EDUCATION & RESOURCES
COME & FIND:
There are few things that are as heartwarming as holding and playing with a puppy. They are soft and fluffy and are full of silly antics that make us laugh. They can also be ‘trouble’ when they are not fully trained or are unaware of all the expectations they will eventually need to meet. Some of you have raised many dogs and know what to expect in the next few months. For others, this is a new experience. But in either case, being prepared and having a plan in place can really help. You need to know what may come your way. You need to have thought through the best practices for training yourself as well as the puppy. One should keep in mind that it is often the training of “us” more than the puppy…to be correct and consistent in our responses to the puppy’s personality and behaviors.
While suggestions are provided here for help, we never want you to feel alone in your journey. I am available through text, email, and by phone to help you to find solutions to any issues you may have.
We are excited for you and pray that this is one of the best journeys you will ever go on!
Supplies
-Crate … small, or may be full size if you are able to block it off to be puppy size.
-Blanket or crate pad
-Kong puzzle toys
-Chew toys like Bully sticks, raw beef bones, rope toys, etc. (We do not recommend rawhide chew toys!)
-Door gates, or foldable pens. These are used to limit access to home or for potty training.
-Food and Water Bowls
-Toothbrush and toothpaste
-Small training treats … may be a different high quality kibble, or dehydrated meats
-Treat pouch to keep with you all the time
-Collar and leash
-Harness (Optional)
-Enzyme cleaner and paper towels. (Enzymes consume organic matter and smell.)
-Anti-chew spray … could be bitter apple or vinegar or …
-Brushes: one slicker brush, and a soft boar bristle brush (for training)
-Metal comb
-Nail clipper
-Ear cleaning solution and paper napkins
-Shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner/detangler.
-Small round-tipped scissors
If you are planning to try to groom the puppy yourself, you will also need:
-Clipper. I like the ‘Andis’ brand. Plan to spend $150 - $250 as cheaper ones won’t work well on a Doodle coat
-Blades - I use a #10, #5FC, and a #3&3/4FC most often. You may want duplicates to swap out when these blades get hot.
-Clipper combs if you want your dog’s hair longer than an inch
-Blade Ice … a coolant for the blades during a grooming session
-De-matting comb
-Thinning (skip-tooth) shear
-6” or 7” curved shear
-Straight shear … again, investing in higher quality shears is usually worth the investment
-Patience.😁 (Both with yourself and the dog) It may be very frustrating and challenging to begin with, but if you stick with it, you should eventually achieve what you want.
Training
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“The Empowered Puppy,” is a publication of instruction that will help take you through the first four weeks of time with your puppy. I believe in it greatly enough to provide it to you for free in either print or online form once you have a puppy reservation. It goes through some very important principles of ideology that can really shape the relationship you create with your puppy and which lays a foundation of trust and respect for training. The principles laid out in this booklet are ones that are already being used here at Heart of the North Doodles, and we hope that you will see their value in making the transition and training easier. Happy reading!
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“Baxter and Bella” online training. This is an online, lifetime access, training membership which has a one-time fee that allows you access to EVERYTHING they offer: classes, courses, step-by-step programs, games, printable charts, checklists, as well as LIVE help from their amazing team of trainers! You can click on the link to see all that they have to offer.
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Discounts available: If you enter the code HEARTOFTHENORTH, you will receive a 25% discount. The original cost is $238, so with the discount, it’s yours for a lifetime at $178.
Click The Banner To Check Them Out!
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For those interested: I do earn a commission for each membership purchased with this code, but that is not why I sought out a partnership with Baxter & Bella - I truly believe this program to be one of the best out there! Their purpose and hope in providing a commission to breeders is that we will, in turn, find a way to benefit our local canine community by supporting programs for dogs, or people with dogs, and I intend to honor their desire. As such, I intend to donate all of the kickbacks to programs that support “Canine Good Citizenship” training. This certification allows service in nursing homes, hospitals, and institutions, etc. So not only will your purchase offer you and your puppy training support, but it will also support heart-healing services.
Other good sources of training are available…
When developing this website, I searched diligently for over a week, looking at videos, reading blogs and books to find sources to recommend. I have the highest regard for those already mentioned as they coincide with the training that we are already doing, but I also believe that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” program. I encourage you to go to these websites, learn from them and decide for yourself which program fits your style and best meets your needs.
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Simpawtico Dog Training
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McCann Professional Dog Training
(You’ll need to scroll down a bit for the online option)
Conversations
If there will be more than one person living with the puppy, it is important to talk through training strategies and expectations before bringing the puppy home.
If children are present in the home they need to understand what behaviors to expect, (jumping, mouthing/biting, getting in the way, chewing things left on the floor, etc.) Not only do they need to be taught what to do in those circumstances, but also how their own behaviors might need to change, (not running away, sitting on their hands, no jerky or sudden movements the puppy might interpret as “play” etc.) And parents need to be vigilant and step in to teach proper response to both puppy and kids. If necessary, the puppy can be calmly redirected to a good chewy or non-play activity such as training for fun tricks like “High five” or “Roll over.” Remember both the puppy and young children can be overstimulated and will do best by being redirected.
DOODLE CARE
Doodles have a variety of coat textures: straight, wavy, curly, or some combination of any of them; but what they have in common is the necessity for regular, consistent grooming. Many dogs look forward to the bonding and attention! Brushing out your dog 2-3 times per week and either grooming, or taking your dog to a groomer, every 4-6 weeks is necessary for healthy skin and a manageable coat. It is one of the major considerations when deciding on this breed. Mats in a dog’s coat can be irritating, or even painful. They can trap moisture and microorganisms, and if left too long can trigger hot spots and other skin conditions.
Brushing doesn’t have to be a chore. After a puppy has had plenty of playtime, and he’s ready to snuggle, you can allow him in your lap. You should start by just touching and petting him everywhere. There is no place on a dog’s body that he should refuse to let you touch. Then pick up a soft boar-bristle brush and start brushing. (At the beginning, he may need to smell it first.) This kind of brush will usually just pass over any tangles or mats, therefore not causing stress. It will get him used to the feeling of getting brushed. It is best to start lower on his body, and work your way up towards his neck and face. Once he’s comfortable with the act of being brushed, you can move on to the slicker brush with light pressure.
This is a good video for the proper way to brush out your Doodle: