You have put a deposit on a puppy ... now what?
Congratulations on your decision to bring the most perfect addition to your family into your lives!
Let's go over where to start! Your puppy already has such a great start to its life! You want to keep that same momentum going!
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VET
Your 1st priority, the moment you know you will be getting a puppy, is to interview veterinarians for your puppy. Set up its first vet visit and schedule the remainder of the puppy shots. Trust me when I say that not all vets are created equal. Do your research.
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GROOMER
Start the interviewing process for your puppy. They will need their first groom after their 16th-week shots.
You want to introduce them gently to grooming with their first puppy cut. KNOW your groomers reputation for doing exactly what you want her to do. Show photos and request photos of their previous work for what you want. You will want to set up a grooming schedule, once you have found the perfect groomer.
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TRAINER
A well trained dog is a dog that will bring you the most joy. Wee highly suggest you find a trainer who does positive reinforcement. There are good trainers and bad trainers. I would not recommend a puppy staying somewhere to be trained.
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With all that said, you will want to make initial purchases.
We start with crate training. If you want to continue with it, find a crate that is VERY sturdy and will no collapse.
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Obtain your bowls, dog food, pumpkin, harness, safety buckle for the car, leash (not the retractable kind) A comfortable collar, and dog mats. We have added a few links for you below.
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this is what we have been feeding the puppies with great tummy success. It is a grade-A food. Most Purina foods are garbage but the pro plan is great.. If you are going to switch, make sure you mix this in with their new food. to cause less tummy strain. We usually just order through Chewy to come straight to our door.
This is an absolute must. Each pup MAY get an upset tummy from the stress of going to a new environment. Give 1 Tablespoon of canned pumpkin at the first showing of any upset tummy. Wipe away from the mouth immediately as it can stain. This works wonders. It has to be pure. NOT pumpkin pie filling.
We recommend heavy ceramic bowls with a flat bottom. It's cleaner, and safer. Never use plastic bowls for a dog. ever. It can cause bumps on the face. Etsy and other venues have cute ones!
You are going to want this Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush for Doodles and Poodles. Groom Like a Professional, Fluff Detangle Style, Saves Time Energy, Coral, Large
After you brush, you can run the rake through and get up more of the undercoat. Huge help
For those on a budget, try this budget-friendly slicker! It eases the pain when you are starting to gather supplies
Tear stain removers for when they get a little gook around the eyes.
First, you use the slicker brush, then the rake, and go over it with this metal comb. Do this at least every other day and your dogs' coat will be mat-free!
You are going to want a shampoo that whitens. This is an example
A detangler helps when brushing after a bath. Here is an example.
Keeps pads from cracking
Ear powder.
You will want a sturdy halter with front and back rings for easy attaching to a dog seat belt in the back seat. You don't want your dog all over the car. It's dangerous. here is an example
You will want a sturdy comfortable collar. Here is an example but ETSY has some adorable ones!
I have many leashes but this is my go-to leash. It has a stretch area so you don't hurt your dog's throat if they pull. I love the handle as well for close walking. It has a seat belt click that can go into your car seat belt system.
This treat bag goes everywhere with me. This is an example. I use this one because it has compartments and poo bags. I use everything about this bag. We believe in positive reinforcement. Praises for every good thing!
Heat cycle Doggie Diapers. We strongly recommend not to spay until they are 2 for health reasons.
This gentle Halti works wonders for a dog that wants to pull on the leash. I absolutely love it.