My reason for joining this group - Apollo

[Kelley D]

Hi All, 

This is Apollo, 11 1/2 week old f1b golden doodle.  Its been 6 years since my chow passed and I have never had a puppy so I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed and tired!  He's lucky I think he is cute!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Welcome, Apollo is a cutie!  

Puppies are exhausting, hang in there.  Our Riley is starting to calm down at 11 months but she still gets the crazies every morning.

[Becka]

OMG that face! I remember the puppy exhaustion well--hang in there! It isn't permanent. And remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy!

[Kelley D]

Thanks for the welcome.  I have a lot of question, but first - the puppy biting while playing!  He gets crazy and I know we are in for it when he starts his puppy noises (growl/moan) type of thing.  Sometimes he seems impossible to settle.  Should we just get a glove and let him bite away?

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I would get an appropriate chew object like a squeaky toy and try to redirect.  If puppy is biting your hands etc. Do a very high pitched "OUCH!" and stop paying attention to pup.  If that doesn't work give yourself a short "time out" in the bathroom or somewhere else pup can't get to you.  Basically you are teaching him if he gets bitey play time is over.

[Kelley D]

Thank you.  I try - sticking one of his toys in place of my hand or arm.  I have also tried the yelping.  I will start getting up from now on, moving away.

[Becka]

The puppy biting is a phase I remember well! J makes excellent suggestions--I do think it's important to redirect rather then just letting him bite. Sadie didn't really stop that phase until I started taking her to a dog park regularly; I think she learned some bite inhibition from her peers there, and I also think she was just more tired. But they do grow out of it, with your help and guidance! 

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

Welcome!  I get the overwhelming thing.  I have a new 12wk old ALD too!  I forgot how much time was spent on potty training.  I would not let him play bite your hands.  It makes him think it's alright.  I always keep a Nyla bone nearby to stick in his mouth and doing the loud "OUCH!" is a must!  Hang in there.  Don't know if you have explored on this site yet, but there are groups you can join.  One of those is Puppy Madness - and it has tons of valuable stuff.  Here's a link:

http://https://doodlekisses.com/group/puppymadness

[Kelley D]

Thank you, I will check this out!  I need to work on biting, not eating sand/dirt, and adding weight and muscle!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Welcome, Apollo.  You are such a cutie.   When he gets over-excited and bitey, he probably needs a nap.  Remember these pups are infants and need lots of sleep.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Puppies oh my so adorable. lovable and fun.  Also a lot of work and time!  Join the puppy madness group.  Find a puppy socialization class until he has had all his vaccinations.  Put on a leash and keep him right by you.  (see the puppy madness group).  Use his crate often, puppies need lots of rest. Start "working" on sit, cown, stay, come.  Practice every day several times for short periods.  Find a puppy class  now for when he is 4 months old. Laugh a lot.  Enjoy.