Preparing for YOUR Puppy!
When you purchase a puppy from Obsidian Creek Doodles, you will receive:
A “Preparing for Puppy” packet with TONS of information about training, grooming, and other care responsibilities,
Helpful conditioning so that your puppy is used to daily life objects and sounds,
Health and behavioral records,
A jump start to training your sweetie,
A healthy beginning to your puppy’s life including physical and mental stimulation,
Lifelong support from Obsidian Creek Doodles to answer any questions or concerns you might have,
AND MORE!
Am I ready to purchase a puppy?
At Obsidian Creek Doodles LLC, we only send our puppies to homes that are ready to receive them.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have a safe, clean environment with space to share with the puppy?
Do I have time during my day to devote to the puppy’s well-being and training?
Have I done my research to know what breed is the best fit for my family’s needs?
Am I prepared for the unique needs associated with the “puppy phase”, such as getting up early to take the puppy to the bathroom, maintaining consistent rules while the puppy learns how to act in my home, etc?
Can I adapt to the puppy’s unique personality?
Am I ready and willing to learn? Even if I have had a puppy before, this experience will be unique because each puppy is unique.
Am I ready to provide a quality life for the puppy, or will my schedule and situation require the dog to be kenneled or left alone for long hours on a regular basis?
Have I researched to learn what constitutes a responsible breeder and breeding program to ensure that I do not support unhealthy or uneducated “backyard breeders?”
What expenses come along with a puppy?
Be prepared to purchase a few extra things to give your puppy a quality home and beginning to life.
Pet supplies. Just send me an email if you would like me to send you an in depth list of essential, recommended, and optional pet supplies!
Training. I recommend taking your puppy to a training class, especially if this is your first puppy. However, there are also wonderful FREE resources online, and I will send you home with TONS of training tips.
Food. An adult doodle may eat up to $30-75 of dog food each month, depending on what brand you purchase, the size of the dog, the dog’s energy level, the dog’s appetite, etc.
Grooming. Every doodle needs grooming, some of which can be done at home and some of which is best handled by a professional. Doodle grooming includes: baths, brushing, trimming nails, and caring for your dog’s ears. I will send you home with detailed grooming instructions. However, I recommend having your dog professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks.
Fencing/Appropriate containment. You dog’s safety depends on appropriate limits, especially physical boundaries to keep your dog in your yard. This entail some sort of fence/containment with plenty of space to run and play, careful training, and adequate supervision.
Vet expenses. Puppies of all breeds need vaccinations and deworming to stay healthy. Each vet is priced a little differently than the next, so be sure to do your homework. Remember, when selecting a vet, quality is most important!
Identification expenses. This may include: registration, microchips, and tags. Many states, cities, or counties require dogs to be added to a local registry every year.
What care will my puppy need?
Training. One of the best things about purchasing a puppy from Obsidian Creek Doodles is the early exposure to training that you will receive. Because of all our work, your work is cut in half! But your puppy will still need you to maintain the skills that they have learned and expand on what they know. I will send you home with TONS of training information to help in the transition.
Grooming. Doodles need their hair cared for, which means bathing, brushing, and hair cuts. They also need their ears cared for and nails trimmed. I will send you home with detailed information to help you with in-home grooming. Dental care may be needed, but there are many dog treats and toys to help keep your dog’s teeth clean to prevent dental issues.
Exercise. Doodles have moderate energy levels and will need daily play to use that energy. Walks, runs, a game of fetch, tug of war, or any other physical activity will do! Have fun!
Clean Food and Water. Easy peasy. Just make sure you’re using high quality puppy food. Not sure what brand to choose? Check on www.dogfoodadvisor.com!
Medical care- especially vaccinations and deworming!
What can I do now to prepare before i pick up my puppy?
Puppy proof. Look around your home and think to yourself, “What items do I NOT want the puppy to have access to?” That might include any nice furniture, shoes, exposed wires, the garbage can, etc. Baby gates or puppy play pens can make puppy proofing easy!
Decide on expectations. Take time to decide as a family what the rules will be for the new puppy. If you are all on the same page, your expectations can be clearly taught to the new puppy from day 1.
Purchase items. Make a plan to care for your puppy’s needs and purchase everything you need to follow through with that plan.
Research. Learn helpful tricks, tips, and techniques to ease the transition for you and your new puppy! I will send you home with lots of great material to help.