Puppy Supplies
- Posted on 22nd March 2008
- in Featured
- by jvfairbanks
You can look forward to a lifetime of adventure and companionship with your Australian Labradoodle puppy. These are Liberty Labradoodles’s suggested supplies to have on hand to welcome your new arrival:
Crate: A crate comes with the purchase of your Liberty Labradoodles Australian Labradoodle puppy if you are shipping or picking up. At first we recommend an old towel or blankies as your puppy is training. The crate should have bedding, such as a sturdy cushion or mat. Over time if you plan on continuing to crate train we recommend the larger crate, but the shipping crate will work for them for at least 3 months.
This is what we recommend in time; we use the medium size for our girls (30″), our stud, Chief has the large size (42″):
2. Exercise Pen or Gate: Lightweight exercise pens or childproof gates will allow your new family member to be confined to controlled areas, yet be close to the family’s activities. We like the exercise pens from Pet Edge – prices starting at $30 – they come in 24, 36 and 42 inch sizes. We recommend the 36 to 42 inch size so you can attach it to your crate. They also come with extension panels.
In an earlier post the owner of Teddy took pictures and described her “set up” which I highly recommend.
3. Toys: Be sure to choose toys that do not have loose or small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. Toys provide entertainment, but are also necessary for teething and training. Nylon or hard rubber bones and toys are excellent choices for teething puppies. Stuffed animals, which can be torn apart, should only be allowed under direct supervision. We love puppy kongs.
4. Dishes: Water and food dishes should be non-tip able and preferably made of heavy stainless steel or sturdy stoneware (ceramic). Make sure fresh water is always available. You may want to put a mat or tray under the dishes to protect your floor from spill. Liberty Labradoodles recommends the stainless steel dishes that don’t tip and are dishwasher safe. You can learn more information about the dishes at http://www.petedge.com.
5. Food: Check with your breeder or vet to see what to feed and how often to feed your puppy. Liberty Labradoodle puppies are feed Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken and Rice as it is readily available in the US.
6. Collar and Leash: You will probably need a training collar once your puppy starts “basic” training. I will email you the neck size so you can have a collar ready for your puppy to wear. Airlines restrict collars on puppies when they fly.
7. Grooming Tools: It’s a good idea to have basic grooming tools, such as flea comb and dog nail clippers. Liberty Labradoodles uses clippers to trim puppy nails as shown below.
Then, to the full size dog nail clippers:
We use flea combs for the area under the eye and the bottom (two different combs). It is a nice little close and tight comb that can get lots of little pieces. This comb is also great to check the hairs under the ears. The combs come in all sorts of shapes.
We use a slicker brush to brush our dogs. When you get a new one, rub it on the concrete sidewalk to dull the wire ends. This works great to brush out the undercoat, with one hand pulling the hair towards you; the brush you brush in the direction the hair grows. Ask your groomer to show you how:
8. Be sure to Puppyproof your home! Get on all fours and crawl around and watch those cords and curtain ties. When you first bring your new Australian Labradoodle puppy home, place him in a limited space with easily washable floors. An exercise pen, spread with newspaper, is ideal. Keep the puppy confined, but close to the family, so your puppy can be supervised yet still feel he is “part of the pack”. A room that usually perfectly fits these criteria is the kitchen or laundry room. Place your Australian Labradoodle puppy’s water dish, with fresh water, close at hand. Place your puppy’s crate, bedding and toys inside the pen. Observe your puppy’s actions and reactions carefully. Handle your puppy frequently and briefly. Don’t let him get overtired or over-stimulated. Supervise children’s activities with the puppy and keep those activities within common sense. Children must be made to realize that your new Australian Labradoodle puppy is a little baby and needs to rest often.
Your little Australian Labradoodle puppy is just like a human toddler. He has been taken away from his siblings and parents, flown a great distance and he has undoubtedly undergone stress. Don’t be surprised if he keeps you up by crying for a night or two (or three!). Visit your puppy once during the night for a check and/or potty break (or use the ugodog indoor potty system). He will get used to your smell and will soon realize that you are there to protect and comfort him. Australian Labradoodle Puppies will like to be held next to your skin where they can feel your heartbeat and your warmth. Put a hot water bottle, an indestructible stuffed toy or a windup, ticking clock wrapped in a towel in your puppy’s crate for comfort. Pet and talk to your puppy softly and tell him how glad you are that he is with you. Talking to your puppy in a soft, reassuring voice is extremely important.
My puppy owners, be sure to visit my resource links for more information on preparing for your puppy, the arrival, and the first couple of weeks.
