'Started Puppy' — what exactly does that mean?

If you've been following our social media recently you'll notice that I've started using a new term: "Started Puppies." If you're wondering what they are and if a started puppy will be a good fit for you, this post should help.

Started Puppies are puppies that we have been doing special training with. They are "started" in specific behaviors but have not generalized those behaviors yet. That means we've taught them to sit for attention (for example) in environments they are used to — we haven't taken them to Lowe's and made them sit in the middle of the crowded garden center (a new environment).

So let's go over what behaviors we start our puppies in. I chose these behaviors based on my top pain points when bringing a puppy home.

Sitting for attention. I feel that it's very difficult to get anywhere with a dog who is jumping on you. So the first thing that we teach our puppies is to sit instead of jumping for attention. As mentioned above, we do not generalize this behavior. So if you take your started puppy to PetSmart he or she may jump up and greet a few strangers. But we've started the behavior. We've taught them that this is what is expected. So with some reinforcement from you they should quickly learn to sit instead of jump. Want to see how we do it? Watch our short on the subject.

Potty training. The puppies in our started puppy program have a setup that gives them access to a doggy door, and they learn to do their business outside very quickly. This behavior will of course need to be reinforced at your house with your system.

Sleeping in a crate. Puppies in our started puppy program go home comfortable with sleeping in a crate overnight. These puppies aren't having accidents in their crate here overnight. You will have to be careful to coordinate your feeding schedule so that your puppy doesn't need to relieve himself or herself overnight.

Leash walking. We've started teaching the puppies how to walk nicely on a leash. This behavior isn't perfect, but we oppose all pulling on the leash by ceasing to walk and waiting for the puppy to stop pulling before we go again.

Vaccinations are finished! Puppies in our started puppy program have finished their vaccinations, including for parvo and rabies.

Who is a started puppy ideal for? Really anyone who wants to add a Sheepadoodle to their family but doesn't want to — or isn't physically able to — handle some of the most trying parts of getting a puppy. Our started puppies have found great homes in busy families who needed a puppy who was finished with their vaccinations so they could go out on adventures from day one. They are also a great fit for anyone that doesn't want to lose sleep potty training a new puppy. And I think started puppies are ideal for someone with physical limitations that make some of the movements necessary for teaching a puppy good manners difficult.

I'm very excited that Sheepadoodle Pup is able to offer Started Puppies! Our started puppies have transitioned very well to life with their new families.

Curious whether we have started puppies available right now? Check the started puppies page.