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Our VIP articles are focused on AussieDoodles, but are also applicable to SheepaDoodles and BerneDoodles.
Doodle Puppy Shopping List
Getting your new Puppy Soon? Check out our product recommendations.
Preparing for your new Doodle Puppy
Surviving the first 48 hours with your new AussieDoodle Puppy
The first 48 hours with your new puppy are critical to making it feel welcome and comfortable in his new home. We'll teach you how to monitor your puppy and go at his pace, when you're going for a ride, having guests over, getting him accustomed to his crate, and more.
Avoiding Parvo
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, parvo is a risk. When you get your puppy, they will have one round (booster) of vaccinations. In order to be protected against parvo, distemper, kennel cough, etc, your puppy needs to get though 3 more rounds of vaccinations at 9, 12, and 16 weeks.
Picking up your AussieDoodle Puppy
You're preparing to pick up your puppy! In this article we will talk about everything you need to bring your puppy home in a car or on the airplane, and how to make the ride as smooth as possible. Don't worry, most puppies do just fine on the way home, and with a little love, your puppy will be happy to be close to you and heading to it's new furever home.
The first 2 weeks with your new AussieDoodle puppy
You've got your new puppy home. Now what? Feed it three times a day and potty train it? Yes, but there is much more. Your top priorities in the first few weeks are discussed in this article.
Top 5 mistakes humans make with their puppies
To shape a well rounded and well behaved AussieDoodle dog, follow these 5 tips. Most of us make these mistakes and we don't even realize how it affects our puppies. Reinforce Barking Puppies bark when they are rewarded for it. Instead, reward your puppy for not barking. Allowing Door Scratching To prevent puppy from ruining our doors, don’t open doors when they paw them. Open the back door only when puppy barks once. Close doors all the way, so puppy can’t push them open. Reinforce Jumping Don’t pick up or even acknowledge your puppy when front feet are off [read more]
Watch for the Critical fear period for AussieDoodle, BerneDoodle, & SheepaDoodle Puppies
The critical fear period for AussieDoodles, BerneDoodles, & SheepaDoodles is during 8-10 weeks of age. During this time, if they don't have a positive experience with something, they may develop a permanent fear of that thing for life. Here are some keys in creating an environment that will help form a socially self-confident puppy that is strongly bonded to you.
Why you should get a dog trainer for your AussieDoodle Puppy
Puppies enter our world not knowing our rules. Default puppy behaviors such as barking, jumping, digging, and biting are inappropriate. Find out more about the ideal age to start training your AussieDoodle, and the benefits of shaping good behaviors for life.
Collar and Leash Recommendations for your Doodle
You're preparing for your AussieDoodle puppy and wonder, "What size collar and leash should I get?" Learn more here.
Puppy Medicine and Vaccinations for your AussieDoodle, BerneDoodle, & SheepaDoodle
You've welcomed an AwesomeDoodle puppy into your home! Now you're trying to sort through the information about puppy vaccinations and medicines, and which are required and optional. Learn more here about which vaccinations puppy needs, and the recommended schedule.
4 rules for families with Kids and Doodle Puppies
AussieDoodle Puppies tend to recognize children as playmates, especially if your kids are just as rambunctious as a puppy. Your puppy has been wrestling with it's litter mates for weeks, and now will probably try to wrestle with your kids. While it's fun for your kids to play with your puppy, there are some rules kids must follow:
How to proof your home for your AussieDoodle Puppy
Want to know how to arrange the gates and crate in your living area so your AwesomeDoodle puppy is safe and near you? Remember, puppies want to be with people. They are not happy closed up in a room by themselves. Here are some recommendations to puppy-proof your home, and allow them to feel like part of the family. Bonus: These suggestions also help with the potty training process!
AwesomeDoodle’s 5 GOLDEN rules for Doodle Puppies
These 5 golden rules for AussieDoodle Puppies will help you shape your pup into a well-behaved dog. What is the difference between "corrective" and "positive reinforcement" dog training? Every dog needs to know how to behave appropriately in its human's world. AwesomeDoodle's technique for training dogs is a combination of both positive reinforcement, and letting our dog know what we don't want.
Puppy Car Sickness / Motion Sickness
Seven tricks and tips to help your puppy get over car sickness. Follow this guide for best success and help your pup be happy to ride in the car. You want to "socialize" your puppy to car rides and teach them how to behave in the car but your AussieDoodle gets car sick and pukes on your leather seats? The good news is, most will outgrow this. In the meantime, here are some suggestions to help them overcome car sickness.
Raising your new Doodle Puppy
Is your Doodle Barking at People?
Barking at strangers is a common problem and one of the most difficult behaviors to break. It's best to head off this behavior BEFORE it starts, by practicing correct behavior shaping. If your puppy is over 4 months old and is reactive to strangers, you'll need to do some counter conditioning. These training approaches will help put a stop to your dog barking at people.
How to socialize your puppy during Social Distancing
How do I socialize my puppy during these recent times of Social Distancing?If you’ve asked this question, you’re not alone. Covid-19 has forced us to become more creative as we raise our puppies to become friendly and confident. So how do we provide them with the socialization they need to develop and learn?With more families spending time at home, this is a perfect time to bond and train your new family member. Take this opportunity to focus on building their trust in you and your family. Socializing your puppy is about providing new life experiences in a positive approach so [read more]
Nighttime Routine
The first few nights are usually torture. However with a consistent schedule and lots of love, your puppy will soon be sleeping 6-7 hours through the night in their crate. By 12 weeks old, most families tell us their puppy is sleeping at least 6.5 hours at night.
Help! My Pubescent Puppy Acts Like a Juvenile Delinquent
Once top dog in their class, now puppy acts like a class dropout. You may think there’s something wrong with your dog, but there isn’t. What your AussieDoodle is going through is normal. You followed Basic Training to Advanced Obedience to a T. You got through potty training, puppy crazy time, and teething. Did you think it would be smooth sailing from here? Not so much. There’s one more phase that all puppy owners go through with their dog: puberty.
What’s the best food for your AussieDoodle?
There are lots of great foods on the market but who can be sure which is the best for your dog? Rather you might be surprised with all the different dog foods we recommend.
Maintaining your Doodle’s Fur and Grooming tips
AussieDoodles, known for their gorgeous and wavy coats, require regular maintenance to avoid matted fur. Follow these brushing and grooming tips to ensure a beautiful coat, healthy skin, and happy puppy (and owner).
How to help prevent Separation Anxiety in Doodles
Preventing separation anxiety is critical to your AussieDoodle Puppy's development. We can't be with our dogs 24/7; however, we can help them be more comfortable during the times when we're not not with them. Here are some do's and don'ts to prevent separation anxiety.
Play SEARCH with your AussieDoodle Puppy – #1 fun game
Is your AussieDoodle puppy bored? "SEARCH" is a super fun game you can play with your dog. It will teach your dog to search for things on their own, use their nose to sniff it out, gain a sense of satisfaction, and build their confidence. And that it's an especially good game for apartment dogs to play. Watch the video to see how you can teach your dog this fun game.
I’ve been cursed with Puppy Crazy Time!
Is your new AussieDoodle possessed by demons? It was cute when your first got it, but now it's a terror! Getting a new puppy is not all "cuteness and cuddles." These little ones are FULL of energy. A few times a day they'll run around like a kid on caffeine. Thankfully, they burn up that energy quickly. Here we'll teach you how to deal with Puppy Crazy time, so you don't go crazy yourself.
Throw a flying disc to your AussieDoodle
Is your AussieDoodle bored? AussieDoodles love to fetch. There is something about catching a flying disc in the air that really gives them satisfaction. If you're not teaching your puppy to catch a flying disc, you're missing out on a really fun game with your dog. Follow these tips for an enjoyable and bonding time with your dog.
Training your puppy NOT to jump on your guests or your furniture
We've all seen it: Our dogs are so excited to greet us and our guests that they practically come out of their fur and knock us over in the process. Unfortunately, we condition our dogs to jump on us, even though we don't know we're doing it. Training your dog to not jump on your friends when they come over, and not jump on YOU when you get home can be a challenge. Here are some valuable tips proven to shape your dog into one that is a joy to greet.
Surviving first month with your AussieDoodle Puppy
The first month with your puppy will be challenging, for sure. However, it is also THE MOST IMPORTANT TIME with your new puppy, for socializing and shaping your dog's behaviors. There are some things you can do to "set the standard" right away. Think like a dog! Here are 12 areas you should focus on during this critical time.
How to Teach your AussieDoodle Puppy to Fetch a ball
Is your puppy bored? Teach it to fetch and wear out that puppy! With Aussies and AussieDoodles, getting the moving object, comes natural. Bringing it back to you is the hard part. Here, we will teach you how to teach a 7-week-old puppy how to fetch a ball.
Puppy Pitfalls – Doggie Do’s and Don’ts
Every family needs do's and don'ts to live by. There are also rules we need to follow with our dogs. Help them become exceptional family members by following these principles. This article goes hand in hand with our most popular video on YouTube, "Doggie Do's and Dont's."
The importance of socializing your new Aussie Poo Puppy
You only have one chance to socialize your puppy. After a puppy is 12 weeks old, the socializing window is over! Don't miss this opportunity. What does it mean to "socialize" your pup? Did you know it's the single most important thing you can do for both of you? Socializing your puppy helps them develop into a dog that is comfortable, happy, and a joy to be around. Learn more about what socializing is and how to create these opportunities for your pup.
What is a puppy “pack” leader? You’re in charge of your puppy.
Did you know your dog needs you to be pack leader? Establishing yourself as pack leader is critical to shaping their good behavior and building trust. These 8 Lessons teach you how to be in charge without being the bully, so the two of you can enjoy a healthy relationship. From the first day you get your new puppy, you will be the pack leader. The “pack” is you and your pup. Dogs NEED to be the pack leader or be led by one. Your dog is not “EQUAL” to you. Dogs are much more comfortable, and less nervous when they have a pack leader to rely on. In the pack, the leader makes the kill, eats, and only then allows the others to eat. Believe me, your dog is content to watch you eat while they wait their turn.
The Secret To Potty Training your Puppy
Potty training a puppy can be a challenge. At first, you will be following puppy around with paper towels. Knowing at what age their bladders are capable of "holding it," and for how long, will go a long way with your training progress. The steps for housebreaking success are all here. This article contains one of our most popular videos, The Secret to Potty Training.
Doodle Training
Introduction to the Doggie Door
Going through the doggie door can be scary for puppies at first. Take your time and have fun with your puppy.
Behavior Shaping, the #1 secret to raising a good puppy
This AussieDoodle Puppy Behavior shaping video is the most important part of shaping your puppy's behavior. If you don't do ANY other training with your puppy, do this. These sessions will shape your puppy into well mannered dog. It also helps you associate your relationship with your puppy that you have treats and they have to be submissive and calm to get the treats. Otherwise, your puppy will see you as a litter mate and associate you with someone they puppy bite, jump on, and chew your pant legs.
Everything you need to know about the crate
When you get your new Doodle Puppy home, it's time for you to continue the crate training. Your puppy has been with its litter mates and it doesn't understand, or enjoy being alone. This article will show you some of the secrets to getting your puppy comfortable in the crate. Also, it's important to make sure your crate is safe for your puppy. Look what could have happened, had I not been there to save this puppy!
Preventing Resource Guarding
In this webinar, we'll tell you how to prevent resource guarding.
Preventing Undesirable Behaviors – Webinar
Naughty AussieDoodle Puppy? In this webinar, we'll tell you the tips and tricks to raising a puppy and heading off undesirable behaviors like barking, jumping, digging, and dominant tendencies.
10 Common Dog Training Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Don't make these mistakes when training your puppy, otherwise you could end up teaching your puppy to bark, or other undesirable behaviors. If you’re training your pup, you’re doing something right. But watch out for these common mistakes and see where your dog training efforts need improving:
Prevent Resource Guarding
Dogs who protect their resources are not bad dogs. Consider that their predecessors needed this instinct to survive in the wild. Resource guarding is fairly common but potentially dangerous to humans, especially kids. A dog who guards his things could eventually bite the hand that feeds him.
Minimizing AussieDoodle Excitement when you get home
Have you ever seen a dog who is overly excited when it's owner gets home? Jumping, barking, and being rambunctious? This behavior is annoying but is common with dogs. Learn how to curb this behavior in this article.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety in AussieDoodles
Dealing with separation anxiety, and teaching your dog to be alone. Prevent separation anxiety in your puppy by working with it while it's young.
Introducing your AussieDoodle Puppy to a Collar and Leash
Does your new puppy hop around when you put a collar on him? How to introduce your AussieDoodle puppy to the collar and leash. If not done properly, you could spook your dog into NOT wanting to get it's leash on and then you'll be chasing it around the house every time you want to go for a walk.
