Grats in advance!
There are several websites which have "puppy temperament" tests. You might want to check those out if you haven't already. They usually include things like turning the puppy on her back and seeing how long/if she struggles with you before settling down, etc. The basic gist is that you don't want a really aggressive puppy or a really passive puppy.
But, believe me, it is easy to get distracted by the adorable ball of fluff! I didn't ask half the questions I probably should have
One thing to watch for once you get her home (I think I may have to write an FAQ about parvo) is any signs of "listlessness" (and yes, puppies sleep a lot..so it's hard to tell); and any diarrhea or throw up (even clear)...if she does either of those call the vet immediately.
I don't mean to scare you and poodles are not any more prone to parvo than any other puppy. It's just that I just got my first dog and she did have parvo...it's the number one killer of puppies and puppies die of dehydration very quickly within 24-72 hours...so it's important to know the signs. We took my girl to the vet right away and she pulled through without a hitch.
Another thing re: illness that your breeder should tell you, but might forget, is don't take the puppy to anyplace where other dogs have been (like a rest area on the way home) until she gets all her shots. We pottied our girl at a construction site...hehe.
And, of course, as I am sure you know, you will want to get your supplies ready and puppy proof your home...your breeder should send her home with a big ziploc of food, but you may need to get her a collar, leash, water and food bowl, crate, etc....ask your breeder before you go to pick her up what she will come with to save yourself the hassle. Some breeders send home a favorite toy or blankie with the litter/mom's smell on it...mine didn't.
So exciting to get a your first dog! I've had mine now for two months and it's been a blast. (But sometimes scary too; so much to watch out for!) You did the right thing by joining a forum....I was sure my vet thought I had Munchausens by proxy because of all my phone calls the first month!
Can't wait to see pictures of Nelly! Do you have any other pets and/or children at home?
There are several websites which have "puppy temperament" tests. You might want to check those out if you haven't already. They usually include things like turning the puppy on her back and seeing how long/if she struggles with you before settling down, etc. The basic gist is that you don't want a really aggressive puppy or a really passive puppy.
But, believe me, it is easy to get distracted by the adorable ball of fluff! I didn't ask half the questions I probably should have
One thing to watch for once you get her home (I think I may have to write an FAQ about parvo) is any signs of "listlessness" (and yes, puppies sleep a lot..so it's hard to tell); and any diarrhea or throw up (even clear)...if she does either of those call the vet immediately.
I don't mean to scare you and poodles are not any more prone to parvo than any other puppy. It's just that I just got my first dog and she did have parvo...it's the number one killer of puppies and puppies die of dehydration very quickly within 24-72 hours...so it's important to know the signs. We took my girl to the vet right away and she pulled through without a hitch.
Another thing re: illness that your breeder should tell you, but might forget, is don't take the puppy to anyplace where other dogs have been (like a rest area on the way home) until she gets all her shots. We pottied our girl at a construction site...hehe.
And, of course, as I am sure you know, you will want to get your supplies ready and puppy proof your home...your breeder should send her home with a big ziploc of food, but you may need to get her a collar, leash, water and food bowl, crate, etc....ask your breeder before you go to pick her up what she will come with to save yourself the hassle. Some breeders send home a favorite toy or blankie with the litter/mom's smell on it...mine didn't.
So exciting to get a your first dog! I've had mine now for two months and it's been a blast. (But sometimes scary too; so much to watch out for!) You did the right thing by joining a forum....I was sure my vet thought I had Munchausens by proxy because of all my phone calls the first month!
Can't wait to see pictures of Nelly! Do you have any other pets and/or children at home?
