Ultimate Doodle Guide
The Do’s and Don’ts of Doodles
Friends and Neighbors,
Let's talk Doodles!
Curly coats and intelligence that rivals a toddler – Doodles capture our hearts and homes with their charismatic charm. They will need specific care to thrive in an urban environment, like Chicago. These tips are your golden tickets to a happy and healthy life with your Doodle!
Behavioral Tips for Your Furry Einstein
Establish a Routine: Doodles thrive on routine, which helps them stay balanced, happy and healthy. Regular feeding times, walks, and socialization will keep your doodle mentally enriched and physically fit. Daily walks are a must for this active pup.
Invest in Positive Reinforcement Training Early: Doodles learn quickly. This type of training strengthens the bond between you and your pet and encourages good behavior without fear or intimidation. Check out Anything is Pawzible and Tucker Pups for open classes!
Mental Stimulation is Key: Don’t forget, mental enrichment is crucial! Keep their cognitive wheels turning with puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games, and new tricks - all of which can be done from home. A mentally stimulated Doodle is a happy Doodle. This will also assist with separation anxiety, if present.
Grooming Tips for the Fashion-Forward Doodle
Condition, condition, condition: Start positive association with grooming early so that your Doodle finds it a stress-free experience. Start by gently touching the paws and then giving your pup a lean treat. Slowly repeat this behavior while your pup is relaxed to set them up for a successful lifetime of grooming!
Mind over Matte: Regular grooming will prevent matting, which is very painful, but it also helps to build trust. Your Doodle will start getting their adult coat around 7-9 months (this varies per pup.) As hard as it may be to say goodbye to that puppy coat, it’s crucial to ensure your pup doesn’t experience painful matting. Also, if your Doodle’s coat is matted badly enough, your groomer will have no choice but to shave their beautiful, curly coat down!
Regular Haircuts are a Must: Schedule appointments with a groomer every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat manageable and stylish. This not only keeps them looking sharp but also comfortable.
Veterinary Tips for your Curly Companion
Get Pet Health Insurance: Some of the common medical cases we see pop up for our Doodles are allergies, GI issues and hip dysplasia. Just like human medicine, pet health insurance is recommended for every visit. We are happy to work with any provider you may currently be insured with, but recommend Trupanion for direct payment at checkout!
Establish Care:Find a local veterinarian you trust and establish a healthcare routine as soon as possible. Your vet will provide valuable advice specific to your Doodle’s needs and help you keep up with vaccinations, dental care, and routine health checks.
Pause for the Paws:Doodles are prone to allergies, and their paws can pick up all sorts of irritants from the Chicago streets. Be sure to wipe their paws after every walk to prevent allergens from coming into your home and causing discomfort.
Owning a Doodle in the bustling city of Chicago is a rewarding experience that comes with its unique set of responsibilities. Whether you’re enjoying the view from a high-rise or the freedom of a private yard, attending to your Doodle's behavioral, grooming, socialization, and health needs will help set you both up for success! We hope you find these tips helpful and that they help keep your pets happy and healthy. Contact us with any questions you have!
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team