Hello from Michigan

[Barbara Brooks]

Hey everyone! I'm new to the forum and still trying to figure it all out. :) I actually work in IT, but I've found this forum hard to get around. I'm sure I'll get used to it! 

We purchased our first Goldendoodle last February. He was 5 months old and the time and the breeder had him and a brother that she needed to find homes for because she had another litter coming. He is 1/2 Golden, 1/2 Poodle. We have totally fallen in love with him! He's pretty much spoiled rotten! His name is Bentley and he was the runt of his litter. He's such a little pleaser and listens to us pretty well. We've had 3 other dogs during our 30 years of marriage and I've been most amazed at how quickly he has picked up on words. He can grab a toy if we ask for it by name! I've never had a dog that could do that! Maybe we've just had dumb dogs, I don't know! LOL! He can also be clueless at times as well. We get such a kick out of him!

One reason I joined the forum was to talk about stomach issues. We've had a LOT with him and once he starts throwing up, it's hard to get it under control! I will look for that area on the forum to discuss that. We've also started having issues with him barking at us at night. It's been too cold to go for walks and I think he gets really bored during the day. When my husband and I sit down to relax at night, he starts to bark at us - like demanding our attention. If I say "NO!" forcefully, he'll stop, but he starts back up about 15 mins. later. So, I'm also looking for some suggestions on helping him with this behavior as well. 

I'll post a few pics below. :) So glad to find a group to learn about these sweet pups!

Bentley1.jpg

Bentley2.jpg

bentley3.jpg

[Barbara Brooks]

We are in Grand Rapids, but we are always up for a road trip! Just let us know! I work during the week, so weekends work best. :) We love an excuse to go to Ann Arbor!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Bentley is really photogenic. 

Roo and Tigger and I play hide and seek when the weather is too hot or rainy.  Tigger will play chase in the house running around from kitchen to hall to dining room and back to kitchen.  Tigger will trot with a "stolen" toy in his mouth for ages with me trotting behind him.  Roo thinks it is a stupid game and won't play.

[Barbara Brooks]

Thanks Maryann! Bentley loves for me to run after him for a toy! We are actually watching shelters for a possible buddy for him. He's so playful!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Bentley is adorable!  Welcome.  I find this forum easy but FB impossible.  I am sure you will get the hang of it, if I did.  You need to join Puppy Madness, Nutrition, and a regional group if there is one in your area.

[Barbara Brooks]

Thanks Nancy! I'll check out those forums. Technically, Bent isn't a puppy anymore. I have a feeling he'll always act like one though!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Welcome, Bentley is a cutie!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

First off I think you should take the picture with the tree and have it put on a canvas for your wall, that is beautiful.  I can't help with stomach issues but or the boredom we fight the same issues here.  Way to cold for our girls to be out for long, poor Polly gets snowballs between her toes and can't walk right.  We play pretty hard with them in the house, throwing the ball up the stairs so they have to run up and down, you can do the same thing with a hall way...if you have slick floors be sure it doesn't get too rough and they slide into a wall and get hurt.  We are carpeted through out so mine get plenty of traction.  Another thing to do is work on training and tricks, a dog that has to use their brain to pay attention can actually tire out pretty quickly and you end up with a brilliant dog as well.

[Barbara Brooks]

We have been teaching him to catch the ball in his mouth. When he does it, we both yell and start clapping, so he looks super proud of himself. That's been the play time the last few nights. It was -15 this morning and we let him out. He ran out to the middle of the yard, turned around a couple of times and ran back to the door. LOL! He wants to be out there to play, but burrrr!