One by one, we are leaving the nest.....

I always call this time bittersweet, as most breeders do. We all know that we do this to place pups with wonderful families that have been waiting for quite sometime to enjoy the antics of a puppy. It is both happy and sad for me.

For 13 weeks, all of you have been watching and posting on this very blog so excited and anxious to finally get to this day. Stay tuned for updates on this post as one by one, they leave our nest.

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Friday morning, Cody's family came to take him on a long trip to his new home in Pennsylvania. They told me he did very well on his trip and is showing lots of confidence in his new surroundings. :+)



Today, Miss Lily's owners came and brought along big brother Jasper from my Maple Sugar x Coriander litter. Jasper's soft red/apricot curls against Lily's silky waves is such a stunning combination. They are going to have such fun together!


Callie will be kept very busy with her new home - three new 'littermates' to bond with in different sizes. :+) Get ready for lots of wet, slurpy kisses and tail wags!!


Okay, are they holding a stuffed animal or is it Mac??? This little girl is just not real looking, is she? I take it by all those smiles that she is a real puppy and should keep this family smiling for a very long time.


Brewster was wonderful with these two little girls. This family has been waiting and waiting for a gentle, sweet natured dog and they got that in spades with this sweet guy!


The last of the 'Mohegans' to finally leave! Felix has now been placed with his guardian family and is happily entertaining them. Things look very good for Felix to be one of our studs for qualifying females in about a year or so.

Olive's litter Week 12 - Bonus Week!

Since this is the last time, I will be posting picks, I thought you all would enjoy seeing several pics of the pups in different spontaneous poses.

In no time at all, your pup will be in your arms and that WILL be my last picture to post on the AnnaBlog. Of course, I ALWAYS welcome pics from you to me on how each and every pup is doing growing up. That is a big hint to keep in touch!!!

Some have asked about the pups neck sizes for the Boomerang collar IDs, so I have included this after their weights.

Here are the pics. :+)
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Felix Gumshoe - is my choice from this litter to hopefully carry on the Annabelle Doodle tradition. I sure hope he passes his testing, but if not, he will be a wonderful, sweet pet for anyone. A sensitive nature that I adore. 13 & 3/4 lbs. (11 inch neck)











Mac - This girl has been my most photogenic pup ever born here. Several have been easy picture takers, but she has surpassed everyone. She is a people magnet. 10 & 1/4 lbs. (10 1/2 inch neck)











Cody - One of my most difficult pups to take pics of. He loves to look at everything and anything. A guy who will enjoy all that life has to offer. Loves to cuddle. 13 & 1/4 lbs. (10 inch neck)











Lily - Sweet, demure Lily. She is a clone of her mom, Olive, in both looks and personality. A soft, gentle nature who is a willing follower but not a doormat. 13 & 1/4 lbs. (11 inch neck)











Brewster! What a character. Will so enjoy his family and their friends, and friends of their friends plus anyone else that would like to oogle over him. I think he favors his dad through and through and there is nothing wrong with that at all! 15 & 1/4 lbs. (11 inch neck)











Queen Callie. She has been the biggest and the leader of the pack for most of the time. Brewster is now giving her a run for the weight title. She loves attention and pats. Her favorite time of the day is when I prepare their food. She practically dances and sings. This girl will be very easy to train because there is nothing she won't do for food! 15 & 1/4 lbs. (10 1/2 inch neck)

Pup Supplies

New Puppy (Shopping) Checklist & Puppy Schedule:

Here are some items that you should consider when preparing for your new Labradoodle puppy. You may not need everything listed before your puppy arrives, but this list is intended to help you consider all your puppy's basic needs.

General:

	Paper towels (a lot of paper towels :)
	Old Towels for 30" Crate. Once puppy is reliably crate trained, a "real" crate bed can be used.
	Old Blanket or Towel(s) to cover wire Crate to make pup feel like it is a 'den'
	Cotton balls for cleaning ears or the cosmetic flat cotton ovals (used for make up removal).
	Acrylic (Fake) Nail file, cardboard with sandpaper type, for smoothing nails
	Hydrogen Peroxide (to induce vomiting, if necessary)
	100% Pure canned Pumpkin (from the baking isle of your grocery store) Pumpkin is a good source of fiber. When puppy has diarrhea or constipation, a tablespoon or two with every meal for several days should help alleviate symptoms. Freeze excess in ice cube tray.
	Baby Gate(s) Try baby supply stores - generally more choices and cheaper than pet stores (Beware that horizontal bars provide a foot-hold for climbing puppies. Also consider spacing between bars, as some times it is large enough for little puppies to get caught) ----------------------------------------------------------- PICK UP DAY:  Be sure to pack the crate or car harness system to bring your pup home. PLEASE DO NOT HAVE PUP IN YOUR LAP! IT IS UNSAFE.  Have paper towels and hand wipes and a plastic bag to put them in when soiled. Most times, the pup does very well but accidents happen.  It is suggested you also pack a frozen Kong lightly filled with pet food mixed with a bit of cream cheese - it is a good distraction for the pup.  A bowl and water bottle would be a good idea as well.  Use common sense to add anything that would be necessary for a long trip.  You are provided with a leash, collar/harness. PLEASE NOTE:  Regarding how long to walk your pup - a general rule is 5 minutes of walking on a leash for each month of age.  Playing outdoors for any length of time is great as the pup will rest when it feels the need. The five minute rule is when on a leash. Use common sense as your pup is a baby and does not have the stamina of an adult dog. Pushing your pup to go on hikes/long walks will cause joint damage! Use a dog stroller if you want to go on a long walk with your young pup.  :+)

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General from your Pet Supply Store:

	Nature's Miracle (gallon size) or similar stain/odor neutralizer
	Bitter Apple (bitter taste deters dogs from biting, licking, and chewing) If that does not work, try HOT Tobasco Sauce.
	Pooper Scooper & bags
	Food and water bowls (stainless steel or ceramic - careful about bowls/toys from China!)
	Storage bin for dry food
	Adjustable Nylon collar w/plastic clasp and leash is provided. Most clients like a 'fancier' set for when their pup gets older. :+) One of the best harnesses to use on your dog is an Easy Walk Harness.  This company has them for the least expensive price and they make such a difference when walking your dog by their unique construction.  When your dog pulls, it redirects the dog to turn and look at you for instruction and control.  Highly, highly recommended!  http://www.countrysidepet.com/Easy-Walk-Harness.aspx
	I.D. Tag (e.g. See http://boomerangtags.com for their flat collar tags for adjustable collars. They also sell collars with tags included for the smaller sized dogs).
	6 foot (1.8 m) leash
	15 foot (4.6 m) or longer (up to 50 foot (15 m)) training leash(es)
	Plastic Crate for crate training. (Puppies get teeth and tags caught in wire crates) Check with www.PetEdge.com for great prices!
	Travel Crate for car until puppy is big enough to wear a car harness (I recommend Champion System Harnesses.) I also think having a bottle of Rescue Remedy or other type of herbal 'anxiety' help in herbal form is a good thing for traveling. I have found that Ginger crystals are great for settling stomachs prior to travel.

Food and Treats:

	Puppy Food A list has been provided on the AnnaBlog Index.
	Puppy Treats (e.g. Zukes and Old Mother Hubbard make a good one).
	Training Treats Soft treats work best for training. Pieces of cheese, hotdogs, or homemade Liver Training Treats. (Zuke's Z Filets are great!) There is a vitamin, mineral, herbal supplement that I highly recommend called Canine Wellness Mix. The pups are fed this every day and my adult dogs eat it daily as well. It is an excellent immune system booster, provides healthy digestion, repels insects and much more. Website: http://www.petwellnessblends.com (UPDATE:  The above website link goes to the right company.  They just renamed their pet products 'Pet Wellness' rather than 'Canine Wellness Blend'.  Same place, people, products - just an updated website.)

Good Chews and Toys:

	Medium or Large Kong Toy
	Stuffed Dog Toys w/ squeakers, SNUGGLE PUPPY! Look for one online or on Amazon.com.  It is a soft toy with a battery inside that you turn on for the sound of a heartbeat.  Very soothing for your new puppy.  :+)
	Balls (squeaky rubber balls)
	Rope toys (e.g. Booda bones)
	Bully Sticks for chewing and nutrition.
	I prefer no raw hide type chews - many dogs get sick from them or diarrhea.

Grooming Supplies:

	Brushes - I like the Chris Christensen brushes - please just Google them. I have the T - 16mm one and love it. Also, the type of brush that have the individual 'pins' that spin on their axis called The Untangler Mini Rake. The actual pins spin individually - both these brushes are great for tangles in long hair. The Chris brush is better for coats than most pin brushes as it does not break off hair. I had to take off the links I originally posted on these brushes because they caused havoc with my computer.
	Medium tooth Comb
	Blunt tipped curved blade scissors
	Toothbrush Kit (not necessary if you feed the raw diet - raw bones do wonders!)
	Puppy Shampoo
	Puppy Conditioner / Grooming Spray
	Ear Wash solution
	Plier-style nail clippers w/nail guard
	Blood Stop Powder

Additional Items:

Bell to hang by back door. (Usually I make one for you.) Helps with house training, they learn to ring the bell to alert you that they need to go out. Some use large craft bells, some use cow bells.http://www.bell-outlet.com/

cowbellb.htm

Ownership & Training books
Recommendations include: "The Dog Listener", "Puppies for Dummies", and many more...

Make appointment with Vet for new puppy wellness check up. (Required)

Start shopping for Obedience classes

Lots of Love and Patience :) HEAVY DOLLOPS OF THIS ONE!

Joyce

Thanks to goldendoodles.com for comprising much of the above list.

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PUPPY SCHEDULE

 (so important for potty/training success) 

Typical daily routine
(adapted from Berkshire Hills Labradoodles)

6 - 6:30 Wake up / potty
6 - 7 Breakfast / potty
7 - 9 Potty / play / train / potty
9 - 12 Nap
12 - 1 Potty / lunch / potty
1 - 2 Play / train / potty
2 - 5 Nap
5 - 6 Potty / play / train
6 - 8 Dinner / potty / play / train / potty
8 - 10 Potty / quiet time / snuggling
10 - 11 Potty / bedtime