
Preparing for Puppy
Puppy Pick Up Checklist
What’s Next?
Shopping
Feeding
Training
Vaccinating
Deets below.
AMAZON SHOPPING LIST - We have handpicked some of our all-time favorite puppy products. While not everything here is a must-have, these are the items we personally use and love. Feel free to browse, choose what suits your pup best, and don’t forget—you can always come back anytime you need to restock or discover something new!
DIET - Your puppy is currently eating IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe only. (see pic). We emphasize "only" because avoiding things that can cause diarrhea is really important in puppies. For at least the next month we recommend not making any changes and limiting treats, which can upset his/her GI tract. For the first 3-4 weeks you may want to feed 3 times a day but after that your puppy is mature enough to eat twice a day.
CRATE TRAINING - The best tool for effective house-training is a crate. We recommend using a crate AS SOON AS you bring your puppy home. That's right! On day 1. A crate not only provides your dog with a safe space but if done well will be a calming environment as well as an excellent training tool. You may eventually decide to get a larger crate when your puppy is full grown but initially a smaller size seems to be more effective for house training or a large one with a divider. They can be as fancy or as plain as you'd like! We recommend 30" crate (30"L x 19"W x 21"H) for our 35 pound dogs and a 36" crate (36"L x 23"W x 25"H) for our 45 pound dogs. We've linked to a "plain" one in our Amazon list and we've also partnered with Biscuit & Beans for some super cool "fancy" crates. See more later on this page.
TRAINING - Okay, this may also be one of the best gifts you can give your future relationship with your dog. You probably have a great life (otherwise you probably wouldn't be wanting to add a dog to it, right?) and ideally your new puppy will integrate into that life as smoothly as possible, not turn it upside down. Investing in professional training sessions can greatly enhance your relationship with your dog and ensure they seamlessly integrate into your life. For the convenience of online training, we suggest Baxter & Bella. Their classes are conducted via Zoom allowing you to join from the comfort of your living room or anywhere with an internet connection. Use code HAPPYPAW for 25% off lifetime membership.
IN-PERSON TRAINING (Atlanta area) - Ducktown Lodge is one of our favorite in-person trainings. They specializes in both basic and advanced obedience training, including off-leash training. Their master trainer, Sara, has many years of experience and is recognized as a master in her craft. Since they accept only a limited number of dogs, they can provide each pup with individual care and attention. While your dog is in training, they will have consistent supervision from one trainer, with plenty of playtime and affection. The Ducktown Lodge trainers live on-site and guarantee that your dog will enjoy their stay..
VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH RECORDS - Your puppy will receive their first set of vaccinations and deworming at 7 weeks of age (this is the first in a series of four). The next round of vaccines will be due approximately two weeks after your puppy arrives home, and boosters are typically given every 2–4 weeks until your puppy is about 16 weeks old. We strongly recommend scheduling a visit with your veterinarian before you pick up your puppy to keep him/her on track with the vaccination timeline. A copy of your puppy's health records will be provided on pick-up day.
FREE PREPARING FOR PUPPY CLASS - Baxter & Bella, mentioned earlier, offers a free class that is worth taking advantage of! Learn how to set up your house, what you need to get ready and tips to be successful as you begin training. Use code HAPPYPAW for your free class, and learn from some of the best dog trainers around how to properly prepare for the big day!
SPAY OR NEUTER - Dr. Ana offers $100 off a spay/neuter to all HappyPaw Doodles at Best in Show Animal Hospital or Westside Village Animal Hospital! We love to watch the puppies grow so come see us for all your health needs if distance allows!
SPAY OR NEUTER - Dr. Ana offers $100 off a spay/neuter to all HappyPaw Doodles at Best in Show Animal Hospital or Westside Village Animal Hospital! We love to watch the puppies grow so come see us for all your health needs if distance allows!