New to Doodlekisses

[Jody Neeley]

We have put a deposit down and will be new labradoodle owners by the end of the year. I have already learned so much from blog posts, discussions etc. and I am so glad I found this wealth of knowledge! I have four kids ages 4-11. I am wondering what books are must reads before a puppy comes home. Or any other bits of advice you wish you knew before starting this journey. Thanks in advance :)

[Rose Coward]

Welcome Judy, so happy for you.  :)  A good tip I received is to brush your dude regularly as a pup to get them used to it.  AND ... Go to google images and type in "les pooches dog brush",  take a good look at that brush and then buy an imitation with that exact look to it (it'll be cheaper--genuine les pooches are very expensive).  I threw away all other brushes after I started using that style of brush,  they are amazing.  Also find a comb with "rotating tines", (yes the teeth of the comb actually rotate where they meet at the base),  they make combing the doodle so much gentler of an experience for the dog.  And if the dog doesn't mind it, it makes your job a lot easier.  I can't wait to hear of "the big day". 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Congrats Jody and welcome!  Janie's got you covered :)  Before I found Doodle Kisses, I read the Monks of New Skete's books but the book that most opened my eyes was "Be the Pack Leader" by Cesar Milan. I don't agree with everything he does, but I did like his ideas about confident, calm, and positive energy and it changed the way I built my relationship with my pup for the better.  Adina and Clark just introduced Doggy Dan to the site and I like his approach to being a pack leader a lot.  Enjoy the preparation!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Welcome Jody! Congratulations on your puppy on the way! I would say to join the Puppy group here on DK for starters. There's also the Food group with lists of recommended food and treats. The Training group will get you off to a good start. If you're looking for a specific subject, the search bar in the upper right hand corner is helpful! It's great that you have a lot of time to prepare!