Getting Ready for Your New Arrival

You’re not wrong in thinking that your new labradoodle puppy is going to be a cute little bundle of fluff, but he’s also going to be a lot of hard work. Before you even get him home, you should make sure that you and your home are prepared for your new arrival. Your pup will need plenty of care and attention, so you’ll have to be home most of the day for at least the first couple of months of his life.

Puppy Proofing
Your labradoodle puppy will be into absolutely everything, so it’s important to puppy proof your home before he comes to live with you. Your little doodle will love to chew at first, so make sure that you don’t keep anything at puppy level that’s not meant to be chomped upon. Shoes, books, CDs and DVDs are all prime chewing material. You may want to restrict your pup to just one area of the house while you’re not home, to keep him out of mischief, so if you don’t have secure doors,you’ll need to get a baby gate. The kitchen is often good choice because there usually aren’t many chewable things where your pup can get them and floors are often easily cleaned, in case of any little accidents.

Back to Basics
All puppies need some basic bits of kit to keep them well looked after. Your new doodle will need both a food a water bowl – preferably either metal or ceramic as plastic bowls are more likely to harbor bacteria, a puppy-sized collar and leash, a name tag with your contact information, a bed and blankets, and brushes for grooming.

Dinnertime!
In order not to upset your new puppy’s delicate tummy, you should start him out on the food that he’s used to. Ask the breeder or dog shelter you’re getting him from what he’s currently eating. If you want to change his diet, you should do this gradually, by reducing the current food by a handful each day and replacing it with the new food that you want to feed him. Do this a little at a time and within a week or so he will have fully transitioned to his new chow. Remember that young dogs need specially formulated puppy food to keep them healthy and help them grow correctly. He will also need some treats to use as rewards when training him.

Toys Galore
Play is extremely important for puppies, so you need to get your labradoodle pup a range of different toys. Durable chew toys are vital as he can fulfill his urge to chew by gnawing on these instead of your belongings. You should also get some interactive toys – such as balls or rope tug toys – because playing with your pup is a great way of bonding with him. Make sure that his toys are small enough for him to comfortably fit in his mouth, but not so small that he could swallow them. It’s a good idea to supervise your pup when he’s playing with toys, as there’s a small rick he could bite bits off and swallow or even choke on them.

Recommended Reading
While your new puppy will need a lot of things, you also have to be prepared. As such, it’s a good idea to pick up some books on puppies before your new labradoodle arrives. Pick a comprehensive book that covers toilet training your puppy and teaching basic commands, as well as discussing his physical and emotional needs. Make sure that you pick up a book that advocates positive reinforcement training, as is the most effective method and doesn’t suggest any controversial methods. Ask staff at your local pet shop or book store for recommendations, if you’re unsure.

Photo credit: JD/Flickr

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