Connecticut Family looking to adopt a Labradoodle

Annie · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:28 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone for the nice welcome! It is nice to have you sharing in my over the top enthusiasm. I have a few questions, I am sure that they are just beginning of many. I made a shopping list online at Petsmart and it seems like my enthusiasm for the puppy showed in my shopping cart, wow did it add up. Before I buy anything (I am going to hold off, until the puppies are born at least!), I would like to know from all of you which things are the absolute musts and which you feel are can do withouts.

dixiedi · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:42 am Post subject:

Here is my list of must have items to start with:

#200 crate for crate training
collar and leash (get the double leash so you can tether the puppy to you)
Kong toy with fillers (peanut butter, cheese)
Nylabones
grooming comb with rotating teeth

I believe this list will be the bare necessities and the rest you can get after you have your puppy. I would wait on the grooming brush until the puppy has some age on him/her and you know what kind of coat he/she is going to have. Once the adult coat comes in, there are several other grooming tools you will need but no need in buying the wrong tools for the coat.

Hope this helps. I may have forgotten some stuff but I do believe these are the basics Smile

Oh yeah, lot's of LOVE Wink

_________________
Di & Archie

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy...

momoftwo · Senior Member Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 265

Hi,

I way over bought before my puppy came home too! I did a lot of price comparisions and found that I could get the best prices from petedge.com, dog.com, and carealot pet supply. Someone is also selling new X-pens and crates on ebay at a really good prices.

What I bought that I am glad I did: Nail trimmers, small clippers, ear cleaner, ear powder, comb, puppy shampoo, natures miracle, 2 crate mats, nylabone puppy keys, nylabone puppy fish, assorted kong puppy toys, crate (with divider), and a few smaller stuffed toys with squeakers, collar, leash, retractable lead (for going outside to potty), car harness, clutch ball, Zukes training treats, clicker

What I bought that I don't / haven't used:
Eye cleaner

X-Pen - I bought the 36 inch one and Dante learned to scale it and let himself loose in the house while we were gone at 9 weeks old!

Raised food and water dishes - I have now learned these can contribute to gastric torsion and have quit using them

Hmm.. that's all that comes to mind right now!

Heather

MaxandMe · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 1:17 pm Post subject:

ok here's a ABSOLUTE MUST
Nature's Miracle Very Happy

teething ring and/or KONG
walmart sells dog beds for $20-$23
dog crate and blanket to put over at night time
LEASH and collar
food and water bowl with placement underneath (collects bearded water)
i clean out my doodles ears onc a week with vinegar and water
dog sHampoo and condtioner
ball and/or squeaker toy

dog harnass for car

dog brush
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Annmarie, Max,& Peanut
Forum BLOG ARTICLE LINK http://blog.labradoodle-dogs.net/

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France

dixiedi · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:32 pm Post subject:

I knew I forgot something, ditto on the dog harness for the car and for Natures Miracle Smile

_________________
Di & Archie

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy...

MaxandMe · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:12 pm Post subject:

Annie · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:26 pm Post subject:

Great tips for what to buy! I did not remember the seatbelt and I fully intend to have the pup use one. Is there a certain type/manufacturer/size that I should be looking for that works best for the puppy? Also, I forgot to ask the breeder what type of crate the pup is going to be in for her flight to her new home. Do any of you know how that works? I have about 100 more questions but I thought that I would try to spread them out before I wear out my welcome Smile

momoftwo · Senior Member Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 265

Ask away, you'll get tons of useful answers from this forum!

Petedge.com has a car harness that was ultra reasonable. It plugs right into the seatbelt of most cars and was ~$5.

I didn't want to spend too much on a car harness since I was afraid Dante would need another bigger one as he grew. We've been really happy with ours and use it several times a week!

Heather

dixiedi · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 9:32 pm Post subject:

Hi Annie, it's best to ask your breeder about the crate. I always ship in a #200 crate, that way it should be big enough for them to use while crate training. Once crate trained, they can move into a larger crate. I also get my puppies use to the crate by letting them sleep in it for at least a week before they leave here. That way they are comfortable with the crate and things aren't so scary for them.

You won't wear out your welcome, so don't even go there Wink

_________________
Di & Archie

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy...