LouBella GoldenDoodles
LouBella GoldenDoodles
Welcome to our Questions and Answers page! Here, we provide helpful information about our puppies and their care. We proudly follow all AKC (American Kennel Club) guidelines to ensure the highest standards for health, safety, and well-being.
For your puppy, it’s important to feed them a high-quality puppy food that supports their growth and development. Look for food that’s labeled as "complete and balanced" and is formulated for puppies, which includes the right levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. You can choose between dry kibble, wet food, or a combination.
Our most recommended brands:
Royal Canin Mini Puppy Food
This food is specially formulated for small-breed puppies, providing balanced nutrition for healthy growth and development. It supports the immune system and promotes digestive health.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws
This is designed for small-breed puppies and is highly digestible, supporting growth and development. It includes DHA for brain and eye development.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy
With high-quality protein (chicken) and DHA for brain development, this formula includes wholesome grains and veggies for balanced nutrition.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy
A high-protein, grain-free option with real chicken, turkey, and salmon. It’s rich in DHA for brain development and has the right balance of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones.
Orijen Puppy Small Breed
This high-quality, protein-rich food contains fresh, regional ingredients and is specially designed for small-breed puppies. It includes a variety of meats and high levels of DHA for healthy development.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Recipe
A grain-free option made with real chicken and sweet potatoes for easy digestion. It provides DHA and EPA for healthy brain development.
The puppies are fed three times a day at regular intervals. Each meal consists of a measured amount of high-quality puppy food, typically around 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on their age and size. As they grow, their portion sizes may adjust to meet their nutritional needs. Our puppies stay on high quality puppy food and we provide a small bag for you to take with you during the transition.
Here’s a general puppy feeding schedule based after 8 weeks, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC):
8-12 Weeks:
Feed 3-4 times a day.
Approximate portion: 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal, divided into 3-4 meals.
3-6 Months:
Continue with high-quality puppy food and start introducing a more regular portion size.
Feed 3 times a day.
Approximate portion: 1/2 to 1 cup per meal, depending on breed size.
6-12 Months:
At this stage, you can start reducing feeding to 2-3 times a day.
Approximate portion: 1-2 cups per meal, depending on the puppy's size and activity level.
12 Months and Older:
Most puppies can transition to adult food around 12 months of age, depending on the breed.
Feed 2 times a day.
It’s important to adjust food portions and meal frequency based on your puppy's growth, size, and energy level. Always consult with your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations tailored to your puppy’s needs.
You can start training your puppy as early as 8 weeks old. At this stage, puppies are highly receptive to learning and can start with basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come." Early training helps establish good behavior habits and strengthens the bond between you and your puppy.
Potty training your puppy requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Establish a Routine: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, playing, and waking up.
Choose a Potty Spot: Take your puppy to the same spot outside each time. The familiar scent will help them recognize it as the place to go.
Praise and Reward: Immediately after your puppy goes potty outside, praise them enthusiastically and offer a small treat. Positive reinforcement helps them associate going outside with something rewarding.
Watch for Signs: Look for signs that your puppy needs to go, such as sniffing the ground, circling, or whining. Take them outside immediately when you notice these behaviors.
Use a Crate: A crate can help prevent accidents when you're not around. Puppies typically don’t want to soil their sleeping area, so this can encourage them to hold it until they can go outside.
Clean Accidents Properly: If your puppy has an accident inside, clean it thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any odor. This prevents them from being attracted to the same spot again.
Be Patient: Accidents will happen, especially in the beginning.
Consistency: Stick to a consistent schedule for feedings, potty breaks, and training sessions. The more routine you establish, the quicker your puppy will learn.
You can start introducing your puppy to other dogs as early as 8 weeks old, but it's important to do so gradually and carefully. Early socialization is key to helping your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Here are some tips for introducing your puppy to other dogs:
Start with Vaccinated, Friendly Dogs: Ensure the other dogs your puppy meets are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations, as puppies are still building their immune systems.
Choose Controlled Environments: Begin introductions in a safe, controlled environment like your home or a fenced yard. This minimizes distractions and potential risks.
Observe Body Language: Watch your puppy’s body language and that of the other dog. Look for signs of calmness (e.g., wagging tails, relaxed posture). If either dog shows signs of fear or aggression, separate them and try again later.
Short and Positive Sessions: Keep the first few interactions short and positive. Gradually increase the time they spend together as they become more comfortable with each other.
Supervise All Interactions: Always supervise puppy playdates to ensure they’re safe. Puppies are learning important social skills, and you want to prevent any negative experiences that could affect their future interactions with other dogs.
Socializing your puppy with other dogs helps them learn proper behavior and can prevent issues like fear later on.
Managing puppy chewing requires redirecting your puppy’s natural chewing behavior toward appropriate items and being consistent with your training.
Here are some tips to help manage puppy chewing:
Provide Chew Toys: Offer a variety of chew toys that are safe for puppies. Toys that are durable and designed for teething puppies will help satisfy their urge to chew. Some popular options are rubber toys, rope toys, and edible chews.
Redirect Chewing Behavior: If your puppy starts chewing on furniture, shoes, or other inappropriate items, calmly redirect them to a chew toy. Praise and reward them when they chew on the correct item. Positive reinforcement helps them understand what is acceptable.
Supervise and Confine: Keep a close eye on your puppy, especially during their teething phase. If you can't supervise them, consider using a crate or playpen to keep them away from things they shouldn’t chew.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Puppies chew out of boredom or excess energy. Make sure your puppy gets enough exercise and mental stimulation through playtime, walks, and training sessions. A tired puppy is less likely to chew on inappropriate things.
Teething Relief: If your puppy is teething, offer cooling chew toys or frozen treats to soothe their gums. Freezing a wet washcloth or a teething toy can help reduce discomfort.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key when training your puppy. Be patient and persistent, and continue to provide positive reinforcement for appropriate chewing behavior.
Crate training is a great way to help your puppy feel secure and develop positive habits. We begin early crate introductions by leaving the crate open and accessible, allowing the puppy to explore it freely. This helps establish a positive association before transitioning them to their new home.
Here’s the best approach to crate training your puppy once you take them home:
Choose the Right Crate: Select a crate that is large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not too large. If the crate is too big, your puppy may use one end as a bathroom area.
Make the Crate a Positive Space: Introduce the crate gradually and make it a positive, safe place. Put soft bedding, some of your puppy's favorite toys, and maybe a treat inside. Leave the crate door open at first so your puppy can explore it freely.
Start with Short Sessions: Begin by having your puppy spend short periods of time in the crate while you're nearby, such as during meals or while you’re watching TV. Gradually increase the time they spend inside as they become more comfortable.
Use Positive Reinforcement: When your puppy enters the crate, reward them with treats, praise, or a favorite toy. This helps them associate the crate with positive experiences.
Practice Crating While You’re Gone: Start by leaving the room for a few minutes while your puppy is in the crate. Gradually extend the time you’re away. Avoid making a big deal out of leaving or returning to reduce separation anxiety.
Avoid Using the Crate for Punishment: Never use the crate as a form of punishment. It should be a place where your puppy feels safe.
Nighttime Crating: If you’re crate training your puppy overnight, place the crate near your bedroom so they don’t feel isolated. Most puppies will cry or whine the first few nights, but avoid giving in and letting them out unless they need a bathroom break. Over time, they will get used to sleeping in the crate.
Crate training can take some time, but with patience and consistency, your puppy will learn to see the crate as a safe and cozy space.
The puppies are not fully potty trained but are working on it. They follow a regular potty schedule, typically going outside every 2-3 hours during the day, and after meals, naps, and playtime. With consistent training and supervision, they are making great progress!
Yes, it is possible to adopt more than one puppy at a time. However, please note that at this time we do not sell breeding rights for our puppies.
Our puppies receive their first set of vaccinations between 6-8 weeks. This includes a 5-way vaccination, offering protection against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis. The vaccination is to ensure the health and safety of each puppy.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) follows a general vaccine schedule for puppies, which is often recommended by veterinarians. Here's a typical vaccination timeline for puppies:
6-8 Weeks:
DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus): The combination vaccine that protects against three diseases.
10-12 Weeks:
DHP: First booster.
14-16 Weeks:
DHP: Second booster.
Rabies: A single dose of the rabies vaccine is required by law in most places at this age.
12-18 Months:
DHP: Final booster.
Rabies: Booster shot, typically required every 1-3 years after the initial dose.
Always consult your veterinarian to ensure that the vaccine schedule is tailored to your puppy's specific needs.
The AKC provides a wealth of information on dog breeds, training, health tips, and puppy care, making it a go-to resource for new puppy owners.
The CKC offers breed registration services for purebred and designer dogs, including expert advice on puppy health, nutrition, and care.
Chewy an online pet store that offers a wide selection of food, toys, and grooming products, along with articles on puppy care & health.
The Spruce Pets covers a variety of topics related to puppies, including training tips, health advice, and breed-specific care.
Rover connects pet owners with dog walkers, sitters, and trainers, and also provides useful information on puppy care, training, and health.
PetMD provides expert advice on puppy health, nutrition, and wellness, offering trusted articles and resources written by veterinarians.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Feel free to contact us at any time—we’re here to help throughout the entire adoption process!