After loosing my last GSD a few weeks ago we have a new puppy.

I'm one of those people that can't go without a dog. Wife and I both wanted a dog for inside but wife said no more shedding. She has been super supportive of my dog habit forever. We've been married for coming on to 54 yrs this September and I agreed on the no shedding. Shocking to many of my friends we now have a Standard Poodle. My herding mentor, Terrasita Cuffie found exactly what I was looking for she she found Morley's Standard Poodles in Quincy Illinois. That just a tad over 2 hours from my house. The best news? They breed "performance" Poodles. I saw my pup's Sire, Dam and grand dam. All three well put together AND all three are excellent duck and goose hunters. Lots of video from all over with hunting Poodles. Other then squirrel and rabbit hunting as a kid and doing natural earthwork with terriers I've never been a hunter. Got him, Ami, last Saturday and have started basic marker training. Already his recall is super. I'm taking advantage of the fact that puppies under 11-12 weeks old they do NOT want to be alone. After loading the marker through his second day with us I started walking around the yard and marking and rewarding every time he caught up with me. I would run ahead with a "Ami here". Picked it up very fast. Both wife and I have been VERY careful to take him outside every 20-30 mins and all the typical reasons to do so. When he wakes up, after he plays, after he eats. We've had him for 8 days now and today wife was in the kitchen and he was following her around. He started getting a bit squirmy and stood at the door and yipped. Did his job immediately when he got to the grass. Was sleeping through the night on the third day also. I got luck on this guy. He was the largest in the litter and they said he will be the size of his sire at 27 inches at the shoulder and 70 lbs. Inky black coat that breeder says will turn silver as he matures. He's 7 wks old and we will be going into herding when he gets to be 6 months In October. There are a few CHs in his background but many OB, hunting, dock diving, etc in there. I plan on getting in whatever we can. Would "I'm Back in the Saddle Again" be a correct song even if it's a dog?

Bob, again, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost Trooper. But it's wonderful news to hear that you've gotten another dog to fill that need that all of us dog people are familiar with. A performance-bred Standard Poodle sounds like the perfect fit for you and your wife! They are extraordinarily intelligent and trainable dogs. I've only been around a few of them among my fellow club members but have found myself thinking, "You know, these are really nice dogs."

I know Ami is very lucky to have gotten a home with you. You will bring him up right and I'm sure the two of you will have many fun adventures together.

I've admired Poodles I've known too, Cheri. One of my best dog friends at the present is a Poodle -- she looks like Bob's new puppy, but white instead of black.

Wow, Bob! Slept through the night on the third night!

Thanks Cheri and Connie.
Not that he didn't try us that first night but it only lasted 10-15 mins. maybe 5 mins the second night. The breeder already had them sleeping in separate crates but in the same room. The breeder gave us a pad and a couple of plush toys from the crate he was in there. I added a not so clean t-shirt I had intentionally wore for two days. I'm thinking that all helped. His crate is in the kitchen and will be used until we feel he can be trusted in the house through the night. House breaking is going great. One mistake (ours) since we got him on June 6th. Today he actually barked at the kitchen door to be let out. Not ready to say he learns as quickly at Thunder but it's close. Probably because he's not old enough to read the training books like Thunder did.

 Quote: Bob Scott

Thanks Cheri and Connie.
Not that he didn't try us that first night but it only lasted 10-15 mins. maybe 5 mins the second night. The breeder already had them sleeping in separate crates but in the same room. The breeder gave us a pad and a couple of plush toys from the crate he was in there. I added a not so clean t-shirt I had intentionally wore for two days. I'm thinking that all helped. His crate is in the kitchen and will be used until we feel he can be trusted in the house through the night. House breaking is going great. One mistake (ours) since we got him on June 6th. Today he actually barked at the kitchen door to be let out. Not ready to say he learns as quickly at Thunder but it's close. Probably because he's not old enough to read the training books like Thunder did.

I love to read the puppy saga!

Hopefully I can focus enough to do it!

You can do it!

Think of it this way. As we grow older (and we're all doing that, like it or not!) the mental and physical challenges of bringing up a new puppy is beneficial in helping our bodies and our brains stay healthy and feel younger.

 Quote: Cheri Grissom

Think of it this way. As we grow older (and we're all doing that, like it or not!) the mental and physical challenges of bringing up a new puppy is beneficial in helping our bodies and our brains stay healthy and feel younger.

I sure would agree with that!

For sure!