Here is a list of some things you will
need to prepare for the arrival of your new Doodle pup.
Puppy Food
- It is best to purchase a high quality brand of dog
food for your puppy. If possible, choose a food
specially formulated for Large Dogs, or an All Life
Stages food. We use 'Dog Lovers Gold' which is a very high quality brand of dog food.
Food and Water Bowls: I would recommend
purchasing a set of medium-large sized stainless steel
dishes. They're easy to keep clean and they will last a
long time.
Collars & ID Tags: If you are looking to
purchase an ID tag for your pup, they are usually
available near the check-out in large Pet Supply Stores,
or Walmart. There are only a few dollars each and you
can engrave your pet's name, address and contact number
on them.
Leashes: "Gentle Leader" halters are very
useful when training your pup to walk on leash. They
allow you to have much more control of your dog when
you're walking because they fit securely around your
dogs snout and head where they are less likely to pull.
If this is not available to you, you may want to try
another halter. I prefer to use a short lead. It's
great for keeping my dogs close when they need to be and
gives me the ability to correct them without getting
tangled in a leash.
Crate: If you plan on crate training your puppy
(which I strongly recommend), you will need a large size
crate waiting at home. I prefer the large wire crates
as they feel more 'open' so your puppy will not feel
closed-in and isolated. At first you may notice your
puppy will feel "lost" inside their large crate, just
block off half of the crate with the panel that comes
with for making the crate smaller, or with cardboard and
twist-ties if your crate doesn't have a separation
panel, until your puppy is ready for the larger space.
Bedding: You can purchase a wide range of
plush beds for your puppy at any department/pet store,
but while housetraining you might want to stick with a
few old towels.
Toys & Chewies: Our pups LOVE Nylabones
- they are very durable, lasting quite a while before
needing to be replaced. Kongs are also great toys, but
you may need to stuff it with peanut butter for your dog
to show any interest. Stuffed animals are nice and your
pup will love to cuddle with them - just watch out for
buttons and hard plastic eyes/noses, because most of the
time, they just get eaten. Because puppies do chew and
eat their toys, only buy "Pup Approved" toys, and try to
stick with those made out of rubber, not plastic.
Grooming Tools: You will need a gentle
Puppy Shampoo, and a metal tooth comb. Nail clippers can
also be purchased, or if you're too squeamish to do it
yourself (it can get messy if you don't know what you're
doing), a groomer or vet will be able to do this for you
for a small charge.
Baby Gates:
Check out garage sales and pick up a couple baby gates.
These are useful for keeping your pup out of places
he/she shouldn't go.
Puppy Training Books: A book by Bruce Fogle, D.V.M. called
"The New Complete Dog
Training Manual"
has come highly recommended. It's a really
practical and comprehensive book on how to train your
dog to do the most basic (but most important) things.
Enrolling in an obedience class is a great idea as both
pet and owner will benefit from the lessons taught
there.
Small Travel Crate: You may need a smaller
travel crate to transport your puppy home. You can use
this as your primary crate for crate training purposes,
or put it inside your pups larger crate to get him/her
used to their new home.
The following is
information that I downloaded from the AKC Website,
which has many great tips for new dog owners!
Bringing Your Dog Home
v
Welcome Your New Pet
At last! You've made all the preparations, and it's
finally time to bring your new friend home. Give him the
best welcome possible. With love, patience and mutual
respect, he will feel like part of the family in no
time.
v
Let Your Dog Adjust
Give the dog time to adjust to his new home. The dog is
bound to feel insecure and frightened by a change in
environment, and a pup may be homesick for his mother or
littermates. Show him to his crate or bed, and where to
find food and water. Then leave him alone to explore the
new surroundings.
v
Name Your Dog
Your dog will need a good name. Your breeder may have
suggestions or even requirements for his
CKC-registered
name, but his call or informal name is up to you.
v
Make Introductions
Introduce your dog to your household slowly. Many pairs
of hands petting him at once will only frighten him.
Later, introduce him to neighbors, regular visitors and
other family members. Give your dog a sense of who your
- and your dog's - friends are.
v
Introduce Other Pets
Other companion animals in your home should also be
properly introduced to your new dog or puppy. Don't
expect them to get along right away, and don't try to
force them to play together. Give them time to adjust to
one another. Make sure your puppy has had all of his/her
puppy shots first.
v
Housetrain
Whichever method of housetraining you have chosen -
crate training, paper training or litter box - make sure
that all members of the family enforce it consistently.
Accidents happen, so have a procedure for clean-up.
v
Set House Rules
Teach your dog from the beginning what is and is not
appropriate behavior. If something is "OK" today, your
puppy will think it's OK forever. Make sure that every
member of the family enforces the house rules.
Consistency is the key to having a well-behaved pet.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy
v
Go to the Veterinarian
Set up a schedule for regular check-ups with your
veterinarian. Ask the vet questions about your dog's
diet, behavior, activity level or other concerns.
Contact the veterinarian at once if your dog seems ill
or in pain.
v
Feed a Good Diet
Your puppy is being fed Dog Lovers Gold food. Keep the diet consistent, and do not feed
table scraps. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean
water.
v
Exercise
Dogs need regular exercise to ensure continuing good
health. Take your dog for walks, run around in the yard,
throw a ball around - anything to get him up and moving.
This will benefit his health and could prevent behavior
problems.
v
Vaccinate
Dogs should follow a strict schedule of vaccinations to
prevent diseases. Keep your dog current on his
vaccinations, following the schedule recommended by your
veterinarian. Keep a copy of your dog's vaccination
records handy.
v
Prevent Disease
You can take steps to prevent other diseases not covered
by the regular series of vaccinations. Depending on the
area of the country you live in, your dog could be at
risk for diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease.
Ask your veterinarian for advice on prevention.
v
Repel Fleas and Ticks
Aside from discomfort, parasites such as fleas and ticks
can cause serious diseases. Keep your dog, his bedding,
and your home free from parasites by using the method
recommended by your veterinarian.
v
Know Your Dog's Patterns
You should become familiar with your dog's patterns in
terms of eating, drinking, sleeping and relieving
himself. Any major variations in these patterns could
indicate illness and should be reported to your
veterinarian.
v
Provide Chew Toys
Dogs never outgrow the need to chew. Protect your
possessions by providing a variety of chew toys to
satisfy your dog's urges.
v
Bathe Your Dog
A clean dog is a healthy dog. Bathe your dog on a
regular basis appropriate to his breed and environment.
Overbathing can be harmful to a dog's skin. Use a good
shampoo and be sure to rinse well. If bathing your dog
is more than you can handle, take him to a groomer or
veterinarian for help.
v
Groom Your Dog
All dogs should be groomed regularly for health and best
appearance. Some short-coated breeds need just a quick
brushing every week, while some longer-coated breeds
need daily brushing to prevent matting and to reduce
shedding. If your dog requires clipping or sculpting,
you may want to consult a professional groomer.
v
Clip Those Nails
Keeping your dog's nails short will keep him
comfortable, prevent injury to his feet, and may save
the surface of your floors. If you can hear your dog's
nails click on a hard surface, they need to be trimmed.
Ask your veterinarian for advice on clipping your dog's
nails yourself.
v
Clean Those Teeth
To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, clean your dog's
teeth regularly. Most dogs will accept a "toothbrush" if
introduced to it slowly and gently. You can also give
your dog products such as hard biscuits, rope bones and
nylon chews to keep his teeth clean.
v
Prevent Obesity
Keep your dog healthy by maintaining him at an
appropriate weight. Feed him a well-balanced diet and
give him plenty of exercise. Don't give in to begging -
"people food" is generally bad for dogs.
v
Know Your Breed's Health Risks
You should be aware of common health problems in your
breed, how to prevent them, and how to recognize their
onset. For example, some giant breeds are prone to
bloat, while some short-faced breeds are prone to
respiratory problems. Ask your breeder or veterinarian
for information about any signs or symptoms you should
watch for in your pet.
v
Protect From Poisons
Make sure that your home and yard are free from
poisonous substances, such as antifreeze, which tastes
good but can cause serious illness or even death. Keep
your veterinarian's number handy in case of accidental
ingestion.
v
Be Alert to Changing Needs
As your dog ages, his needs will change. He may require
a different diet, need more sleep, and be less active.
