[gracielou]

Keep looking and make sure they do other testing as well, Eyes, Hips, Elbows,that's the least I would accept and I also do the CBC and Thyroid blood work yearly, and vWD on their Poodles.
_________________
Linda & Gracielou
Valley Center, KS
http://www.4pawspuppies.com

[annabelles mom]

Here are some things to think about for a first time Doodle owner or pup owner.

Have you considered waiting until you get moved to California to get a puppy, there seem to be alot of breeders in CA you can check out and maybe drive to get your furbaby instead of having to fly it - travel can be stressful on pups especially flying

- maybe you would want to get moved in to your apartment and get settled in so you can bring your pup into a settled environement instead of the stress of moving. -

Do you have your apartment picked out - do they definitely accept dogs over 50 pounds - doodles do get over 50 pnds - Annabelle is around 55-56 pounds - one of her brother was 65 pnds, so you can't gaurantee size. If they have a 50 pnd limit and your furbaby turns out to weight 65 pounds, are you willing to pack up an move and fine a place that will allow a larger dog?

Have you checked their lease out - what happens if you have a barker, will you have to move or get rid of the dog - more to think about when you are renting than if you own, do they have a specified dog walk area, do they require pet owners pick up after their animals? if not, do you and your dog wanna be walking and playing dodging puppy poo? Responsible pet owners should pick up after their pups but some just dont

Also when we were looking for our doodle, there were many breeders that require you have a fenced in yard for your doodle which wasnt an issue for us as we own and have a fence yard, wouldnt sell to apartment livers - Doodles like and need exercise

Sounds like this is your first time buying a dog, you had mentioned cost was a factor - remember the other expenses - yearly vet visit for shots for a healthy dog, but you still have to buy heartworm preventative medicine monthly, and flea/tick preventative monthly - cost to have your puppy spayed and then other incidental vet bills if your puppy gets hurt or sick.

There is also the cost of grooming, if you end up with a gen that doesnt shed and hair grows - they need grooming every 4-8 weeks depending on how short you want to keep them. Grooming can run $40.-$75 each time, average about $40-60 a month depending on how often you groom

You can groom yourself, but you have to buy the clippers, several different size blades, blade cleaner and be prepared to spend several hours grooming your doodle.

You need to have a good quality comb and brush for doodles are they can get matted easily I brush Annabelle everyday or every 2nd day to keep the matts out

You had said you wanted a non shedder and I dont think breeders can quarantee that so you could end up bascially with a Lab, which are awesome dogs but doo shed !

If you are gonna crate train them when you are not home - you have to buy the kennel 0 one the will accomodate their adult size, they need to be able to stand up and turn aournd in kennel - if you dont plan on crating , plan on yoru puppy eating things you dont want eaten LOL they do not have discriminating taste when it comes to chewing

I've seen very responsible dog owners in apartments and you have to be very considerate of your neighbors, but I've also seen those who let their dogs bark all day or all nite - I'm not saying you would do , just that you could end up living next to someone like that which could start yoru dog barking

So much to think abo0ut when you are getting a dog, but especially ifyou will be living in an apartment or rental, you arent as free as if you own your own home

Just some things to think about - I wish you luck in finding a furbaby to fit into your home.

Are you deadset on a puppy - you could also look for a rescue doodle, most have already been potty trained and need a loving home - you can go to www.petfinders.org type in standard poodle you zip where you will be living and it will bring up all SP's and sP mixes, might find an already trained pup which could be a good thing in an apartment

Happy Puppy finding !

Also their hair gets dirtier than a furdog so can get oily and need bathing more frequent than a Lab might
_________________


Mary & Annabelle
Zippity Doodle, Zippyity ay, My O My what a WonderDoodle Day !

http://www.picturetrail.com/luvlabs

[Paintsmeblue]

I actually just chose a puppy tonight! The previously posted "Gangster Doodle" from Holly at Four Paw Doodles.

We have a 1240 sq ft apartment- 2 bed 2 bath, that's just for the BF, me, and our new addition. Our apartment allows for dogs up to 75 lbs. We're getting a medium sized Australian Multi-gen, so it shouldn't get that big... but the apartment complex also looked like it was flexible with the weight- more like a rule in case a dog gets unruly they have a rule to kick it out.

We're also getting the apartment Friday--- summer has just flown by!-- so my boyfriend is moving most of our stuff in this weekend, so hopefully when I arrive- with the puppy soon afterwards- most should be moved in.

We also found out that there's a walking path right behind our apartment complex that leads over to the local dog park. That was an exciting discovery!

Thanks for the ideas about what to remember when considering price! I think I budgeted for it all--- now I just have to stick to that budget which is hard now that I'm actually getting a puppy!

The countdown can officially begin!

[blueteal]

Kristen
Missed you but everything sounds wonderful!!!!
We will need to see more pictures of your new baby!!!!
_________________
Sue & Denver
http://blueteal.net/denver.htm
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
- Josh Billings

[MaxandMe]

that is such great news Kristen!!!! i can't wait to see puppy pics soon!!
_________________
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

[gene]

Congrats Kristen! What a long strange trip it's been huh? What a lucky pup is coming your way!!
_________________
gene , jonah , miko and rumor

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/jonahfus
"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." - Robert Benchley

[Paintsmeblue]

Thanks! I'm so excited, which is the first time during this process! He's exactly what we wanted. Now, the wait begins!

[gene]

And the waiting is the hardest part. Just like a kid at Christmas time. I know I could think of nothing else, and drove my family and friends crazy!!
_________________
gene , jonah , miko and rumor

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/jonahfus
"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." - Robert Benchley

[MaxandMe]

I know i could NOT sleep the night before hahaha laid in bed thinking and thinking sooooooo excited hhahahahahaa
_________________
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

[Annie]

Kristen, I was sooo excited waiting for Matey. I can't believe that he has been with our family now for 4 weeks! Please post the pics when you get them . I am so happy that you have finally found your pup

[Linda]

Kristen! Congratulations!!! Holly has absolutely beautiful pups and this chocolate boy is stunning!!! Keep us posted!!!

[annabelles mom]

Congratulations Kristen !

Cant wait to see photos of your baby - good luck
_________________


Mary & Annabelle
Zippity Doodle, Zippyity ay, My O My what a WonderDoodle Day !

http://www.picturetrail.com/luvlabs