CWB Puppy Check List! 

 

Many families ask for puppy item suggestions. Feel free to add your own here, but these are some things that will get you started. They truly don't need much!  You can go as crazy or as simple as you prefer! These are just some ideas to aid in the transition and products that we use and love. 

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Dog crate: I like the ones that have an adjustable panel so that you can shrink it down when they're little and that have 2 doors. This is one I've ordered in the past and it fits all our dogs, even our large bernese but our small poodles are comfortable in them also. Check out the dimensions and use that to research which crate you like best and will fit in your homes. It's helpful to only have to buy one and this will be plenty big in the long run. Smaller breeds (F1B could probably do the 42” ones.) https://prf.hn/l/78Ylkzw

 

Collars: We do sell CWB personalized collars. They are available in black/white plaid or B/W plaid with gold accents. They’re durable and super cute! $15/each. Usually fit  our full size pups around 4 months of age. We do not have any for our minis yet. 

 

I LOVE the collars by Blueberry Pet. They're durable and adjustable! (Typically puppies fit in a small first, but some mini’s might need the xs. This is one of the reasons that I go with a very inexpensive option for the first one, because they will all grow it quickly!) Most dogs need a small collar to start.

https://prf.hn/l/7x3n3q5

https://prf.hn/l/61peGEE

These No-Pull Collars are a total game-changer and must have for everyone! It took me years to learn about them but they make leash training SO MUCH EASIER!!!!! I don’t even use a harness anymore because of these!!! Find what works for you, but I highly recommend getting this to try! https://amzn.to/3j2TsPL

 

Harness: This is an inexpensive first harness, but there are TONS of styles/brands. Remember, puppy is going to grow fast, so don't go too crazy on the first one or two. https://prf.hn/l/6kRVJk2 (Typically puppies fit in a small first, but some mini’s might need the xs)

 

Leash: I use a variety of styles depending on what I'm doing with my dog/puppy. A long thin leash is handy in the house to keep puppy close to avoid accidents/mischief. A 2 handed leash is necessary for teaching leash walking. 

2 handed leash: https://amzn.to/3PYZgsk

Thin leash for tethering in the house: https://amzn.to/3QGpj7x

Small lead for leash training if you did not order a no-pull collar: https://amzn.to/3qxpfwv

 

Grooming: 

Brushes: This brush is literally worth it's weight in gold: https://amzn.to/2OSc9KK (It's an investment, but if you plan to keep the long teddy bear look, this will help you get a nice smooth coat texture!!!)

I ALWAYS use this spray with my Chris C Brush (above) and it makes them feel SILKY SOFT (Just be careful! Wherever your dog lays on your smooth floor will be slippery! I speak from experience lol): https://amzn.to/37eNOIi

I use this on my dogs! It's cheap and effective!!! You need to use something like this brush or a metal comb ALL THE WAY TO THE SKIN, especially under the ears to avoid matting:  https://amzn.to/3eXiXSi OR https://amzn.to/3PKEa14

I LOVE the smell of this shampoo and I don't use anything else with all my dogs! It smells great, really makes their WHITE POP!!!  https://prf.hn/l/jPmbo3z

A high powered blowdryer is really helpful in blowing off dirt and sand after outdoor play. You will also want this if you plan to do any bathing in between grooming. It really helps fluff up their fur and is quite handy to keep by your back door! https://amzn.to/3BgrPLY

 

Food/water dish: Food dish can be anything, unless you feel like the puppy eats too fast. If so, you can get slow-feed dishes. You will REALLY appreciate a slow drink water dish!! Tons of styles, but here are two that we use: https://prf.hn/l/62DzGdX AND https://amzn.to/3ozpdDg

 

I love Kong/Sumo toys for filling with peanut butter to make crate training easier. There are different styles, but these are my favorite. Be sure to stock up on peanut butter! I prefer the Aldi brand. It doesn't have any bad additives that can cause diarrhea and I know it's safe from personal use!  In our house we have dog peanut butter (Aldi) and human peanut butter (JIF).  But get whatever works for you. Don't bother with the small size- order a medium or large!! https://prf.hn/l/KM0PQvb 

****IF YOU HAVE A PEANUT ALLERGY IN THE HOUSE, BE SURE TO REMIND ME SO I CAN KEEP THAT IN MIND MOVING FORWARD!!!****

 

Chewing: I love Bully sticks, but they can be pretty stinky and your pet will chew through them fast. Too much can also cause diarrhea. As an itty puppy, you won't notice much of a smell and it's a great nutritional source for puppies, but as your dog ages and they consume more, you'll notice an odor.  You definitely want options, tho, so they don't chew up too many of your favorite things.  