Do what you can to keep him comfortable. Your dog may
not be as "fun" as he once was, but he is the same dog
you loved as a puppy. You should do everything you can
to pamper him in his final years.
v
End Suffering
If, due to illness or old age, your dog reaches a point
where his quality of life is severely compromised,
arrange to end his life humanely. Letting go is
sometimes the kindest thing you can do. Don't prolong
the suffering because you fear the pain of losing your
dog.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
v
I.D. Your Dog
Your dog should wear an identification tag with your
name, address and phone number at all times. This will
increase the chances of your dog being returned to you
if he is lost or runs away.
v
Consider Microchips or Tattoos
Microchips and tattoos are methods of permanently
identifying your dog, and can be invaluable in
recovering your dog should he become lost.
v
Provide Shelter
Your dog needs a sheltered area for the time he spends
outside. The shelter should provide shade in summer and
warmth in winter.
v
Watch the Heat
Dogs can succumb to heat stress in a matter of minutes.
Do not leave your dog in the car when the temperature is
high. When your dog is outside, he should have a shady
place to lay down and plenty of fresh, cool water.
v
Travel Safely
Keep your dog safe in the car by using a crate, or by
attaching the dog to a seat belt with a harness. Never
let your dog ride free in the back of a pickup truck, or
allow him to hang his head out of the car window.
v
Find a Pet-Sitter or Boarding Kennel
Make arrangements for your dog's care when you go away.
Have a friend or reliable pet-sitter come over to tend
to the dog, or find a good kennel for boarding. If you
opt for boarding, try to inspect the facilities before
you drop your dog off.
v
Prepare for Disaster
Be prepared to care for your dog in the event of a
disaster such as fire, flood, hurricane or earthquake.
Make an emergency kit with clean water, food, and first
aid equipment. Find out in advance if the evacuation
shelters in your area allow animals. If not, develop
alternatives.
v
Establish an Emergency Contact
Enlist a family member or friend to take care of your
dog in the event of a sudden illness, hospitalization or
other emergency. This person should ideally be someone
your dog has spent some time with and is comfortable
with. Leave a list of general care instructions in a
safe place.
v
Make a Will
You should make arrangements for the safety and care of
your pet in the event of your death. Don't assume that a
family member will step in to take care of the dog.
v
Take Pictures
Of course, you will want a picture of your dog to grace
your desk or to send as a Christmas card. More
importantly, a current photo will be invaluable in the
event that your dog is lost.
Being a Friend
v
Play!
Dogs, of course, love to play. Set aside time each day
for play sessions. Apart from the obvious benefit of
having fun together, play also provides an outlet for
your dog's energy.
v
Go On Walks
Take your dog on frequent walks. He will enjoy exploring
the neighborhood and will benefit from the exercise.
Make sure that you have a good strong leash and that you
maintain control of the dog at all times.
v
Talk to Your Dog
Your dog won't understand your words, but he will enjoy
the sound of your voice. Talking to your dog will make
him feel involved. You can also use different voice
levels to praise or correct your dog's behavior.
v
Give Treats
Your dog will always appreciate a treat, and treats can
be used as a supplement to his regular diet, as well as
an excellent training aid.
v
Love Your Dog
Your dog will love you no matter what. Return the favor.
v
Switch Out Toys
Keep your dog entertained by rotating his toys. Put
"old" toys out of sight for a month or two and then
bring them out again - your dog will enjoy them just as
much as when they were new.
v
Give Your Time
You are the center of your dog's world. You may be tired
after a long day at work, but your dog has spent the day
anxiously awaiting your return. Reward that loyalty with
your time. Pet him, talk to him, play with him, laugh
with him. Let your dog know you value his company.
v
Find the "Spot"
Scratch your dog's belly often. If you find the "spot,"
so much the better.
v
Leave the Radio On
Try leaving the radio or television on when you leave
your dog alone. The noise will keep him company.
v
Plan Activities With Your Dog
Include your dog in family activities. Take him to the
park or on outings to the beach, or to special
activities such as the "Dog Olympics" or dog parades.
Your dog will love being out and about with you.
v
Give a Massage
Dogs love to be petted, and recent studies have shown
that structured massages may be beneficial to your dog's
health and behavior. They may also be very relaxing for
you!
v
Make That Tail Wag
Your dog's tail is a barometer of his emotions. Do what
you can to keep it happily wagging.
v
Go On Trips
Dogs can add another element of fun to a family
vacation. Check ahead for lodging that accepts dogs. If
flying, ask about travel accommodations for your dog
when you make your reservations.
v
Ease Separation Anxiety
Your dog will want to be with you at all times, but for
most people that simply isn't possible. Help your dog
get used to being alone. Leave him each day with a
minimum of fuss. When you come home, greet him calmly.
This will teach him that your leaving is not something
to be concerned about.
v
Give Kisses
Give your dog a kiss, and see how many you get in
return.
v
Get Another One!
Dogs are pack animals by nature and generally enjoy the
company of other dogs. Your dog may benefit greatly from
having a companion to play with. Be as conscientious
about getting a second dog as you were about getting the
first; multiple dog ownership isn't for everyone, and
some dogs do better as an "only."
v
Don't Let Your Dog Down
You aren't a dog owner just at Christmas, or on the
weekends, or in the afternoon, or when you have spare
time. You aren't a dog owner just when the dog is
behaving, or when he's a cute fuzzy puppy, or when he's
winning awards. When you bring a dog into your family,
that dog is yours for life. If you can't keep that
commitment, don't make it. And once you've made it,
don't break it. Your dog's life depends on you.
Training Your Dog
v
Be The Alpha
Dogs need to know who's boss - and that boss should be
you. You and your dog will be much happier together if
you establish yourself as the leader of the pack.
v
Teach Basic Commands
Teach your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come
and down. Training your dog will not only make your life
easier, but will also fulfill your dog's desire to learn
and please you.
v
Socialize Your Dog
Expose your dog to different people and settings
regularly. Take him to the park, to the pet store, on a
walk through town. Praise him for accepting petting from
friendly strangers, and for behaving calmly around other
dogs. The more your dog learns of the world, the more
comfortable he will be in it.
v
Go to Class
Obedience classes can be a great experience for you and
your dog. Your puppy will be a good sized, strong dog
one day, and in order for him to be an enjoyable walking
partner, teaching him to walk without pulling is very
important.
v
Prevent Nuisance Barking
Don't let your dog's incessant barking annoy your
neighbors. Teach your dog not to bark without real
provocation. If your dog's barking is causing problems
while you're away from home, try a silencing collar.
v
Praise Your Dog
Because your dog loves you, he wants to please you.
Praise him lavishly for obeying commands and behaving
well. Using positive, rather than negative,
reinforcement will help your dog enjoy learning.
v
Supervise Play With Children
Children and dogs can be great companions, but they also
require supervision when playing together. Your dog may
be "good with kids," but what if he encounters a kid
that is not good with dogs? Very small children should
never be left alone with a dog, no matter how stable his
temperament.
v
Give Your Dog a Job
Keep your dog active and alert by giving him tasks to
do. Teach him to fetch the paper, carry groceries in a
pack or empty the dryer. Make him sit before getting a
treat or lay down before going outside. Giving your dog
a sense of purpose and accomplishment will increase his
sense of well-being.
