New Puppy Essentials
Home at Last!
The day has finally arrived!! You are so excited but you worry - “Do I have everything I need?”…. “What should I expect?” No worries, I have been breeding for many years and have a few favorites that I would love to share with you
Maple Creek Aussiedoodles works very hard for the first past 8 weeks of your puppy’s life, making sure your new little furry bundle is happy, has a head start on basic training and most importantly is HEALTHY. We have introduced the puppies to different sounds, people, places, textures, started potty training and introduced them to a crate /kennel so they are in familiar territory..
Remember, they are afraid, and a little stressed from being removed from all they have know for the past 8-10 weeks. Crate training is the very best way to potty train you puppy and also give him a happy, secure and safe place for them to destress. I like the metal kennels better than the more solid plastic ones as they are so much easier to transport, they fold flat, AND are way easier to clean if need be. If you would like to cover the crate you can use a light blanket or you can purchase a beautiful custom cover from Maple Creek (our own brand name for pet items) Just send an inquiry and we will contact you for sizing and fabric. These are the two different crates we use, both are excellent, the only difference it that one has doors that swing out, the other is a new version and the door is like a garage door and folds over the top - great if you don’t have a lot of space or don’t want an open door in the way. I like the 2 door option so it gives you more options on where you can place the crate. The links to both crates are below.
Dog Crate | MidWest Life Stages 36" Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
The MIDWEST LIFE STAGES 36” crate is a great size for the Aussiedoodles we breed. The crate comes with a divider so you can make the space smaller when they come home and gradually enlarge the space until they finally have full use of it.
It is a very strong and sturdy crate and will last you a lifetime. Until you are sure your puppy will not soil the crate (which sometimes accidents do happen) make it easy on yourself and only add items that are easily washed ! A padded bed will probably be torn into pieces and you will be washing it a lot…….if it doesn’t get torn apart first!
MidWest Homes for Pets Ovation Single Door Dog Crate, 36-Inch
This is a relatively new crate from MidWest but what a great idea!! Only the side door is a sliding - over the top door but it does give you the option of a swing end door as well. This is especially nice when your puppy is an adult and does not need to have the door of the kennel / crate shut, but it is still their happy den like place to go to. This can also be covered with a blanket or a fitted custom cover with your choice of fabric from MAPLE CREEK as well. Just send you request .
Another important item is a leash and collar. There are many great options out there from buckle up collars made of webbing to collars with side release plastic buckles - webbing leashes, leather leashes, rope and retractable ones all are great, it is mostly just personal choice. I don’t recommend a retractable one until you dog is well trained and heeling on command. A shorter 4’ leash is what we use here. Also stay away from a plastic buckle on the collar as they will always breakdown and crack over time and could possible release when you are walking, putting your dog into danger if he bolts. We do offer a line of collars, leashes and other items (coming) under our own brand name MAPLE CREEK. You can check out the large selection under the shop tab in the header.
Luxury Collars and Leashes from Maple Creek
Check the shop tab in the header - Maple Creek is a subsidiary of Maple Creek Aussiedoodles.
Tilted, Elevated Pet Bowl with Bamboo Stand, 4 Colors choices.
This is the set I use for my own dogs. It is elegant and fits so many different decors from traditional to modern. I like that it is elevated a 15 degree angle to protect the dogs cervical spine, and raised to aid in digestion. The stand is non slip so it doesn’t move when you the dog is eating and if you happen to break one of the 100% porcelain ceramic bowls you can purchase just the bowl. It has a 90 day warranty too! 6 great colors - White, Blue, Black Pink, Green, and Yellow.
Zymox - LP3 Enzyme System
We keep this on hand all of the time for our dogs that have trouble with their ears. This product has worked wonders for us and worked when antibiotics did not. It is very easy to use and relieves the irritation and itching immediately. Make sure to have some before you need it!
The last few things I always use and recommend is a small KONG that you can fill with peanut butter, frozen yogurt for those teeth that are coming in, even frozen applesauce will keep them busy for an hour or more when you need a break! Another chew toy I stumbled across is the PETSTAGES DOGWOOD ALTERNATE DOG CHEW, I don’t know what they make them out of or what they smell like to a dog but boy do they fight over who gets that toy!! It lasts forever. Don’t get the really small one, they seem to be able to navigate the medium size one quite well - my little ones have even “stolen” the large one for our Boerboel (a HUGE dog!!) and do jut fine with it!
Snuggle Puppy with Heat Pack
This puppy, which comes in 6 different color choices and designs and can be a life safer the first few nights home. Puppies are used to sleeping together in a pile, all snuggled up together and they miss the warmth that provides and the sound of Mom’s heart beat or the heartbeat of their littermates. This plush puppy comes with a little red heart that is insertable (and removable) inside the puppy and has the sound of a beating heart. You can also add the heat pack to simulate the warmth of the “huddle” they are used to. They are really well constructed and help to calm them when they feel stressed and miss Mom and their litter mates.
So those are just a few of my favorite things I would recommend for your new puppy. They are all great items, tested out and are known to work well. Some help relieve the initial anxiety and stress when coming into an unknown place where nothing smells or looks the same.
Diarrhea is not uncommon in the first few days so don’t be alarmed. You can add a little pumpkin to their kibble, or if it persists feed rice and pumpkin only for a couple of days until they become acclimated. Pumpkin helps to settle an upset stomach and will improve their digestion. You can find it in the baking section of the store. Get the straight pumpkin, not the pumpkin pie mix with all of the spices added.
Thanks for taking the time to get to the bottom of the long post, so Congratulations! My love and best wishes to you and your family. Thank you for choosing a beautiful Healthy, Happy and well adjusted Aussiedoodle from the best multigen Aussidoodle breeder in the Mid West. I wish you and your family years and years of wonderful family and puppy time together in the years to come.
When things have settled down a bit check back for great grooming tips!