Note! There is an entire Supply List page with links to all the products you should have in place before you bring your pup home. Please do have a look at that Supply List page!
Here you will find links to further information and to specific products. If you have any suggestions for categories to be added here, contact me and let me know!
Training Program
BAXTER & Bella’s Online Puppy School – I’m thrilled to be partnered with Baxter & Bella – an AMAZING training resource no matter where in the country (or world) you are. I work super hard to start your puppy off on the right paw and send him to you confident, social, with housebreaking started, and manners begun. BAXTER & Bella’s Online Puppy School provides a seamless transition from my home to yours by educating you how to train and interact with your puppy to get the best possible results and continue the work that I began in your pup’s first 8 weeks. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! The program is set up for you to complete the first two units BEFORE your puppy comes home so I definitely recommend signing up right away and getting started. Amy (the trainer) helps you set up your home, get your family all on the same page and teaches you exactly what to do the second your puppy arrives for optimal training success. You only pay one small fee EVER – and lifetime support is included in that, as well as one-on-one lessons with the trainer if you need it and a ton more! Check it out by clicking here and be sure to use the Discount Code MBP for an instant 25% off. I STRONGLY recommend you sign up and use this program. It’s a phenomenal resource with a skilled trainer.
Vaccines
Lifelong Immunity – Great article.
Vaccines: When Too Much of a Good Thing Turns Bad – Part 1. Written by well-respected veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds
Vaccines: When Too Much of a Good Thing Turns Bad – Part 2.
Avoid Unnecessary Vaccines With Titer Tests – Part 3.
Dr. Becker & Dr. Dodds Talk About Titers
Rabies: The Science and the Current Law
Bordetella: Does Your Dog Really Need the Kennel Cough Vaccine?
Vaccination Protocol for Dogs by Dr. Jean Dodds
FAQ About Titers and Dodds’ Vaccination Protocol
Rabies Challenge Fund – A study looking at how long the Rabies vaccine actually lasts and to hopefully extend the required interval to 5 or 7 years. I donate every year in Lily’s name (poodle I lost to a rabies vaccine reaction).
Virus- and Vaccine-related Articles – In case you want still more to read, here’s a list of all of Dr. Jean Dodds’ articles.
Spaying & Neutering
What Age Should I Spay/Neuter? Advantages & Disadvantages of Neutering My Pet
Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers – Fairly recent study showing negative effects of neutering before a year
Early Neutering Triples Risk of Joint Disorders in German Shepherd Dogs – Another study showing the risk of neutering before a year.
The Truth About Spaying & Neutering – Written by veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker
Your Dog Needs to be Spayed or Neutered – Right?
Ovary Sparing Spay & Vasectomy Info Group. This is a Facebook group FULL of great information about alternatives to the traditional spay and the traditional neuter.
Heartworm
Heartworm Medication: Truths, Omissions, and Profits. Part 1. Eye-opening.
Heartworm Medication: Options to fer-based recommendations. Part 2. Use the map to see how many months a year your should give preventatives. In parts of the country, it is NOT necessary all year!
Pet Health Insurance
There are MANY. These are the ones that I feel are the best.
Trupanion – My pet insurance of choice. This company is awesome. Cover almost everything and quick to reimburse. Beware some of the lower cost companies who will find every reason to deny claims. All of my pups go home with a free month (or waived waiting periods) of Trupanion.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance – Very similar to Trupanion. Very good company.
PetInsuranceReview.com’s Pet Insurance Comparision – Compare all the plans in one place.
PetInsuranceReview.com – GREAT site to read LOTS of reviews of the various policies.
Food Information
DogFoodAdvisor.com – Dog food ratings and reviews
What’s Really in Pet Food – a MUST read
The Sickening Truth About Pet Food
A Guide to Understanding Dog Food Ingredients
Calling B******t on Prescription Diet Dog Food
GMOs in Pet Foods
Dog Training & Behavior
BAXTER & Bella’s Online Puppy School – I’m thrilled to be partnered with Baxter & Bella – an AMAZING training resource no matter where in the country (or world) you are. I work super hard to start your puppy off on the right paw and send him to you confident, social, with housebreaking started, and manners begun. BAXTER & Bella’s Online Puppy School provides a seamless transition from my home to yours by educating you how to train and interact with your puppy to get the best possible results and continue the work that I began in your pup’s first 8 weeks. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! The program is set up for you to complete the first two units BEFORE your puppy comes home so I definitely recommend signing up right away and getting started. Amy (the trainer) helps you set up your home, get your family all on the same page and teaches you exactly what to do the second your puppy arrives for optimal training success. You only pay one small fee EVER – and lifetime support is included in that, as well as one-on-one lessons with the trainer if you need it and a ton more! Check it out by clicking here and be sure to use the Discount Code MBP for an instant 25% off. I STRONGLY recommend you sign up and use this program. It’s a phenomenal resource with a skilled trainer.
