Welcome Home!
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but the transition is a big adjustment! We’ve put together this comprehensive guide and our favorite product recommendations to ensure your first few weeks go smoothly.
Your Go-Home Bag
When you pick up your puppy, you will receive a goody bag packed with essentials, including:
- Health Records: Details on initial vaccinations. Note: Next shots will be due 3-4 weeks from their initial vaccines!
- Monthly Meds: We provide the first month's set of flea, tick, and heartworm medication. Give your pup a day or two to settle in, give them their meds, and mark your calendar!
- Microchip Info: Your puppy is microchipped. You will receive a very long number to register at PetLink.net. Currently, it is registered to Tarheel Labradoodles. You will need to send in your health/purchase contract to verify ownership and transfer it!
- Diet & Care: It is recommended that families purchase Pawtree food prior to bringing them home! The seasoning is a great way to entice them to eat during the scary transition! Cleansing wipes and training cookies will be included.
Health & Insurance
Trupanion Pet Insurance: You receive a 30-day free trial of Trupanion! While we hope you never need to use it, it is completely free peace of mind. Crucial: You MUST activate this using Evan's code on the EXACT DAY you pick up your puppy! Check your email for the code.
Gastro Pro Plus: We include this excellent probiotic in your bag. Give half of a capsule first thing in the morning, sprinkled over their breakfast, to keep their tummy happy during the transition. Continue to use it daily!
Grooming Rules
DO NOT give your puppy a "true groom" until they are at least 6 months of age! Trimming their coat too early can permanently alter its adult texture. Hygiene grooms (face, feet, fanny) and nail trims are perfectly fine and encouraged!
We have included a specific grooming card in your bag. Hand this to your groomer so they know exactly what an Australian Labradoodle should look like.
In the meantime, brushing is essential! Use a high-quality slicker brush to prevent matting, and don't forget to brush their teeth using the Jasper toothbrush kits we recommend below!
First Nights & Potty Training
The first few nights in a crate are tricky. Keep the crate in the living room or your bedroom and cover it with a breathable blanket.
Nighttime Potty Rule: If they go to sleep, hopefully, do not wake them up! When they do wake up to go, carry them completely outside. Do not let their feet touch the floor inside! Once they potty, carry them straight back to the crate. No feet on the floor, no play time, just back to sleep.
Potty Training: Use the exact same door every time you take them out. Hang jingle bells or a smart bell by the door so they can learn to let you know they have to potty.
Please feel free to reach out via text, email, or phone if you have ANY questions about your puppy's transition or the items listed below!
Tarheel Favorites
From brain-stimulating snuffle mats and crinkle toys for noise desensitization, to the perfect training fanny pack. Here is our curated Amazon shopping list.