Clarewood Labradoodles

As a dog lover and breeder, I know how tempting it can be to bring a new puppy home. However, before making that decision, it’s important to consider whether you’re ready for the responsibilities that come with owning a puppy. Today, I’ll provide tips to help you make an informed decision on whether a puppy is right for you.

Introduction: The Joys and Responsibilities of Owning a Puppy

Owning a puppy comes with many joys, including the unconditional love and affection that they provide. Puppies are known for their playful personalities and their ability to bring joy into our lives. However, owning a puppy also comes with a lot of responsibilities and a long term commitment. Puppies require a lot of time and attention, and they depend on their owners for their basic needs, such as food, water, and exercise. It’s important to consider both the joys and responsibilities, with your head not your heart, before deciding whether to get a puppy.

Are You Ready for a Puppy? Signs That You’re Not

Before getting a puppy, it’s important to assess whether you’re ready for the responsibilities that come with owning one. Here are some signs that you may not be ready for a puppy:

• You don’t have enough time: When Puppies leave their litter to their new homes, they are very much babies.  They literally know nothing. Puppies require a lot of time and attention, including feeding, training, playing, and exercising. If you have a busy schedule or travel frequently, you may not have enough time to care for a puppy properly.
• You’re not financially prepared: Puppies can be expensive, with costs including food, toys, grooming, veterinary care, and training classes. If you’re not financially prepared for these expenses, it may not be the right time to get a puppy.
• You’re not committed: Just the initial training period of a puppy until it matures is around 10-18 months, and then consistent health care, exercise, and companionship for the average lifespan of 10-13 years. If you’re not ready to commit to caring for a puppy for its entire life, it’s better to wait until you’re in a more stable situation.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Puppy

While owning a puppy can bring many joys, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. Some pros of owning a puppy include:

• Unconditional love and companionship
• Increased physical activity and exercise
• Opportunities for socialization
• Improved mental health
• Knowing that you get to shape the behaviour of your pup
• A pup that will grow with your family
• Having the pup during the most important shaping period of the pups life (Up to 4 months)

However, there are also some cons to owning a puppy, including:

• Larger time and research commitment for training, due to the puppy having no basic training at all
• House training
• Extra logistical considerations on travel and social life

It’s important to consider both the pros and cons before deciding whether a puppy is right for you.

**To see a comparison between getting a puppy vs an older dog read my blog “To shop or adopt? What is right for me and my family?”

The Time and Commitment Needed with a Puppy

I cannot overstate the significant amount of time and commitment, a puppy requires. It really is Hard Work!

Initially they need to be fed multiple times a day, taken outside to use the bathroom regularly, and exercised daily. In addition, puppies require a lot of attention and socialisation* to help them become well-adjusted adult dogs. Training** is also a significant time commitment, as puppies need consistent guidance to learn basic commands and proper behaviour.

Questions to discuss as a family:

• Who will the training of the puppy fall too? Ideally this should be an adult.
• Who will be the main care giver of the puppy?
• Does this person have enough time and energy to devote to the puppy. (Yes Mum’s, the first 6 months are like having another toddler!)

*To see what socialisation really entails see my blog “What does socialisation really mean?” (coming soon)

In summary:

The puppy comes to you as a brand new baby that knows nothing, not even the most basic of  discipline, or the ability to ensure its own safety.

Ensure the main care giver of the puppy makes a decision based on the facts of their time and dedication and not on the emotion and excitement of getting a new puppy.

Whilst a puppy requires a dedicated approach for the first 10-12 months of their life, the reward is extraordinary.  The time and effort you put in, in those first months is mirrored back to you for the life of your dog.  See my blog “How to manage / survive the first few months of your puppy arriving” (coming soon) for some tips for busy families.

 

Factors to Consider Before Committing

Before getting a puppy, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you’re making an informed decision. These factors include:

• Lifestyle: Consider your daily routine, including work schedule, social life, and hobbies. If you have a busy lifestyle or travel frequently, a puppy may not be the best fit.
• Living situation: Consider whether your living situation is suitable for a puppy. If you live in an apartment or small space, it may be more challenging to provide enough exercise and space for a puppy.
• Family dynamics: Consider how a new puppy will fit into your family dynamic. If you have young children or other pets, it’s important to ensure that they are prepared for a new addition.

How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Lifestyle

Choosing the right breed for your lifestyle is an important factor in ensuring that you and your new puppy will be a good fit. Some breeds are more active and require more exercise, while others are more laid-back and require less. Some breeds are more independent, while others are more social. It’s important to research different breeds and understand their characteristics before making a decision.

This is a subject that really requires a dedicated thought process.  As a tip:  When looking at cross breeds, research the breeds that go into the cross.  Ie a Borderdoodle is going to have more ‘drive’ than a Labradoodle.

Where to Find a Quality Puppy – How Do I Pick a Breeder

There are several options for adopting a puppy, including animal shelters, rescue organizations, and breeders. When choosing a breeder, it’s important to do your research and ensure that they are reputable and ethical. Look for breeders who are transparent about their breeding practices and who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Ensure your breeder has completed all health checks available on their breeding stock.  They should also be able to put you in touch with families that have pups from their lines living with them, on request.  Avoid breeders who prioritize profit over the health of their dogs or who breed dogs with known health issues.

Look at breeders who; have been recommended to you, has a large happy following on social media, is happy to answer any questions, and even tell you things you may not want to hear.  For example if you come to me and have 5 kids under 5, I am going to make sure you know exactly what you will be getting into with a new puppy and that you have considered every aspect.

