BRINGING HOME BABY
I often get asked what I recommend for our babies when they go home. These are a few of my favorite things…. Enjoy! ~Jill
EATING TIME
Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Food
Why I like it: There is a rabbit hole you can quickly go down on what is the best food to feed your new baby as there are A LOT of discussions around this. Ellie and Dexi have been on Royal Canin since birth. We love the science behind it, but we don’t love the price. Let’s be honest, we buy expensive dog food for our babies but at the end of the day it is worth it to us. If you decide to change the food when you bring them home, I recommend buying at least one bag to “transition and mix” into their new food.
TRAINING TIME
Why I like it: We start potty training from an early age! Bell training is a challenge in the early days…a BIG CHALLENGE….but I promise it is short lived and having a bell trained dog is worth it for the life of your baby. Here is a great article on “how to.”
Why I like it: I love this crate because it grows with your dog with the divider and it keeps you from buying multiple crates. I like that they can see out but most importantly, I love that there are 2 doors so you can move it around the house and you can turn it different directions. We moved Dexi’s crate (this one) all over the house as she was growing trying to find the perfect spot for it. Hint…..there isn’t one!
Why I like it: Every puppy needs a comfortable crate bed – and more importantly, you need one you can wash!
Why I like it: Even though we start crate training, there is still an adjustment for them when they start sleeping on their own. Dogs are pack animals who naturally want to snuggle. The Snuggle puppy recreates intimacy with physical warmth and ‘real-feel’ pulsing heartbeat. It eases crying and separation anxiety and helps them transition to their new homes.
4ft x 1” – Leash with dual handles:
Why I like it: Having a leash with an additional handle is very helpful when your puppy is learning to walk on a leash. I find it helpful when a child rushes at your baby because they see a fluffy dog, you have an extra handle to keep your baby from lunging during their training. The more length you give them, the more freedom they have. That is not a good thing during training! Just say no to the retractable leash!
Why I like it: If you have young kids, getting them involved early in training is key. We keep this book by the pen for visiting kids. They love looking through it while they play with them and getting ideas on how to train their new friends.
PLAY TIME
Chuckit Paraflight Flyer Dog Toy
Why I like it: Durability is key on this one! We keep multiple of these at our house for when Aunt Murphy comes to visit! But be warned, sheepadoodles aren’t known for their catching skills but it does provide plenty of entertainment of watching them in slow-motion on video! Toss a ball at your baby and you will see what I mean!
Why I like it: EVERY DOODLE NEEDS A DUCK! This is almost a cult! On the FB page, Texas Doodle Dogs, you see picture after picture of doods with their ducks. It’s a favorite since birth of Ellie and Dexi. We buy in bulk, lol.
Why I like it: I NEVER give rawhide bones and struggled for a long time on what I SHOULD be giving them as just like dog food, there is a rabbit hole you go down. But I was really happy when I found moose antlers. They are more hefty (AND CHEAPER) than deer antlers, which are good too.
Why I like it: Benefits of the bog one….only smaller!
Why I like it: These are great when you need to wear your baby out but don’t always have time for a walk or you just need some quite time. Smear some dog-friendly peanut butter (note: not all peanut butter is doggo-friendly) and you will have a happy, soothed and tired puppy in no time!
Why I like it: A tired puppy is a good puppy! And it isn’t just physical, but mental simulation as well. The Snuffle Mat encourages both! Toss some food in there and add in a hungry puppy and you are good to go!
BEAUTY TIME
Why I like it: Any dog with a floppy ear needs ear maintenance. These are great for keeping them clean in between grooming appointments.
Why I like it: This brush is the most expensive brush that I balked at for years…and then I finally bit the bullet. I call it is the golden brush because it is worth it’s weight in gold! I don’t know how or why it is so amazing, but I kick myself for not buying it sooner. I think it is scientifically made of magical unicorn dust mixed with alien technology. It’s the only answer as to why it is so expensive. Worth. Every. Penny.
Why I like it: Hopefully you won’t need this, but if you do, I recommend this one. The thumb saver helps!
Cowboy Magic Detangler and Shine
Why I like it: This is great for after bath as well as getting out mats between grooming appointments. This, along with the dematting tool really helps pull through any mats.
Cowboy Magic Shampoo and Conditioner
Why I like it: Great shampoo for the money. If you do your own grooming, be sure to use the conditioner….it helps the brush out immensely!
FAMILY TIME
For the Kids: Our “Dexi Doodle”
Why I like it: This has to be on our list because we got this for Cole when we got Dexi and having a stuffed version of your little baby is priceless. This is the only stuffed animal that Cole still has and sleeps with it nightly. Ours is, of course, named Little Dexi
The Magnet you can never find in stores but they have every other breed:
Why I like it: Everytime we go into stores we can never find the Sheepadoodle one. Well…..here it is!
For the Sheepadoodle Mom: The Sheepadoodle Tee
Why I like it: Well….obviously it speaks the truth and this is so much better than “Human Mom”
For the Sheepadoodle Dad: The other Sheepadoodle Tee
Why I like it: Because it speaks the truth….
“Good Dog: A Collection of Portraits” by Randal Ford - Dexi will be featured in this book!
Why I like it: Because who wouldn’t want a book with their Mom in it!?! At 10 weeks old, Dexi got photographed to be included in Randal Ford’s book. He does AMAZING work and you can check out the video here…..