Frequently Asked Questions
How big should i expect my dog to get?
While we can’t tell you exactly the adult weight of your dog, we can give you an estimated average. Their adult weight largely depends on the weights of the dam and sire. On average, you can expect your Goldendoodle to weigh 40-55 pounds, Bernedoodle to weigh 50-70 pounds, and Standard Poodle to weigh 35-45 pounds. This weight can be less than or more than the average weight, depending on the parentage.
Will my doodle shed?
Our F1BB Goldendoodles are bred for those suffering with allergies. They are 87.5% Poodle / 12.5% Golden Retriever. Our son has a 4+ allergy to dogs, so we breed this generation so that he can also enjoy our family pets. Our Goldendoodles are suitable for most families.
Our F1B Bernedoodles are minimal to low shedding. They are 25% Bernese Mountain Dog / 75% Poodle. While they aren’t as allergy friendly as the F1BB generation, they may be suitable for those that suffer from mild allergies. Our F1BB Bernedoodles are the most allergy friendly.
Our F1 Sheepadoodles may be suitable for families with mild allergies. They are 50% Old English Sheepdog / 50% Poodle. The F1 generation sheds the most out of all the generations we breed, but shedding is still very minimal with this generation. Our F1B Sheepadoodles are a more allergy friendly option.
How much exercise does my dog need?
30-45 minutes of exercise twice a day is sufficient to keep your puppy happy and healthy. This may be a brisk walk, throwing a ball, or playing with other dogs.
Do You Recommend Crate Training?
We absolutely recommend crate training. Our pups are den animals and like to have a secure area that is their own. While it takes a while for them to embrace their “home” initially, you’ll find that they will start going in without being prompted. Make the crate a happy place for them. Have a comfortable blanket or bed and chew toys for them. Place a no drip water bottle in the crate for hydration if they are being left in the crate for long periods of time. Make it a positive experience. Reward them with a treat each time your pup goes in. Eventually, they will walk right in and lay down when they are ready to rest.
How can i help my new puppy adjust?
Lots of love! Puppies need bonding time with their new parents. Hold them, pet them, and love on them. Speak in a calming voice and give an abundance of praise. Providing your puppy with a crate that is mostly covered (a blanket draped over the top will do the trick) for a sense of security is a great way to comfort your puppy during times that you can’t be with him/her. We have also heard great reviews of the Snuggle Puppy by SmartPetLove. Several puppy owners have recently used these with great success and have given positive feedback. The Snuggle Puppy may provide an additional security for them during a stressful time. They can be purchased at pet stores and Amazon for $40.
what is the lifespan of my doodle?
Goldendoodles: 12-15 years
Bernedoodles: 12-18 years
Standard Poodles: 12-15 years
what are the best chew toys for my doodle?
We have found that bully sticks, nylabones, and antlers are the best chew toys for our pups. Kong products are also great, as they are made to last for super chewers.
*If using rope toys, toss them in the trash as soon as they start to fray.
*Avoid rawhide, as they are known to cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed.
what things should i avoid feeding my dog?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 888-426-4435
FOODS
Avocado
Caffeine
Chocolate
Coffee
Citrus fruit
Grapes and raisins
Milk and dairy (may cause GI upset)
Onions, garlic, chives
Raw or undercooked meat
Raw eggs
Bones from leftover chicken, porkchops, etc. (they can splinter in the GI tract)
Xylitol
Fruit pits (cherries, peach, apricot, etc.)
Macadamia nuts, walnuts
PLANTS
Click the following link for a full list of toxic plants to dogs:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
what dog food do you recommend?
We feed all of our dogs Diamond Naturals Lamb & Rice. We periodically change flavors / formulas depending on our dogs’ needs, but we always choose a high quality dog food. All of our puppies are fed Diamond Naturals Lamb & Rice Puppy as well. We send home a starter bag of food on go home day. Doodles are susceptible to chicken allergies. If you notice your Doodle biting or licking it’s paws, scratching, or getting frequent ear infections, changing the protein you are feeding your puppy should be your first step (If feeding chicken flavor, try feeding salmon or lamb instead). Feed him/her the whole bag to see if the problem improves. If it does not, seek advice from your veterinarian. If you choose to deviate, mix the Diamond Naturals Lamb & Rice sent home with the dog food you have chosen to avoid GI upset.
how much should i feed my puppy?
This is an estimate of how much your puppy should be eating. However, keep in mind that transitioning to a new home is a stressful time for your new puppy. It is completely normal for him/her to shy away from eating over the first several hours/the first couple of days. If that is the case, leave food down for him/her to graze on until his/her eating habits have picked back up.
3-12 lb. - - - - - - - - - - -1/3 to 3/4 cup daily
13-20 lb. - - - - - - - - - -3/4 to 1 1/4 cup daily
21-35 lb. - - - - - - - - - - 1 1/4 to 1 2/3 cup daily
36-50 lb. - - - - - - - - - -1 2/3 to 2 cups daily
51-75 lb. - - - - - - - - - - 2 to 2 3/4 cups daily
76-100 lb. - - - - - - - - 2 3/4 to 3 1/3 cups daily
>100 lb. - - - - - - - - - - 3 1/3 cups + 1/4 cup for each additional 10 lb. of weight
why does my puppy breathe so fast while he/she sleeps?
This is one of the most common questions we get once the puppy arrives to a new home. Puppies have a fast respiratory rate, just as newborns do. Puppies have a normal respiratory rate of 15-40 breaths per minute. Panting can be much higher.
why does my puppy twitch while he/she sleeps?
Scientists believe this could be due to the early development of the puppies body systems. In older puppies, it could be contributed to dreaming. To read more about “myoclonic twitching,” visit the AKC website.