Bully sticks: https://amzn.to/3Jd2tlM

REAL BONES: Check your local vets offices and any butcher shops/farm stores. PLEASE DON'T GIVE RAWHIDE or any cooked bones the stores sell. They're AWFUL for dogs and can cause major health concerns. Your pup's teeth will really appreciate quality bones. The bigger the better. If you have hunters in the family, fresh antlers are AMAZING!! I LOVE these elk antlers from chewy and they last forever! https://prf.hn/l/K3AOklJ

 

Dog food: All our bernedoodle puppies will be started on TLC Puppy Food and Bernese will go home on Royal Canin. I will send links to adoptive families or you can use the link to our TLC store on this page. RC is a little different- so just ask! I live by a "2 Bag Rule"- I always have 2 on hand, so when I open my second bag, I reorder! That way I never run short! This food is only available by delivery (which is free!!), so be sure you re-order your food if your autoship isn't soon enough!

I store all my dog food in this bin. It's air tight and really easy to open! I'd encourage you to get something similar to preserve your food and keep puppy OUT.  https://prf.hn/l/RvaRXYB

*Please note- TLC food comes in 15# bags so if you only want to open one bag at a time, get the 15# bin. RC comes in 30# bags, so you’ll want the bigger bin if this litter is going home on RC or you want to put an entire case into the bin at a time. For larger breeds, this is incredibly helpful considering how fast they go through food. 

 

TOTALLY OPTIONAL but will make your life easier :P: Play pen. Depending on how much you want to invest, having a play area for your puppy for those first few months will make your life A MILLION TIMES EASIER. You can set it up in your living room so that puppy is still a part of your daily life and routine, but don't have to constantly be watching and wondering what he's getting into and peeing/pooping on! LOL You can even get potty pads/litter box options. Piece of advice- just putting a disposable pad down will not work. They will shred it and make a huge mess of it! My suggestion if you want to go all out would be the playpen of your choice, BIG washable pads for under the whole area (depending on the size of playpen you get, you will need one or two washable pads), and a potty area of some sort. Here are some suggestions:

Playpen:

https://amzn.to/3S99acR

Potty area (I use this one and it is perfect because the puppies can't get to the potty pad, but BE SURE TO TUCK IN ALL THE EDGES!): https://amzn.to/3oEemYI

Disposable pads for under potty tray---pick the size pad that makes sense for what product you order!! https://prf.hn/l/ryjmJ4A

Washable pads: THESE ARE MY FAVORITE and I've tried lots! They wash up perfectly and don't smell at all! I just add a little bleach to each wash cycle. Get the right size for whatever pen you get (typically people order the 72x72 pad)  https://amzn.to/39STW6v

 

Dog bed: Get something cheap and know you will likely wash it a few times and have to toss it after a few months!  I like to put a washable potty pad over the top and then cover it with a blanket so I can wash those things, not the bed. Puppy will likely chew up anything you give them, so don't be surprised when your favorite things get destroyed! LOL I have bought our dogs every kind of bed on the market and they find ways to destroy them all as a puppy. (The inexpensive Frisco Bolster beds are sold out on chewy, unless they're back in stock.) These are what we have for the dogs in our home: https://prf.hn/l/b9j43yA

AND, for a raised bed I like these https://prf.hn/l/7DQ5Bvj (These can be nice to keep them off a warm floor, if you don't have cool floors. Also helpful in teaching "place")

I love these cooling mats! You'll definitely want to invest in one of these- just watch those puppy teeth: https://amzn.to/3OMLtEe (check the correct size for your breed)

 

Toys: Be REALLY careful about the toys you give your puppy. I read reviews. Do they fall apart easily? Are they highly processed treats? If they're meant to be a chew toy, how durable are they- do parts fall off fast? If they do, ALWAYS throw those immediately-- puppy teeth are razor sharp and ingesting parts of toys can be very scary.  Loose rope pieces are never a good idea. Frayed rope can be ingested and get stuck in the stomach and intestines. I like ropes that are looped back into the toy, but if those ropes become frayed, toss the toy immediately! Ropes can be a great asset for play tug of war, helping sooth teething pain, and just general play-- but always use caution. ALSO- if the toy can be rolled up and fit into a toilet paper roll, TOSS IT! That can be ingested and lead to a bowel obstruction! Never use small toys, even if they seem long enough! 

These are one of my pack's favorites: 

https://prf.hn/l/7oo3LkA

 

Ear care: This is REALLY IMPORTANT. All poodles have hair in their ears, so your doodle will need to have his/her ears cleaned and likely plucked frequently. Proper ear care will prevent painful ear infections. I made a post on Facebook regarding ear care. For more detailed descriptions, see the post here: https://www.facebook.com/567697643614627/posts/1603080896742958/

Ear wash: https://amzn.to/3BxSh5w

Ear drops: https://amzn.to/3vjVTUP

Ear powder: https://amzn.to/3vLFuZV

 

EVERYONE SHOULD ORDER THIS!!! This is liquid gold if you have a dog. I keep this on hand always to cure diarrhea FAST. The probiotics are good to use when on antibiotics or after deworming: https://amzn.to/3jMQY8p

 

Lastly, DON'T buy one of these adorable Snuggle Puppies! Every one of our puppies will go home with one to help with the transition!!  https://amzn.to/2Y0C97T