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I f you’ve been thinking about bringing a new Labradoodle puppy into your home, you’ve probably heard that socialization is important. However, many new puppy owners don’t know what it is or how to do it. In this article, I’ll teach you how to socialize your puppy so that he or she will grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult dog. What is socialization and why is it important? Socialization involves exposing your puppy to new sights, sounds, smells, people, and animals and teaching your puppy that the world is a safe place. Puppies form most of their lifelong habits from birth to one year of age. The most critical socialization period is from three weeks to three months. For that reason, it’s a good idea to choose a breeder that has already started the socialization process, which gives you the opportunity to build on a solid foundation. Never acquire a puppy younger than 8 weeks old. When you remove puppies from the litter too soon, they miss important lessons from their mother and littermates. How do I get started with socialization? After bringing your puppy home, you can start the socialization process in a slow and controlled manner. Invite people and dogs to your home and regularly visit other households. Take your puppy on short car rides to fun places. Allow your puppy to investigate new objects, like umbrellas, bags, boxes, and vacuum cleaners. Don’t forget to expose your puppy to new sounds like traffic, thunderstorms, and crying babies. The next steps in socialization Once your puppy has been vaccinated, you can start walking around the neighborhood to meet friendly strangers and dogs. At this point, you can start introducing your puppy to larger groups at outdoor shopping centers, dog-friendly restaurants, and parks. Let your puppy meet people of different ages, races, and genders. By 4 months of age, your puppy should be comfortable meeting a variety of strangers and other dogs and be accustomed to being handled by your veterinarian and groomer. Starting puppy kindergarten class If there is a puppy kindergarten class if your area, it would be a good idea to enroll. These classes are specifically structured to give your puppy positive experiences. You will have the opportunity to teach your puppy basic manners, prevent problem behaviors, and build confidence . Reward-based training works best for Labradoodle puppies and teaches them to enjoy learning. What to do if your Labradoodle puppy shows fear Just like people, puppies are born with different personalities. Some are bold from day one, while others can show some shyness. With socialization, naturally shy puppies can become more confident. Puppies should be praised for showing confidence, but never scolded for showing fear. While you shouldn’t coddle your puppy for showing fear, you also shouldn’t force your puppy to stay in an uncomfortable situation. Introduce new things at a pace that suits your puppy so that the experience is always positive. If you’re interested in learning more about the socialization program at Notch Hill Labradoodles, don’t hesitate to contact us! #socializing #puppy #autstralianlabradoodle

Here at Notch Hill Labradoodles, we have some exciting news to report. Last week, we were blessed with 9 beautiful puppies from Sara and 9 beautiful puppies from Sophie. All the babies are doing wonderfully! If you’re on our waiting list, or if you’ve been thinking about getting a Labradoodle puppy, you’re probably curious to learn about their week-to-week development. The truth is that is happens very quickly! From week 1 to week 8, these tiny little bundles of joy with go from helpless newborns to bouncing balls of puppy energy. To start, let’s talk about what happens during the first week. Day One When puppies are born, they are blind, deaf, toothless, and can’t even regulate their own body temperature. That’s why you always see newborn puppies snuggling with their mother and littermates for warmth. Their only senses are taste, touch, and smell, which they use to root around the whelping box and find their mother for nursing. The mother’s milk provides all the nutrition a newborn puppy needs. It’s rich in antibodies that will strengthen the newborns’ immune system and protect them from diseases during the early weeks of life. Days Two to Seven Since newborns cannot support their own weight, most of the first week is spent crawling around the whelping box. This crawling and wiggling is an important exercise that well help the puppies develop the muscles and coordination they need to eventually start walking. Their eyes will be closed during the entire first week. These growing puppies need their rest, which means that 90% of their time is spent sleeping and the other 10% is spent eating to fuel growth. During the first week, the babies will spend all their time in the whelping box with their mother and littermates. They are raised in our home in a loving environment. I handle and weigh each puppy every day to make sure that they get used to human contact. Puppies that are handled early and on a regular basis are generally not hand shy as adults. Early Neurological Stimulation When the puppies are 3 days old, we start a process called Early Neurological Stimulation. It consists of five exercises, each performed for only 3-5 seconds one time per day. This program was developed by the US military for their canine program. These exercises kick the neurological system into action earlier than would normally be expected. That’s why Early Neurological Stimulation is also known as “The Super Dog” Program. Studies have shown that stimulated puppies have improved cardiovascular performance, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress, and greater resistance to diseases. Stimulated puppies are also more active and exploratory than non-stimulated puppies. At Notch Hill, we take advantage of this information to give our puppies the best possible start in life. Our goal is to help each puppy reach his or her full potential and go on to be the best possible companion for your family. We look forward to watching our new puppies grow up. Stay tuned for week 2 updates next week. If you have questions or if you’re interested in one of our puppies, feel free to contact us. #australianlabradoodle #puppy

For many of us, a weekend camping trip wouldn’t be complete without our Labradoodles. Our dogs are members of the family, so why shouldn’t they join in on the fun? We recently went on a camping trip with our dogs in tow. We had a wonderful time, but the key to any successful trip is preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a camping trip with your Labradoodles. Planning Your Camping Trip Before packing up, make sure your destination allows dogs. While most campgrounds are Fido-friendly, some parks only allow dogs in certain areas. Check to make sure the surrounding trails permit dogs and review the leash regulations. For ideas, check out http://www.gopetfriendly.com/ for a list of pet-friendly campsites. Verify that your Labradoodle is up-to-date on heartworm preventative and all required vaccinations. Since you’ll be out in the wilderness, it would be a good idea to apply flea and tick preventative. Also, get a copy of your dog’s recent veterinary records and bring your vet’s phone number with you, in case of an emergency. Finally, make sure your dog’s ID tag shows you current contact information. Packing for Your Labradoodle Pack enough food, water, and treats for your dogs. In fact, bring a little extra, just in case. Your pups will appreciate it. It’s a good idea to bring an extra collar and leash – you never know when you might need it. If you’d like, bring a stake and long line so your dog can roam freely in a designated area. Some dogs prefer to sleep in a crate at night, so feel free to bring it, along with any additional bedding your dog might need. Do your best to make your dog’s accommodations feel like home. Even though you’re in the woods, be courteous to others by bringing along bags to pick up waste. Bring and brush, tick key, baby wipes, and towels for cleanup. When you’re on the road, accidents happen, so it’s good to have a basic First Aid kit that includes bandages, swabs, aspirin, Kwik Stop, nail clippers, Benedryl, and peroxide. Tips for the Campsite When you arrive, choose a campsite that offers some shade for your Labradoodle, especially if it’s hot. On the other hand, if it’s cold, make sure your dog is sheltered from the weather. If it’s very chilly, you can bring along a doggie jacket and extra blankets for snuggling. While camping, always make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water. All human and dog food should be kept in a sealed container that won’t attract critters. Never leave your dogs unattended at the campsite and bring in the tent or RV at night so they don’t wander off and get lost. Labradoodles are loveable creatures, but remember that not everyone loves dogs like we do. When hiking the trails or using community facilities, make sure your dogs respond to verbal commands. If not, keep your dogs on leash, so that everyone can enjoy the camping experience. I hope these tips will help you have a successful camping trip with your dogs. If you’re interested in learning more about Labradoodles, feel free to explore our website or contact us any time! #camping #labradoodlepuppy

After bringing your new canine companion home, you’ll need to find the right veterinarian to look after your puppy’s health and well being. How do you know if you’ve found the right vet for your new puppy? Whether you decide to go with a conventional or holistic veterinarian, choosing a vet is a personal decision. The right vet for you might not be the right one for someone else. However, I’ve come up with some general guidelines that will help you find a great vet for your furry friend. Communication is key It’s very important to choose a veterinarian that talks with you, not at you. There are many different philosophies when it comes to veterinary medicine. A great vet will listen to your concerns, explain all the options, and help you make the right choices for your Labradoodle puppy. Start with recommendations Do you know other pet owners? Start your search by asking for recommendations. Other dog owners can give you in-depth information that you might not be able to find elsewhere. Before making an official appointment, it’s a good idea to schedule a preliminary visit where you can tour the facility and meet the staff. Look for a clean, modern clinic with polite and competent staff members. Fees and Payment In an emergency, cost will not be your number one concern, so choose a clinic that offers high quality services and care. While cost shouldn’t be a determining factor when selecting a vet, it’s important to understand your payment options. What payment methods are accepted? When is payment due? A reputable clinic is always upfront about payment policies. Schedule a routine check-up If the preliminary visit goes well, don’t wait until something goes wrong to schedule your first appointment. After visiting the clinic, schedule a routine health check for your puppy. Ideally, it should be relatively easy to find an opening that fits with your schedule. If you’re not happy with the first appointment, you’ll have plenty of time to find a different vet. What to expect during your first visit During the first visit, your vet will want to weigh your puppy and check her temperature. A thorough physical examination will include your puppy’s teeth, gums, eyes, nose, skin, and genitals. Note how the vet interacts with your puppy. It’s normal for some puppies to be slightly anxious at first, but a good vet knows how to calm patients and make them feel at ease. What if it doesn’t work out? If the first visit doesn’t go as planned, there is no reason to be alarmed. Don’t be afraid to try more than one clinic to see if you can find a better fit for you and your Labradoodle puppy. Before leaving your current clinic, be sure to ask for a complete copy of your puppy’s health records, so you can show them to the next vet. All Notch Hill puppies come with a well puppy check-up just before heading to their new homes. If you’re in the area, we would be happy to recommend a few reputable clinics.

Puppies are on the way here at Notch Hill Labradoodles, and we couldn’t be more excited! Sophie and Sara are both due in the beginning of July, so the puppies will be ready for their new homes on September 1st. If you have gender, coat, or color preferences, be sure to reserve your puppy early. In most cases, our puppies are reserved before birth, and the picking order is based on when the deposits are received. Below are some details about what we have in store. Sophie is a gorgeous Labradoodle with a stunning curly lavender fleece coat. She has beautiful bone structure with the perfect Labradoodle build. As lovely as she looks, this girl is more than just a pretty face! Sophie is extremely affectionate, attentive, and people oriented. Perfection in almost every way, she is sweet, loyal, intelligent and ultra cuddly. Just the way a Labradoodle should be! Timber is an amazing Labradoodle from Prairie Doodles in Blackie, Alberta. Here’s what Gail, his breeder, has to say about her boy: Timber is everything we’ve been striving for in our breeding program. From his expressive eyes to his saber tail, this handsome boy has the perfect Labradoodle build. He has a curly red fleece coat with striking white markings. His personality is just as amazing as his looks! He loves everyone and wants nothing more than to be cuddled and loved. He’s an easygoing fellow that lives life to the fullest! We expect to see a variety of colors from this litter, including chocolate, black, and red, with wavy fleece coats. Based on the size of the parents, the puppies will most likely have a medium build, weigh between 35 and 40 pounds, and stand 18” tall when fully grown. The puppies are due July 5, 2014 and will be ready for their new homes on September 1st. Reserve your spot on the list now! Sara is a sweet Labradoodle with a fun, engaging, and spunky personality. She just loves meeting people – she wiggles from head to toe whenever she greets someone. Sara loves her family and has a ton of enthusiasm for life. Of course, she’s beautiful as well, with a dazzling wavy apricot fleece coat, medium build, and excellent bone structure. Charlie is another outstanding boy from Prairie Doodles. Here’s what Gail has to say: Charlie is an absolute joy to be around with his fabulous, easygoing temperament. I call him my “Steady Eddie” because he’s always in a great mood, no matter what! He loves meeting new people and is always up for new adventures. Plus, he’s SO handsome with his gorgeous, flowing apricot cream fleece coat. Inside and out, this boy exemplifies everything Australian Labradoodles are known for. Sara and Charlie will be having cream and apricot puppies that will be around 18” tall and weigh between 35 and 40 pounds when fully grown. The puppies are expected to arrive on July 3, 2014 and will be ready for their new homes on September 1st. Reserve your spot on the list now! #austrailianlabradoodles #upcomingpuppies #NotchHill #labradoodles

After choosing your new Australian Labradoodle puppy, you’re bound to be incredibly excited. The anticipation can make a few days seem like weeks! Not to worry though, because you can busy yourself by preparing your home for a new bundle of fluff. Labradoodle puppies are extremely curious by nature, which means that they can quickly get themselves into trouble. By making some simple changes around the house, you can turn your home into a safe environment where your puppy can live and grow. Think Like a Puppy One of the easiest ways to figure out what you should change is to get down on the floor, which gives you a dog’s eye view of every room. It seems silly, but it’s the best way to spot hidden dangers. Your Labradoodle puppy will be interested in anything that can be chewed, moved, or squeezed into. Puppies have an undiscriminating palette, which means that everything is a potential chew toy. Items that might interest your puppy include: Shoes, socks, and clothing Remote controls Household plants Cleaning products Electrical cords Blankets and rugs Decorative items Books and papers This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it’s a good place to start. After your puppy arrives, you can make additional changes as necessary. When not confined to a crate or x-pen, supervise your puppy at all times, even when outdoors. Puppy Proofing Basics Preparing for a new puppy is similar to baby-proofing your home. The main difference is that puppies can be much more destructive! When puppy proofing, your goal is to set up your home in a way that prevents incidents from ever occurring. Here are some general rules to follow: Anything that can be damaged should be placed out of reach. Use Bitter Apple spray on furniture legs that might appeal to your puppy. Provide plenty of chew toys to keep your puppy occupied. If you have cats, make sure the litter box is out of reach. Block off stairs with a baby gate. Keep all trash cans out of reach. You’re human, so mistakes will happen. But remember – your Labradoodle puppy can’t distinguish between an expensive pair of shoes and an old rag. If your puppy gets into something inappropriate, correct the situation to prevent repeat behavior. Puppy Proofing Your Home – Indoors Electrical cords, computer cables, and phone cords are major indoor hazards. Place cords out of reach when possible. Otherwise, you can hide them under rugs or wrap them in PVC piping. Don’t leave food or breakable items on tables, or anywhere within reach. Be particularly careful with foods such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and macadamia nuts, because they are toxic to dogs. The bathroom can be a dangerous place for a puppy too. Razors, medications, and soaps can all be hazardous to your puppy, so be sure to keep them out of reach. In general, it’s a good idea to keep the toilet lid down and the bathroom door closed. Dogs are scent-oriented, so anything that smells like you will instantly become a chew toy. In the bedroom, keep clothes and shoes behind the closet door. Put up temporary barriers to keep your puppy from crawling under the bed or behind furniture. Pillows, blankets, and other items in your living area can tempt a curious puppy. Always straighten up and put away the clutter before allowing your puppy to play in your living area. Puppy Proofing Your Home – Outdoors Exercise caution when using fertilizers, weed killers, and mulch. Make sure lawn care products are pet safe. Some dogs will even swallow landscaping stone, which can cause intestinal blockage. Several outdoor plants are toxic to dogs, including potato, morning glory, foxglove, lily of the valley, oak, and flowering bulbs. Garages and sheds contain many potential hazards, including tools, nails, wire, kids toys, and chemicals such as antifreeze. Lock up these areas while your puppy is playing outdoors. Check fences and gates for holes where you puppy could escape. Swimming pools, ponds, and hot tubs are a drowning hazard and must be securely fenced off or covered. Keep all food and garbage in secure containers. Better Safe Than Sorry! When in doubt, take steps to remove potential hazards. Puppy proofing gives you the peace of mind to bring a new puppy into your home. As your Labradoodle puppy grows up, you won’t need to be so vigilant. Until then, it’s better to be safe than sorry! #bringinghomepuppy #australianlabradoodle #labradoodle #puppy

FEEDING YOUR NEW PUPPY Three separate meals for young puppies during the first few months at home Routine is important be consistent (Morning, Noon ,Dinner) It can help with housetraining. Since your puppy is eating at the same times each day, s/he will also need to “go” at around the same times each day. If your puppy is still housetraining, free-feeding can delay the process Check your dog food for the recommended amount to feed your dog per day, take that and divide into 2 or 3 meals during the day. If you do choose to give your puppy treats you should reduce the amount of food given at mealtimes so your puppy doesn't become overweight. Give your dog 15-20 minutes to eat, and then take the food away Some puppies go off their food for a few days when they arrive in a new home. This is usually because they are overwhelmed by their new environment and their appetite will come back once they settle in. You should give your puppy his/her meals in a sturdy non-tip bowl. Choose Premium Brand dog foods instead of Economy Brand dog foods. POTTY TRAINING Puppies have not yet developed bowel and bladder control, so they can't 'hold it' as long as adult dogs. Puppies need time to developed a "den" instinct to cause them to want to 'hold it' and not soil the den, i.e., your entire house Reward the pup for peeing or pooping in the right place - use a special treat establish a spot while potty training that your dog knows is where he needs to perform his duties There are three things that will ensure your success as you take on your housebreaking challenge, and I can’t stress the importance of them enough: Consistency Positive reinforcement Patience Most 8 week old puppies need a potty break every 30 minutes to an hour during the day. Signs Puppy is about to go potty Sniffing the Floor Turning in Circles While Sniffing Scratching, Standing, or Barking at the Door

So, you decided to get a new Labradoodle puppy. Congratulations! An Australian Labradoodle will bring lots of joy and love to your household for years to come. I know you’re excited – who wouldn’t be? However, in the midst of this excitement, it’s important to prepare for your new fluffy family member. By gathering all the essential supplies in advance, you’ll be able to enjoy the company of your new puppy from day one. The following is a list of must-have items that will help you raise a healthy, well-behaved Labradoodle puppy. Kennel and Exercise Pen (X-Pen) A new puppy must be supervised or confined to a safe, puppy-proof area at all times. Proper confinement aids potty training and keeps your puppy from engaging in potentially dangerous activities, like chewing electrical cords or getting into the trash. A kennel provides a cozy, private place where your puppy can sleep at night and rest for short periods during the day. If you’re going to be away for more than a couple hours, an x-pen gives your puppy more space to roam while still being confined to safe area. Kennels are typically metal or plastic and come in a variety of sizes. Most adult Labradoodles require a 42-inch crate. At first, you’ll need to purchase a smaller kennel or one with a divider that allows you gradually expand the area. X-pens are available in metal or plastic and can be easily configured to fit a variety of spaces. Bedding Bedding will keep your puppy comfortable and cozy while in the kennel or x-pen. Be sure to choose something that is comfortable, but easy to wash. Old towels or blankets will do, or you can purchase bedding made specifically for dogs. Collar with ID Tag and Leash When selecting a collar and leash, there are many colors and styles to choose from. Your puppy will grow fast, so select a collar that can be easily adjusted to different sizes. Be sure to attach ID tags with your address and phone number, in case your puppy gets lost. A 6-foot leash is usually the perfect length. I don’t recommend retractable leashes because they encourage pulling and make it more difficult to control you puppy. Toys, Chews, and Treats Puppies love to play, explore, and chew on everything in site. It’s important to provide a variety of appropriate toys and chews that will keep your puppy occupied during the day. Tennis balls, Frisbees, fleece toys, Nylabones, and Kongs are all great, inexpensive choices. A variety of treats can be used to reward your puppy for good behaviors. Food and Water Bowls Choose ceramic or stainless steel bowls for your new puppy. Avoid plastic because it’s easily destroyed and can retain bacteria. Purchase a good quality dry food from a pet supply store, as opposed to the cheaper brands sold in most grocery stores. Quality food has fewer preservatives and the essential nutrients your puppy needs to live a long, healthy life. Enzymatic Cleaner Accidents happen, which is why you’ll need to have an enzymatic cleaner on hand that neutralizes odors. By reducing or eliminating the scent, your puppy will not be tempted to return to the same area to repeat the offense. Waste Cleanup If walking your puppy in a neighborhood or park, you’ll need some pet waste bags and a dispenser that attaches to your leash. For yard cleanup, a pooper-scooper is the ideal tool to get the job done. Grooming Tools Since Labradoodles don’t shed, they need to be groomed regularly to avoid matting. Use a soft bristle brush on your new puppy, gradually introducing a soft slicker brush. Ideally, your puppy should visit the groomer every 3-4 months. Love and Affection Enjoy your new puppy and have fun! There are bound to be mistakes along the way, but time really does fly. Remember to take plenty of pictures and videos as your puppy transitions into a well-behaved adult. #supplies #australianlabradoodle #labradoodle #puppy #labradoodlepuppy

After choosing your new Australian Labradoodle puppy, you’re bound to be incredibly excited. The anticipation can make a few days seem like weeks! Not to worry though, because you can busy yourself by preparing your home for a new bundle of fluff. Labradoodle puppies are extremely curious by nature, which means that they can quickly get themselves into trouble. By making some simple changes around the house, you can turn your home into a safe environment where your puppy can live and grow. Think Like a Puppy One of the easiest ways to figure out what you should change is to get down on the floor, which gives you a dog’s eye view of every room. It seems silly, but it’s the best way to spot hidden dangers. Your Labradoodle puppy will be interested in anything that can be chewed, moved, or squeezed into. Puppies have an undiscriminating palette, which means that everything is a potential chew toy. Items that might interest your puppy include: Shoes, socks, and clothing Remote controls Household plants Cleaning products Electrical cords Blankets and rugs Decorative items Books and papers This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it’s a good place to start. After your puppy arrives, you can make additional changes as necessary. When not confined to a crate or x-pen, supervise your puppy at all times, even when outdoors. Puppy Proofing Basics Preparing for a new puppy is similar to baby-proofing your home. The main difference is that puppies can be much more destructive! When puppy proofing, your goal is to set up your home in a way that prevents incidents from ever occurring. Here are some general rules to follow: Anything that can be damaged should be placed out of reach. Use Bitter Apple spray on furniture legs that might appeal to your puppy. Provide plenty of chew toys to keep your puppy occupied. If you have cats, make sure the litter box is out of reach. Block off stairs with a baby gate. Keep all trash cans out of reach. You’re human, so mistakes will happen. But remember – your Labradoodle puppy can’t distinguish between an expensive pair of shoes and an old rag. If your puppy gets into something inappropriate, correct the situation to prevent repeat behavior. Puppy Proofing Your Home – Indoors Electrical cords, computer cables, and phone cords are major indoor hazards. Place cords out of reach when possible. Otherwise, you can hide them under rugs or wrap them in PVC piping. Don’t leave food or breakable items on tables, or anywhere within reach. Be particularly careful with foods such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and macadamia nuts, because they are toxic to dogs. The bathroom can be a dangerous place for a puppy too. Razors, medications, and soaps can all be hazardous to your puppy, so be sure to keep them out of reach. In general, it’s a good idea to keep the toilet lid down and the bathroom door closed. Dogs are scent-oriented, so anything that smells like you will instantly become a chew toy. In the bedroom, keep clothes and shoes behind the closet door. Put up temporary barriers to keep your puppy from crawling under the bed or behind furniture. Pillows, blankets, and other items in your living area can tempt a curious puppy. Always straighten up and put away the clutter before allowing your puppy to play in your living area. Puppy Proofing Your Home – Outdoors Exercise caution when using fertilizers, weed killers, and mulch. Make sure lawn care products are pet safe. Some dogs will even swallow landscaping stone, which can cause intestinal blockage. Several outdoor plants are toxic to dogs, including potato, morning glory, foxglove, lily of the valley, oak, and flowering bulbs. Garages and sheds contain many potential hazards, including tools, nails, wire, kids toys, and chemicals such as antifreeze. Lock up these areas while your puppy is playing outdoors. Check fences and gates for holes where you puppy could escape. Swimming pools, ponds, and hot tubs are a drowning hazard and must be securely fenced off or covered. Keep all food and garbage in secure containers. Better Safe Than Sorry! When in doubt, take steps to remove potential hazards. Puppy proofing gives you the peace of mind to bring a new puppy into your home. As your Labradoodle puppy grows up, you won’t need to be so vigilant. Until then, it’s better to be safe than sorry! #puppyproofing #autsralianlabradoodle #labradoodle #labradoodlepuppy #puppy