Doodle Puppy Prep
It's important to be prepared before bringing a puppy home. Here are some things we recommend you buy, budget for, do, and consider before your puppy's go home day.
What to Buy
Toys
We recommend toys made of natural materials such as leather, cotton, hemp, wool, etc. All of these materials are safe for dogs to chew and are more durable than their artificial counterparts, such as polyester, vinyl, or plastic. Rubber and natural latex are also good options, but avoid toys made in China as there are no regulatory bodies to ensure quality or safety of the materials used in the toys.
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Food
We recommend continuing to feed Purina Pro Plan Puppy - Shredded Chicken and Rice formula. You will need two bowls, one designated for food, and one for water. We recommend single ingredient treats, for example, beef liver bites, dried sweet potato chips, freeze dried chicken, etc. When looking for bones, we recommend cured femurs. Avoid ribs, as they tend to shatter, and avoid raw bones, as they can be unsanitary or attract undesired wildlife.
Training Gear
We send our puppies home with an identification collar. This is not to be used for leash training, as it has a safety release function and will release when tugged on. We recommend buying a harness and non-retractable leash to begin leash training. Do not buy a fancy, bedazzled harness or collar while your puppy is still growing. Please wait until they are fully grown before investing in the perfect collar and harness.
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We recommend purchasing a crate that is large enough to accommodate the dog at its final estimated weight. Most large crates come with dividers so that the crate can start small, and then grow as the puppy grows. Buying one crate and using dividers will save you money and hassle down the line. Consider accessorizing your puppy's crate with a cover, doggy bed, and/or blankets to make the crate more appealing and comfortable.
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We recommend buying pee pads. Our puppies go home with the beginnings of house training already underway, but it is good to be prepared for accidents as they learn their new space. We also recommend having extra paper towels and cleaners on hand.​
Grooming & Sanitary Gear
We recommend buying a slicker brush for your doodle's coat. We recommend either scissor style or grinder style nail trimmers. Avoid guillotine style, as this leaves the nails with a sharp, crushed end. We recommend using dog specific shampoo, as their skin pH is different from humans' skin pH. We use Arm & Hammer for dog shampoo and tooth paste. We recommend using a fingerbrush, rather than a toothbrush. Because Goldendoodles and Irishdoodles have floppy ears, we recommend cleaning their ears with Earth Rated ear wipes. We recommend Top Paw Curved Ball Tip Pet Hair Scissors to trim the furnishings aroung the eyes and muzzle, as well as the bum. Trimming these areas at home can extend time between groomings.
Safety & Other
If your home has stairs, we recommend setting up baby gates in front of the stairs to prevent falls while the puppy is small. You can also use baby gates to contain the puppy in one room while they continue their house training. We recommend plug covers, as puppies tend to explore with their mouths.
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Other things to have on hand include poop bags, a doggy seatbelt for car trips, and winter gear if your pup is going home in the winter (booties & jacket).
What to Budget For
Licensing Fees
Every municipality in Ontario requires all dogs to be registered and up to date on their vaccines. There is often a yearly fee associated with this registration. This fee varies, depending on your municipality.
Accessories
As your puppy grows, they will need bigger collars, harnesses, beds, and new toys. Make sure to always have room in the budget for replacements and upgrades.
Vet Bills and Vaccines
Every vet charges a different amount for their services. When choosing a vet, make sure to discuss their pricing for vaccines, routine check ups, medications, medical testing, etc.
Flea & Tick / Heartworm Medication
Flea & Tick / Heartworm Medications come in many different styles and dosages from drops to oral pills. These medications can be purchased over the counter, or directly from your vet. Depending on what brand, level of effectiveness, and application method you choose, the price and required dose will vary. Research and discuss with your vet what flea & tick / heartworm medication is best for your lifestyle and budget.
Grooming
The price of grooming depends on many things, including whether the coat is wavy or curly, where you have the dog groomed, how frequently you have them groomed, the cut you choose, and how cooperative your dog is during the grooming session.
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Once you've found a groomer you like, make sure to discuss their pricing so you know what to expect moving forward.
Professional Training
If you choose to have your dog professionally trained, find a trainer whose methods and philosophy you feel confident in. Some trainers will have private sessions while some are in groups. Some may have beginner courses, while others may have longer, advanced training. All of these variables will change the price. Contact your chosen trainer to discuss their pricing and what they offer.
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Food
The price of food can vary wildly depending on the quality of the food, and how much your dog eats. The average Standard sized dog eats 4 cups a day. The average Medium dog eats 3 cups a day. The average Mini dog eats 2 cups a day. When choosing what to feed your dog, keep not only your budget, but also the quality of life of the dog, in mind.
What to Do
Puppy Proof Home & Yard
The biggest concerns for the safety of a puppy in your home are stairs, fireplaces, electronics, cleaning supplies / medications / chemical storage, and toxic indoor plants.
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The biggest concerns for the safety of a puppy in your yard are pools, barbecues, inadequate fencing, and toxic plants.
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If you have cats, ensure that your puppy does not have access to the cat litter. If you have fish, ensure that the tank has a closed or closable lid.
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If you live in an apartment, please also consider the width of your balcony railings. Young puppies can fit through a 4" gap.
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We recommend finding solutions to these concerns before the puppy goes home, such as installing temporary gates or fences, raising plants, hiding electronics and wiring, etc.
Find a Vet and a Groomer
We recommend finding a licensed veterinarian in your area that you feel comfortable and confident taking your new puppy to. Make sure to read reviews and discuss philosophy and pricing before making your choice.
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We also recommend finding your closest 24 hour pet hospital in case of emergencies.
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We recommend finding an in house, small time groomer in your area. Large scale, high traffic groomers like Pet Smart tend to be more stressful and less sanitary.
What to Consider
Scheduling
Dogs thrive with a schedule. Doodles are very adaptable dogs and will adjust quickly to your schedule, so it's important to have a schedule in place when they go home.
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Consider when the dog's day begins, when and where the dog will be fed (breakfast & dinner), who will walk the dog and when, and when it is time for the dog to go to bed.
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When you have just brought your puppy home, it is also important to consider how often you will be letting the puppy out to pee during the day, and at night.
Crate Placement
It is important to decide where your puppy's crate will go before you bring them home. We recommend having the crate close to the door they go through to do their business outside.
Learn your Area
Do some research and learn about local trails and parks that you can bring your puppy to. You can also look into dog parks, dog friendly venues, and dog friendly stores in your area. Some of our favourites are Pet Smart, Pet Valu, Ren's Pet Depot, Homesense, Winners, Marshalls, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Michael's, and most malls.
Training Commands and Methods
Consider whether you would like to train your puppy yourself with the help of a book, online videos, a paid online course, or if you would like to hire a professional trainer.
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For the most effective training, all family members must agree to use the same commands. If one person says "down" and another says "off", this can leave the puppy confused and can be a hindrance to their training. Consequences for undesired behaviour and rewards for desired behaviour must also be agreed upon and followed through by all family members. Puppies thrive with consistency.
