Welcoming cavoodles into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. Puppies, like cavoodles, bring a lot of energy and love but also require dedicated care to ensure they grow up healthy, happy, and well-behaved. This guide covers the essential aspects of puppy care, from initial preparations to ongoing training and health maintenance.
1. Essential Supplies for New Cavoodles
Before bringing your new puppy home, it’s important to prepare your space with all the necessary supplies. Ensuring you have everything ready will help your puppy adjust more easily to their new environment.
Soft Bed and Chew Toys For Cavoodles
Your new puppy will need a comfortable place to sleep. A soft bed is essential for providing a sense of security and a cozy spot for rest. Additionally, chew toys are important to keep your puppy entertained and to help with teething. Look for durable toys that are safe for puppies. Rotating different types of chew toys can keep your puppy engaged and prevent boredom.
Feeding Essentials for Cavoodles
Feeding your new puppy the right food is crucial for their growth and health. Fluffy Puppies recommends Advance Puppy Food, which is rehydratable and perfect for small breeds like cavoodles. Ensure you have food and water bowls that are easy to clean and appropriately sized for your puppy. Stainless steel bowls are recommended because they are durable, non-toxic, and easy to sanitise, ensuring your puppy’s food and water stay clean.
Cavoodles with Collars and Leads
Early leash training is important for all puppies, including cavoodles. A small collar and lead will help you start this process and make walks safe and enjoyable for both you and your puppy. When choosing a collar, ensure it fits snugly but not too tight; you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck. Additionally, consider a harness for walks, as it can provide better control and reduce strain on your puppy’s neck.
Parasite Treatments for Cavoodles
Parasite prevention is vital for maintaining your puppy’s health. Products like Revolution and Simparica Trio are recommended for protecting your puppy against fleas, ticks, ear mites, and worms. Be sure to choose the right treatment based on your puppy’s environment, especially if you live in a tick-prone area. Regularly check your puppy for signs of parasites, such as itching or discomfort, and consult your vet if you notice anything unusual.
2. Proper Feeding and Nutrition for Cavoodles
Feeding your puppy a balanced diet is essential for their growth and development. Understanding their nutritional needs and maintaining a feeding schedule will ensure they get the right amount of nutrients.
Feeding Schedule for Cavoodles
Consistency is key when it comes to feeding your new puppy. It’s recommended to feed them twice a day—morning and evening. Avoid free-feeding as it can lead to overeating and obesity. Instead, provide measured portions and remove any uneaten food after 30 minutes. This routine helps in housebreaking by predicting bowel movements and maintaining a healthy digestive system. Establishing a feeding routine also helps in bonding as your puppy will associate mealtime with you.
Cavoodles: Food Recommendations
For cavoodles, Advance Puppy Food is an excellent choice. It’s rehydratable, making it easier for young puppies to eat. Initially, you should soften the food with water, but after ten weeks, your puppy can start eating the food dry. Always follow the feeding directions on the package to adjust the food quantity as your puppy grows. If you’re considering switching to another brand or type of food, do so gradually to avoid upsetting your puppy’s stomach.
Adjusting Portions for Cavoodles
As your puppy grows, their food requirements will change. Monitor their weight and adjust the portions accordingly. Consult the feeding guidelines on the pet food package to ensure you’re providing the right amount. Puppies tend to grow rapidly, so regular weight checks and portion adjustments are necessary to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Remember to provide fresh water at all times to keep your puppy hydrated, especially if they are active and playful.
3. Cavoodles and Parasite Treatments
Keeping your puppy free from parasites is crucial for their health and well-being. Regular treatments will prevent infestations and protect your puppy from various health issues.
Treatment Schedule
Parasite treatments should be given regularly to ensure continuous protection. Follow a consistent schedule to prevent lapses in coverage, especially during peak parasite seasons. Set reminders or mark a calendar to stay on top of treatment schedules. Missing doses can lead to gaps in protection, making your puppy vulnerable to parasites.
Recommended Products
Revolution and Simparica Trio are highly recommended for puppies. Revolution protects against fleas, ear mites, and worms, while Simparica Trio also covers ticks. These products are available at pet stores like Petbarn and are essential for comprehensive parasite prevention. Always read the instructions carefully and administer the correct dosage based on your puppy’s weight.
