Bringing Home Your Puppy
PREPARATION FOR PICKING UP AND TAKING HOME YOUR PUPPY
- Think about how you want to take your puppy home -- at minimum, you will need a towel for your lap if you plan to hold the puppy; a small wire crate or a zipper carry bag for pets works well if you have some distance to travel. You can get these at a pet store.
- At your home, you will need a medium size wire crate with a divider for potty/crate training. We will discuss instructions for potty training if you need assistance or if we have not already had the conversation with you. Some exceptional videos on crate training including this one from Petco. Many others are available from dog trainers.Excellent resource video -- https://youtu.be/JRVCbd4pQOIPetco has good information on puppy products including wire crates, foods, toys, other products. We also find good pet products at Pet Supplies Plus and PetSmart.
https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/new-pet/Puppy-and-Dog-Crate-Training.html?cm_mmc=PSH-_-GGL-_-CCY-_-CCO-_-PET-_-AQU-_-0-_-PM_GGL_FY20_NewPet_Dog_TEXT-BMM-NB-_-0 0&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp4j6BRCRARIsAGq4yMFRbplfjBEMSKRQnuzKnkrceLblPhparf6dVU9Jvh1HDQ0FxUhtaXYaAnp_EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
- Your puppy will go home with a small bag of food; you may want to continue this brand as your puppy has done very well with it. If you decide to switch brands, then we recommend you use a high medium to high brand of food. When it comes to food, you don't want to cut corners. When switching foods, always transition the switch over several days. i.e., 75 % original to 25% new for a couple of days, then 50%/50% a couple of days, 25%/75% a couple of days, then you are completely on new food. And, don't forget to purchase bowls! Stainless steel is best.
- Your puppy will go home with a collar, leash, and a toy.
- You will receive an up-to-date health record certifying all vaccinations, deworming, microchip implanted and that your puppy is in good health.
- Schedule a Vet appt prior to your puppy going home for a 'puppy purchase wellness visit' to occur within 3 to 4 days after pick up. This will verify the health status of puppy for you and establish a vet for future services. You will also want to set up a vet appt for the second set (9 week) vaccinations from the birthdate of your puppy.
- Plan for a minimum of six weeks of Obedience Training with a reputable dog trainer beginning around 10 weeks of age.
- Identify a reputable groomer who knows how to groom Labradoodles…every groomer does not know how to groom them. First grooming usually comes around 14 weeks just for a shaping up of coat. Regarding the ears: avoid ‘poodle looking’ hair cuts, i.e., no pom-pom ears; I suggest layer cutting your puppy’s ears so as to have sporty, sleek-like appearance; and ear coat should be no longer than 1” below the leather, i.e., I suggest avoid long, floppy hanging ears that can mat up easily. Generally, coat length should be pretty much the same all over the body.
- Dates for vaccinations – weeks 9, 12, 16; [discussion of flea & tic, heartworm treatment with vet].
- NUTRITION matters: The choice you make plays a vital role in the Health and Longevity of your pet. FOOD: There is a significant difference in quality so please don’t risk feeding your pup foods that may be recalled or source ingredients from China or ingredients that are toxic. Sign up for recalls here: www.dogfoodadvisor.com
- We also highly recommend © NUVET PLUS WELLNESS WAFERS. Why? Gives pets the Longest-Healthiest lives possible. It fills in vital nutrients missing in processed pet food which boosts immunity, reduces cell damage which causes rapid aging, and supports optimal health. Nuvet has a 23 year recall-free record and human grade ingredients. Click here: www.nuvet.com/15451 OR Call 800-474-7400, reference # 15451 (They also carry natural ear cleaner, shampoos and spot remover for potty training) They offer Auto-Ship which breaks down to about $16 a month.
To summarize additional BASICS in preparation:
____ Food and water bowls ( stainless steel – avoid plastic which can leach into the food/water )
____ Bed: We like Wash’nZip: www.washnzippetbed.com Easy to clean & hard to destroy! Get the Puppy
Proofer too. Pet stores also have goods ones.
____ Leash & collar *puppy goes home with a leash and collar!
____ PLEASE be sure to register your microchip!!!
____ ID tag and collar
____ Puppy waste bags - for walks
____Crate. It is best to purchase a wire crate with a divider to expand as they grow and to remove once it is no longer needed. This is the best way to potty train your dog. The crate is not ‘cruel’ but actually gives your puppy comfort like a ‘den’ once they adjust to it. They will cry at 1st much like a baby adjusting to a crib.
TRAINING:
____ Puppy pee pads - if you plan to train your pup indoors at any time *although, I do NOT recommend this!
But, some pet families choose to do so.
____ Paper towels & spot cleaner - for accidents
____ Teething toys – strong teething toys, find at local pet stores
____ Puppy treats – We love NuVet and so does your pup. If using others, CHECK INGREDIENTS! Many have fillers and ingredients that may cause upset tummies and diarrhea. STAY AWAY FROM RAWHIDE PRODUCTS!
____ Highly recommend your puppy goes to formal training classes beginning around 10 weeks of age. This is also good for socialization!
____ Good puppy books - some suggestions:
- How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves - by Sophia Yin
- The Dog Listener - by Jan Fennel
- How to Raise the Perfect Dog Through Puppyhood & Beyond - Cesar Millan
- The Puppy Primer - Pat McConnell's
GROOMING:
____ ‘Puppy Tearless’ Shampoo and conditioner – Some groomers recommend oatmeal based shampoo. DO NOT USE HUMAN PRODUCTS - Dogs have different PH and human shampoos are irritating
____ Dog brush, metal comb, de-matting comb
____ Dog tooth brush and toothpaste
____ Ear cleaner (NuVet’s is great)
Our mission is to bring LOVE, JOY and LAUGHTER to your home. We focus on developing a healthy, well-bred, and well-socialized puppy. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of assisting you with your new Australian Labradoodle pet companion!
