Puppy Basics and FAQ

Adding a new canine companion to your life is a big deal, and we want to make sure that all our adoptive homes are prepared for what lies ahead: the joys, the trials, and the journey. While raising a doodle puppy is not all cuddles and games (there’s a lot of poop, pee, walking, and training too!) We know that your investment into your new dog while they are a pup will be the most important factor in shaping the rest of their lives. Be prepared to put your heart, soul and TIME into your puppy. You will never regret it!

Here are some of the most important FAQ’s about raising your new doodle pup:

Question: Are doodles hypoallergenic?
Answer: The best answer is “sometimes”. It depends on which genetics a puppy will inherit more dominantly. It also depends on what percentage of poodle the puppy is. Puppies that are more percentage poodle will be much more likely to be easy on the allergies. Also, each person’s allergies are different and may react differently to each dog. When adopting a doodle puppy (especially a first generation puppy), it is a good idea not to count on an allergy friendly dog. For people who know that they need a dog that is easy on the allergies, we recommend getting and F1B puppy (75% poodle) while at the same time realizing that it is nearly impossible to guarantee what a puppies adult coat will be like. Make sure your decision to get a puppy is primarily based on other factors than allergies and coat type.

Question: Do doodles shed?
Answer: “Sometimes”. While some puppies may be as non-shedding as their poodle ancestors, those that inherit a stronger retriever gene may not be non-shedding. However, doodles will almost certainly have REDUCED shedding compared to their full-blooded retriever relatives.

Question: How big will my doodle be when full grown?
Answer: We expect all our puppies to be within the range of their parents. For standard sizes this means about 50-70lbs. For the medium sizes this means 30-45lbs, and for the mini sizes this means 18-30lbs. These are estimates, but when receiving a puppy from parents of two different sizes, remember that a pup could grow to be the size of either parent. Generally, we expect an average of the parent sizes.

Question: What is the best potty training method?
Answer: We recommend purchasing and reading “The Art of Raising a Puppy” by the Monks of New Skete BEFORE you receive your puppy. Getting a good start on potty training is essential, and learning to think like a canine will help you immensely as you begin to communicate the house rules to you new pup. The best thing we can recommend is that you do your research, have a real PLAN, and have the TIME to make the plan happen. Your puppy will not respond well if you are expecting him to act like an adult dog (holding his potty while in the house and waiting for hours to go outside) right from the start. Once you have settled on a very definite and consistent method of potty training, be ready to give it the attention it deserves. Helping your dog form an early, good habit will serve you and your dog well for life!

Question: When do I start training my doodle puppy?
Answer: NOW! It is never too early to start. The best thing you can do is to become excellent at communicating in dog language (it takes practice!) and be super consistent. There are many specific methods of training that work, the true key is making sure that your dog can count on you to be consistent. Trying a bunch of different ways to get your dog to obey you will confuse them! Do your research, pick a method, and stick with it! Don’t expect perfection right away, but know that your investment is worth while!

Question: What is the best thing I can do for my puppy?
Answer: Though many people would answer this question differently with answers like “love them”, “train them”, or “give them the best care”, we believe that all these things will fall into place if you make a determined commitment to EXERCISE THEM! Doodles are athletic, active beings, and a bored dog with pent-up energy will be harder to love, train, and care for. Though it is important for a puppy’s growth not to over-exercise them (this can negatively effect their development), a happily worn out dog will make a better pet, will have better eating habits, and will have the concentration to be trained the right way. So get out there every day with your dog, it’s good for humans too!

Conclusion: Puppies are a lot of work, but we trust if you have come this far in the process of adopting a puppy, you are ready for that commitment! While we produce dogs with healthy bodies and good temperaments, it is your hard work now that will produce a loyal companion dog that you can be proud of!