Labradoodle puppies are playful, curious, eager to please, and absolutely adorable. Welcoming a labradoodle puppy into your home also means you’re opening the door to a lot of love and joy. Once the little one settles in, it’s necessary to start with potty training. What most puppy owners want to know about this subject is how difficult it is and what they can do to get the best effects. Here’s what you can do.
Positive reinforcement
There is no room for yelling or punishing the puppy while potty training. It won’t accomplish anything. Positive reinforcement is a great strategy. Essentially, positive reinforcement refers to ignoring bad behavior and rewarding good behavior. For example, a puppy gets a reward (verbal praise or treat) every time they go to the bathroom outside. That way, they associate the specific behavior with positive things and adopt it as their normal behavior. Speaking of behavior, it’s important to educate yourself about labradoodle puppies. A good source of quality information is Texas Australian Labradoodles, where you can also buy a puppy.
Crate training
Crates are convenient in cases when you’re going to work or won’t be home for some other reason and don’t want your puppy to pee all over your house or apartment. Puppies are less likely to go to the bathroom inside a crate. Since puppies try to keep their areas clean instinctively, crates are practical because they teach them to hold and strengthen their bladder and bowel muscles.
Create a routine
Like babies, puppies need a specific routine, which makes it easier to potty train them. For example, you may want to use the same spot every time. Doing so teaches the puppy that some spots are okay for going to the bathroom, whereas some places are not. It also helps to take your puppy out to go to the bathroom at the same time every day. Ideally, it should be first thing in the morning, after they’ve been fed, when you get home from work, and before bedtime. Keep in mind it’s important to monitor your puppy and adjust the timing to suit their needs.
Bottom line
Puppy potty training can be challenging, but it’s also an achievable goal and an excellent opportunity to bond with your new best friend. Crate training, positive reinforcement, and consistent routine can be of huge help.
We at Texas Australian Labradoodles hope these tips will help you and your pet bond and have an amazing life together.
Fireworks season is upon us, and while they might be enjoyable for us, they can be anything but for your beloved Labradoodle. Dogs, especially puppies, are very sensitive to loud noises and sudden flashes of light. If you have a brand-new puppy in the house, then it’s imperative that you know how to keep them safe and calm during the fireworks season.
Signs of Stress in Your Labradoodle
The first step to ensuring your dog’s safety during fireworks is being able to recognize when they’re feeling stressed or scared. Some signs that your Labradoodle pup may be experiencing stress include:
Panting or drooling
Shaking or trembling
Hiding or trying to escape from the area
Pacing back and forth
Barking excessively or whining
Restlessness
Keeping Your Dog Calm During Fireworks
Once you know how your pup reacts when feeling stressed out, you can take steps to keep them calm during fireworks. Here are some tips for keeping your Labradoodle safe and relaxed during this season:
Exercise your dog beforehand – It’s essential to make sure your Labradoodle is getting plenty of exercise before the fireworks start. Take them on a long walk or play with them in the yard to tire them out. This will help keep their energy levels low, making them less likely to react negatively when the noise starts.
Provide a secure environment – Make sure your pup has access to a safe space like a crate where they can go if they start feeling anxious. You should also ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked so that your pup doesn’t try and escape if they hear something scary outside.
Stay with them – When fireworks go off close by, stay with your pup in their safe space and let them know everything is ok. This will help them feel more secure in their environment and less likely to panic during loud noises.
Distract them – Offer treats or toys as distractions when fireworks are going off outside. This will help keep their mind off the noise and give them something else to focus on instead of the loud booms and flashes of light.
We at Texas Australian Labradoodles hope these tips will help you and your pet have a peaceful time during the celebratory season.
Do you have a new little labradoodle puppy getting into mischief around your home? You may want to send your puppy outdoors when he’s getting a little too rambunctious, but you have to be aware of how the cold weather is going to affect him.
Here’s what you need to know about protecting Labradoodle puppies in cold temperatures.
Dress Your Puppy Warmly
For all their energetic bounding all over the place, little Labradoodle puppies can get chilled more easily than older dogs. And some types of Labradoodle coats, though they seem fluffy, are not very warm. For example, the loose, shaggy type isn’t snug enough when it’s really cold out.
Your puppy will appreciate a doggy sweater or coat when going out for longer romps — or even for shorter bathroom breaks if the temps are getting frigid.
Watch Out for Ice Balls
Puppies love to play in the snow, but proper puppy winter safety is key.
Ice balls often form on their bodies, clinging to their hair and balling up between their toes. They can make your dog uncomfortable and he may try to bite or lick them, breaching the skin and opening the door to infection.
Check your puppy for ice balls every time you bring him back in. Remove them with a bit of warm water and towel your puppy dry.
Beware of Salt and Deicing Chemicals
To keep roads and sidewalks safer for walking in the snow and ice, humans often scatter salt and deicing chemicals. However, these chemicals (even just salt) can burn your pup’s paws.
Try to avoid walking your puppy through areas where these products have been used. Or, if they will tolerate them, have your puppy wear dog booties. You may have to work at it a little, but getting your puppy acclimated to dog booties is a good idea for all the winters to come.
Holiday festivities are exciting and fun for humans, but they can easily make dogs feel overwhelmed. The holiday season can even pose a threat to your furry family members thanks to the decorations, visitors, and abundant food. To keep your labradoodle safe, we suggest teaching labradoodle puppies these commands before the holiday fun begins.