Teach your AussieDoodle to Come when called
Come when called is arguably the most important skill every owner should teach their dog. You should be able to bring your dog back to you from unwanted behavior, people, other dogs and a dangerous situations. When you call your dog it should come all the way to you. To help reinforce the behavior of coming when called, we start by training with treats. This can also help your dog learn its name. Remember to keep your voice cheery and not to scold your dog for not coming. If he's not responding to 'come + name' you can mix things up 'here boy' and a whistle and when your pet finally comes happily reward him with a treat and praise!
Teach your puppy to lie down
DOWN is NOT a natural action for dogs. It is a submissive action and requires thought on their part. In all our training, we want to encourage our dogs to THINK for themselves. We want them to CHOOSE the behavior and then we reward. DOWN is also a different command than OFF. Use DOWN when teaching your dog to lay down. Use OFF when asking your dog to get off the furniture or not jump on you. Your dog should already know SIT, EYE Contact, and NAME. As you read each of our training articles, you will see they all build on each other. And the same basic principles ALWAYS apply: Prep for training session, start with quiet environment with no distractions, and slowly introduce distractions, timing and consistency is KEY to success, and HAVE FUN with your dog.
AussieDoodle Basics: Sit, Eye Contact, Learn your name
One of the first things to teach your AussieDoodle puppy. In this training article, we will learn a few critical skills. Once your puppy has learned sit, it’s a very natural progression for them to learn eye contact, and then on to their name.
Get in your place you naughty AussieDoodle!
Teach your AussieDoodle to "Get in your place" is a great solution when you need space, helps teach your dog to be more independent and helps with separation anxiety as well.
The top Basic training lessons for your new AussieDoodle Puppy
How do you know what to teach your puppy? When is the most critical time for shaping puppy's behavior? How do you teach your puppy to "offer" good behaviors and what are those good behaviors? These questions and more are answered in this article packed with valuable lessons for you and your pup. Well give you general tips and show you the top 12 lessons to teach your new puppy.
Doodle Q&A
My puppy is a picky eater (or a food monster). What do I do?
If your puppy's appetite has declined, you may have spoiled him already. Some puppies are picky eaters and some puppies eat so quickly, they barely chew their food. This article will tell you what you need to know to combat both of these behaviors.
My puppy annoys my older dog
Q: My new puppy is constantly trying to engage my older dog to play. He annoys my older dog to the point where my dog growls at puppy, and I try to supervise so nothing bad will happen. What should I do?
Introducing your puppy to other pets in your home
Q: How should we introduce our new puppy to our older dog? A: I was nervous about how everything would work with introducing my two pups. Once you have a routine down, it's hard to imagine how adding another pup will shake everything up. Remember, all dogs are different, so you'll need to use your own judgement when you first introduce your adult dog to new puppy. The goal is to make it a good experience for puppy. If you spoke to five different trainers, they would probably tell you five different ways to introduce them. Here's our method:
AussieDoodle’s Favorite Things
Q: I'm so excited and getting ready for my pup to come home. What kind of toys, treats and supplies are your favorite for AussieDoodles?
Microchipping your AwesomeDoodle
Q: Should I get my puppy microchipped? If so, when?
When to Spay or Neuter your pup
For spaying and neutering, any time four months or older is considered safe by most vets. Spaying and neutering kind of stops puberty from progressing so it's a fine line of not doing it too early so they can finish growing, but also not waiting too long. However new studies are showing that dogs do best when they are altered after they are full grown, especially for females.
Boy vs. Girl AussieDoodle Puppies
Q: Should I get a girl or a boy Doodle? I've had my heart set on a girl pup, but I'm not sure I want to pass up a boy pup if I'm offered one. Can you tell me the differences?
How to stop Puppy Biting
Q: We are having a huge issue with our AussieDoodle puppy biting and jumping. I have worked so hard with her trying to distract her with toys (that rarely works), time outs (I leave the space), reward her when she sits down. And it is not just puppy crazy time. It is all of the time, except when she’s sleeping. What else can I do?
How to stop my AussieDoodle from Digging
Q: My new AussieDoodle puppy is definitely a bundle of energy which has brought some challenges! She REALLY likes to dig and eat up all my plants. We are trying to distract her with other toys or move to other rooms to play when she starts to fixate on something (ie plants outside or piece of furniture. Let me know if I should try anything else.