Are you getting excited to bring home your new BFF?!
I hope you have researched the breed. There are a lot of references online and on Facebook. There are Goldendoodle owner sites that share stories, advice and you can share brag photos of your baby! Always go to your vet though for medical issues.
All of the puppies have received early potty training and early neurological stimulation (it’s done for 14 days between day 3 and 16) and we have had a lot of social interaction, submission position and paw touching. Continue to put your puppy on their backs, touch their paws and of course a lot of petting and snuggling. Make sure to say “No” with biting and aggressive behavior. Remove from the situation or redirect with a chew toy. “Puppy proof” your house. Think of them as a toddler and move anything of value or danger from their reach. Constant supervision when out of the crate is key! Be careful with chew toys as well. If they are easily destroyed, do not let them play with it unsupervised. They could choke or digest it. Nylabones are the only thing I have found is safe to leave with them but even then, supervise them 1st.
We feel the best way to potty train is to crate train. Get a crate that is big enough for them to stand, turn around and lay down. They have all done well with the litter box in the whelping box but prefer to go outside. They have been out 5-6x a day and they are pooping machines! You can also incorporate bell training. I have been ringing bells as I take them outside so they might already associate the noise. Sadie and Riley (my girls I trained) picked that up almost right away. Ring the bell with their paw as you go outside. Say “Go outside?” and then “Go potty” once you are out. Always praise and give little soft treats. If they are doing well with the crate, you can try a bigger crate or try a small enclosed area (a bathroom or kitchen area that is closed in probably after 6 months) If you use a gate or fencing, make sure they can not get over it.
We did not remove dew claws. Most GD breeders believe this to be barbaric and not necessary unless it is a large breed or hunting dog. If you want this done, it can be done during spay/neuter. You can clip their nails with a regular fingernail clipper while they are really small. I will clip them again before they go home. I will also give them baths but these little stinkers get dirty fast. You will want to have puppy shampoo on hand. You might want to research groomers in your area too but you should not need a full groom until 6 months. Some places offer a puppy groom at 16 weeks that introduces them to grooming. It’s usually just face, feet and bottom a bath and a good brushing. Make sure you brush weekly if not more, to avoid matting and to get them accustomed to it. You will need a good slicker brush and metal comb.
Make sure to make a vet appointment for 3-5 business days after pick up. At this appointment, they will need a stool sample and should receive another round of vaccines - (9 weeks) They received de-wormer at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. They received vaccines at 6 weeks and were microchipped. They will need vaccines at 9, 12, and 16 weeks. You should get to know your vet well! They are not considered fully vaccinated until 16 weeks so they should not be exposed to dog parks, PetSmart, boarding, doggy daycare, etc. I do not recommend oral flea/tick until after 1 year. I’m not a vet but some of the possible side effects have convinced me to use a topical instead of oral. Also, discuss age to spay/neuter. Some vets are ok spaying before 1st heat. Some want them to go through 1 heat for maximum growth and development. Sadie did not go into her 1st heat until 13 months. My vet recommends by 6 months or 1st heat. Please email the record after spay/neuter per contract to lakesidedoodles@yahoo.com
You will receive a 7 lb bag of Iams Puppy food, a fleece blanket with mom’s scent, a bandanna, microchip registration and vaccine paperwork and their puppy collar. You will need a regular collar shortly after as these are breakaway collars. I would start with a small (10-14” in diameter) Bring a crate/carrier, especially if you have a longer drive and a passenger. Expect them to whine a lot the 1st couple days. They miss their litter mates. Plan on putting the crate next to your bed and sleeping with your hand on or near it if you plan on sleeping! Hopefully for the 1st few weeks, you can come home after 4 hours to let them out. Feed 3x a day (about 1/2 cup) at 1st. It will get easier but these 1st few weeks are trying and you will need patience and help from family members.
I recommend switching to adult dog food right about their 1st birthday. You may need to switch to something besides chicken if they have gotten any yeast infections in their ears. This is common with goldendoodles.
We really do want to hear from you and see pictures as they grow! Keep in touch!
Derek and Angi Varner
Lakeside Doodles
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