Now that you’ve decided on a Caralee Puppy, it’s the waiting time that is the hardest, but remember:
“Good things come to those who wait” 🐶🐾
We’ve outlined some information about what happens during puppy’s stay with us at Caralee, and also some of our most frequently asked questions we get from our future owners at this time.
Puppy’s First 8 Weeks
0-3 weeks
Puppies spend the first weeks of their life with Mum feeding and sleeping (and 💩).
At around 2 weeks, puppies open their eyes, and from around 2.5 weeks, they start to learn to walk - albeit a little clumsily 😊. These first few weeks are a really important time for puppies as they grow and bond with their Mum and their littermates.
4th week
Whilst still spending a lot of time sleeping, puppies start to play with their littermates, start to learn pack behaviour, socialisation and learn they are a dog! Around 4 weeks, their baby teeth start to come through (poor mum), and we slowly introduce solid food, as we begin the process of weaning the pups from their mum.
We spend more time with the puppies too, getting them used to human interaction, socialisation, play and introducing them to lots of different textures and toys.
5th week
This is a busy week as they are introduced to lots of new sounds that they might hear in their new homes. They also meet older dogs more frequently and start to experience a lot more outdoor play learning to climb, balance, go through tunnels and participate in rough and tumble play and tug-o-war games. At this time they also start identifying and reacting to humans.
Importantly, this is the time we start to assess their personalities and temperaments, and match these with their furever families.
6th week
At 6 weeks, puppies visit the vet, have a full health check and their first vaccinations. Following the healthy tick of approval from their vet visit, we undertake final puppy allocations.
You will be sent a photo of your puppy and confirmation of your puppy meet and greet date if you live in South-East Qld. 😍🐶
Following allocation, we’ll also send you a copy of your contract (the copy for you to sign will be included in your information pack at puppy collection), and an invoice for the final payment.
Puppies will spend a lot of time outside during the day where they will continue to be challenged through play, noises and constant human interaction.
Planning tip:
Preparation - Now’s the time to go back through the puppy care notes we sent you to start to prepare your home for your new puppy and get everything you need such as bedding, bowls, food and toys. You might also want to book in your first appointment with your vet for your puppy’s second vaccination, and enquire about Puppy preschool classes or an in home trainer.
Preparation and Training - this is absolutely essential so all the family is prepared, understands what to expect and ready for the new family member.
I highly recommend you attend a session with Therapy and Support Animals Australia. https://www.facebook.com/therapysupportanimalsaust/ (a Brisbane based company). We now ask all our guardians to attend this course before bringing their puppy home.
I also recommend Amy’s Puppy Preschool http://www.puppypre-school.com.au/. This is an online course that gives you a lot of information about how to get ready to bring your puppy home and then lots of tips once you have your puppy.
Alternatively organise an in home visit from a trainer (usually around 2 hours) to help you develop a system and setup that will suit your puppy and your lifestyle.
7-8 weeks
Puppies spend their days playing with their littermates out in the sunshine. They’re eating solid foods now, having being weaned from their mum. We continue to provide them with different experiences through play, sounds and human interaction. They also begin to recognise better places to toilet.
During this time, they have their first car ride to visit the vet for microchipping and desexing and a final health check before their Families pick them up at 8 weeks.
FAQ’s
+ How does puppy allocation work?
I breed for temperament. This means I am very careful with the choices I make for potential breeding mums and dads. There is certain criteria that a potential breeding male or female must meet both for temperament and to also meet the physical requirements of the breed standard. My puppy allocation is not a simple task as there are many variables to consider. I spend a lot of time with the puppies so I know their temperamants very well. I review what you have submitted in your application, particularly ages of family members, requirements of energy levels of the puppy, physical environment (i.e. living in a unit), other pets and family lifestyle etc. So the more information you provide in your application will assist me with my selection. The last thing I like to consider is colour. I really believe that colour should have very little influence on the puppy you get. I realise people have preferences, but to me, the fit of the temperament to the family lifestyle should be the most important criteria.
+ Why can't I choose my own puppy?
Puppies are like people - they have good and bad days, they get tired at different times, they are playful at different times, they interact differently under different circumstnces. I make a point of knowing my puppies very well. I watch carefully as they develop, as they react to different circumstances, as they meet a variety of physical, sight, sound and environmental challenges. I watch their social interactions with each other, older dogs and humans. I know my puppies. People come for one visit and often think they can choose their perfect match. Often it is based on colour and either the most outgoing or the quietest puppy at that particular time. But their conclusion maybe impaired by the fact that they are only seeing that puppy as a once off. That puppy may be very different at different times and in different circumstances. I know my puppies. What I specifically need to know is the circumstances and environment in which my puppies will grow and develop. This is so I know my puppies will have the best possible lives in the best possible environments to suit their temperaments.
+ Can I get regular photos of my puppy??
Once you are on a specific litter and have paid your deposit you will be invited to join a "Whats App" group for that particular litter. We keep these groups going for about 12 months. Twice a week videos and/or photos are put up on the"Whats App" group so you can keep up with the puppies progress and escapades.
At 6 weeks, allocations are completed and individual photos are taken of the puppies and put up on the "Whats App" litter group identifying the puppy/family match. If you do come for a puppy visit after 6 weeks you’re very welcome to take photos and videos of the puppies.
We will continue to post updated photos to our current litters page and Facebook, and where possible if things aren’t too crazy, we will try and send you the occasional photo of your puppy too, but please understand if we can’t, as our priority will always be the health and wellbeing of the puppies and that’s a full-time job.
+ When can I visit my puppy?
We will book in a time for you to meet and visit with your new puppy after their first health check with the Vets and allocations at 6 weeks.
+ When can I collect my puppy?
Puppies go to their furever homes at 8 weeks. We will book in a time with you for your puppy collection when you visit them at 6 weeks. For puppies travelling interstate we will be organising and communicating with you re flights. At the moment flights can be difficult to book and we dont get a choice - it is take what you get unfortunately.
+ What information comes with my puppy?
Other than the warm, cuddly bundle of goodness, you’ll also have an information pack to take home that includes:
- A copy of your Puppy’s Pedigree
- Vaccination Certificate
- Certificate of Sterilisation
- Microchipping Record and cahange of ownership form
- Important things to know and dates to remember
We’ll also provide you with your puppy’s first collar and lead, a soft toy and a fleece with the scent of their litter mates for comfort as they settle into their new environment.
What else do I need to know?
Read the information in the Caralee Members Section, do your own research on reputable websites - the RSPCA has a wealth of information for first time pet owners in their Knowledge Base.
If you’re on Facebook, join the Lovers of Caralee Labradoodles Group - meet other Caralee Labradoodle families, and also tap into their knowledge and experience for any questions you might have; for example, where’s a good vet or groomer in your area, what to do about Pet insurance etc.
Most of all - enjoy your life with your Caralee Australian Labradoodle.❤️️
