Change of plans - getting puppy this saturday! Hints, tips, list of things I need!

[Stephanie]

Our original plan was for a litter due in April, ready to come home in May - but  "plan B" went into effect on Saturday! Long story short, we are going to pick up "Perry" this saturday. She's a curly haired female F1B.   I am scrambling to get a crate, food, things I'll need right away!  Please chime in if you have hints, tips, things I need to get right away! My Son has NO idea - he is still under the impression it will be May, so this is going to be a scavenger hunt/ puzzle for him to solve along the way to find his early surprise!(enroute to get her)

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

I'll second that!

[Bryce P]

You will probably need to bring with you... a collar, leash, towel, 1 or 2 toys, car seat (if you have one), harness (if you have one), and most importantly... camera.

When we went to go get Huff we forgot the camera and now I regret it.

Enjoy your puppy. You must be sooo exited.

What are you going to name the puppy? 

[Stephanie]

Her name will be "Perry" LoL!  My son is a HUGE fan of the cartoon, Phineas & Ferb!  Perry is their pet platypus, who is also a "secret agent" aka, Agent P  - saving the world!  It's a hoot really - even I enjoy the show!

[Stephanie]

Thank you SOOOO   much everyone!  great ideas and advice.  Are there any book for crate training out here that anyone has read?   I've heard 2 schools of thought - 

1. no water/ food after 8 pm. Crate them late in eveing after last potty opportunity (11pm) and then tough it out 'til early am - say 5 or 6 am

2. same as before w/ no water / food after 8 pm -  but only let them out of crate to potty when they are calm/ not whining etc.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

We did the #2 with Luna - she was let out about 2 times during the night for the first couple weeks. We would say "go to sleep" and praise when she would calm down (often with some fingers through the crate door to help her calm down). 

She had 9 siblings, so it was a bit of a shock going from sleeping in a puppy pile to sleeping by herself, although the breeder did separate her from her siblings for a few days before we picked her up.

After the first couple weeks she slept through the night no problems. 

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

Bring some baby wipes or something to clean up with.  Our first doodle was a 3 hour drive away and she threw up within 1/2 block after leaving the breeder. (then twice more)  Most puppies have not been in a car.  She sat on my lap all the way home ( my husband drove) in a blanket we put with the mom and pups when we arrived at the breeder.  Also, at rest stops, do NOT go to the pet area. Find a spot where no dogs have gone if possible.  We brought a puppy pad but our puppy just stood there on it.  Once we got home, we went out to the yard and she peed and we praised her a lot.  That being said, a calm and not too excited  first day is best.  Lots for the little one to get used to.

[Stephanie]

Went to the pet store today to look around, - and one doodle mom in this thread mentioned shampoo = I noticed same brand yall recomended to clean up potty spots  ( Nature's miracle?)  also has a shampoo?  anyones used it, or another good one?

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

For shampoo, we use Mane & Tail. It's a horse shampoo, and can be found at feed stores, agricultural supply stores, Tractor Supply, etc. It seems less expensive than other options, and I am not allergic to it. I'm allergic to several dog shampoos!

Mane & Tail also has a detangling spray.

We've been very happy with both these products. They leave Cosmo's wavy fleece coat very soft!

We don't have the potty issues anymore, but, when Cosmo was still learning, my husband used a wet vac (which we already had on hand), then I went over the spot with Resolve carpet cleaner (which we already had on hand). We didn't buy anything special for that.

[Heather & Brinkley]

I never wanted to restrict Brinkley's water. Food yes but water, no. I just set my alarm to take him out every few hours during the night.

[a.k.a. Rodney]

My vet suggested baby shampoo...no tears & it's gentle

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Was given expen
Tried to use..honestly first few seconds Derby is disappointed she's in the crate, but after she's ignored she gets quiet very quickly.
She really doesn't mind the crate...she transitioned from travel kennel which I still use at nite. The crate in day time works for her b/c she likes to see what's going on..for her to not Hse any accidents I realized the pen was a little to liberal space wise. I was treating her immediately after her "potty break" but felt she was playing me a little...so then with trainers encouragement stopped all treating for going potty..BIG mistake..she had 3 accidents in Hse..I also now based on a good friends advise, who has had dogs win at Westminster...throw a small treat in crate/kennel with a toy in and help make crate enjoyable experience. Poochie bells were not a winner for us... This pup likes bitter apple..I got a real contrarian!! My friend said a spray bottle of lemon juice is as good..spray at them when they are about to engage in bad behavior...this may be old school, but the bitter apple is a bust..maybe b/c mine was Holistic &made in USA?? I think reading on doodle kisses and a personal trainer are invaluable
Mine is a super tiny pup.. Under 4 lbs @ 10 wks.she does have her crazy times and trainer taught me a trick to get her calm immediately..that was great. Also a small kong filled with frozen pnutbutter is a great treat in kennel while left alone for any long period.
Good luck and enjoy your great new baby

[Heather & Brinkley]

Along with all of the material things, patience. We were so exited to get our little guy-- then when when we got him, we got overwhelmed fast. We knew going in they were a lot if work but I don't think anything can prepare you for how much they need in the beginning and how frustrating it can be. My husband and I now joke around that he hated our little guy for the first few weeks and often thought "what did we do." Of course, he didnt hate him, but the peeing, pooping and crying can overwhelm fast if you let it. Enjoy even the crazy moments and remember that they don't stay little for long, so those nutty moments are still special ones. Our Doodle, Brinkley, is our love and I couldn't imagine life without his big furry, cuddly face. Just remind yourself of all the changes he's adapting to and he needs you.

Also, Brinkley never adjusted to the crate. He eventually would get in when we made him but it was as if we were inflicting pain on him. I say this because what works for one may not work for another. Don't see it as a failure-- test the ground and see what works for all of you. Brinkley did better in one room, away from any danger but he made our sunroom more of his den. He felt safe in there because he could watch us come and go. He was never destructive. I only lost one shoe during all of puppyhood. We did that until we could trust him to be in the house by himself. As long as he's safe, that's what is important. Good luck!!