Getting ready for your new cockapoo puppy! ... and the first few days….Items to purchase are underlined.
Plastic or wooden superyard: Or you will want to decide on a small room for your puppy to spend quiet time that can be gated off. The puppy should not be allowed on the carpet until they are going potty in the right place consistently. Some people choose the kitchen while others choose the pantry, or laundry room. Any room that is not carpeted, is not heavily traversed, and can be puppy proofed generally works well. I like the superyards, or puppy playpens, but usually an area of at least 36” square will work. Line the rest of the area with papers, or a puppy piddle pad. You can purchase a frame to put the pad in if you have a problem with the puppy wanting to play with the pad. Make sure puppy has a cozy bed.
Small plastic carry crate: We do not recommend that the puppy should be kept in the plastic crate during the day, but at night you can put the crate beside your bed with the door shut so that the puppy can hear you sleep and you can hear if puppy needs to be reassured. If there is a lot of whining check to see if you need to protect from drafts or even use hot water bottle or puppy heating pad to warm puppy. You can even place the crate on a bedside table to cut down on floor drafts that you may not be noticing. If there is a lot of whining at first a strong no and even a firm tap on the crate can help the puppy understand that they should not be whining.
Potty pads and pad frame: Many people say that my puppies are already trained when they go home. We have only started their training, so you will need to carry on with it. We recommend purchasing potty pads and a frame to put in their day time play area. They do not need it at night. Be sure to take puppy out on a schedule, or when you think they need to go. If the puppy makes a mistake ignore it, until you remove the puppy from the area. Then clean it and spray Nature’s Miracle spray. The no command is to be saved for accidents after the puppy learns potty training, not for while they are learning. (No command should only be used at the time of offense. After the fact, the pup has usually forgotten the incident, and you risk causing confusion and fear if you get upset at puppy for a previous infraction!)
Metal exercise pen: Even if you have a fenced in yard, a metal exercise pen is great for setting in the yard. When it is time to take puppy out to potty, you want to take them to the same place give them a command to potty. Do not take out any toys or play games. Do not take your puppy on walks until they are older. This is a time to learn the correct place to go to the potty. A metal exercise pen is also great for taking on trips or even to a picnic in the park!
Puppy food: Puppy needs to have access to food and water for the first 24 hours in their new home. After that make sure that puppy has access to food and water constantly during daylight hours. If puppy is not eating the recommended amount be sure to have some canned chicken, or high quality canned puppy food on hand to offer on top of the kibble. The kibble does not need to be softened. We do not offer a lot of treats, but freezed dried liver can be offered as a treat. If you get the dog joy treats from fresh pet, you may want to keep them in the freezer after a week has past, so they don't go bad. We also recommend fresh pet dog food that can be found in the refrigerated section.
NuVet supplement: Your puppy will need ¼ tablet of the nuvet vitamin each day which can be served on the kibble, or in a bit of canned puppy food. Be sure to order early so you will have it on hand when your puppy comes home! You will only get a small sample when picking your puppy up. Nuvet is a food supplement we strongly recommend to maintain immunity and longevity in your pet. Order at 800-474-7044 and use code 20267, please.
Toys: Our puppies enjoy the blue orka chew toys, crinkle learning toys and soft rope type toys. Balls are always a favorite as well as toys with soft squeakers.
Towel: Puppy should have their own towel as well as a
superior quality shampoo and conditioner. We use ikaria, Spa, or Vet Basics.
Pet insurance: You may never need it, but in the case that you do, it is a good thing to check into. We do not sell it, but you can google to find more information. I think you can get it through AKC. Also consider getting a microchip put in your pet. We have done this with our adults, and it is for our peace of mind.
Adjustable collar size 6 – 8 and a leash that is 3/8 inch wide: Your puppy will not come to you lead broke, or even used to a collar, so you will need to get them used to wearing a collar by only putting it on until they scratch at it. After a couple of days your pup can wear the collar at all times. The leash should not be tugged on at all for the first week. Let puppy lead you at first. Puppies to not need to be taken for a walk until they are older, just let them play around in the grass without any pressure to stay by your side. Let them explore, and a gentle pat and praise for potties or coming to you is generally all that is needed for training purposes.
Vet care: Make an appointment for your puppy to see the vet. Our puppies see the vet when they are 6 – 7 wks. of age. They get a 5 way puppy booster shot and final wormer. They get checked for heart health. The vet also checks for hernias or any other health problems. All of this will be documented on your paperwork that you get with your puppy. Talk to your vet about future booster shots, worming and rabies shots for your puppy, as well as a plan for spay or neuter. Generally puppies are given 2 more boosters 3 – 4 wks. apart. Spay and neutering as well as rabies shots can sometimes be done as early as 10 wks. depending on the policy of your vet. At this time you can request tail docking or dew claw removal if it is not already done, or if a dew claw has grown back after removal.
