DOB January 29, 2025
The Boys
The Girls
Introducing our Up and Coming “Trained Puppy Program”
From a young age, it has been my dream to breed puppies. Ten years ago, my dream became a reality as our first breeding pair, Ruska and Tulo, joined the family. Ruska took a little longer to mature, so I waited until she was three to breed. Since my first litter, I have continued to learn and improve, always with the well-being of our puppies as my top priority. Through reading, courses, and experience, I have strived to reach our goal — ‘To Raise Healthy, Calm, Confident, Well-Adjusted Puppies.’
Over the years, we have had families ask if we offer extra training for their puppies. Until now, this option has not been available. Next year (2025), we have decided to offer families extra training if they choose. This will be offered for one or two puppies per litter if requested.
Presently, our puppies head home at eight weeks of age. This year, we had the opportunity to train two of Echo’s Puppies and two of Willow’s puppies, which gave us insight into the next four to six weeks of puppy training. We currently have Pink and Orange Collar Girls looking for their forever families. In the meantime, we have been caring for and training them. They are a little older and have learned so much over the past few weeks.
Training
During the past weeks, the puppies have been working on learning to go potty outside, crate training for naps and overnight, walking nicely on a leash, and learning basic commands such as sit, down, come, and stay. Each day, Tom works with the puppies for short training sessions. Practice makes perfect.👏👏👏
Commands Used Througout the Day
Throughout the day, as we interact with the puppies, it is essential to use the commands that they learn during their training. This reinforces the commands that they have been learning during their daily training sessions. For example, when the puppy wants attention, they must sit before getting a pat. Another example is during feeding time when they are instructed to sit before they get their food.
Crate Training
The puppies have learned to stay in their crates for an extended period during the day for nap time and Nighttime. They can now sleep in their crates for seven to eight hours without a midnight potty break.
Socialization
Goldendoodles are companion dogs and want to participate in everything you as a family do. Whether going for a walk or joining the family as a soccer or baseball field spectator in the summer. Whatever the family is doing, your puppy will want to join in. This is why training a puppy from a young age is so important.
On Friday, we took the puppies along to watch my grandson’s baseball game. This was an excellent opportunity to socialize the puppies, as they were exposed to a new environment, people, and noise. As you can imagine, baseball can produce lots of different noises, from people cheering to children playing and traffic nearby.
A puppy is always a magnet for people, both young and old. When people wanted to meet the puppies, they were instructed to sit before getting a pat. After much interaction, the puppies lay in the shade for a nap.
Share this:
Maui & Willow’s Pups Explore the Yard Together
Busy Week
It has been a busy week and a half. There are so many puppies that need our care, vet visits, and puppy preparation for heading home. Something had to give, and it was our weekly blog. I do appoligize to those of you waiting to see the puppy updates.
Vet Visit
Maui’s puppies visited the vet. Everyone was found to be healthy! They were very well behaved during their exam and brave when they received their vaccination and dreaded microchip. We only had one puppy that gave out a small yelp. They are such brave puppies.
I was pleasantly surprised that the puppies were so quiet for their first car ride. They settled into the crate both when they went to the vet and again when they headed home.
Puppy Call
Willow’s puppies continued exploring the yard while Maui’s puppies joined them. They have had a great time running, exploring and playing together. They love to wrestle with each other, and they learn to have a soft mouth. If a puppy bites too hard, it won’t have any friends to play with.
This is also a time when we work on recall with the “Puppy Call.” Every puppy doesn’t come every time—puppies need repetition. This is the start of their recall training, a crucial aspect of their development. It’s something that their forever families will need to build on when they go home.
Crate Training
We begin crate training when the whelping box is removed and replaced with crates in the puppy area. The door is left open, and the puppies can enter and explore if they wish. Some puppies like to sleep in the crate, while others go in to play hide and seek with a littermate and come out again. The puppies have started napping in their crate with the door closed this week. We always have a puppy or two in the litter that complain. When we close the door, I will give each puppy a biscuit to distract them. This helps the puppies associate the crate with something good.
A Look Back
The puppies have enjoyed playing and exploring in the big yard. This is when our mothers and other adult dogs teach the puppies and train them to listen and to submit.
Saying Good-Bye
This past week, some of Willow’s puppies left for their forever homes. Saying goodbye is always a bittersweet time for me, but I love to share the joy with their forever families as they welcome their new additions. We wish each puppy a long, happy life full of love and new adventures.
Share this:
Willow and Brinkley’s Seven Weeks Old Cuties
Seven Weeks Old
Willow and Brinkley’s puppies are now seven weeks old. Willow has done a fantastic job raising her puppies, teaching them to behave and listen to mama. She continues to be the strict mama, and you can definitely see the results. With a growl from Mama, when the puppies get too “wild,” they calm down.
This week has been busy. The puppies have mastered going in and out of the house on their own, had their first car ride when they visited the vet, were introduced to water, and had play dates with Maui’s puppies. They have also transitioned to eating dry kibble.
Water Play
This past week, we have been experiencing a heat wave. It was so hot that I had to restrict the puppies’ time outside. I would take them out in the morning for a couple of hours and then bring them back into the house, where it was cool. We would again give them some outdoor play time in the late afternoon.
We added water play to help keep the puppies cool during outdoor play. In the puppy enclosure, we put various-sized containers filled with water and a pool for the puppies to cool off in.
When we added water to the pool, all the puppies were curious. It is essential to let the puppies explore the water independently so they do not have a bad first experience with it. Some puppies were brave and climbed in; some stayed back and watched.
Puppies Meal Time
Newborn puppies get all their nourishment from their mother’s milk. When Willow started weaning her puppies at three weeks of age, it was time to start them on solids.
During weaning, the puppies start solids in progression. First, they eat a ground, watery puppy mush. Second, we soak kibble in hot water to make it waterlogged and soft. Lastly, the puppies transition to dry kibble.
When this happens, feeding time is so easy. No more grinding puppy food to turn it into puppy mush or having to wait while the kibble is soaked in hot water. Feeding time is easy now because I just scoop the dry kibble into the dishes and watch the waiting puppies devour their food.
The puppies are learning to exit the house on their own.
Puppies Visit the Vet
On Wednesday, the puppies had a couple of new firsts. They visited the veterinarian for their wellness check, vaccination, and microchip, and they also had their first car ride.
When we take the puppies to the vet, Tom stays at the truck with them in the large crate, and I take them into the office for their exam two by two. The weather was scorching that day, so we devised a different plan. We would take all the puppies into the office where it was cool. It worked out very well. We put the crate onto a dolly and rolled it into the office. Tom stayed with the puppies in the waiting room while I took each puppy into the examination room for their check-up
All the puppies behaved well and passed their Wellness Exam “with flying colours!” The car ride home was quiet because the puppies settled in for a nap after their big adventure.
A look back week seven
Looking Ahead to Week Eight
- Puppies will continue exploring and playing together inside and outdoors as weather permits
- The puppies will get to run in the BIG yard where we will work on recall
- Willow along with our other dogs will continue teaching the puppies dog manners
- Crate training with the door closed during nap time
- We will continue to encourage puppies to use the potty area
- Puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time
Share this:
Look at Maui’s Adorable Six-Week-Old Puppies
Six Weeks Old
The puppies are six weeks old today. We have had another busy week caring for them and introducing them to many new things. They have grown bigger, and you can see each unique personality developing. Maui continues to wean her puppies while they eat softened kibble. We continue to work on potty training, and we are making progress. Some puppies are more consistent, but all the puppies are making progress.
The Girls
The Boys
New Puppy Area
We said goodbye to the whelping box this week and started crate training in a new puppy area. I started the puppies with two crates, leaving the door open. This is the beginning of crate training. The puppies explore independently, and the door is always open.
Looking Back At Week Six
The puppies experienced new things. They enjoy outdoor play time with their own litter. We also introduced them to Willow’s litter during some of their outdoor play time.
This past week has been very hot, so we introduced water through various containers and a pool. The puppies loved the water and some were brave and went into the pool
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK SEVEN
In Week Seven, we will be working on obstacles. The puppies must use their brains to figure out how to maneuver around them. The puppies will also learn how to go down steps.
- Puppies will meet their forever families
- Puppies time spent awake will continue to increase
- Puppies will begin dry kibble by the end of week seven
- Puppies will visit the vet for their wellness check-up and vaccinations
- We will continue to encourage puppies to use potty box
- Puppies will continue to socialize and learn from each other through play
- Puppies will continue exploring and playing together outdoor as weather permits
- Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines them and teaches them to behave
- As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time.
Share this:
Willow’s Six Week Puppies…So Cute
The puppies are six weeks old. We have had another busy week caring for them and introducing them to many new things. They have grown bigger, and you can see each unique personality developing. The puppies have now progressed to eating softened kibble. They enjoy wrestling, running and chasing each other during outdoor playtime. They are doing very well using their potty box inside. We still have accidents here and there, but for the most part, they are fairly consistent.
We are working on teaching the puppies recall with our “puppy puppy.” They are alerted and come to me. Right now, we call when I want them to come to the entrance of the puppy enclosure to take them outside and also when it is time for their meal. Recall is an ongoing learning lesson that our forever families will continue teaching their puppies.
We also expose the puppies to grooming, which makes it easier for their forever family to continue when they go home. We brush the puppies daily, clip their nails, and clean their ears weekly.
Willow continues to be the strict mama, and her puppies listen well to her. She has been teaching individual puppies to submit.
Selection Day
There is always excitement on Selection Day. We love sharing this excitement as we introduce families to the puppies. It was great to meet Willow’s puppies’ families and help them choose their puppy.
Looking back on Week Six
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK SEVEN
In Week Seven, we will be working on obstacles. The puppies must use their brains to figure out how to maneuver around them. The puppies will also learn how to go down steps.
- Puppies time spent awake will continue to increase
- Puppies will begin dry kibble by the end of week seven
- We will continue to encourage puppies to use potty box
- Puppies will continue to socialize and learn from each other through play
- Puppies will continue exploring and playing together outdoor as weather permits
- Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines them and teaches them to behave
- As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time.
Share this:
Five weeks old and learning so much
Five Weeks and Counting
It’s hard to believe Willow and Brinkley’s puppies are five weeks old. They have progressed to eating softened kibble, and they are doing well and getting a little chubbier now. They have had a busy week experiencing new things. The puppies moved to the main floor, where they had more space, lots to explore, and new toys.
Introducing Crates
We said goodbye to the Whelping Box on Sunday and set up a new puppy area. At first, we must keep the space small. We want the puppies to use the potty boxes, and if the area is too large, potty training will not progress. The puppies’ enclosure has crates, potty boxes, and an elevated bed, which they love. We keep the crate doors open, and the puppies can enter when they like. We don’t want the crates to be intimidating; instead, we want them to look at crates as a comfy, safe space to sleep.
We continue to work on teaching puppies to void in one spot—in the potty box, not just anywhere. Potty training is going well. Some puppies are better than others, but we are progressing.
A Look Back at Week Five
When our litters turn five weeks old, we begin outdoor play, weather permitting. This should have happened on Sunday; however, we had such a rainy day that we could not go outside. So, on Monday, the puppies had their first outdoor adventure. I was surprised this litter was so outgoing when we took them out. Puppies usually explore their new environment cautiously, taking their time to move around. But not this litter. They smelled around for a few minutes and then took off running, exploring and playing. Could it be because Willow is a strict mama and doesn’t baby her puppies?
After a long play session, the puppies had a long nap to recharge.
Milk Anyone?
Willow started weaning her puppies when they turned three weeks old. She still lets them have a short nurse but quickly regurgitates food for them to eat. Yesterday, when they were in the outside puppy enclosure, Maui joined in to give Willow a hand teaching. The puppies soon realized that if Mama Willow wouldn’t provide the milk, maybe Auntie Maui would.
Looking Ahead to Week Six
- Awake time will continue to increase
- Puppies will continue learning to use potty box both indoor and outdoors
- Socialize with each other through play
- As they walk on uneven ground, their balance will continue to improve
- Daily Outdoor play time as weather permits
- Puppies will continue learning from their mama and our other adult dogs as they teach them dog manners
- Puppies will meet their forever families ❤️
- As always, puppies will get lots of cuddle time.
Share this:
Eight Weeks Old and Time to Say Good-Bye
Echo’s Puppies
Eight Weeks Old
Eight weeks have passed since Echo’s tiny babies came into the world. Remember how small they were…..We could hold them in the palm of my hand. They have learned so much over these past eight weeks. I have enjoyed raising them to the point where they are ready to join their forever families. The puppies have spent their time outdoors, running and exploring in our yard. Echo has done a fantastic job raising and teaching her puppies. This past week, we have worked on acceptable behaviour, mainly the difference between nipping and kissing. Puppies are not always consistent but have made significant progress in this area. I love puppy kisses!!!
LOOKING AHEAD
Puppies are leaving this week for their forever homes. You have a lot of work ahead of you: correcting, training, caring for your new puppy, and learning. The time and work you put into training your puppy pays off when you have a loving, well-behaved dog that will love you as only a dog can— but be patient; they are still unconditionally. You will be the most important person in the world to them.
