Questions from a soon-to-be owner

[AdinaP]

Congrats on your pup!

I worried a lot about the coming home of mine 2 years ago=)
I brought a plastic Vari kennel crate (belonged to my hubby's dog years ago) but my pup ended up spending the 6 hour ride MOSTLY on my lap, making my arm fall asleep...partly on the arm rest between me and the driver and only a short time in the crate. I had a blanket from the breeder I put on my lap...worked for us.

Rosco is also a first generation doodle. A pin brush and comb is all I really need. I like the Chris Christensen T pin brush in 16mm size. It's a great product. Google it and you'll find it =) Also puppy shampoo, nail clippers (mostly for getting her used to them being near her feet at first). I say baths are up to you. No more than twice a week or so unless she gets dirtier than you like. Bathing does strip the coat of oils but they return in a few days so I don't think it's that big a deal. But yeah...less often if you can stand it.

For collars I'd get an adjustable one that can grow with age. I'd also recommend a martingale collar so that puppy can't back out of it when you stop for a potty break if you do.

Oh and for our potty breaks, upon the suggestion of a breeder...we brought a cheap plastic/vinyl tablecloth and newspaper and put the table cloth on the ground and covered that with newspaper so puppy didn't have to pick up germs. Well he didn't pee on it so we ended up letting him touch ground in places we suspected weren't frequented by other dogs...

Good luck!

[rabidpecan]

Thanks for all of the tips! I particularly appreciate the tips about traveling a long distance with her. We're looking into buying either a used crate or a material one since we won't be using it much.
Hopefully in the next few days I'll be getting pictures so we can start choosing our puppy. I'll post them as soon as I get them so you all can help me choose.