Helpful Information For New Puppy Families

It is important to keep your puppy well rested, hydrated, and fed well for the first few days at their new home. This is a stressful transition. If your pup backs off food add honey, water, or canned pumpkin to their kibble. Its also important your puppy gets plenty of rest between activities, to avoid going into an energy deficit where seizures and lethargy are common.

The Imprinting period is referred to as the first 16 weeks of a puppy's life. It is said that more lifelong characteristics, habits, and behaviors are learned in this period, than the dog will learn through the rest of their life. The first 8 weeks the pup is learning everything from their mothers and siblings, the second 8 weeks its all up to their new families!

 It is important to establish good habits, start repetitive training, and introducing your puppy to as many things as possible to ensure they turn into a well rounded adult

Kennel training can be tough. Its important to train your puppy that the kennel is a safe space so they do not cry and whimper when kenneled. Instead of forcefully putting the puppy in the kennel, make it a warm inviting place for the puppy to go voluntarily. Keep toys, food, and water close to the kennel. 

 When your puppy takes a nap somewhere place them in the kennel. Waking up and being able to come out of the kennel at their own will soon creates a safe space, and the puppy will voluntarily seek out the kennel to sleep. Soon you will be able to close the door and have a hassle free kennel session.

Taking your puppy outdoors frequently is your best bet, and create a reward system when your puppy goes potty outside. Take your puppy outdoors atleast 3 times an hour right after eating and drinking. Pull food and water 2 hours before bedtime. 

Puppy pads can be handy, especially if your puppy finds a favorite place to have accidents. Place a pad in this area, and slowly move it towards the door. Soon your puppy will be waiting at the door when they need to potty. Do not do this more than 2 weeks to prevent becoming pad dependent. It is a good way however to initiate good potty behaviors with little clean up.

Grooming your dog is important because of the type of hair coat that comes from the poodle side. Some pups are curlier haired than others, and require frequent brushing. You will want to work with a groomer, or learn to groom your dog yourself. Your dog will require frequent grooming. Talk with your groomer to establish best grooming practices for your pup.

It is  also important to pluck your  dogs ears every few months. Dead hair accumulates in the ear drum - it will be dark colored and appear damp. This comes out easily and needs to be plucked every few months to prevent yeast and ear infections.