Where to sleep?

Puppy sleeps in your bed... Puppies won't 'go to the bathroom' in their den. They'll be completely trustworthy from day one. We've tried it ourselves. Yes, it takes a bit of faith. But it works. However, when you wake up in the morning, you can't procrastinate - the puppy will need to make tracks for the outside. A quick visit to mother nature in the evening and they're good to go all night. However, they'll drink some water in the evening, so they'll have a full bladder come morning. Have clear priorities - a visit with the grass (briefly) is much more important than a morning meal. Then after the meal, they'll need a walk number two, to do #2.

Kennel beside bed

Puppy sleeps in a kennel. Same rule applies, puppies don't go to the bathroom in their "den", which is their kennel in this case. Same rule in the morning: open kennel head for door. You need to keep the kennel near you, or the puppy will feel excluded. That's very confusing to dogs, which are pack animals. They respond with barking and whining to bring their pack to them. They want to be rescued. A dog alone is vulnerable. They are wired that way. This is also the same wiring that makes them such great and natural companions. You won't get much sleep if the pup is put to bed in their own space. Keep the kennel in your bedroom until the pup grows up and matures to the point where they'll sleep alone. Ideally, the kennel should be within arm's reach. Think of it as if the kennel was a baby's cradle. 

Another key tactic is to warm the puppy's favourite blanket in your dryer for a few minutes, then let the puppy cuddle with it inside their kennel. Don't put the kennel out in the open. Keep it tucked out of the way where the puppy will feel secure, as if the kennel is substituting for a den. The kennel can also double as a hiding place for dog toys when you want to tidy up around your dog's home.

Storing the chow


Dog food container: We transfer a bag of dog food into a plastic container with a dog-proof lid. However, we've never found the Doodles susceptible to mooching off the table or stealing food. A lid that closes is nice for keeping food motivated Doodles from self-feeding. Our container easily holds 35 pounds, which works well for a large bag of dog food from the store. If you can find a food safe plastic container.

A place for everything and everything in its place:

Before your puppy comes home take a walk around your home and find a secure place for the hazards your puppy will find fascinating.

  • sticks or anything that resembles a stick ( pencils, crayons, rulers, eye liner)

  • children's toys small enough to swallow or chew into bite sized pieces

  • decorations

  • shoes

  • landscaping bar and plantings

  • wild plants such as mushrooms

  • sporting equipment

  • medications and edible marijuana products

  • candy and foods sweetened with xylitol and other artificial and herbal sweeteners

  • paper and crafting supplies

  • homework ( yes, it does really happen)

  • plants (house and garden)

  • garbage

  • small toys ( building blocks are always interesting)

  • electric cords

  • room fresheners such as plug ins, incense, and some room sprays

  • essential oils that we consume as humans or use as body lotion

Many common human foods can be toxic for your puppy:

  • Avocado

  • Alcohol

  • Onions and Garlic

  • Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine

  • Grapes and Raisins

  • Milk and Other Dairy Products

  • Macadamia Nuts

  • Candy and Gum

  • Chocolate -especially dark chocolate

  • Fat Trimmings and Bones

  • Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums

  • Raw Eggs

  • Raw Meat and Fish

  • Salt

  • Sugary Foods and Drinks

  • Yeast Dough (before baking)

  • Baking powder and baking soda

  • Nutmeg and other spices

  • your Medicine and vitamins and supplements