Dog & Puppy Resources
Products We Love
Rover Pet Care
I recommend Rover because it’s such an easy way to find awesome, trustworthy people to care for my dogs when I can’t. I love how they keep me in the loop and treat my pups like their own—it’s a total lifesaver!
Dog Grooming Supplies
I recommend these dog grooming supplies because they make it easy to find everything you need to keep your pup looking great. Their products are super reliable, and I love knowing I can trust them to keep my dog happy, healthy, and smelling amazing!
New Puppy Must Haves
I recommend stocking up on a few must-haves for a new puppy, like a comfy bed, durable chew toys, and a crate for training. Having these essentials makes life so much easier and helps your pup settle in and feel right at home from day one!
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New Puppy Set Up
Top Paw 2 in 1 Gate and Pen – I like this because both front panels open – allowing your puppy to move in and out freely when you wish.
Midwest Crates – Crate measurements usually go by length. We use the 18″ for new puppies (pictured). 24″ is good for go home. Full adult size recommendations are at least 26″ tall minimum- the length will vary depending on brand.
Midwest Crates crate pad – this can vary depending on your crate brand
Donut Bed – a dog favorite
Dog Bowls – we wash them often so this 4 pack of stainless steel bowls are great for water or food
Puzzle Toy – puppies enjoy this and it washes easily
Kong Ball – puppies go home with one, but multiples are great. We love freezing them with soaked kibble for a long lasting treat
Snuggle Puppy – We send every puppy home with one of these! Such a great tool to help puppy adjust to life without their littermates – especially when crate training and at night
Sassy Woof Harness – We use the SassyMeow XS harness when puppies are 9 weeks old. Your puppy should grow into an XS Sassy Woof Harness within a few weeks of go home.
Housebreaking Made Simple: A Thoughtful Guide for Your New Puppy
1. Understand Your Puppy’s Needs
Puppies thrive on predictability and consistency. At Sleeping Bear Kennels, we begin crate training before our puppies leave for their new homes. We also recommend setting up a dedicated puppy space at home, complete with easy to clean flooring, such as a small piece of linoleum that can be thrown away after housebreaking. This foundation helps establish routines and encourages a natural instinct to keep their space clean. Recognizing your puppy’s signals for needing to relieve themselves such as sniffing, circling, or becoming restless is the first step toward success.
Puppy Early Neurological Stimulation and Beyond
At Sleeping Bear Kennels, our dedication to the intentional care and development of our puppies ensures they are not only healthy and happy but also...
10 Steps to Prepare for Bringing Your New Puppy Home
ringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting milestone filled with love, anticipation, and a bit of preparation. At Sleeping Bear Kennels, we’ve compiled this list of 10 steps to help you make the most of those magical first days with your new Miniature Poodle puppy. Imagine your family gathering around to welcome this tiny bundle of joy, sharing laughter and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
A Special Valentine’s Day Gift: Miniature Poodle Puppies Looking for Their Forever Homes
A new year is the perfect time to embrace the warmth and love a Miniature Poodle puppy can bring into your life. At Sleeping Bear Kennels, our puppies are raised with the highest standards of care, ensuring they are not only healthy but also calm, affectionate, and ready to form lifelong bonds with their families.
Miniature Poodles: The Unsung Heroes of Love and Emotional Support
At Sleeping Bear Kennels, our passion for dogs runs deep, and while Cavapoos are often the stars of our program, we’d like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on a breed that’s just as remarkable: Miniature Poodles. These incredible dogs are not only the foundation of our Cavapoo program, but they also have their own unique charm and exceptional qualities that make them perfect emotional support animals and loving family members.
Cavapoo Puppy: The Perfect Choice for a Friendly and Trainable Family Dog
At Sleeping Bear Kennels, we understand that choosing the right dog for your family is a decision filled with thought and care. It’s not just about selecting a cute face, it’s about finding a dog who will bring love, stability, and joy to your home for years to come. If you’re considering adding a puppy to your family, the Cavapoo might be exactly what you’re looking for. This delightful hybrid breed, a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle, has captured the hearts of families everywhere. Let’s explore why a Cavapoo is an excellent fit for families with children.
The Ultimate Guide To Bringing Home Your New Puppy
Bringing home your new puppy is an exciting time, and you want everything to go perfectly. You’ve spent months imagining the insta worthy photos to introduce your new pup, the holidays with their adorable outfit. With thoughtful preparation and a little guidance, you can make the transition smooth for everyone, and you’ll be creating lifelong memories in no time. Here’s how to set your puppy (and your family) up for success from the very first day.
Parent Dogs: The Heart of Our Breeding Program
So much time and planning go into finding the perfect puppy and potential parent dog in our breeding program. I wanted to give a little glimpse into the process, which starts an average of 4 years before the first litter.
Puppy Go Home Day: A Joyful New Beginning
14 Days Until Go Home Day
At six weeks, puppies are eating softened kibble, as their teeth have finally come in. We are working on sound desensitization and they spend their awake time playing, exploring, and interacting.
How to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle and Home
ou’ve taken the quizzes, met your friend’s dogs, chatted with owners out with their pup, and you still have no idea what breed is for you? I get it! Welcoming a furry companion into your life is an exciting decision, but it’s essential to choose a dog breed that suits your lifestyle, personality, and needs.
How to Choose the Right Breeder for Your Perfect Puppy
When it comes to bringing a new furry friend into your life, selecting the right breeder is just as crucial as choosing the perfect dog breed. A responsible breeder not only produces healthy, well-socialized puppies but also prioritizes the well-being of their parent dogs and adheres to ethical breeding practices.
Unleashing Potential: How Clicker Training Transforms Your Dog’s Behavior
Clicker training is a positive reinforcement method that utilizes a small handheld device, known as a clicker, to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The clicker emits a distinct sound, which is followed by a reward, typically a treat or praise. The concept is based on the principles of operant conditioning, where the dog associates the sound of the clicker with a positive outcome, reinforcing the desired behavior.
The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Doodle: From Slicker Brushes to Sanitary Trims
Grooming your doodle is an essential aspect of their care routine, ensuring they look and feel their best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the basics of using a slicker brush, mastering line brushing, and the importance of regular sanitary trims.
Paws on the Path: The Ultimate Guide to Safe Hiking with Your Dog
Imagine the joy of hiking with your dog—both of you exploring the great outdoors, surrounded by the scent of pine and the sound of leaves crunching...
Fashionable and Functional: Selecting the Right Leash and Collar for Your New Puppy
Welcoming a new puppy into your life is an incredibly joyful experience, one filled with endless cuddles, boundless energy, and a whole lot of adventure. As you embark on this exciting journey of puppy parenthood, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right tools to ensure their safety, comfort, and, of course, style. That’s where leashes and collars come into play.
The world of leashes and collars for puppies is as diverse as it is essential. These seemingly simple accessories can make a significant difference in your pup’s training, behavior, and overall well-being.
Preparing the Perfect Puppy Home Setup: Creating a Safe and Cozy Space for Your New Puppy
When it comes to welcoming a new puppy into your home, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “Should I crate train my puppy?” My answer is simple: always. Crate training is not just a helpful tool; it’s an essential part of raising a well-adjusted, happy puppy. From providing your puppy with a safe, cozy space to offering you peace of mind, crate training lays the foundation for a smooth transition into your family’s daily routines.