1 Intro

A few gems before we start…

Dogs look at the world from a dog’s perspective. They belong to a pack that has a pack leader and a pecking order. Puppies are generally at the bottom of that pecking order within the pack. From this point they learn the way of the world.

When your puppy leaves our home to come to yours, he is moving to a new pack. Your puppy’s first job is to work out who is the pack leader and what rules apply in his new home. If the puppy can’t identify who the leader is, he will think it’s his job to take on the role of “Pack Leader” because what good is a pack with no leader? 

So…before your pup comes home and is faced with this decision, you will need work out what sort of pack you want to run.

For some great reading about pack leadership, dog training and obedience, try one of these titles:

• Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right by Dr Sofia Yin and published by CattleDog Publishing, 2011
• The Dog Whisperer, John Richardson & Leslye Sharon Cole, New Holland, 2001

Contents…

These notes have been written for the novice puppy owner – if you have owned a dog before, there will be things in here that you already know. Please take the information that you need. Pups are referred to as “he” for ease of writing. 

Are you ready for your new pup?
Your Amalie Labradoodle puppy
What to expect in the first few days
Safety
Health care
Exercise and play
Feeding
Grooming
Sleeping
Training and obedience
Having fun with your Labradoodle