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An apricot Goldendoodle puppy stands by a Christmas tree holding a red ball ornament in its mouth in a cozy living room. 3 / 23

The Bottom Branch Was a Mistake. The Goldendoodle Took the Evidence.

AI imagegoldendoodle puppychristmas ornamentchristmas tree

The lowest branch of the tree was a mistake, and the apricot Goldendoodle puppy knows it. He stands beside the wicker tree basket with a shiny red ornament held gently in his mouth, one front paw lifted as though he is about to trot away with his prize. His fluffy coat looks like a freshly baked pastry, and his dark eyes seem to ask whether this is allowed. Behind him a water bottle, a pair of slippers and a scatter of wooden blocks show that Christmas preparations are well underway.

Goldendoodles mix the Golden Retriever's friendliness with the Poodle's intelligence, so they are usually social, quick learners with lots of energy. That combination also means a bored puppy will find his own entertainment. Glass ornaments can shatter into sharp pieces, so many families hang breakable ones higher up and keep the bottom third of the tree for soft or shatterproof decorations. It also helps to anchor the tree so a curious jump cannot topple it, and to offer chew toys so the puppy has something better to carry around. Teaching a calm 'drop it' with a treat swap works well with most puppies.

The ornament is intact, the puppy looks proud and the tree still has hundreds of decorations to spare. Chances are this ball will end up back on its branch a little damp, with a story that gets told every December.

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