Doodle Care 101

Grooming

Grooming is a significant aspect of owning most Doodles, largely due to the Poodle coat genetics that contribute to reduced shedding but also necessitate more intensive grooming routines. Regular haircuts should be scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a healthy coat. In between these appointments, consistent brushing is crucial. The frequency of brushing will vary depending on your Doodle’s coat length; dogs with a short sport cut can generally be brushed once or twice a week, while those with longer coats require daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting.

Proper brushing technique is vital for effective grooming. Simply using a slicker brush may not be sufficient, as tangles close to the skin can easily form mats if not addressed. Employing a line brushing technique—using both a comb and a slicker brush—ensures that you are brushing down to the skin and removing tangles effectively. After brushing, a comb should glide smoothly through the entire coat, indicating that your Doodle’s fur is well-maintained.

Moreover, regular professional grooming, in combination with at-home care, is essential for proper Doodle ownership. Prospective owners should carefully consider the time and financial implications of grooming before bringing a Doodle of any breed into their home. Investing in grooming not only keeps your Doodle looking their best but also promotes their overall health and well-being.

Training

The intelligence of both Bernedoodles and Labradoodles, combined with their affectionate nature and eager-to-please personalities, makes them ideal family pets. However, their high intelligence means that proper obedience training is essential. These breeds are active and thrive on mental stimulation, making them enthusiastic learners. Without adequate training, they may develop undesirable behaviors, which can be not only frustrating but also potentially dangerous for both people and the dogs. Common issues such as jumping, door bolting, and lack of recall can lead to accidents and injuries. To mitigate these risks, training must be prioritized—beginning with puppy kindergarten and basic obedience courses and progressing to achieving the AKC Canine Good Citizenship certification. This certification should be attainable for all JNB Doodles by the age of one, provided they receive appropriate training, as part of responsible dog ownership. Prospective dog owners should take into account the time and financial commitment required for training before welcoming a new dog into their families. Investing in training not only strengthens the bond between the dog and its family but also ensures a well-mannered and safe companion.

Veterinary Expenses

Before getting a new puppy, prospective owners should consider several key veterinary expenses to ensure they are financially prepared. Here’s a summary of common costs:

  1. Initial Veterinary Visit: An initial examination is crucial for assessing the puppy's health and establishing a care plan. We require all new puppies to visit a vet within 5 business days of going home.

  2. Vaccinations: Puppies require a series of vaccinations to protect against common diseases. This typically includes vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, bordetella and rabies. Every vet clinic has a different protocol in addition to the core vaccinations. A quote of a first year vaccination cost is important to obtain.

  3. Spaying/Neutering: We REQUIRE our puppies to be spayed/neutered between 12-18 months of age. This procedure is important for controlling the pet population and reducing certain health risks.

  4. Routine Health Check-ups: Regular vet visits for check-ups should be part of the budget, including any necessary follow-up vaccinations.

  5. Parasite Prevention: Monthly treatments for fleas, ticks, and heartworms are essential to keep your puppy healthy.

  6. Dental Care: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are recommended to maintain oral health, which can incur additional costs.

  7. Emergency Care: It’s wise to set aside funds for unexpected health issues or emergencies that may arise. Pet health insurance is included for the first 30 days that a puppy goes home and many families choose to continue coverage for the life of their pet.

  8. Other Health Needs: Be prepared for potential costs related to other common health concerns that may require treatment.

Considering these expenses will help ensure that you can provide the necessary veterinary care for your new puppy and support their long-term health and wellbeing.

New Puppy Challenges

Welcoming a new puppy into your home can be a deeply rewarding experience filled with joy, companionship, and love, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here’s a look at the ups and downs of having a new puppy during their first year of life:

Rewards:

  1. Unconditional Love and Companionship: Puppies have an innate ability to bond with their owners, providing a sense of companionship and joy. Their affection, enthusiasm, and excitement when you come home can lift your spirits like nothing else.

  2. Joyful Moments: The playful antics of a puppy can bring laughter and joy to your home. Whether they’re chasing their tail, playing with toys, or just being goofy, these moments create lasting memories.

  3. Growing Together: Watching your puppy grow and learn new skills can be incredibly satisfying. Training milestones, such as mastering basic commands or potty training, provide a sense of accomplishment for both the owner and the puppy.

  4. Health and Lifestyle Benefits: Having a puppy encourages a more active lifestyle, as they require regular walks and playtime. This can lead to improved physical health and emotional well-being for you and your family.

  5. Teaching Responsibility: Caring for a puppy can instill a sense of responsibility, especially for children. Involvement in daily tasks like feeding, grooming, and walking the puppy teaches valuable life skills and fosters empathy.

  6. Therapeutic Benefits: The presence of a puppy can have calming effects, reducing stress and anxiety. Interacting with a dog has been shown to release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” promoting feelings of well-being.

Challenges:

  1. Destructive Chewing: Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which can lead to furniture, shoes, and other household items being chewed up. This can be frustrating and may require redirecting their attention to appropriate chew toys.

  2. Time Commitment: Puppies require significant time and attention, especially in the early months. Training, socialization, and playtime must be prioritized, which can be overwhelming for busy owners.

  3. Financial Costs: Owning a puppy involves various expenses, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, routine vet visits, food, grooming, and training classes. These costs can add up quickly and require careful budgeting.

  4. Training Challenges: While training can be rewarding, it can also be frustrating. Puppies may have accidents during potty training or become easily distracted during obedience training, requiring patience and consistency from their owners.

  5. Sleep Disruptions: New puppies may have difficulty settling at night, leading to disruptions in sleep for their owners. This adjustment period can be tiring but often improves as the puppy matures.

  6. Puppy Nipping: Nipping is a common behavior in puppies as they explore their environment and play. This can be painful and frustrating, especially when they nip at hands or clothes. Training and providing appropriate outlets for their energy are essential to curb this behavior.

In summary, the journey with a new puppy in their first year is filled with both ups and downs. While the companionship, love, and joy they bring are immeasurable, owners must also navigate challenges such as destructive behavior, time commitments, and costs. With patience, training, and a sense of humor, the rewards of puppy ownership often far outweigh the frustrations, making it a worthwhile and fulfilling experience.