What to expect

To help you out as you start this amazing adventure, we've put together a guide of information and answers to common questions. We're here for you, always. Text us any time you need help or just want to brag about the cute things your pup's doing. Remember that you are a stranger to them. Treat them with kindness, expect some whining, don't make any "big plans" while they are transitioning, and remember they are still babies! We eagerly look forward to your updates and photos, celebrating the bond you'll build together.

Our Amazon List of "Puppy Essentials"

Question: Why is my puppy breathing so fast?

This is totally normal! Puppies have a fast metabolism, and they may be nervous, especially the first few days.

More info can be found here

Question: How much should my pup sleep?

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for your puppy to sleep! They can become overtired and overstimulated if they don't have 18 hours of sleep a day. Nights can be hard at first and we do recommend crating them next to your bed for at least the first week and sticking your fingers in and comforting them with your voice if they are upset. Unless they are absolutely panicking, we do not recommend taking them out of their crates at night. During the day, give them a quiet, set aside area that is their "place." This area should have a dog bed and/or a blanket and toy at all times so they recognize this as their place to be calm and quiet.

Some signs your puppy may be overtired: humping, growling, wining, excessive wiggling in your arms.

Solution: Put them in a quite room to calm down and/or their crate.

Please note that your puppy's responds well to relaxation music like this. They also love listening to Bob Marley!

Question: Where should my puppy sleep?

We highly recommend daytime snuggles and nighttime crates! Dogs see their crates as their dens, and this is their "safe place" to go to wind down and relax. We do not recommend mesh sided crates - something like the following would be best suited for your pup. Remember to get a crate that fits their size so anticipate owning a puppy crate and an adult crate. If you choose to have your pups sleep with you, we encourage you to keep an eye on them through the night, so they don't get lost or chew on anything, apart from their toys!

Question: How much should my puppy exercise?

This is based off of your particular puppy's temperament and needs. Standard would be about one hour a day. They are still learning to walk on a leash and new smells will tire them out quickly, so a simple walk to the end of your block and back in the morning and evening would be a great start. Your pup may enjoy a game of tug-a-war, retrieval of a ball, or a flicker stick. They may also enjoy a puzzle feeder. Please see our Amazon list for more ideas. (Click Here)

Question: How should I introduce my puppy to other pets in our home?

This is a case-by-case situation, and we recommend discussing this with us before you bring your pup home. For the safety of your new pup, we recommend introductions to happen through a gate/pen so that they can see and smell each other without touching.

Question: How should I introduce my puppy to our children?

Our puppies are use to playing with children of all ages. They are fine being picked up, loud noises, silly play, etc. We just ask that you teach your children to have gentle hands and respect the puppy, especially when its time to take a break. Pups may feel nervous if they are picked up the wrong way and may let out a grunt or a displeased sound. We ask that you do not take this as a sign of aggression, but as them communicating their discomfort.

We highly recommend enrolling your puppy in a health insurance plan! This will help you save money on vaccinations, checkups, and the occasional mishaps!

Question: What are the grooming needs for my pup?

Your puppy will come home freshly bathed. The following grooming products have been used on your pup. (Click Here) Your pup's hair and nails grow fast! Please plan on scheduling a grooming appointment with your chosen groomer before 6 months of age. Your pups have received weekly baths, blow dries, nail trims, and face trims since their first month of life. We encourage you to bathe your pup and trim their nails at least once a month. Please ensure that their genitals are clean at all times. Female puppies in particular are prone to vaginitis, so keeping the area hygienic is important for preventing infection. Once their adult teeth come in, we recommend brushing their teeth at least once a week. Depending on your pup's coat, their ears may need to be plucked on occasion. We recommend this video for more information. We also recommend cleaning their ears once or twice a month with a simple wipe like this one. On occasion your pup's anal glands may need to be expressed. Your groomer or vet can do this for you, or you can do it yourself. It's a simple process and a tutorial can be found here.

Question: Feeding Time!?

We recommend 1 cup in the morning, 1 at dinner, and a "snack" of about a half of a cup around noon. Additionally, we recommend stopping their water intake around 7pm to decrease the likelihood of accidents during the night. Please provide you pup with a water and food bowl that is either heavy or has a wide top so they cannot tip the bowl. Recommendation located in our Amazon List. We highly encourage hand feeding your pups and holding any high value treats while they eat for the first few months. This helps them to understand that you are the provider and prevents any resource guarding.

Question: What do I do about teething?

Puppy teething begins around three to four weeks of age and can last until the puppy is about six months old, during which they will lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth will emerge. Just like in human babies, this process can cause discomfort, leading puppies to chew on various objects to relieve their gums. To support a teething puppy, offer them teething toys, such as the ones recommended on our Amazon List. Our pups have been taught the "no bite" command, and we encourage you to use it each and every time your pup bites. Consistency is key.

Question: I just brought my puppy home and they are crying. What do I do?

This is perfectly normal! Although your pup has been weaned from their mother for several weeks, leaving their siblings and first home is still a huge transition for them. Remember that you are a stranger to them, and they may need space. Our pups are very people oriented so they will want to know that you are nearby, but we recommend not overwhelming your pup with several new people, passing them around, talking loudly, crying, or playing loud music, TV, etc. in front of them for the first three days. Allow them time to settle in, explore, and see you as a calm, safe presence.

What about potty training?

Haven Doods pups receive several potty breaks and are grate and potty pad trained. Remember that their bladders are small and still developing so the occasional accident may happen. Look for the signs of a pup needing to go potty:

1) Looking for a private area away from the group to "go" (this is instinctual and they've been doing this since they were three weeks old!

2) Sniffing and pacing

3) Going to the door

4) Whining

Remember that it is very hard for them to hold their bladders through an entire night. Please anticipate letting them out to go potty once during the night. They truly can't help themselves if they have an accident and we ask that you do not punish them if they do.

Offer your pup several opportunities to go potty outside and praise them when they do!