What you wish you knew before puppy came home...

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Hi All!

I'm new to this group but have been lurking for some time now :). I've learned so much from you all!

I'm going to pick your brains.....

What did you wish you had/knew before your puppy came home?

We've picked out our F1B Goldendoodle but we've got some time before he joins us at home. We are not first time puppy raisers but its been a long time since we've had the pitter patter of little paws in the house!

So what words of wisdom can you pass on......what should I have on hand etc for those first weeks?

How will I survive waiting the next 4 weeks!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

[diane silver]

I, like you, am not a first time puppy owner, but it's been quite awhile for us, too. I agree with Amanda that I wasn't prepared for the nipping (and I don't remember my previous dog, a poodle, doing it that much), but I have to say that Emma is just about four months old now and it's beginning to abate somewhat. You have to really be vigilant and try all kinds of techniques to find what works with your puppy. As for having things on hand, plenty of chew toys, bully sticks, kong (I fill with frozen peanut butter or frozen low-fat vanilla yogurt and give it to her in her crate when she's left for more than an hour or so). Also, I found that for the first couple of days it was very helpful to write down when she ate/pottied, etc. After a few weeks, you'll know her bodily functions pretty well :) It's exhausting and can be somewhat stressful the first few weeks, but I'm loving having a "baby" again and I'm sure you will too!

[Mary, Scrappy, Sully and Olive]

I'm no pro, but my must haves.....2 secure baby gates, Nature's Miracle for cleaning up accidents, lots of paper towel, puppy appropriate chew toys and lots of delicious tiny puppy treats for all those potty trips outside.
Also, I never thought, the second time around, about how important puppy proofing was.....Got kind of lax after Scrappy turned 1 year and she was never much of a power cord, etc. chewer. Surprise on me....Grover will chew through anything....indoors or out!
Congratulations on the new puppy and I hope the next four weeks goes by quickly for you. Nothing worse than the waiting and anticipation!

[1knme66wzgv4k]

Either I have very good children or a really naughty puppy, because I thought a puppy was so much harder than my children (5 & 3 year olds). We had an exceptionally nippy...um...BITEY, pup and he seriously wore me out! It took a really long time for all of us to bond to our puppy because he was a little terror, but we did! He is 9 months old now so those phases are behind us and after a lot of serious training we have seen some amazing results in his behavior. Training and exercise is key. Good luck and congratulations on your new puppy!!!!

[Ali]

Seriously go buy this book. It is soooo helpful and can answer any question you have. I am ready for everything this dog does. "Puppies for Dummies". It goes through developmental stages, ways to train at each stage, everything. That is the most helpful advice I received before I picked up my puppy, so I will give it to you. Lots of luck

[Sue & Willy Babe]

I agree I bought that same book when we got Willson and it as helped out alot

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

I ordered the book today :)

[Oliver]

i second this book!

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

It arrived today! Looking forward to reading it.

[1mzns1erua5gt]

As hindsight, I think one thing would be to wait for the puppy to be 10/12 weeks old before taking it home from the litter. I got mine way to young and she missed learning the social skills from her mom and littermates. I became the littermate and nipping has been an issue. If I had it to do over, I would search for a breeder that holds onto their pups longer. I know how very hard it is to wait for that little furry bundle but I think it is best for pup and owner.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Thanks everyone for your tips :). Each one is invaluable and I appreciate your suggestions. Keep them coming!

The plan is to get "Gaston" when he is 8 weeks old at this point. Gaston will be joining our family which includes 3 other fur-kids. I don't think, in our case, socialization and seperation will be much of an issue but I can certainly see where it could be if there was no others in the house on all fours! Great point!

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Find a trainer! no kidding! dont do the pet store training it is so foo foo... find a really good trainer, do puppy classes, novice obedience and advanced obedience. Make time for training.

Go to clickertraining.com watch the how to videos

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

We are actually going to make lots of time for training! Starting immediately. The plan is for Gaston to become a therapy dog. Our eldest furball has his CGC and we plan on taking this little guy that much further :).

Right now the breeder is using "Super Puppy" method with Gaston to give him a head start. All I know is that we're giving him lots of love whenever we visit so the bond will form early :).