His First Birthday is Coming

[SoSa]

It's been a while since I've been active here on Doodle Kisses, so I thought I'd check in with a Doodle Update.

Our Goldendoodle Ace, will be one year old in two weeks. He's been with us since February.

Ace has been thriving since he's been with us and he is definitely a part of our family. You know your doodle has secured is place in the family tree when your husband claims the doodle gets more attention than he does. ;-)

Ace is a standard F1B Goldendoodle. He seems to have settled into his weight. At the last few weigh-ins, he's been at about 69lbs.

In the beginning, I was not sure if Ace would have that typical doodle look because he had a weird coat that was shedding A LOT and he had a muzzle that was very retreiver-ish. However, his coat has transformed. He is curly and has doodled out. He does not really shed anymore.

Ace does have food sensitivities, so we have him on a limited ingredient kibble. We use Petcurean's Go! Limited Ingredient - Venison. We have stopped giving him treats for the most part. For treats, we'll use his kibble. Doing this has helped immensely with digestive issues. His poop has been great.

Ace does suffer from environmental allergies. His allergies cause ear issues and recently he had a breakout on his belly. We've been able to easily treat his symptoms with a special shampoo, spray and ear cleaner given to us by our vet.

Ace has free reign of our home. He has for a while now. We used to crate him for bedtime, but lately, my husband has been allowing him to sleep outside of his crate at night. So far, he's been fine.

Training with Ace has been okay. We still have issues with him going nuts on walks when another dog is nearby and when someone comes to visit. Also, it's hard to take him to stores that are dog friendly because he gets way too excited. He just wants to love everyone he sees. This included lots of jumping and leash pulling. It's been a challenge curbing this behavior.

Ace is a lovable teddy bear and loves to cuddle. He loves car rides of course he loves to play play play. Picture Attached.

[Jenny and Cooper]

Just wanted to say "Hi!" Ace looks so huggable! i think we all have some sort of challenges with our doodles, just like raising children. Lol. With much love, it all works out in the end :) Thanks for the update! I enjoy reading other people's experiences so I can learn from it. Again, Ace is one huggable doodle!

[SoSa]

Thanks, he is indeed oh so huggable. :-)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I took the liberty of inserting Ace's photo for you.  hen you start a discussion, you can input a photo directly so everyone can see it, by clicking on the image icon right next to the LINK icon at the top of the discussion box. Ace has grown into a very handsome doodle.  At one, he is still much like a puppy.  You might check out Doggy Dan Online training (you can find him under the Preferred Vendors tab on the main page).  He will show you how to teach Ace to overcome the issues you are having.  So glad you checked in and gave an update on your adorable boy!  What a sweet face!

[SoSa]

Oh, thanks so much!! :-)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Oops - forgot to say Happy Birthday Ace! And, here is his photo.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Sosa! Missed you! Ace has turned out very handsome!

It looks like you're using an easy walk or similar harness which is what we use for Gracie. She is still quite rambunctious especially when it comes to other people who she just wants to run up to and greet. My husband sit says she will grow out of it soon enough and then you will miss her puppyish ways. Which is true because we just added a new puppy. A Goldendoodle named Jade. I feel much less anxious this time around. She's got a different personality - a little calmer, but I've seen crazy zoomies coming from her too. Lol.

Gracie also cannot behave in the store either. But, I didn't try any high value treats so the next time, I'm going to take t-bone steak! Lol. Jk!
Good to see you again!

[SoSa]

LOL!!!! Thanks. :-) Yup, we're using the easy walk. You are so brave adding a new puppy. I must admit, every now and then, the thought crosses my mind, but I'm not that brave yet :-)

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Ace has turned into a very handsome dude! Thanks for the update- it sounds like he is doing awesome. Keep up with the training- it will eventually pay off when he starts to settle down more. As much as I would rather have an extra friendly dog versus an unfriendly one, I know how frustrating it can be. Winnie is still a wild child whenever someone comes to visit, and she will be 2 in February... sigh...

Stay in touch more! :-)

[SoSa]

Awwwww, thanks. :-)

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

Happy early birthday, Ace!  He's adorable, and as Linda said, he's very much still a puppy at one - so all sounds normal.  Eloise was similar with her excitability and wanting to jump on anyone and everyone.  I use a Gentle Leader with her, which seems to magically calm her down especially in environments where she would otherwise be super excited.  (Stores, rooms full of people, etc.)  To this day, she's still a horrible leash puller even with loads of training, so I feel your pain...we have the Easy Walk harness, and she pulls horribly with that.  She still pulls bit on walks with the Gentle Leader - but that's been the best solution for her.  I really think she must be part sled dog!  (I think because her legs are so long, she really wants to go walk faster than my short legs can walk...if I jog with her, she's totally fine.)

She'll be four next month, and I already find myself missing some of her puppy-ish ways as I can tell she's really "matured" (she's really a super wonderful, awesome dog).  Of course, she might seem more mature compared to her crazy maniac little sister Beasley.  :)  Thanks for the update on Ace!

[SoSa]

:-) thanks. I may need to try the gentle leader.

[DonMarie and Picco]

Happy birthday Ace!   You are such a cutie!

I had problems with treats, particularly pigs ears giving Picco hot spots. Before I figured out what it was, the vet had given sprays etc but I it went away on its own because of the lack of treats.  A friend had a dog that would get yeast infections in her ear from eating pigs ears.   I only give natural treats or make my own and grain-free lamb foods and no problems!

I couldn't get an Easywalk to fit properly, trying 2 sizes but never got that perfect fit!  I now have the Thunderleash and it has been the only anti-pull device to work for us.  Sometimes too good and he won't even walk.