New Puppy Care & resoUrces

Here is a great article AKC sent me and I thought I would share it with you... How to Potty Train Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide for Success Key Points * Crates are an important puppy housetraining tool that can make your life easier. * Puppy pads and paper training offer a temporary solution to housetraining. * Consistency, attention, understanding, and patience are all key in housetraining. Learning how to potty train puppies at the right time and place is one of the most important first steps you can take for a long, happy life together. House soiling is among the top reasons dogs lose their homes or end up in shelters. Few people are willing to put up with a dog who destroys rugs and flooring, or who leaves a stinky mess that you have to clean after a hard day at work. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you do some research in advance on how to house train a dog, decide what will work best for your situation, and make a plan. There are tried-and-true methods for training your puppy, says Mary Burch, Ph.D., director of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy programs. These include: * Crate training * Paper training * Indoor potty training * Frequent walks outside help. Dr. Burch says that there are pros and cons to each, but they all can be successful if you follow a few basic tips, including: * Controlling your dog’s diet * Keeping a consistent schedule; this pertains to trips outside, feeding, and exercise * Providing regular exercise—it helps with motility * Reinforcing your puppy for “going” outside * Have the right potty training supplies Let’s explore some of these concepts in depth. Crates Rank High as a Potty Training Tool Many people who are new to dogs cringe at the idea of confining their puppies in a crate, but the reluctance to use this tool generally evaporates after a few days of living with a new pet. Dog crates make life easier. It’s a good idea to get your dog accustomed to one for many reasons, such as vet visits, travel, convalescence, and safety. Dogs are den animals and will seek out a little canine cave for security whether you provide one or not. That makes it relatively easy to train your dog to love her crate. The principle behind using a crate for housetraining is that dogs are very clean creatures and don’t like a urine-soaked rug in their living spaces any more than you do. It’s important that the crate is the right size—just large enough for the dog to lie down, stand up, and turn around. If it is too large, the dog will feel that it’s OK to use one corner for elimination and then happily settle down away from the mess. Many crates come with partitions so you can adjust the size as your puppy grows. When she feels an urge, the puppy will usually let you know by whining and scratching. That’s her signal that she has to go and wants out of her little den. Now! Don’t delay because if you let your pup lose control in her crate, she’ll get the idea that it’s OK to mess up her living space. Then she’ll think nothing of leaving little packages around where you live, too. Puppy Pads and Paper Training Dr. Burch says the use of puppy pads and paper training can be “tricky because you’re reinforcing two different options for the puppy.” In an ideal situation, pups would learn to hold it indoors and only eliminate it at specific spots outdoors. But some cases may require a bit of creative thought, such as a person who has a job that makes it impossible to get home several times a day, or for a tiny dog living where the winters are brutal. Puppy pads give a dog the option of relieving herself in an approved spot at home. There are also high-tech indoor dog bathrooms that even work for male dogs. After the dog matures, the owner can then work on having the dog do her business outdoors all the time. Create a Housetraining Schedule for Your Puppy It is vital to housetraining success. Puppies have tiny bladders, and water runs right through them. The same is true for solid matter. You have to make sure you are giving your puppy ample opportunity to do the right thing. A good guide is that dogs can control their bladders for the number of hours corresponding to their age in months up to about nine months to a year. (Remember, though, that 10 to 12 hours is a long time for anyone to hold it!) A 6-month-old pup can reasonably be expected to hold it for about 6 hours. Never forget that all puppies are individuals and the timing will differ for each. Monitor daily events and your puppy’s habits when setting up a schedule. With very young puppies, you should expect to take the puppy out: * First thing in the morning * Last thing at night * After playing indoors * After spending time in a crate * Upon waking up from a nap * After chewing a toy or bone * After eating * After drinking This could have you running for the piddle pad, backyard, or street a dozen times or more in a 24-hour period. If you work, make some kind of arrangement (bringing your pup to the office or hiring a dog walker) to keep that schedule. The quicker you convey the idea that there is an approved place to potty and that some places are off-limits, the quicker you’ll be able to put this messy chapter behind you. Observation and Supervision You have to watch your puppy carefully for individual signals and rhythms. Some puppies may be able to hold it longer than others. Some will have to go out every time they play or get excited. Some will stop in the middle of a play session, pee, and play on. As with human babies, canine potty habits are highly idiosyncratic. Control the Diet Puppies have immature digestive systems, so they can’t handle much food. That’s why it is recommended that you break up the puppy feeding schedule into three small meals. Another thing to keep in mind is the food itself, which should be the highest quality puppy food. Whatever you choose, make sure it agrees with your puppy. Examining a dog’s stool is the best way for an owner to figure out whether it’s time for a change in diet. If your puppy is consistently producing stools that are bulky, loose, and stinky, it may be time to talk to your vet about switching to a new food. Overfeeding may also provoke a case of diarrhea, which will only make the task of housetraining that much more difficult. Praise Scolding a puppy for soiling your rug, especially after the fact, isn’t going to do anything except make her think you’re a nut. Likewise, some old methods of punishment, like rubbing a dog’s nose in her poop, are so bizarre that it’s hard to imagine how they came to be and if they ever worked for anyone. On the other hand, praising a puppy for doing the right thing works best for everything you will do in your life together. Make her think that she is a little canine Einstein every time she performs this simple, natural act. Be effusive in your praise—cheer, clap, throw cookies. Let her know that no other accomplishment, ever—not going to the moon, not splitting the atom, not inventing coffee—has been as important as this pee. Reward your pup with one of his favorite treats. Make sure they’re nice and small, easy for your puppy to digest. If your dog has an accident, says Dr. Burch, don’t make a fuss, just clean up the mess. A cleaner that also kills odors will remove the scent so the dog will not use it in the future. Blot up liquid on the carpet before cleaning the rug. If you catch the dog starting to squat to urinate or defecate, pick her up and immediately rush outside. If she does the job outdoors, give her praise and attention. Remember that when it comes to housetraining, prevention is the key. Housetraining Problems Following these rules will usually result in a well-house-trained puppy. But sometimes, it doesn’t go as planned. Dr. Burch notes that sometimes house soiling is a sign of a physical issue. “Well before the several-month mark, a dog who has seemed impossible to housetrain should have a good veterinary workup,” she says. If your vet finds that your dog is healthy, the next step is to find a trainer or behaviorist who has had experience with this issue. Here are some common complaints that trainers say they have encountered: * “My lapdog is piddling all over the house!” This is common among people who own toy dogs. Some trainers recommend teaching little dogs to use indoor potty spots, in much the same way as a cat uses a litter box. In addition to piddle pads, there are actual dog potty boxes for indoor use. Other trainers say that with consistency, you can house train a little dog. It just may take a little additional time, attention, and effort. * “My dog keeps peeing in the same spot where she had an accident.” That’s probably because you didn’t clean up the mess efficiently and there is still some odor there, signaling that this is a prime potty spot. In your new puppy supply kit make sure you have plenty of pet stain enzymatic cleaners and carefully follow instructions on using them. * “I gave her the run of the apartment. When I came home, there was a mess.” This is a common mistake among dog owners. They see some early signs that the dog is getting the idea, and declare victory too soon. Even when the puppy is consistently doing what you want, keep to the schedule to make sure the good habits are ingrained. * “He’s soiling his crate!” Dr. Burch says dogs who come from pet stores, shelters, or other situations where they have been confined for long periods and have had no other choice but to eliminate in their kennels will often soil their crates. The best approach would be to go back to square one with crate and house training. Here are the steps to follow: * Assess how well your dog can control his bladder and bowels when not in the crate. * Carefully controlling diet and schedule. * Give frequent trips outside, including after every meal, first thing in the morning, and last thing at night. * If you work, consider a dog walker. * Clean everything so there are no odors left. How Long Does Puppy Potty Training Take? That can vary considerably, says Dr. Burch. There are many factors to consider, such as age, learning history, and your methods and consistency. An 8-week-old puppy is very different developmentally than a 5-month-old puppy. Some puppies have perfect manners after just a few days. Others can take months, especially if the dog has had a less-than-ideal situation before coming to you. With patience and persistence, though, most dogs can learn.




