Puppy Culture program – This is a wonderful program that helps create confident, social pups. We use this beginning around 3 weeks old and continue until the pups go home. If you’re interested in continuing with Puppy Culture after you take you pup home, this is the link to buy the program!
7 Quick Tips for Toilet Training Your Dog
Crate Training Do’s and Don’ts.
Why and how to Socialize your puppy – The Importance of Socialization. Wonderful video by a fellow trainer about how incredibly important it is to socialize your puppy. Tons of great tips on the important things to socialize them to, and how best to do it.
It’s Not “All in How You Raise Them”: The Role of Genetics in Behavior. Fantastic article by a behavior vet/dog trainer about how genetics influence who your dog is. And is why I’m so careful to have behaviorally solid dogs behind your puppy!
De-bunking the “Alpha Dog” Theory.
Why I Don’t Recommend Retractable Leashes. Written by veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker. I completely agree on all points.
Tail Docking
One Beleaguered Veterinarian’s take on Tail Docking
Stop Cutting Off Your Pet Dogs’ Tails, America
Dewclaw Removal
Do the Dew(claws)? – Article by noted veterinarian Dr. M Christine Zink proving dewclaws are necessary and should be left intact
With a Flick of the Wrist – Another article by Dr. M. Christine Zink discussing the anatomy and how/why dogs with front dewclaws removed have a far higher incidence of arthritis.
Why it’s healthier to breed females every season
Breeding frequency and bitch age
Video interview with world-renowned canine reproduction veterinarian Dr Robert Hutchinson
Pet Poison
Pet Poison Helpline
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Pet Poisons from A–>Z
Grooming
Poodle Cuts – Nicely written article with photos for many of the reasonable cuts for poodles
Beyond Shaved Feet: Popular Poodle Cuts
How to Brush a Poodle
The best brush to use for a pup is a pin brush. Best comb is called a greyhound comb. Find links to my favorites on the Supply List page
Chewies
Bully Sticks. I recommend 10-12″, as fat as you can find affordably. I do not recommend curly or braided. Beware: some brands (and chains of stores) have bully sticks with a strong unpleasant odor.
Split Deer Antler. Go with Medium (about 6-7″ in length)
Water Buffalo Horn: For your pup, you want one about 6 inches.
Goat Horn
Cow Hooves. Do not get them stuffed/filled with anything! These are another of those things that might be cheaper to find singly at your pet store.
Bullymake nylon chewies. (Do read all about this on the Supply List page!)
Crates for pups
Petmate Compass, size Small (10-20 lbs, 24.6x 6.9×15 inches). No divider.
Petmate Navigator, size Intermediate (30-50 lbs, 32.1x21x23 inches). Has a divider.
Toys for pups
Kong, Small or medium for pups.
Petstages No Stuffing squeak toy
Petstages Chew Chain
JW Pet’s Hol-ee Roller
Invincible Chains Triple (large).
Squeaky spiky ball
Skinneeez no stuffing toys
Woofie Cushion by Multipet.
Giggle Ball
Stuffed plush toys with squeakers inside. (Remember to supervise so stuffing doesn’t get swallowed and/or squeakers don’t get choked on!)
Snuggle Puppy with heartbeat for making a new puppy feel more secure. (Do not use gel pack!)
Lots of other choices on the Supply List page!
Miscellaneous
Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover for for properly cleaning after housebreaking accidents.
Grannick’s Bitter Apple used as a chew/mouthing deterrent
Twin Pack of Total-Zymes and Total-Biotics – Digestive enzymes and probiotics for optimal digestive tract health
Firm-Up Pumpkin: Firm-up is dehydrated pumpkin (used for diarrhea) with a bit of apple. You only rehydrate as much as you need, so no waste.
The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil for Pets