Prepairing to Bring Your Dog Home

26 10:58:26

PREPAIRING TO BRING YOUR NEW PUPPY HOME

Crates

These come in all sizes, depending on your dogs potential. I would discuss with your local supplier. I would recommend one with a divider so as the dog grows so does the space. This is good if adults are going to use cages as well and maybe to use as a birthing den.

Travel Carrier

Your puppy may arrive in a plastic carrier. They are excellent for travel but NOT recommended for a home crate, For many dogs they are fine, But remember your Labradoodle was cooped up in this for a long time and will not be comfortable to have to live in it as well, Also In my opinion they are too confined and will make your puppy feel banished from the family. The open wire crate will make your puppy feel part of the family while being restrained while you are not able to supervise. The wire crate you will find takes up no more room that a basket and can be dressed up with a see through curtain to blend with the d閏or of your home. They also will fold up for you to take with you when visiting or on vacation.

Collars

Collars are a personal choice, But my recommendation is to always use a check collar [sometimes inappropriately called choke collar] This collar when fitted correctly acts as an instant reward system, You should ALWAYS lead your puppy with a slack leash. When the leash is loose so is the collar and when the dog pulls the collar tightens Thus helping to teach your dog not to pull.

There is also a Check collar, the difference being it is a long link chain. The long links will not tangle in the dogs coat and will not damage the hairs. Another advantage of the chain collar is it gives the god warning that it is going to tighten when the dog ventures forward to much. The chain will quietly "clink clink" as the ring slips along the long links.

Walking your dog on a "fixed" collar is not advisable especially when young and learning as it will instinctively teach your dog to pull, causing discomfort to the dogs windpipe and a less than a pleasant walk for you. If you have taught your dog to walk on a leash properly you should be able to have a bag of groceries in each arm and the dogs leash over two fingers and not feel a tug from your dog!!! DO NOT use a retractable leash until your dog understands how to heal gently at your side when asked, then go forward "Off you go play" when offered and return to heal again when asked.

The Adjustable fixed collar is ideal for wearing in the home with your dogs name tags. Webbing is easy on the coat and dries quickly when swimming or in the snow and can be adjusted as the puppy grows.

Treats

Baked dry liver treats and jerky are great tasty training treats, Another training treat I like is Cheese cubed small and left overnight to dry then put in an airtight container, Cheep and nutritious.

Pigs ears and Trotters are good clean house and crate chews that last longer. They will not damage teeth. Do Not give the High density smocked BONES to your dog, they are cooked and can splinter and will damage your dogs teeth.

Raw hide Bones and treats are also good chew toys that will last a while, Beware of colored treats as they may leave a mark on your carpet! Also we do not want to feed to much colors and preservatives to our family.

Grooming

A slicker brush [Soft for puppies and hard for adults] Is your main grooming tool

A Comb with a medium fine side and a wide side are used to make sure you have not missed a spot when you slicked.

When you have finished grooming your dog it is VERY important you spray your dog with water and pat down the fluffy coat to restore the waves and curls. If you do this it will prevent knots.

Matt Breaker.............This is a great tool, it has blades that gently cut and thin out the mats. This tool is also used each week to thin out the coat when your puppy reaches adolescence at age 10-14 months of age, During this time your dogs coat will thicken and mat VERY quickly. It happens for about 2-3 months while the coat changes from puppy to permanent adult. During this difficult time you need to groom 1-2 times a week for a few weeks till you notice the coat is thinner and no longer getting knots, when this happens you can go to a once a month groom and you will maintain a luxurious flowing non shedding coat.

Undercoat stripper, Labradoodles do not have an undercoat but this tool is great for wool coats and during the change time described above. If your Labradoodle has a dense coat this tool you will find compliments the Slicker very well.

Nail Trimmer

Any style nail trimmers are suitable to use, Ask your Vet or groomer to show you how to use them if you are not sure.

Barriers

There are lots of different pet and child barriers, they are mostly used to block stairways and doorways to contain your puppy to the OK parts of the house. Stairways are very important as young puppies should minimize running up and down till they are over 12 months of age to protect there joints during growth.

Window vents are a must in case you have to unexpectedly leave your pet in the car for a while. [NEVER on hot days] Always remove your dog from a stationary car on hot days.

Toys

Almost any toy will be just fine, Here are some favorites of mine.

Treat Ball......Fill it with treats and your puppy/dog will spend hours playing with it as the treats drop out to keep him enjoying the fun.

Another Treat Ball that does it all while giggling when the dog rolls it!!

LATEX toys are great, Unlike Vinyl toys that your puppy will chew holes in, The Latex toy will take a lot of chewing.

For more information please visit my website at: http://www.ohiolabradoodles.com

Send mail to rich@ohiolabradoodles.com with questions or comments