GOODBYE TO THE FIGGY X KEEFER LITTER!

A hot morning welcomed the excited new owners of Figgy's adorable pups. The day had finally arrived and everyone had big smiles. Very willing hands patted and cuddled their soft hair, cooed at their cute faces and enjoyed them playing.

A BIG THANK YOU to Chris for watching over the children and pups while parents and I were in the house going over the pile of paperwork. It was so appreciated by all - especially me!

I LOVE having a group pick up as while going over the information, many great questions pop up that everyone can benefit from. Thank you, Martha for discovering the pedigree error - new ones will be in the mail by tomorrow morning!

As you engage in your new life with your pup, I say 'Goodbye' but not with regrets. Each family is wonderful and I know Jackson, Dobby, Sage and Rocky will have a lot to learn about rules but will also enrich your lives with laughter and antics along that learning curve. Heck, all of you witnessed the 'fun' my group had destroying that poor pillow as we were having our chat!  :+)

I hope all my past doodle families will welcome the new ones and that each of you will stay in touch to discuss training, coats, mistakes and the wonders of having a new pup. Don't forget to read the overview after the pics!  :+)

The Park Family with Rocky.

The Gilberti Family with Sage.

The Alexis-Janvier Family with Dobby Granger.

Martha and Jackson family.

As always, there is so much to go over when picking up your pup so I wanted to provide an overview:

• Visit your groomer often BEFORE you actually need one - remember treats and to hold your pup the entire time. Let the groomer introduce herself and try to clip just one nail initially. Remember, your pup will be visiting her routinely just about every six weeks, so now is the time to develop that positive relationship! Brush and comb weekly and touch your pup everywhere so they know your touch is a 'good' one. Your vet will thank you.  :+)
• Crating can be either wonderful or a nightmare. We went over what to do right, now you need to continue that practise. Do the exercise 4 times a day so that the crate becomes his favorite spot in the house. Children - you must leave your furry new friend ALONE when he is sleeping in his crate or elsewhere. Waking a sleeping puppy can startle him so greatly he could try to bite you. Be sure to wake him up gently by calling his name, tapping on the floor near him and letting him know you are there. Puppies need their sleep!
• When you take your pup to the vet for his checkup, please bring a stool sample. At this visit, you can give him the Kennel Cough Nosode but nothing else until he is 12 weeks old. Follow your vaccine sheet provided.
• The pup's 'safe zone' can include a potty box when necessary due to circumstances but should not be provided 24/7. If you do not take your pup outdoors often after eating, drinking and playing, every accident will hinder him being potty trained. If you are holding your pup and he WAS relaxed but then became 'wiggly/whiny', take him outdoors for a potty break! Use the bells so he makes an association and don't forget the treats AFTER he finishes.
• Your pup has left his only home, expect him to be a bit stressed (could provoke some diarrhea), as well as quite a bit of whining. Don't coddle him but let him be close and provide comfort but not too much.  You want to help them cope without smothering.
• YES! The pups will more than likely cry tonight. Try to deal with it. The sooner you allow them to self comfort themselves, the better off you will be. Be sure to take them out at 10 pm but be prepared to get up around 5 or 6 am. DON'T talk to them when you take them out of their crate in the morning! You will 'relax' them right into doing a piddle. Open the crate, scoop them up and THEN once outdoors, ask them to potty in a high pitched voice of excitement. I can guarantee you, they will piddle immediately. Defecation takes a bit longer but not by much - say 5 to 10 minutes at the most. After eating, they need to do both again. It is much more comforting for them to sleep in a room with people rather than totally alone.
• Remember a safe zone is not a crate - it is a space where the crate can be but also toys, water, soft bed, etc. is. The safe zone is where your pup should be when you cannot watch them 24/7. It should be located in the most busy area of the house so the pup gets use to watching you come and go and learns that not seeing you is okay. You don't want your dog to become anxious when not with you. Confidence begets a happy, well adjusted dog.
• Look for a trainer that uses positive methods - no choke collars, etc.! Doodles are sensitive creatures and it simply is not necessary or correct. 
• Don't forget about Day Care! It is good for you and them to have some time to yourselves.
• Initiate the Trupanion Insurance sheet immediately because you have 30 days free coverage from ADNE. You can always change your mind to another insurance if you wish.
• Do the same for the Microchip info! Don't procrastinate with either of these!

I am sure I have forgotten a few things but you know how to find me!  :+) Enjoy this journey.