility!!  The sign on the door is a great idea!! We have an Africa Grey parrot, and I am hopeful she will just start telling people, what to do! lol

This will be an adventure, that is for sure, but what is life without a little excitement, eh? I will share, but apologize in advance for the negativity that might be portrayed!  LOL

[Margie Payne]

Lol!! I can't wait to hear about it! I sooo curious...how did you test for the hair?!! Our little guys were born just yesterday!!! 3 males, 2 white and one (ohhh this ones going to temp me to throw all puppy testing out the window) red! I can't wait to see pix!! I'm wanting and active medium energy pup that can match our family and our active lifestyle! BUT I really want a fleece coat!! I'm looking for pix all the time for puppies and what their costs at like around 5 weeks and then when they get older. I just don't want a GR coat, trying for as little shedding as possible! Lol! Any tips on figuring that one out?

[Missy]

our breeder tested for the hair gene.  she was testing all of her breeder dogs, and since our momma dog hadn't been tested, she tested the pups of that litter too.

but I will tell you that all the ones that tested positive for flat hair gene, really look like flat, straight hair.  go to www.goldens-n-doodles.com and go to puppies, then Willow/Bru litter. there are 8 pups and you can look at each of them thru the weeks.  I can let you know which ones are positive for flat hair. (i'm away from my cheat sheet right now, but only one male was negative)

[Margie Payne]

I'm getting so excited!! Puppies are 3 weeks old this week and just to cute!! Watching the hair like a hawk! I can already see mild wave in some of them and a few with no wave at all. I'm guessing its way to early to know for sure yet though? I've been looking at the other doodles on the website you mentioned and have been comparing! :)

[Missy]

Margie-yep, the obsessing has begun! ha ha ha

I need to get the pictures of our little one on here. we have him home for first day, and it is amazing how much free time one DOESN'T have!

I think the curl comes out more around 4-5 weeks, but I read somewhere it was all about the face/nose curl. Whenever I ask professionals, they don't reassure me of this fact. Instead I get the "there are no guarantees" comment.

Happy looking!!

[Margie Payne]

Lol! True! I am! I am enjoying it though and have a few house projects that are getting close to done as I suspect between 3 kids and a puppy this summer will leave little time for projects! And it makes the time go by faster! :)

[Margie Payne]

Hi!

I'm thinking the pup will be between 7 and 8 weeks old when we can pick up.  I'm thinking the first things we'll be teaching is things like crate training, rewarding calm behavior, teaching appropriate things to chew, no biting people...stuff like that, then gradually onto other things....that's my plan at this point anyway!  I was looking at that brand of sausage like food for treats, but figured I'd order it shortly b/f pup arrives...not going to give to much b/c I'm wanting to not mess with that little tummy to much! 

[Pilar, Sophie & Rico]

Hello Margie,
This will be my third week with our puppy Rico. Yes, it can be puppy hell for many days and nights. First few days i thought what did I do! Why go through this when I have such a beautiful trained doodle already? I wake up every 3 hours to take him out and darn it sometimes he is wet from head to toe! Don't panic- Every pup is different I have another doodle (15 months) and she trained within the week! They are very smart and both of mine are food motivated. I train them with their food (Taste of the wild) and soft liver treats. This week Im more smiles and seeing the light at the end and saying this is so awesome to have two pups who love each other as much as we love them. Get your Natures Miracle, huge stock of paper towels, lots of chew toys and pray for extra extra patience.

[Margie Payne]

I'm already praying that we get the right dog for our family from this litter!  Ohhhh, how I would love to be able to NOT have a soiled crate!  I go back and forth between female and male!  I've heard that there is not difference between them, that males are slower to learn but more loving, and that girls are fast learners but like their own space at times.  Lots of conflicting info, do you have any thoughts on that as you have both?

Thanks!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Congratulations on your new addition to come!!  I look forward to pictures when you have some. 

I love the book "Puppy Problems? No Problem!" by Brenda Aloff                                      

PUPPY PROBLEMS? NO PROBLEM! A Survival Guide for Finding & Training Your New Dog.  Includes DVD

"  This book goes beyond any of the other puppy books out there and brings you Brenda's 20 years of experience working with problem dogs as a professional pet behavior consultant. This gives Brenda a unique view of what owners should have done to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. She says, "Many of the sad situations that occur do not have to be. Education on the person's part combined with humane and effective technique can make dog ownership the joy you imagined it would be!" Training your dog should be a shared and fun experience that enhances the relationship you have with your dog. This book will lead you through each "problem" and in an easy to understand step-by-step program will show you how to make big differences in your dog's behavior.  "

http://brendaaloff.com/books.html

 

Good Luck!!  The reward is so worth the effort :-)

[Margie Payne]

Thanks for the book suggestions!  I'll def look into those! 

[Sara and Birdie]

Hi Margie!

I am also waiting for my puppy; we pick her up in about 3 weeks.  So I really don't have any advice other than I feel the same way.  I get excited one minute and then scared the next about what we have in store.  I am trying to think positive.:)

I also am planning to feed my pup Taste of the Wild after the 2 week period.  My friend that has a goldendoodle gives it to hers and says her dog loves it!

I am planning on using both her kibble and "Duke's" peanut butter treats for my pup to train, and the book that I bought on Amazon and love is called "My Smart Puppy."  It has everything in it that I was looking for, even has a 1 hour DVD included with the book, that shows you how to train your dog.