Preparing for Puppy
What’s Next?
Shopping
Feeding
Vaccinating
Training
Grooming
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! (The list is not in order of importance. Scroll to the bottom for some of the higher priority products)
DIET & FEEDING SCHEDULE — Your puppy is currently eating IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe (see pic). Puppy tummies can be sensitive, so we recommend sticking with this food for at least the first month home and keeping treats simple and in moderation (we like Moist & Meaty!). Feed three times a day until around 9 weeks old (1/2 to 3/4 cup per meal), then transition to two meals. We recommend feeding in the crate so your puppy can focus — give them 10 minutes, then put away whatever's left. If they didn't eat much, no worries — they'll be hungry at the next meal. Puppy digestion moves fast, so head straight outside to potty after eating! For the first week or two, a splash of water soaked into the kibble for a minute or two helps soften it for growing teeth. And remember: the more often they eat, the more often they poop!
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 one. 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 is 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.
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.
SPAY OR NEUTER - Dr. Ana would love to be your vet and continue to take care of your HappyPaw Doodle. She 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!
Give Yourself (and your dog) the Gift of Training
There are many wonderful ways to train a puppy.
In-person training: Personalized, hands-on instruction with expert guidance.
Virtual training: Affordable, flexible, and incredibly comprehensive if you're motivated to work through the lessons.
Instagram trainers: Perfect for quick tips, troubleshooting, and daily inspiration.
The best training program isn't about the format—it's about your commitment.
Training is one of the best investments you'll ever make in your puppy. The time you spend teaching good habits now will pay dividends for the next 10–15 years.
IN PERSON - We’ve partnered with a local trainer, Ducktown Lodge, to give your HappyPaw puppy the very best start in life. Lucinda and Sarah are expert trainers who have hand-raised over 25 litters themselves and know what it takes to set both puppies and their families up for success. Their caring, hands-on approach means they spend intentional time with you on the phone, guiding you through house preparation and planning before your puppy even comes home. Think of them as your personal puppy coaches—because starting well is always easier than fixing problems later. BONUS FOR HAPPYPAW CLIENTS: Enroll in Puppy Jumpstart and get $200 off Boarding School tuition!
VIRTUAL - Affordable and virtual, Baxter & Bella brings professional puppy training right to your home. If you're self-motivated and willing to put in the work, it's one of the best values on the market. Start with their FREE Preparing for Puppy class and use code HAPPYPAW for 25% off.
FREE DAILY TRAINING TIPS — Want bite-size training wisdom in your feed every day? If you're on Instagram, two of our favorite follows on Instagram are @baxterandbella and @empoweredpuppyprogram. Quick, practical tips you can put to work with your puppy the same day. Follow today!
Grooming Matters
What a difference a haircut can make! Keep your puppy as cute and cuddly as the day you got it by using the tips below.
Here are a few tips to keep that perfect teddy bear look: 1) Begin light grooming as early as 8–10 weeks to get your puppy comfortable with the process. 2) Brush your puppy’s coat often with a slicker brush to prevent tangles and mats. 3) Schedule the first professional groom around 4–6 months of age. 4) Ask your groomer for a “teddy bear trim” — rounded face, fluffy ears, and neatly shaped paws. 5) Bathe your puppy every 4–6 weeks using a gentle, puppy-safe shampoo. 6) Make grooming fun! Use treats, calm praise, and short sessions to build confidence.
Make sure to brush your pup between grooms or she can go from adorable one minute to, well, looking like a shaved llama the next. Ask us how we know. Poor Pucky! Glad that hair grows!
Dr. Ana offers $30 off for new HappyPaw Clients!
Reviews Mean Everything!
If you had a great experience, please share on Google or Facebook! You’d be surprised what difference you can make with just 1 one-minute review! Thank you in advance!