Drop It
“Drop it” is a valuable command for getting something out of your dog’s mouth as quickly as possible. If your dog gains access to toxic food, like chocolate, or a deadly decoration, such as ribbon, commanding your dog to drop the deadly item can prevent a trip to the emergency vet.
Tug-of-war is an easy way to teach the “drop it” command. Give your dog a toy, and ask them to drop it while holding a treat close to their nose. When they drop the toy, praise them and give them a treat.
You can increase the effectiveness of the command by starting with a relatively boring toy before using one of their favorite toys.
Leave It
“Leave it” is another command that will keep your labradoodle puppies safe if they spot something that can harm them. For example, if you drop a plate full of bones, the “leave it” command will prevent your dog from running off with the bones.
Hold a treat in your fist, and show the dog the treat. Let them sniff the treat. Once they start to lose interest in the treat, reward and praise them when they back off. After they master this step, you can add the “leave it” command.
Sit
“Sit” is a simple command, but it will keep your dogs from overwhelming or even knocking over your guests. Sitting is an excellent alternative for dogs who like to greet guests by jumping on them.
Hold a treat in your hand close to your dog’s nose; slowly move your hand over your dog’s head. Your dog will follow the treat and put its bottom on the floor. Praise and reward them. Add the “sit” command once they master the initial move.
Check Out Labradoodle Puppies to Add to Your Family
Texas Australian Labradoodles offers healthy, happy labradoodles that are a terrific addition to your family. Contact us at 210-393-9422 for more information.
Bringing a new puppy into your home and into your family is an absolute joy. You get to watch as the puppy explores its new home and gets to know its new family. However, there is an adjustment period as your pup explores its new surroundings and finds its place in your home.
There are things you can do to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for your puppy’s transition into your world. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when bringing home a new pup:
Plan for the Puppy’s Arrival – There are things you will need to have ready for your puppy. If you know when your new puppy will be coming home, you can get these items in advance so you’re ready when the time comes.
Good quality puppy food and treats
Water and food bowls
A leash and a collar
A pet crate for safe transportation
Chew toys to keep your shoes and other belongings safe from little teeth
Toys to chase and play with
Gates or barriers (like baby gates) to keep puppies away from stairwells and out of other rooms
Puppy training pads and poop collection bags
Grooming supplies like shampoo, brushes, and combs
A soft, warm bed for your new puppy
Puppy-Proof Your Home – Move items that you don’t want your puppy getting into and consider taking valuable items out of common areas until the puppy has settled into its new home.
Prepare Your Family and Pets for the Introduction of the New Puppy – Teach children how to interact with the new puppy. Remind them to give the puppy space and time to adjust. Allow pets to meet on their own terms. Let them discover each other on their terms without any forced meetings or confrontations. Animals, just like humans, can get to know one another with time.
Set Aside Time for Your New Family Member – Your new puppy will likely be excited to get to know you and your home. As it gets more comfortable, share different areas of the house with your new pup and make time to play. This new experience for your pup may cause nervousness, so show your new puppy extra love and affection.
Some breeds will be easy-going and friendly to begin with like labradoodle puppies or sheepadoodle puppies, while others may need more patience and support to transition into your home. Learn more about puppy adoption atTexas Austrian Labradoodles.
Spring, and its accompanying smells and sounds, is often a time for much-anticipated change. Some people take on a DIY project, others deep clean their homes, and many attempt, yet again, to get that perfect “beach bod.” For owners of Labradoodles, part of the transition into spring will include preparing their pets for a warmer season. Try these tips to get your Labradoodle ready for warmer months.
Take Care of Your Labradoodle’s Coat
Keep your dog comfortable with frequent brushing will help keep your Doodle coat shiny and health. Your Labradoodle’s coat may have grown longer during the winter months, so spring is a good time to consider a cut or a trim. Many Labradoodles and their parents enjoy puppy cut because it keeps your pooch cooler and its easier to maintain. Shorter coat can help your Labradoodle stay cool in warm weather. It’s also much easier to clean, in case your pet has a muddy springtime adventure.
Check Your Yard
Labradoodles and their owners usually start spending more time outside during the spring. Make sure your yard is free from potential hazards so that your doodle can romp safely. Use pet-friendly weed killers, and ensure your plants are safe for pets to eat–just in case. Remove any physical obstacles such as sharp wire and hidden rocks. Remove any pesky vegetation before it becomes entangled in the coat causing matting. Finally, prepare for warm weather by giving your dog a shady area and an outdoor water bowl.
Schedule Outdoor Exercise
Labradoodles are playful and eager to get outside, especially in the spring. As other animals begin exploring after winter, your pooch will probably want to spend some time sniffing out your backyard. Now that you can walk outside without quite so many layers, take your Labradoodle on long walks or play fetch in your backyard. Involve the kids and have fun. Spring fever happens for humans and dogs alike, so scheduling regular outdoor activities will make both you and your pet more content.
Warmer months will arrive eventually, and, when they do, you and your labradoodle can be prepared for whatever adventures the season will bring. Most of us have an idea of how to get ourselves and our homes ready for warmer months, but preparing your dog may be a more unfamiliar task. This year, start out on the right foot by following these easy steps to prepare your Labradoodle for warmer months. For more information about raising an Australian Labradoodle, browse the Texas Australian Labradoodlesblog.
