Caring for your Doodle

Pre-planning for your puppy

Puppies add fun, warmth and lots of love to a home and some even feel that no family is complete without a dog. Kids learn the skill of responsibility with a puppy and the companionship and happiness that is obvious as they grow up together warms the heart. Puppies develop a personality of their own which somehow always compliments that of their family. Who can resist owning a furry little bundle of joy?

Before choosing to purchase a puppy, consider everything that will be involved and the responsibility associated with owning a dog for 12 to 15 years. The monetary cost in owning a dog is sizeable, especially in the first year with vet bills, dog food, bedding and toys. If you have long working hours or holiday often, who will spend time with your new family member and look after him whilst you are away? Only after you have fully considered this great commitment should you go out in search of a puppy as there are very few people who can walk away once they fall in love with those big brown eyes.

Puppy proofing your home

There are lots of potential hazards lying around the home that could cause problems for your puppy. Puppies are lively and curious creatures that like to chew with their new teeth and because they are small, they are able to get into spaces that you haven’t even thought of.

Make sure that all chemicals and detergents are safely locked away and that the cakes of soap are not in a place that your puppy can get their teeth on to it. Don’t leave plastic bags lying around that they can get twisted up in and ensure that small objects such as sewing equipment and toys are not left on low level tables or cupboards. Keep the toilet lid down to stop the puppy from playing and drinking in the water. The lid may fall down and hurt or trap him and the bowl cleaners and blocks are poisonous for animals.

Houseplants can be both irresistible and poisonous to puppies. Remove all houseplants or place them in hanging baskets outside of your puppy’s reach.

The garage has many hazards as many chemicals are left on the ground or placed at a low level. In particular, rat poison, anti-freeze, mothballs, fertilisers and insecticides are all attractive for puppies but all can prove fatal. Don’t assume that just because the garage is locked that the puppy will be safe. Spend some time tidying it up and storing all of these hazardous chemicals out of the puppy’s reach.

Before bringing a curious puppy home, it is essential to “puppy-proof” the house to ensure that it will be safe. Keep small items such as rubber bands, buttons and beads out of reach and be aware that some indoor cleaners and plants may be poisonous to puppies.

Get down low and look for any nooks and crannies behind cabinets or under sofas that the puppy might want to explore. Block these off with cardboard or attach double-sided tape as puppies won’t like the sticky surface. Remove dangling cords and precious ornaments from shelves and always close drawers and cupboard doors.

I.D. and Tags

It would be terribly sad for your puppy to wander off without their finders knowing where they live. Ensure they are always wearing an I.D. tag that shows their name and your contact details.

Your labradoodle will come microchipped, but it is important to register your pet with your local council and update the microchip registration details.