Living in Tick Areas
If you live in a tick-prone area, it’s crucial to use a treatment that specifically targets ticks. Simparica Trio is particularly effective for this purpose. Regular checks and timely treatments will keep your puppy safe from tick-borne diseases. After outdoor activities, inspect your puppy for ticks, especially in areas like ears, paws, and under the collar.
4. Effective Toilet Training
Toilet training is one of the first challenges new puppy owners face. With patience and consistency, you can successfully teach your puppy where to go.
Routine and Consistency
Establishing a routine is vital for toilet training. Feed your puppy at the same times each day and take them outside shortly after meals. Puppies typically need to go within 30 minutes of eating, so be prepared to take them out during this window. Regular trips outside help reinforce the appropriate place to go. Praise and reward your puppy immediately after they eliminate outside to reinforce the behaviour.
Cleaning Techniques
Accidents will happen, so it’s important to clean up thoroughly. Puppies have a strong sense of smell, and any remaining scent can encourage them to go in the same spot again. Use pet-safe cleaning products that eliminate odors effectively. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners as they can mimic the smell of urine and confuse your puppy.
Nighttime Training
During the night, keep your puppy in a small, contained area, like a tiled laundry room. Take them out for a toilet break just before bedtime and again first thing in the morning. Remove water after dinner to reduce the need for nighttime trips outside. Consistency is key, and establishing a nighttime routine will help your puppy understand when it’s time to rest and when it’s time to go outside.
5. Obedience Training and Socialisation
Obedience training and socialisation are essential for raising a well-behaved and sociable dog. Starting early will set the foundation for a lifetime of good behaviour.
Starting Early
Begin training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Cavoodles are more receptive to learning at a young age. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Early training helps prevent the development of bad habits and ensures your puppy grows up with good manners.
Basic Commands
Teaching your puppy basic commands helps with their behaviour and safety. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage good behaviour. Short, frequent training sessions are more effective than longer ones, as puppies have short attention spans. Practice commands in different environments to help your puppy generalise their learning.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the key to successful training. Reward your puppy with their favorite treats, toys, or praise when they follow commands correctly. This method builds trust and strengthens your bond with your puppy. Avoid punishment-based methods, as they can create fear and anxiety, making training more difficult.
Socialisation Tips
Socialising your puppy is crucial for their development. Introduce them to different environments, people, and other dogs gradually. Puppy school is a great way to expose them to new experiences in a controlled setting. Socialisation helps prevent behavioural issues and makes your puppy more confident and well-adjusted. Ensure all interactions are positive and controlled to build your puppy’s confidence.
Conclusion:
Caring for a new puppy requires patience, consistency, and a lot of love. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your puppy grows into a well-adjusted, healthy, and happy dog. Remember, the time and effort you invest in their early days will pay off in a lifetime of companionship and joy. Enjoy every moment with your new furry friend, and cherish the journey of raising a wonderful, loving dog. Investing in proper care and training now will lead to a lifetime of happy memories with your beloved pet.
We are Registered breeders, you can trust!
Fluffy Puppies, proudly owned and developed by Geoff and Marie Louise for the past 25 years, is committed to providing a trustworthy and professional experience for our customers. With our extensive qualifications and a genuine passion for what we do, we prioritise the health and socialisation of our puppies. We understand the concerns of potential customers wary of online businesses, and we assure you that with Fluffy Puppies, you are choosing a healthy, well-socialised companion from a dedicated, professional breeder. Our love for our work and our customers drives us to help you find the perfect puppy to suit your needs.
Here are our qualifications:
- Breeder Identification Number: B000611364
- Pet Breeders Australia: Member Number 12253
- Australian Association of Pet Dog Breeders Member Number: 17706
- Fluffy Puppies is also a Local Council Approved Business – Oberon Council 10.2011.32.1
- Fluffy Puppies is a Registered Business with the Department of Fair Trading. BN98414105
- OWNER Marie-Louise Burton has an Animal Studies Certificate II – TAFE qualification
- OWNER Geoff Burton is a registered identifier with NSW Pet Registry. I0002765
- RSPCA Inspected – Fluffy Puppies conforms with Breeder’s Code of Practice
- Vet Audit Inspection – Fluffy Puppies is a Veterinary Endorsed Professional Breeder
- Our breeding dogs are all Genetically Tested
Here’s to many years of joy, companionship, and unforgettable memories with the best Cavoodle puppies!