Tips for helping your Sheepadoodle settle into your home

As a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure that your Sheepadoodle 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) 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, Sheepadoodles aren't big eaters. You can leave their food down for about twenty minutes and then take away what they don't eat. Many sheepadoodle parents allow their adult dogs to free feed, meaning they always have food down.

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 (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, and your puppy will catch on quickly. Sheepadoodles are 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 is usually due at 12 weeks of age, so schedule an appointment with your veterinarian around that time. All of your puppy's medical records will be available in the pet portal. Your puppy will also need regular check-ups, parasite prevention, and dental care — 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 too wound up, they may need a nap. You can gently place them in their crate 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 potty when they wake up!)

Caring for an eight-week-old sheepadoodle puppy comes down to a feeding schedule, a potty routine, and regular vet visits. It may feel daunting at first, but it quickly feels natural. Be patient and consistent with your puppy as they adjust to their new home, and if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to me or your veterinarian.