Help me get ready for my little boy

[AutumnNymph]

After researching for ages and thinking a lot, we have done it. We have reserved a adorable goldendoodle. We plan to bring him home early January, he will be around 12 weeks old then.

This is my first dog/pet so wise Mumsnetters help me be well prepare. What are the essentials I should buy? What is your favourite dog crate?

What should I know/have in place.

Below are things I have checked out

1. Local vet
2. Pet insurance
3. Local dog sitter /trainer to help us get started
4. Puppy proofing the house
5. Loads of continual research about the breed, pup etc.

I know its a huge commitment, so I want to ensure I give the little boy the best start possible. Help!

P.S Photo attached as per the dog house rules

Gorgeous!

We've had our first puppy for 6 weeks today. Don't buy anything fluffy 😂 and her crate has been a godsend. Not much advice apart from that but get some rest before you pick him up and kiss goodbye to your lay-ins! Enjoy x

Why 12 weeks? That’s very late...

A crate is a crate is a crate. They are not an essential piece of dog kit - they certainly weren't used in the way they are now 30 years ago. I don't know when it became a thing to keep a dog in a cage. Okay, I know the majority don't use them like that, but I am afraid some do. I use a crate for puppies, but they are only in there when necessary for safety (cooking or front door open for example). I have never used a crate for an adult dog unless it's had surgery and needs restricting. For my most recent puppy I bought a puppy play pen, which I found was very useful - more room to move around and not so enclosed. Pup is now six months and no longer uses the play pen and is rarely shut in the crate, although he likes to sleep in there. Instead I restrict his room use with baby gates.
Good luck with your pup. I would agree though that 12 weeks is a bit old for a regular sized pup (some tinies, like Chihuahuas, stay with their mother longer.)

@Brownlongearedbat @tabulahrasa. We are away for 3 weeks in Dec for Christmas. We will be seeing our family after almost 2 years! The plan is to pick up the little one as soon as we are back.

Thanks for all the help everyone!

We just use a crate for those puppy weeks when housetraining is in place then it's free range in the kitchen with a baby gate on one door and the other two closed. So our 9 week old only sleeps in it at night at the moment and hopefully soon we can get rid of it. A friend puts her dog in a crate for any number of reasons and that isn't for me personally.

Oh and we used bought by many for insurance based on lots of recommendations.

What a sweetheart!!

He needs a name...
Lots of love & patience as well as a calm
house

And to come & stay with Aunty Spooky!!

Nothing wrong with collecting at 12 weeks at all.

I would say - don't spend a fortune as they grow so so quickly!

I would start with a cheap dog bed until you see whether he is a bed ripper or not.

Don't buy too much food or too many treats until you see what type of food he likes.

He looks adorable!

He's adorable :)

Best advice I can give is -

Be flexible and responsive. If your pup seems shy around people, take greetings easy and don't throw him in the deep end into big noisy groups. If he's boisterous around other dogs, keep things calmer. Basically, whatever comes up, respond accordingly.

Don't worry too much about the "5 minutes walking per month of age" thing. This refers only to "forced" pavement walks on lead. You can let your pup play and ramble around naturally, and just stop him once you know he's done. Basically, go with your instincts.

Anything that is important to you, get it sorted early. Walking on a loose lead, recall, sitting and waiting for food, learning to settle (Relaxation Protocol), routine for naps, housetraining, leave it, drop it, stay, etc. And perhaps pick 1-3 times a day that work for you to fit in some training. It's so easy to let it slide when you've been working all day and just want to play with him and cuddle him (and watch Netflix when he's finally sleeping). If you have a consistent routine for training him, you'll see results.

He is so absolutely gorgeous!!!
Let me say first, you will want some nice scented candles for any little accidents because puppy poo smells very potent!!
In terms of his bed, choose where you want it and keep it there. Having one safe space that is all theirs is very important to a dog.
In terms of food, put the food down and if he doesn't eat, take it away and offer it again a bit later. Food always being there can lead to some issues with them eating.
If you can, a blanket to go with him that's been rubbed on mum is really reassuring for them, to have her smell as he's settling into his new home.
You have got the most lovely journey ahead of you now as you welcome your new wee pup into your lives!! 💗