It is always bittersweet to say goodbye to our puppies. I have enjoyed every minute of their care, and they have a piece of my heart. I say goodbye to my puppies with sadness, but seeing the excitement of their forever families brings me joy. Wishing you a long and happy life! ❤️
Maui’s Puppies
Maui’s puppies are growing bigger and more adorable with each passing day! This week, they started potty training; although they still sleep much of the day, when awake, they love socializing with their littermates through play and climbing on my lap for cuddles.
Puppies Start Solids
Maui has done a great job feeding her puppies; they are healthy, chubby babies. Now that the puppies have turned four weeks old, it’s time to start solids.
A look at those adorable faces
The Girls
The Boys
A LOOK BACK AT WEEK FOUR
Looking Ahead to Week Five
- Move to the main floor
- Puppies will continue learning to use the potty area
- Awake time will increase
- The puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play
- Toys will be added to our whelping box for puppies to explore
- Enlarging the puppy area, giving puppies room to play and explore
- Mama will now add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.
Share this:
Echo’s Six Week Old Sweeties
Looking back
The puppies are six weeks old today. We have had another busy week caring for them and introducing them to many new things. They have grown bigger, and you can see each unique personality developing. Echo continues to wean her puppies, and they eat softened kibble. We continue to work on Potty training. Some puppies are more consistent than others, but we are making progress.
Crate Introduction
This week, we said goodbye to the whelping box and started crate training in a new puppy area. I start the puppies with a few crates, leaving the door open. This is the beginning of crate training. The puppies go in on their own to explore, and the door is always open.
Selection Day
This past Saturday was Selection Day. The weather was beautiful, and excitement was in the air as we met each forever family and introduced them to their new puppy! It always brings me joy to know that all our puppies are joining such amazing families and will be loved!
Outdoor Play
We’ve been having wonderful weather, and the puppies really enjoy their outdoor play time. They love running, chasing each other, playing with the activity center, and climbing the “rock wall.”
Echo, Willow, and Maui teach the puppies proper doggy manners during the outdoor play sessions.
Looking Ahead to Week 7
- Awake will continue to increase
- Puppies will begin dry kibble by the end of week seven
- We will continue to encourage puppies to use potty box
- Puppies will continue to socialize and learn from each other through play
- Exploring and playing together outdoors as weather permits
- Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines and teaches them to behave
- As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time
Share this:
Willow’s Puppies Turn Two Weeks Old
The Transitional Period
Willow’s puppies are now two weeks old and have entered the Transitional Period from day 14 – 21. Each litter is different and enters the next period, the Critical Socialization Period when the puppies “first startle” at a sound.
Milestones
When raising puppies, we watch for Milestones to gauge the progress of our puppies. This weekWillow’s puppies reached two milestones.
Weigh-In
The first milestone the puppies reached this week was Doubling Their Birthweight. We are pleased to say that all Willow’s puppies have double their birth weight. Great job Willow!
Eyes Opened
Day 11
Another milestone was reached later in the week – Eyes Opening. Puppy’s eyes open between day 10 and day 14. On day 11, I was excited to notice that Yellow Girl had opened her eyes. Seeing the puppies look back at me is always exciting – I think they look more “alive”!
Soon after, and day by day the rest of the puppies opened their eyes too.
Daily Cleaning
As we stated before newborn puppies are susceptible to disease. For this reason, it is important to keep their area clean. We clean and disinfect their whelping box daily.
What is Vet Bedding? At first glance, you may think it is sheepskin. It is a manmade version of a sheepskin. It’s made from artificial fibres and has two sections: first, an underlying mesh, similar to the “skin” part of a sheepskin, and second, the comfy, soft, springy artificial fleece part that is attached to the mesh.
Puppies must have proper traction while nursing, moving around the whelping box, and learning to walk as this traction protects the puppy’s growing joints.
Time to Add a Panel
While cleaning in the whelping room Willow was resting on the elevated bed. I looked over to see some of her puppies had climbed out of their box and were nursing.
It is time to add a panel to the entrance
Looking Back at Week Two
The puppies spend their time eating and sleeping.
DAY 14
Puppies return to a clean whelping box. Notice how the puppies are starting to use their hind legs.
Those Beautiful Eyes
The Boys
The Girls
Looking Ahead to Week Three
- ENS exercises will continue until day 16
- Puppies will continue to eat and sleep most of their day
- Sight will become clearer
- Ears will open and they will begin to hear.
- Puppies will practice walking on all fours, strengthening their hind legs
- They will become more aware of their littermates and start to interact
- Puppies will start to vocalize
