So you’re bringing home a Standard Poodle Puppy! Now what?
As a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure that your Poodle is well taken care of, and I'm here to help you with that.
Feeding: Your puppy needs to eat three to four times a day. Start with a high-quality puppy food (I like Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Puppy food) and make sure your puppy has access to fresh water at all times. Yes, you really do want your puppy to have constant access to water. Limiting water access can cause dehydration and may leave your puppy susceptible to urinary tract infections. Put water up for the day about two hours before bedtime. Follow the feeding instructions on the food packaging to ensure you are giving your puppy the appropriate amount of food. As your puppy grows, you can gradually decrease the frequency of meals and switch to adult food. As a rule, Poodles aren’t big eaters. You can leave their food down for about twenty minutes and then take away what they don’t eat. Many poodle parents allow their adult poodles to free feed, meaning they always have food down for their poodles.
Potty training: Establishing a routine for potty training is crucial at this stage of your puppy's life. Take your puppy out to potty after eating, drinking, playing, and napping. A general rule of thumb is to take your puppy out every hour for every month of age (for example, if your puppy is two months old, take them out every two hours). Praise your puppy when they potty outside, and never punish them for accidents inside. Be patient and consistent with your training, and your puppy will catch on quickly. Poodles are exceptionally intelligent, you may want to put a bell on the back door and ring it every time you take them out to potty. Before you know it your pup will be ringing the bell to let you know when they need to go out!
Vet visits: Your puppy will have already received their first round of vaccinations before you bring them home. The next set of vaccinations is usually due at 12 weeks of age, so make sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian around that time. All of your puppies' medical records will be available in the pet portal. Additionally, your puppy will need regular check-ups, parasite prevention, and dental care. Make sure to discuss your puppy's healthcare needs with your veterinarian.
Sleep: Puppies are a lot like babies, they need tons of sleep but they don’t like to leave the fun and take a nap. If you notice your puppy getting exceptionally mouthy or way to wound up they may need a nap! You can gently place them in their kennel with a high value chew like a cow hoof, and let them be. Chances are they’ll pass right out and wake up the sweet puppy you know and love! (Don’t forget to take them out to go potty when they wake up!)
In conclusion, caring for an eight-week-old poodle puppy requires attention to their feeding schedule, establishing a routine for potty training, and regular vet visits. This may feel daunting at first, but it will quickly feel quite natural! Remember to be patient and consistent with your puppy as they adjust to their new home. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to me or your veterinarian.
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