Most ethical breeders will assist you to pick a puppy with a temperament that matches your family circumstances.  Don’t be drawn into picking a puppy purely by gender or colour.  At the end of the day a good dog is never a bad colour!  If the dog doesn’t fit into your family, its colour is really not going to save the relationship.

A good breeder will:

• Supply reading material to help you settle with your new pup, and to help with any questions you may have, even after the puppy has gone home with you.
• Let you know what you need to have organised at home prior to picking up your puppy.
• Have a health guarantee for your puppy.
• Explain what healthy exercise looks like for the growing puppy.
• Offer a period of free Pet Insurance.
• Supply a quantity of food for your puppy to transition to your house with.
• Have done extensive age-appropriate socialisation with your puppy.
• Have microchipped, vaccinated, and wormed the puppy at the appropriate times, and have a record for you.
• Help you pick a puppy that is suitable in regards to temperament, size and coat type, for your family.
• Have clean facilities with happy and active puppies. You should be able to meet at least one of the parents of the puppies.
• Personally I also believe crate training prior to the puppies going home is an excellent idea.

Preparing for Your New Puppy

Before bringing your new puppy home, it’s important to prepare your home and family. Some things to consider include:

• Puppy-proofing your home: Remove any potential hazards, such as toxic plants, electrical cords, and small objects that could be swallowed.
• Purchasing supplies: Purchase water bowls, a collar and leash, toys, and a crate.
• Setting up a designated space: Set up a designated space for your puppy to sleep and play.
• Establishing a routine: Establish a routine for feeding, exercise, and training.

First Days with Your Pup – What to Expect

The first few days with your puppy can be both exciting and challenging. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your training and to establish a routine early on.   Remember that your puppy has just been removed from everything he/she has ever known, litter mates, Mum and familiar smells etc  this period is generally the most stressful time most dogs will ever experience. Some things to expect during the first few days include:

• House training accidents: It’s common for puppies to have accidents during the house training process. Be patient and consistent with your training.  No matter what training your breeder has provided.  The stressful change can mean the puppy regresses for a short period of time.
• Crying and whining: Puppies may cry and whine during the first few nights in their new home. Provide a comfortable and safe space for your puppy to sleep, and consider using a crate to aid in the house training process.
• Bonding: The first few days with your puppy are an important time for bonding. Spend time playing, cuddling, and training with your puppy to establish a strong bond.  Try not to invite everyone over to meet the puppy for a week or so.  Try to keep the environment quite and not too stressful for the pup.

Training Your Puppy

Training is an important part of owning a puppy and ensuring that they grow up to be well-behaved adult dogs. Training should use non-aversive techniques.  These include using toys, games, and other rewards to encourage good behavior, as well as redirecting unwanted behavior. Patience and Consistency: Humane dog training requires patience and consistency from the trainer.

Some important aspects of puppy training include:

• House training: Consistent and positive reinforcement is key to house training a puppy.
• Basic commands: Teaching basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come, is important for the safety and well-being of your puppy.
• Socialisation: Socialising your puppy is important for helping them become well-adjusted adult dogs. Expose your puppy to new people, places, and experiences in a positive and controlled way.

**To see what early training entails see my blog “What training does my pup need as a minimum?” (coming soon)

Caring for Your Pup’s Physical and Emotional Needs

Caring for your puppy’s physical and emotional needs is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Some aspects of caring for your puppy include:

• Feeding: Provide your puppy with a balanced and nutritious diet, and feed them at regular intervals.
• Exercise: Puppies require regular age appropriate exercise, including walks and playtime.
• Grooming: Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, is important for your puppy’s health and hygiene.
• Emotional needs: Puppies require socialisation and attention to help them become well-adjusted adult dogs. Spend time playing, training, and cuddling with your puppy to meet their emotional needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid as a New Puppy Owner

As a new puppy owner, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your puppy’s growth and development. Some common mistakes to avoid include:

• Inconsistent, aversive training: Consistency is key to successful puppy training. Avoid sending mixed signals and be consistent with your commands and expectations.
• Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. Follow the recommended feeding guidelines for your puppy’s age and breed.  This is more after around the 20 week mark.  Do not ration a new pups food.  They are very good at stopping when they have had enough.
• Lack of socialisation: Socializing your puppy is important for their long-term well-being. Expose your puppy to new people, places, and experiences in a positive and controlled way.
• Independence:  Your puppy at age appropriate times should learn to become independent and able to spend time on their own outside.  Many pups grow to experience separation anxiety because they have never had the chance to learn independence, and how to ‘dog’.  All dogs given the opportunity love to spend time outside, exploring and having a sleep in the sun.

• Calmness:  Pups, like children need to learn quiet time.  Pups get over tired just like little children, when they are over tired they frequently get very mouthy.  Use that signal to start teaching your puppy to go to their quiet place and learn to self soothe their tiredness and over excitement.  Over time this is something that must be worked on, so that when the puppy becomes over exuberant you have the tools to place the puppy in it’s quiet place or on the quiet mat.  Another tool in your training tool box!

Conclusion: Is a Puppy Right for You?

Owning a puppy can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it is important to consider the responsibilities and commitments that come with it. Before getting a puppy, assess whether you’re ready for the time and financial commitments, and whether your lifestyle and living situation are suitable for a puppy. If you’re ready for the responsibilities, take the time to research different breeds and adoption options, and prepare your home and family for your new furry friend. With patience, consistency, and love, owning a puppy will be a joyful and fulfilling experience. Of course if you believe a Multigenerational Labradoodle is the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch!