Best supplies for puppy?

[Amy]

Our new puppy will be coming home April 18. We are excited about getting ready. We have a crate.
What other things have you found to be must haves for your pups?

[Holly Southall]

Small collar and leash. We bought our puppies first from the dollar store and it has worked great. She grew out of it so fast it wasn't worth spending too much money. Toys for acceptable chewing. Some of the dollar store toys worked great when she was 8 weeks old. She was more gentle on them than she is now. Cleaning solutions for accidents. I mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. But there are some solutions in the Pet Store that work well too.

[Renee]

Lots of things for the puppy to chew! It seems like we never have enough.

[Sonja]

We splurged (everything related to the puppy is a splurge right now) and bought a Snuggle Puppy from Doodlecountry. This is a stuffed dog with a zippered stomach that has a battery operated heart. You turn it on and it makes a very soothing heartbeat sound. It can also hold a heating packet for warmth. This was a wonderful thing! Our Maizy never whimpered in her travel kennel as we flew on the plane from place to place to bring her home. She sleeps soundly in her crate at home and takes the Snuggle Puppy out in the morning to run around the room with it. When it is time to go to bed, we put the Snuggle Puppy in the crate, turn on the heartbeat, and say goodnight. I really believe this made our coming home transistion easy. With all the other puppies in my life I wrapped a "BIG Ben" type alarm clock in a towel to comfort them. I can recommend the Snuggle Puppy. I wonder if anyone else has used one?

[23rt02dc676o4]

I am so glad to hear your success with the Snuggle Puppy. We bring our F1b goldendoodle home next month and my breeder is holding one for us.

[Denise, Winnie, and AngelAbby]

What I feel was the most calming for Abby was the radio we kept on her kennel - and on - for the first month. I think a larger stuffed animal helps them feel they aren't sleeping alone.

[Bev and WILLY]

Willy's breeder sent a large soft stuffed dog with his mother's scent on it. He never cried at all, and still loves to play with it. He'll run and get it out of his crate and toss it around the room, chew on it, but he never rips it.
And yes, lots of good safe chew toys are important.
Don't forget to give your pup lots of cuddles.

[Donna, Tony, Oliver,Henry & Joey]

Congrats! I can't wait to hear about your pup. What did you decide? I suggest getting a Kong toy that you fill and freeze (you can make your own fillers or splurge on the stuff they make in what looks like a Cheez Whiz can). A full size soccer ball is probably Oliver's favorite thing for yard play. The snuggle puppy sounds neat!!! Our toy splurge was the plush toy house with 3 squeaky chipmunks in it... hide treats in the bottom and watch him/her dig. He carries the little chipmunks everywhere. Practical item to have on hand: white rice and boneless breast of chicken, in case pup has stomach trouble while adjusting. Also a good treat for a sensitive tummy is Sam's Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz.

[Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca]

I second the Kong. I fill it with a different kind of snack everyday when I go to work for Riley. Frozen yogurt and cheerios, peanut butter and frozen bananas, etc....

[Donna, Tony, Oliver,Henry & Joey]

Mmm, I like the cheerios idea. We use wheat germ to thicken up the yogurt but he'd probably like the crunchies better. Thanks!

[Amy]

She is an F1b chocolate goldendoodle. I'm hoping to get an updated picture soon!

[Amber Rose]

chew toys, a squeaky ball or toy, and a small collar and leash :)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

The "Hide-a-squirel" just mentioned is our 13 week doodles favorite. It's so cute when he digs his whole face into one of the holes looking for a treat or squirel. The kong is great as well. Lots of chew toys actually are a savings in the long run as your pup can be busy with his toys and leave your more expensive belongings (hopefully) alone.

As for the first few nights. I used a clock that ticked and place it right outside his crate. A blanket that the breeder sent with mom's scent and a just a big towel. I would have used a stuffed animal if I had one, but after watching our daughters one yr old doodle destroy anything stuffed in under 3 minutes, I opted to get more chew toys instead.