What You Wish Someone Told You About New Puppy...

[Jenny Williams]

The day is almost here! Our sweet Leia, F1B Goldendoodle, is only two days away from being ours! So, I thought it would be helpful to hear what you think the best advice would be for a family bringing home a new puppy :) What is that one thing you wish someone would have told you before your new puppy came home? I've been reading and freshening up on having a puppy, basic training, etc., but any advice is welcome :) 

[Toni Clayton]

Whew, Sarah, thank you for saying that!

[Toni Clayton]

  George is my first puppy ever, and the thing I would say is that it's nice to see pics and all, but like with children, they are snapshots...there's a lot of work in between, and those photos, peoples posts, tv commercials etc,  don't tell the whole story...someone else also said it's important to get to know your dog and then make any adjustments from there..and I agree. It's just as hard as having a newborn, and I always say at some point in the day, he is like an overstimulated 2yr old on kool aid, lol. 

[Jenny Williams]

I just busted out laughing.... "he is like an overstimulated 2yr old on kool aid" - haha! 

[Jenny Williams]

Today is the day that Princess Leia comes home! You guys have given me some great advice! Thank you! Here is a photo we received this morning just before her trip to us! In a few short hours, we'll be bringing our sweet girl home! 

[Toni Clayton]

So cute! Good luck...I think the first few weeks are the hardest to adjust to...

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

That some behaviors are a constant work in progress....."HAPPINESS"!!! when greeting visitors to the house---this behavior has required as much education with family as Harley on greeting routine, but with firm, consistant limits has gottfen much better as he ages---and tendency to be mouthy (totally different behavior than biting...hard to explain, when he greets me he wants to have my arm in his mouth). 

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

These are great responses! I am in the exhaustion phase, but I know this will pass. I'm also in the worry phase (will be better after the vet appt tomorrow), which is highlighted by watching Molly every minute :). I have three boys helping me tucker her out for nap times and that is good. But we are not doing well with the crate yet (ex-pen is great, crate is a work in process). I'm thinking now we should get an adult dog to be her friend in a couple years!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Jack is my first puppy, now five year old. Besides for the massive socialization that needs to occur along with the training. The transistion and the helping the puppy acclimate to their new surroundings....

I was prepared for the work, the socialization, the training.....what I wasn't prepared for was how much this little monkey would steal my heart... Since getting him. I no matter what always think of him,,his desires, making sure his needs are met. I am trained in human adult and pediatric trauma and emergency....however...if my dog is slightly in discomfort I go outs of mt mind with worry. I can't help it.....I love him so much

I guess I would say make every day count..they grow up fast, never use your hands in anger toward them, never feed them junk food to save money. Celebrate the mile stones in their lives..I swear it feels like I just got Jack and he is five now.

Congratulations !