So you have decided to adopt a Cocker Spaniel or a Cockapoo

Here is a list of things you need do before Adoption:

• Supplies: crate (one for a 25 lb. dog, you can always block off part while the puppy is still small), a sleeping pad (anything from an old towel to a fancy bed with sides (the pup will prefer the one with sides, and as small as they can still curl up in), bowls (heavy weight plastic, with straight sides to keep pup from spilling everywhere), toys (small cloth ball with tassels or a very hairy tennis ball, a twisted rope with knots in it will act as tooth cleaner, an under-stuffed cloth toy with or without a squeaker), and LOTS of newspaper. A halter is preferable to a collar at this stage and a light weight leash.  For the cockapoos, you're going to need the smallest one you can find.

• Have a local vet ready to take over the care of your puppy. This helps in case of emergencies, regular check-ups, and shots. The first 2 weeks after a puppy goes to its new home is very stressful.  Any gut microbes that were in equilibrium and asymptomatic in my kennel may show up during this time.  My treatment guarantee covers this 2-week period if you get to a vet and have it properly treated.  If you haven’t seen symptom during that time and had it diagnosed, it’s likely that the puppy picked up the microbe somewhere besides here.

• Make a comfortable spot in your home for your puppy, preferably one with a linoleum floor. It should be nice quiet spot where the puppy will be able to sleep or go to when they are overwhelmed by daily activity or by children (or you need a time out from the puppy’s exuberance). Dogs are pack animals, but they have a natural instinct for maintaining a den, crates and kennels are a good way to provide the animal with this sense of security. It also helps when you travel with your dog. As for the first couple of nights – it’s really nice to have TWO closed doors between you and the howling puppy.

• When you switch from one food to another, do it over 3 to 6 days. First 1-2 days use 1/4 new food mixed with 3/4 of the old food. On days 3-4, mix it half and half. On the last two days, use 1/4 old to 3/4 new. Changing food that a puppy is eating may cause the puppy to have diarrhea, this does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the puppy. Give it a few days. However, if you see blood in the stool, this can be serious. You need to take your puppy to the vet along with a stool sample.

• If you’ve never had a dog before, think long and hard about the commitment it takes to care for a puppy. If you leave them alone, locked up in a room for long hours every day, you’re going to create a neurotic dog. Potty training takes consistent action on your part, including standing outside waiting until your pups does their “dooty.” The joys of a well-trained and adjusted dog far outweigh the initial time you MUST put into training and socializing your puppy. If you’re not willing to put that time in, up front, I suggest you get an older dog from the animal shelter that is already trained. Remember, if you cannot take care of your dog, you must bring it back to me instead of taking it to a shelter.