Charlie is home with us..

[David Gordon]

Week 1 just passed and Charlie has done great.. Only 1 accident inside the house.. not much whining in crate at all.. 

He hates to be walked on a leash but I have so much land its not a immediate concern but would love to know some tips and that cause there will be plenty of times outside of house where he will need to walk on one..

Also before he completes his shots it seems hard to socialize him to other dogs.. by last dog hated other animals and I don't want to repeat that mistake.. any tips on what to do for the next three weeks? Bring just friends dogs over?

[Laura & Sophie Doodle]

Congrats! He is adorable! I don't have any real tips for the leash. We live in an apartment complex so Sophie has been leashed right from the get go and had to get used to it pretty much the day she got home. The more you use it, the easier it will get! As far as socialization, we signed up for a "puppy class" at 10 weeks where all the puppies were required to have proof they were up to date on immunizations based on their age. If you don't feel comfortable with that though, I definitely suggest bringing many friends' dogs over. Early socialization is KEY for a well rounded, friendly pup! :) Good luck! 

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

You might try putting a leash on in the house and let him get used to the feel of dragging it around inside several times a day, when he doesn't seem to notice it anymore try holding onto it in the house and slowly progress outside, with any luck he won't be bothered by the slight pressure you need to hold it and will walk fine...

[Leslie J]

Charlie is adorable! We let some of our neighbors with gentle dogs bring them in our yard and play with her. These were families we knew took good care of their pets and vaccinated them. I guess there is always a risk, but I felt socializing Cocoa was very important too.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

We also started leash training right away, taking both Lucy and Oscar outside on leash for potty times, as well as doing leash training indoors. Both got very proficient with walking on leash at a young age. We also took both dogs to weekly 'puppy romps' at 10 weeks old, just like Laura mentioned. It made socialization with other puppies very easy and its such an important step to a well socialized adult dog. Sounds like Charlie is doing very well for his first week home! He's a cutie!

[Lynda Kamrath]

What a cute little guy.  I have a suggestion regarding leashes.  Try a halter.  My dogs don't mind them a bit and they don't pull out of them.  We started using them with the bike tow leashes and found they are good for many things, particularly walking a little dog who is not used to a leash.  Puppy classes are wonderful for socialization.  And my other advice is to handle him a lot.  Clean his ears and eyes, and check his pads frequently.  The more he is handled this way, the easier it will be for grooming later on.  Until he has had all his shots, just keep away from public places.  You can still have friends over with their dogs for little play dates.  They will probably all love it.

Welcome to Doodle Kisses - it is the best website for doodle lovers everywhere.

[Jen, Buddy, & Kevin]

Congrats, Charlie is adorable! When our guys were young puppies, we kept them on leash pretty much all day. It helps them get used to leash and also keeps them out of trouble since they're always with us. And if there's an accident, you can catch it and clean it right away.

Some trainers and boarding facilities near us have puppy socials for 10-18 week old puppies. We have a place near us that is built more like a "campus", so the training pavilion is separate from the area where the fosters stay and also separate from the vet offices. But definitely carry Charlie to and from the car if this is an option.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Charlie is adorable! If your friends dogs are healthy your puppy is fine to socialize with them. I agree, socialization is very important in young puppies. 
I agree with the others about getting him acclimated to the leash early. You can keep the leash on and let them drag it, which can help them feel more secure about the collar/leash. Also, as far as your yard is concerned puppies have a great natural recall and when they are young is a prime time to work on those natural abilities.