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Raising a Doodle Virtual Book Tour
Participating in a virtual tour for the book Raising a Doodle was a no brainer for this Doodle loving mom! We are fortunate to have a Goldendoodle service dog that has completely changed my daughter’s life for the better. I jumped at the chance to read this wonderful book and post about it on my blog. Raising A Doodle by Theresa Piasta and Audrey Courchesne was a fun and educational read. The book is relatable to our family thanks to our experience with Ned our Doodle.
Service Dog Training
Ned was trained by 4 Paws for Ability as an FASD Assistance dog for my daughter (our story). We attended training and brought Ned home in 2015. We were fortunate to have received a fully trained dog. Ned was obedience, potty, and crate trained by the time we attended the service dog training. Ned was also specifically tasked trained and well socialized.
A lot of work is required to train a puppy. Children who have service dogs often struggle with social skills due to their disability challenges. Their service dogs are trained to be a social bridge for their child. Some service dogs attend school with their children (and adult handlers). A child’s “cool factor” increases exponentially when a fluffy, Doodle accompanies them. Goldendoodles are ideal service dogs. They are smart (poodle) and great with children (golden retriever).
Training and Tips for Doodle Owners
The step-by-step instructions and tips discussed in each chapter beginning with bringing a Doodle puppy home, are helpful for new parents. The examples mentioned are specific for blended breed Doodles and are particularly helpful. A Doodle’s stages of development are covered in this book.
So Many Breed Combinations
I had no idea that so many breeds are crossbred with miniature and standard poodles. The combinations are endless and result in both tiny and huge dogs. We have the huge, ninety-five-pound variety and we affectionally refer to Ned as our polar bear.
Beautiful Photographs
As I read Raising a Doodle, I particularly loved the beautiful, heartfelt photos of these adorable dogs and their owners. The photographs are relatable to us Doodle moms. They depict adorable, puffballs of love that are smart, loyal, funny, and hard-working dogs.
Our Doodle
There is something incredibly calming about petting our Doodle’s head. The fur is soft and luxurious. In addition to calming my daughter, anyone petting our Doodle feels calm and peaceful. Ned does not shed. For this, my vacuum is grateful. Ned is incredibly in tune with my daughter. When my daughter has challenging behavior due to her disability, Ned instinctively knows exactly when she needs his calming pressure or behavior disruption skills. Doodles are ideal dogs for important jobs. This is now even more evident after reading about others’ experiences.
Ned is Part Human
A little human lives in Ned. When he looks at me intently, I can see that person looking back. His eyes are human eyes. Now I know that I am not alone. Doodles have mannerisms, looks, and behaviors just like humans because they are part human, insists all Doodle parents.
Canine Therapy Mentioned in Raising a Doodle
The authors included a chapter about therapy dogs. I can speak from personal experience about the power of dog healing. Working for a University that dealt with an active shooter was traumatizing. It was a terrible day (it could have been much worse). Ned gave me much needed love and comfort when I got home that night. Because Ned helped me, he went to work the next day to share his comfort and love with others.
During the day students, staff, and administrators visited with Ned. They hugged, pet and laid next to him in quiet reflection. Ned showered everyone who needed it, with unconditional love, high fives, and kisses.
Virtual Book Tour Was a Pleasure
I highly recommend Raising a Doodle especially for anyone considering a Doodle to their family. The book is packed with helpful information that gives you a good look at life with a Doodle. The information will help narrow down which Doodle might work best for your family. Participating in a virtual tour for the book Raising a Doodle was an honor. Happy reading!
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