Puppy care

Bringing puppy home

Here is a list of things your puppy will need.

• Bed that is large enough for a poodle to stretch out flat in. (Miniature poodle size recommend a crate size approximately 65 cm high, 55 cm wide and 77 cm long) (Standard poodle size 85 cm high, 70 cm wide and 105cm long)
• Bowls (at least two) stainless steel are good because they don’t break and can’t be chewed. If you have decided to use a crate – you can buy bowls that hang on the inside of the crate so the dog won’t knock them over.
• Blankets to sleep on. These should be changed weekly unless they have been messed in. Dry bed is an excellent product for this because it dries very quickly and lasts a long time. Newspaper is a perfect liner and insulater.
• Toys – always use toys that are recommended for dogs. Never use sticks because the dog may catch it end first and tear his soft palate or throat or try to eat it.
• Food—see section on feeding.
• Treats—for training, try liver treats in small doses only.
• Grooming kit—see section on grooming
• Lead and collar (do not use a harness for walking your dog. It will teach it to pull). To remedy or avoid pulling try a halti or black dog head collar which are available from the RSPCA and many other good pet suppliers. See links section for black dog website.
• Worming Tablets
• Heartworm treatment (ask your vet to see if you live in a heartworm affected area)
• Flea and or tick treatment (advantix is a good product)
• Shampoo, conditioner (optional), sponge and towels