When can I start giving treats?

[christina m]

Hi all
I'm getting our little guy this Saturday. Have been anticipating for his arrival and reading up a lot! This site is especially helpful!

Question I had for you is when do I start giving treats (peanut butter stuffed kings, bananas, sweet potato etc) .

I know I have to feed him the same food he's been eating for at least 2 weeks but does this mean no treats other than his food during this time ?

Also, I'm confused about potty training. We llive in a condo. I know it's not safe to take our puppy to the dog park but can we walk it and take it outside for potty training? We don't have a backyard so the only option is the balcony or indoor pee pads......but can we take it outside instead? Or is this a question for the vet? From what I've been reading, ppl are 50/50. When can we start introducing him to other dogs?

Thanks in advance !

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You should not give any new foods or treats for at least two weeks after your puppy comes home. Find out exactly what the breeder is giving and use the same thing. If the breeder is not giving treats, you can use tiny pieces of plain boiled chicken for training treats. 

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I lived in a apartment complex when I got my first dog (Shih Tzu) I took Daisy out every 45 minutes until she was trained.  We were not allowed to have pets but I lived on a end unit and next to the woods so I kind of slipped out the door with her and took her to the back where the woods were.   I took my doodles for quick walks around the block when they were puppies and in the process of getting their shots.  

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Your are going to find, that these little guys have very sensitive digestive systems.  The least little variation, often causes some unrest.

  Your puppy should not be put down where other dogs have been.  Parvo is the biggest fear.  Only dogs, that you are sure have been vaccinated ,should be introduced.  You will be amazed how many people get all upset because you will not let your puppy play with their dog.  They take it very personally.  But, I came to a point where, it was either , the health of my puppy or the "hurt" feelings of complete strangers.  Guess which won????   ;)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

PS.....Love the snow pic!

[christina m]

Thanks all. Guess we will have to potty train using puppy pads indoors and balcony for a while. We have that turf potty stuff that we will place on the balcony. Will take it to our parents yard for playtime. Can't wait for his Se in shots so we can take him everywhere and let him wonder.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

What a cute little bundle in the snow!  If you hand feed his kibble he may think that is a treat in and of itself.  Quincy still does and he is 1 1/2yrs already!  Obviously he likes something tastier, better, but he still likes the hand fed kibble, too! 

[christina m]

Thanks Lori! Yes, will definitely try that. We have ordered the food he was eating. Greek yogurt was added to his food. Guess humans and dogs all love that stuff!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I housebroke two Doodles and live in a condo.  I never used the pads....we always just scooped them up and took them outside.  We "created" a potty spot at the end of our common area where there was a field and some woods.  There were times when they just made it to the bottom of our deck stairs and would pee.  I also took them on little walks, just avoiding places where I knew other dogs may have gone potty.