New Puppy: tell me what you wish someone told you at a time :-)

[Natasha]

We are getting our labradoodle girl on Saturday and I keep feeling that I am missing something, something I didn't buy, something I didn't research, something I didn't understand... You get a picture!

So is it something you wish someone told you/remind you when you started your doodle journey?

[Natasha]

Got insurance last night with HealthyPaws. Thanks!

[Sherri & Marabelle (Bear)]

How adorable. 

[Karen Glassman]

Natasha,
I'm in the same boat as you... waiting to bring home a new puppy :)
Following this conversation.
Have fun with your pup. She's adorable!

[Wynnie & Jim]

Don't listen to the Cesar Millan experts out there...his training methods do more harm than good!

If you want a well trained puppy, only use positive reinforcement methods.

[Marni and Hanna]

Beautiful Pup!!!

*Being consistent in your training is huge !!  

*Socialize and expose them to as much is safe for their age!

*Be positive and "throw a party" when they do something right (like when they go potty outside---even if the neighbors look at you funny ! ; )  )  

*Training is forever, but especially the first 2-3 years, just stick with it and it will be VERY well worth it !!

Good Luck !!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Lots of good advice here.  I have several tips for you based on going through the puppy phase twice now.  The first time with litermate sisters then again with a single puppy who had an older doodle to follow around.

1)  start getting her used to being brushed and being up on the grooming table or whatever surface your are going to use from day one.  Put on kitchen island or a table and just run the brush through her.

2)  Play with her ears and feet and toes all the time whenever you are sitting quietly.

3) Do not allow nipping from day one.  Keep a small toy in your pocket to trade off for nipping.  Do not run from puppy when nipping, stop say no and correct it on the spot.

4)  Do not play tug and make puppy rowdy as this sort of encourages the nipping.

5)  We bought an ex-pen that came in very handy.  We still use it to this day and our oldest is 6.5.

6)  Like Jane said, definitely get Pet Insurance

7)  Do crate training.  They need a safe place now and in the future.  Even if you don't want to crate at home there will be times they must be crated ... vet and grooming etc.

8)  Everyone wants to teach tricks ... but I say focus that time on training commands.

9)  Socialize Socialize Socialize.  Even before shots you can be out in public if you are carrying.  Go to Lowes and put in a tub in the cart.  Take with you in the car when ever you can.  Introduce to kids, adults, cats, anything and everything.

[Wynnie & Jim]

Very good tips and suggestions. Follow the author's advice.

[Sim and Fonzie]

Great tips!

[Stephanie and Jellybean]

Please get Pet Insurance-TODAY! Go online, it only takes a couple of minutes and it's done and well worth the effort!

[Natasha]

What company do you suggest for pet insurance? 

[Natasha]

Got it! HealthyPaws. Thanks! I think definitely worth it especially in a long run.

[Katie]

What you need more than anything else with a new puppy is.......a sense of humour!

Bonnie is 11 weeks old and great but.....she has eaten all the strawberries, pots are now in the front garden away from her, rolled in the lettuces and pooped in the herb bed.

She found a box of tissues left on the floor by a teenager who will remain unnamed, and redistributed them all over the house.

She found above teenagers smelly socks and hid them in her bed.

She took Mr Rabbit ( stuffed not real, thankfully) and buried him under a bush.

And this was just today!

Have fun!

Katie and Bonnie