WHY DO YOU WANT A PUPPY?

Your puppy may be the only family member you get to handpick.  But raising a puppy is a project, an enjoyable one, but also one that takes a lot of work.  Your puppy will need constant attention.  The only activity more energy-consuming is raising a child.  Fortunately, puppyhood only lasts about a year and you don't have to put them through college.  Few things are as rewarding as raising a puppy successfully.  No other species can offer you the same level of devotion as a dog and you will experience moments you'll remember for a lifetime.  Raising a puppy is one of life's great rewards, as long as you are up for the adventures in between.

WHAT IS YOUR DAY LIKE?

Think about what your lifestyle is like and how you plan to care for this new addition to your family.  As a puppy, he'll bond with you as he would another dog, and with this relationship comes the responsibility of integrating your puppy's schedule into your life.   

WHO LIVES  WITH YOU NOW?

Are you single, retired, expecting to have children, have a child, or planning to care for your elderly relatives in the future?  A puppy will add a lot of dynamics to everyone's life.  Think about what your family will look like in the future and remember your puppy will be with you for more than a decade.  Make sure everyone in your home is consistent with guidelines for structure and training.

WILL YOU BE PREPARED TO BRING PUPPY HOME?

Before you bring your new puppy into your home, you will want to have the items he needs.  Are you prepared for the additional expense of owning a dog?  Keeping him healthy, happy, and well-trained is a worthwhile commitment.  The more you invest in your puppy when he is young, the more you will enjoy him in the years ahead.

While there are countless items for dogs in stores and online, below are some items I suggest purchasing for your new family member.  I like PetEdge.com for their prices and fast delivery, however there are many other pet supply sources to choose from.

EXERCISE PEN

Provides a safe place for puppy to be when you are not available to watch him every moment.  These usually come in metal or plastic panels and can be configured to fit your space.  They can be moved easily to different rooms and also be set up outside on a sunny day.  You can also use them to block off areas where puppy doesn't need to be.  I like the 36" high size and choosing one with a gate is convenient but not necessary.

CRATE

At Ridgeline Labradoodles, we begin to train your puppy to sleep in a crate at night.  This helps them be more successful when you are housetraining and ensures everyone a better night's sleep.  Dogs view crates like dens and they provide a safe place for him to have some privacy.  Please don't ever leave your dog in a crate for long periods of time or use it as a punishment.  Crates come in a wide variety from plastic which is good for traveling, to metal which provides better ventilation and often a divider panel to expand the area as puppy grows.  Put a blanket over the wire crate to create a more den-like experience.  You might want to choose a size that will accommodate your puppy when he is fully grown.

TOYS AND TREATS

There are so many toys to choose from.  I suggest buying a few different ones until you know what kind of toy your puppy prefers.  Our dog Flicka loves rope bones, while our dog Boomer loves anything that squeaks.  If you have children in your home, avoid buying stuffed animals as toys.  Your puppy might decide your child's stuffed toys are for him.  Some toys I like include the Skineze flat animals, hard balls that can't be swallowed, and rope bones.  Your adult dog will love the Chuck It toy that allows you to play fetch without getting slimy.  Treats should be natural.  Don't feed puppy too many at one time or he might get an upset tummy.  I really like the Flossie spiral treats by Merrick and many of the Red Barn products.

COLLARS AND LEASHES

So many styles and colors to choose from!  Make sure to adjust the collar as your puppy grows and attach identification tags.  If your puppy will not stop pulling on the leash when he is older, I suggest using a good quality pinch collar.  This is only uncomfortable when the dog tugs and will help you enjoy more walks together.  Please follow directions carefully.  If you have an adult dog that will not stop barking, ask a trainer for advice and as a last resort, try a bark collar.  Your neighbors will thank you.

A GOOD PUPPY BOOK

My favorite dog book is "Puppies for Dummies - 2nd edition" by Sarah Hodgson.  There are many good books and websites to learn from.  I have also heard good reviews on the Monks of New Skete series.  Caesar Milan is popular too.  I prefer any approach that favors common sense over theories.  I also highly recommend taking your puppy to obedience training classes after he is fully vaccinated around four months old.  This will help you teach him manners and make him a more enjoyable family member in the years ahead. 

NATURES MIRACLE OR PETASTIC

This is a necessity especially when housetraining.  After cleaning up the accident, apply per the directions.  Using this product every time will take the odor away so your puppy will not be tempted to return to the area and repeat the offense.

GROOMING TOOLS

Labradoodles don't shed so they need to be groomed regularly to avoid matting.  Brush your puppy often, especially from six months old to one year, when their adult coat comes in.  Use a soft bristle brush on a young puppy to get him used to this activity.  Give him treats and praise often.  Gradually introduce a soft slicker brush and go against the hair getting close to the skin. I also like to use a dematting comb.  Ideally, your puppy should visit the groomer every 3-4 months, depending on how short you keep his coat.  Start with a puppy trim before one year's old and bathe when needed.  Be sure to use an ear wash and watch for infection.  To remove the "sleep" that builds up in the corner of their eyes, just pull gently and moisten first with water if needed.  Don't forget to trim toenails including the dew claw.  I use a human nail clippers when they are young.  Be sure to handle their paws daily to ensure easy nail trims.

I can't say enough about the importance of early socialization for your puppy.  The more he is exposed to new things, the better he will be as an adult.  While we make socialization a priority when your puppy is still in our home, you will play the most important role in helping him adjust to the world around him.  Expose him to all different kinds of people.  The more different ages, colors, and sizes the better.  Show him people wearing all kinds of hats, as well as people with facial hair and sunglasses.  One trick is to give the new person a treat to give to your puppy while you praise him.  If a visit to the veterinarian's office causes panic, take your puppy there for friendly visits that do not require any health care.  Your puppy will benefit greatly from playing with other dogs you know are up to date on immunizations.  Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, he can meet new doggy friends, but not before.  Please do not take your puppy to public places before he is fully immunized!  Germs found in the soil, feces, and even the air, can cause fatal diseases in young dogs.  Avoid any place where other dogs have been including pet stores and dog parks.  Carry or crate your puppy while in the vet's office and don't let strange dogs come up to greet him.  Enjoy all your new adventures together!  

Your new puppy could be with you until he is close to 15 years-old!  Feeding a high quality dog food is similar to insurance for good health in the years to come.  There are a wide variety of brands to choose from.  Find an expert at your local pet store and get recommendations.  When you bring your puppy home, continue feeding him the same brand I use for several weeks to allow him to get used to all the changes around him.  If you want to switch brands, do so gradually adding the new food to the old food in increments of 1/4 new 3/4 old, then wait several days before increasing to  1/2 new 1/2 old, then a few days later increase to 3/4 new 1/4 old, then ending with all of the new brand.  I like to change brands for our adult dogs every year or so to give them variety.  With a puppy, just be mindful of their tummy's need to adjust to new foods very slowly.