Puppy Info
We've put together a few things we think you should know before your puppy comes home.
Preparing for your puppy by buying some starter items is essential to making your puppy's transition to his or her new home as smooth as possible.
Check out some of our favorite products on our Puppy Products page.
Training classes when your puppy is fully vaccinated can help your puppy to understand his or her place in the world.
Check out our recommended on-line Training program!
How soon should I take my puppy to a vet?
Your puppy needs to be taken to a vet within 3 business days after your purchase to validate the two-year health guarantee. You should line up a vet that you're going to have a good relationship with even before your purchase, if possible. Ask them about vaccinations, training, and preventives for heartworm, fleas, and ticks.
How should I socialize my puppy?
Puppies need interactions with other dogs and people. One of the best ways to do this is to enroll your puppy in a puppy training class. Not only will you and your dog learn a few good training tips, but your puppy will have a chance to see and interact with many other dogs and people at the same time. Do not skip this step! Make sure your puppy is fully vaccinated before taking them out to any public place. Then, as often as possible, take them on walks, take them to a pet store, even Home Depot allows dogs in their stores. Get them out and about while they are young and you will reap the rewards.
Do you recommend crate training?
We think crate training can be very effective, if done correctly. This is an age-old technique that has good results with these puppies because they are very smart. You'll be surprised at how quickly they learn. Several good articles on crate training can be found at the AKC website How to Crate Train Your Puppy and at the Humane Society Website Crate Training 101.
How often should I brush or groom my puppy?
Your puppy's coat won't actually need brushing for a few weeks, but it's a good idea to use a slicker brush on him or her early to get them used to the idea of being brushed. As they mature, Doodles typically need grooming every 2-3 months, depending on how often you brush them and how short you prefer to keep their coat. Consistent thorough brushing will keep your dog from getting matted.
Why is it important to train my puppy?
Doodles thrive in an environment where there are rules and boundaries set for them. Setting rules by training them is not only helpful to you as the owner, but also makes your puppy happier. At a minimum, we recommend you attend a good Puppy class. Many Doodles go on to further training, and are often the breed of choice for Service and Therapy dogs because of their intelligence and their calm dispositions.