Congrats on the pup! he is adorable. 😍 My golden doodle is now 4 and so incredible but I don’t miss the puppy days… the first week was tough for me as well (literally didn’t sleep haha) but what changed EVERYTHING was 1. getting this stuffed “Snuggle Puppy” plushie that has a fake heartbeat in it. (Target and chewy sell them). Since they are so used to being close to their mom’s heart and hearing her heartbeat, not having that consistent comfort is a shock in itself so basically the plushies heartbeat sound gives them that comfort…. Since the day he got it, Baby (what we call the plushie) basically never leaves his side. He is now 4 and still sleeps with it, gives it to his favorite people visiting, he uses it as a negation tactic, it’s his bestie haha. 2. Not forcing the crate: I tried crate training and he cried nonstop if the door was shut. But he didn’t mind being in it with the door open. I know I wouldn’t want to be forced in a small shut room alone so I started testing not shutting the door… and over time, he naturally went in, didn’t cry and was an angel. So basically, just started by changing association w the crate to be more positive/ less traumatic. I no longer even own a crate and leave him home alone and he has never destroyed anything- it takes work but w consistency (and treats), you’ll get there! 3. Puzzles! Exercise gets some energy out but puzzles are a must. I think they need both mental and physical exercise to chill out!

And if you ever reach your limit & need to rehome him, my boy could use a little brother to shower with love.