If you’re going to use a crate, it’s best to put a bed in the crate that the dog can’t chew. You also want one that’s supportive and comfortable for your dog but also easy to clean up if your puppy has an accident. There are alot of companies that make good bed's like Kuranda makes a great Crate Bed that does all of this. look on line for some good used ones. * For smaller crates at least 30” x 19” or larger, we recommend the 28 5/8” x 18 1/2” bed.* For medium crates that measure at least 36” x 23”, we recommend the 33 3/4” x 22 1/8” bed.* For medium crates that measure at least 42” x 28”, we recommend the 41” x 27” bed.* For larger crates that measure at least 48” x 30”, we recommend the 47” x 29” bed.* For XXL crates that measure at least 54” x 37”, we recommend the 50” x 36” bed. The Wash ‘n Zip Pet Bed is unlike any other product we’ve used. It's easily and entirely launderable and has multiple uses (as a dog bed, as a crate pad, as a furniture throw, as a blanket, as a car seat cover). There is no annoying cover to remove…just unzip and throw in the washer. It aids with flea & odor prevention. It also fits nicely on the Kuranda Dog Bed and will provide additional comfort. You may also want to add the Puppy Proofer to help deter your puppy from chewing off the bed’s zipper. MICROFIBER PET BLANKETMade of high quality microfiber fabric, this lightweight blanket can be stored in your car or at home. These lovely dog blankets are very soft, super cute, and warm—perfect for adding a little more extra comfort for your pet. Not to mention extra protection for your couch, carpet, car, bed, floor, or chair. And the best part? They're machine-washable. I got my dog blankets at Sams Club and to save a little mula I buy them at yard sales as well. 





It is important that your dog eats quality food that supports health and development. I choose to feed and recommend Bill Jack puppy Food. https://www.bil-jac.com/products/puppy-select-formula-dog-food/ When it comes to your dog’s food, we believe fresh, never frozen chicken should be the main ingredient. Bill Jack uses 25 lbs. of fresh chicken to make each 30 lb. bag of food. This quality food aids in the healthy development of your puppy's hips and joints, as well as the skin and coat. It promotes healthy digestion and helps protect against disease and inflammation. In addition, the company will ship fresh food to your door. Click the logo to the left to get a $5 off coupon, or if you go to the site directly, enter coupon code

















SLICKER BRUSHA slicker brush is handy for fluffing the outer coat on your Crockett Doodle. A slicker brush is simply a brush that's dense with very thin, strong and bendable pins. These hundreds of pins close together work at separating hairs, which de-mats your dog as you brush. In the long run, it is better to get a good quality slicker brush because cheap brushes have handles that tend to break, bristles that wear out quickly, and their pins tend to be stiff and sharp which can hurt your dog. Using the right tool will speed up the grooming process significantly and make it a more pleasant experience for both you and your Doodle.

GROOMING COMBThis tool is used to remove any of those hidden mats the slicker couldn't reach. The comb is dual-sided with coarse, fine teeth and is an essential tool for finishing and fluffing coats. It's perfect for finishing your dog and making sure they're 100% clear and free of tangles.

NAIL CLIPPERS AND/OR GRINDERSUnless you go to the groomers regulary you will need to trim your dog's nails regularly to prevent nail overgrowth, injury, and discomfort. There are several different kinds of nail clippers on the market, like Scissor clippers (for bigger size dogs), and Grinder tools (all sizes). The grinder works by grinding down the nail instead of clipping. It's worth noting that the grinding process takes a bit longer than the clipping process, so patience is required. Grinding also tends to leave a smoother finish on the nail.

PET GROOMING GLOVESKeeping your dog’s coat brushed regularly is important for their overall health, as well as yours. These gloves make it easier and more efficient than ever before! This flexible, slip-on grooming gloves allow you to brush away dirt, grime, dander and loose hair fromyour dog. It also helps stimulate the healthy oils on their skin which can improve the softness and radiance of their coat. You'll be amazed how well these work!


DOG CLIPPERSQuality dog clippers are great for trimming thick doodle hair. These are easy to use, quiet, and durable. They last for 2 hours in between charges. The kit comes with color guide combs that make it easy to find your desired coat length. There are many other good choices just ask your groomer.