Welcoming any new family member usually requires some planning and prep. Puppies can easily get themselves into predicaments.
As their human providers, we want to try to head off any problems. We have attached some references and information below to help you prepare!
#1 Puppy Proof your house
At 8-10 weeks old puppies can still get into lots of predicaments. They are much like little toddlers. Exploring the world with their mouth and sometimes learning things the hard way, like a good tumble down the stairs.
Make sure the puppy does not have access to the entire house. For the first several weeks they need to be watched at all times or kept in a safe room or area away from electric chords they can chew, toys and clothing they can swallow.
Stairs should have a puppy gate or another blockade until you are comfortable that your puppy knows how to climb up and down.
Suggested purchases to help: Baby Gate, a dog Crate, safe chew toys (especially when unsupervised- make sure they can not tear it to pieces) , play pen area, long leash to use as a "house leash"
#2 Kitchen Dangers
Puppies will eat almost anything and they gulp things down very quickly.
Outside, scan the yard that the puppy will have access to for any kind of mushroom, chemical yard treatments or poisonous plants
There are also several kitchen staples that dogs should not have access to. Grapes, Xylitol (aka Birch Sugar- which can be in Peanut Butters, toothpaste, ice cream and gum), Onions, Chocolate are some of the most common that can cause serious trouble for our canine family members.
#3 Preparing for Potty Training
Each puppy is different. We hear back from some families that their puppy does a wonderful job at potty training from the very first start. We are sure there are others that have more trouble. (just like some of our adult dogs and puppies we have worked with in the past)
We do have some tricks that may help your success. Aussiedoodles are extremely intelligent. In our experience once they feel like they can communicate with you the potty training is much easier.
We recommend the bell method of training. You simply ring the bell every time you let the puppy out for a little while and then eventually start using their paw to ring the bell. The first time they ring it themselves praise them and open the door.
Take puppies out very often. After each meal, after each nap and playtime. Take them out again before crate time. You can take your clicker and bag of treats outside and when they go give them a click and a high value treat. This re-enforces that you are happy with what they are doing, and where it is happening.
Suggested: puppy pads if in an apartment or if puppy is going to be left in play area for long periods of time, bell at the door, enzymatic cleaner for accidents, clicker and treats
#4 Toys!!!
Many of our puppy families have had Australian Shepherds in the past. This helps the people we work with understand that Aussiedoodles are a very intelligent breed. With intelligence comes great responsibility; especially for the humans in the family. A bored Aussiedoodle can cause damage to shoes, door frames, climb fences and get into trouble. Engaging toys and daily activity can help so much!
Aussiedoodles are great for active families that like to hike, swim, run or involve their dogs in farming or sports. They also do well with fenced in yards that allow plenty of space to stretch their legs. They love running at top speed. Regular training will help keep their minds busy and challenged. Find toys that are for strong chewers, puzzle mats that make them slow down and think through problems and balls. Most will love to play fetch.
Poodles are water dogs. Many of our Aussiedoodles enjoy trips on the boat or "fishing for rocks" in the rivers. (Make sure the puppies don't swallow the rocks!!)
Suggested: cloth play tunnels, chew toys (no rawhide), puzzle feeding trays, balls, soft toys (when supervised), tugging ropes
One of our goals at Mills River Doodles is to continue to educate ourselves on the best way to raise young puppies so that they fit in with their new families well. We know that Aussiedoodles, as a breed, are not the right fit for every family. Sharing what we have learned in the past and the new tips and tricks we continue to learn as we grow is one of our favorite parts of raising dogs and puppies. We do have a list of YouTube videos we are beginning to send to new Aussiedoodle puppy parents. We are happy to share that list with any pet owner that reaches out to us! We invite you to share with us any information you find helpful in raising your puppy also!