2 more weeks!!

[Puppy Madness]

Hey, I already posted this in the Waiting for New Puppies section but I just wanted to see what ya'll said.

We are so excited, we are getting our new puppy in 2 weeks! I think
we are all set on puppy supplies, but here is what we got just to make sure.

Crate (HUGE- with a divider)
2 beds
toys (kong, chew, plush)
leash and collar
food bowls

brushes

 

And the other thing: our breeder has a specific kind of food that she feeds
her puppies, and you have to order it. If I buy one bag, how should I introduce
it to the new type of food?

 Also, anybody know of a good, reliable, on the less expensive side invisible
fence?

 Lastly, we have a current dog (a female bichon frise) and how would you
integrate the two dogs? The new puppy will be a male.

 

Thanks!!

[Julia Bibbee]

I am excited for you. What kind of pup are you getting?  I have a goldendoodle.  I haven't posted his picture yet.  He is about 13 weeks old and is all legs.  He is funny guy.

I have a pen that is attached to the crate (which was advised by the breeder I purchase my pup from).  I find it useful when I am busy doing something and can't keep an eye on my puppy and I want him to have room to move around.  I don't have any beds for him at this time.  He would just have ruin them with accidents or chewying.  I had towels in his crate but since removed them when Finn kept pooping on them and scooting them aside.  It was a pain cleaning out mushed poop.  He hasn't pooped in his crate since then.  You may wish to get ear cleaner, but half vinger and water is a good solution.  You may wish to purchase shampoo if you don't have it for those times your baby has an accident in his crate and gets it on him.  Lastly I would get bitter apple.  It helps teach puppies not to nip at you, eat rugs and other undesirable things. 

I am not a fan of invisible fences, because they can fail and off your little guy goes.  My sister lost one of her dogs that way.  I know others have been very successful using them.  They are cheaper than a regular fence. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

Introduce the two dogs outside first and take them for a short walk together--you can't expose the new puppy to too much before it has all its shots, so stay close to home. Keep them separated at first in the house and supervise them when you give them a few minutes together--watch the older dog to be sure she is being gentle. (or maybe you will have to watch the pup!)

I love my invisible fence, but you get what you pay for--cheaper ones often do not work, especially the do-it-yourself kind.

If you change food do it gradually, mixing a bit more in with the old food each night over a week until you have completely switched. Go to the FOOD GROUP on DK to get good advice about foods--there are some really awful dog foods out there and chances are anything you buy in the grocery store is awful.

Please do not give the pup rawhide. if you want to get chew toys (and you should!) you can get nylabones or cow hooves--but no rawhide! Anything edible should be given in small doses at first or you will deal with diarrhea.

I agree with Julia about the pen (or gates to confine the pup to the kitchen) and wait until the pup is more trustworthy before introducing the bed. Lots of old towels are usually fine. 

Finally, make sure you also have a steel comb in addition to a brush. Doodles will mat and you need to get all the way to the skin to get the knots out. If you just brush the dog, the mats will be under the brushed area. 

Good luck and have fun with your new puppy!!!!!

 

[BRADY GOOSE MOORE (Mini Doodle]

Katherine ~  I would strongly recommend that you have ready when your pup comes home  lots of  'treats' (if you are planning to treat reward for peeps/poops  done outside).