All the ways a new puppy is a bit like a baby...
I find myself often telling people who are considering one of our puppies, “Getting a puppy is like having a baby!” Here are just a few of the similarities:
- Puppies need to go out at least once a night to go potty. They have teeny bladders! Potty training is a focus during much of their first months of life.
- Once they leave the warmth & security of their Mama, nighttime sleep training can involve some "crying it out."
- Food can be an issue, too!
Puppies are “supposed to” eat three times a day, but they don’t always eat as much as they’re “supposed to,” or maybe they eat too much. They like the food, until they don’t. Sometimes their food gives them unexpected gastro-intestinal problems, resulting in a phase of “trying new things” to see what does best.
So a new puppy parent may have some worry about what to feed and when to feed, just like a new baby parent. And, there’s always the chance that a tired baby will fall asleep in their food…
Finally, what parent doesn’t dread the toddler years, when it seems like they want to do exactly the opposite of what you want or expect them to do?! Puppies are often just the same. This morning, Bekah decided that the puppies needed a second sleeping box in their area, since they’re getting bigger and really seemed to be pushing each other around. She was sure they’d be more comfortable with additional space. So she took the time to find the perfect box, fix it up, expand their gated area, and get everything “just right” for their new sleeping space. She sent me this photo by WhatsApp, captioned, “I gave them two beds, so now they’re using none! 
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Bear with me if you’re not a Bible-reader like we are, but this verse comes to mind: “Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world” (John 16:21).
Of course, this verse has only limited application (but bear with me!) While we’re not the ones birthing the puppies, we’re the ones raising them, for sure. And the pains of “puppy-rearing” are, thankfully, comparatively short-lived. Even if you’re passing through the challenging puppy season, be encouraged! With time and patience, your puppy (as an adult dog) will be a wonderful companion for many years. Take the time to train, be patient, and stay the course.
If the Golden Mountain Doodle is an unfamiliar breed to you, you might find the informational Web site, GoldenMountainDoodles.info, helpful.
If you’re considering one of our puppies, we provide all our new puppy owners with an informative “New Puppy FAQ” that is designed to help you get through some of those first few questions regarding potty training, feeding, and sleeping. (We also do our best to give our puppies a head-start on potty training!). Not only that, you can call or message us any time with questions about your puppy and we’ll always do our best to help, no matter how old your “puppy” is!