Feature article

Gumnuts School Holiday Program

“The best day ever!”

What a wonderful day again with the Gumnuts school holiday program. It is so fantastic having the children out and they absolutely love it with the last comments being ‘this is the best day ever!’.

This is the second time the school holiday program has attended and it is an amazing experience for both the children and the dogs and puppies. The children have a fantastic day looking at all our facilities and learning about the development of the dogs and puppies and why socialisation is really important. They spend time in the Early Socialisation Pen, the surface training area, the youth agility park, and also through our nurseries. They see the live in yards as well as the playgrounds. The puppies absolutely love the day and it is great for their development to see so many children over a 2 hour period. They are picked up and held and a few we saw even having massages! The dogs thrived in the attention and it is great to give them different experiences like this as it broadens their brains from a young age making them more confident dogs for their entire lives.

The Gumnuts kids we must say always behave INCREDIBLY well and are a credit to their carers and parents for how they listen to instructions, information, and are keen to learn. They always treat the dogs and puppies with respect and care, and it’s a great thing to see in children.

Our dogs and puppies were presented with a big box of 301 doggie biscuits cooked specially by some of the older girls including things like peanut butter and bacon which we all know are loved by the dogs. The dogs all gobbled up the biccies within a couple of days and we loved the presentation by the older girls.

Here are some lovely photos of the day!

Cuddles and kisses
Surface training area fun
Learning about the puppies and why early socialisation is important
Puppies getting tired after a fun day playing
Beth having a cuddle
Girls in the surface training area
cuddles
cuddles in the playground
kids having a cuddle

Do you place being family friendly above ‘cuteness’?

A survey of puppy buyers has found just that; that people want dogs which will be family friendly, low shedding and suited to their lifestyle, while ‘cuteness’ is of least importance to them.
Banksia Park Puppies is one of Australia’s largest dog breeders and has been breeding dogs for more than 50 years. Banksia Park is situated on a 220 acre property near Sale in Gippsland where the climate and local environment is ideally suited to dog breeding.

More than 1700 Banksia Park customers were surveyed over the past 18 months on their preferences when making a puppy purchase.
Highlights from the survey results included:

  • 90 per cent of people surveyed said their decision was primarily based on the puppy being family friendly, followed by low shedding and whether the dog would suit their lifestyle. ‘Cuteness’ was the lowest rated factor, and it did not feature at all in 37 per cent of responses.
  • 81 per cent of those surveyed knew exactly the type of dog they wanted prior to purchase, with only two per cent undecided;
  • 65 per cent of customers did their research online, with breeder websites the most popular information source;
  • 51 per cent of Banksia Park customers visited an animal shelter when looking for their puppy. However, they didn’t get a rescue dog due to the breed they wanted not being available or concerns about the temperament and suitability of the dogs available.

Matt Hams, the owner of Banksia Park Puppies, said the survey results highlighted the amount of thought and effort that many people put into making a puppy purchase.

‘People really care about the kind of the puppy they are getting and its background, including its health and temperament,’ Mr Hams said.

‘For families in particular, choosing the right type of puppy is essential to make sure it is suitable for their lifestyle and home environment.

‘We put a lot of care and attention into the health and socialisation of our puppies to help their transition into a family environment, for the benefit of the dog and its owners,’ Mr Hams said.

The survey also found puppy buyers placed a high priority on getting the type of dog they wanted, followed by a health guarantee. Purchasers also wanted to get their puppy from a reputable and experienced breeder, including those who were full-time breeders. For three-quarters of those surveyed, price was their lowest priority.

Mr Hams said the survey highlighted the important role of professional breeders in meeting the demand from customers for healthy, happy and well-socialised puppies that become much loved and valued members of Australian households.

 

https://www.banksiaparkpuppies.com.au/PUPPY-BUYERS-VALUE-FAMILY-FRIENDLY-QUALITIES-MORE-THAN-CUTENESS-IN-MAKING-PURCHASE-DECISION.html

 

Media Contact:

Kirstin Hams

0448804644

Christmas Puppies – the do’s and donts

Buyer Beware; do your research

It is coming up to Christmas and we know that many families are now looking for a puppy to join their family. Before you do, make sure you know the basics for things you should and shouldn’t do over this holiday period.

1. Is the advertisement is a scam? 

cute-puppy-for-sale

There are many unscrupulous people who bet on people in a rush to buy over the Christmas period. They will ask you to send a deposit and travel funds and they will send you the puppy without giving you information on them, who they are or their business details. These are on the internet and in the paper and are nearly always scams, and if they’re not scams they’re probably unethical.

We hear that they use our name ‘Banksia Park Puppies’ (as recent as last week) and trick people into thinking that they are getting one of our puppies, when they actually get nothing at all. Do not waste your hard earned cash (especially at Christmas time) on something you are not sure of.

Make sure the person has a physical address you can meet them at, ask them for the microchip number of the puppy, ask for their breeder registration number, and never EVER exchange money with someone you cannot check the details of or go and visit yourself.

If you want a Banksia Park Puppy, the only way you can be certain is to get it from us. Every single one of the puppies from us or from our puppy consultants in Doncaster comes from us and comes with the Banksia Park health guarantees and programs.

2. Make sure you are only supporting ethical breeders

cute-puppy-for-sale-1

It is easy in the Christmas rush to just look online and buy a cheap puppy, or one you are not completely comfortable with in order to get the puppy in time for Christmas.

Please do not do this, take your time and research the breeder to make sure that they are breeding ethically. You could end up with a sick puppy or with no health guarantees at all if you buy a puppy from the wrong breeder – worse, you will be supporting breeders who are doing the wrong thing.

Another thing to consider is looking at a shelter; if you think that your family could have a shelter dog in your life it is a great idea to check there first.

If you want to have a puppy join your family here are some tips to ensure you are only supporting ethical breeders:

  • VISITS – Can you visit the breeder? Make sure that the breeder allows visits and that you can not only see mum and dad and puppy and the conditions all of these live in. Do not purchase a puppy from anywhere which does not allow tours.
  • GUARANTEES – Does the puppy have a health guarantee? Make sure you have asked questions and that there is a good health guarantee in place. Taking a puppy home is very fun and exciting, but in the future if this gorgeous happy puppy does get sick, you need to know where to turn and who is supporting you.
  • REHOMING – Does the breeder have a rehoming program for the mums and dads? You should be able to see a functioning rehoming program where the mums and dads are placed with families or continue to live with the breeder.
  • SOCIALISATION – Does the breeder have socialisation and enrichment programs for the puppies and the parents? The parents are important as well as the puppies, and these enrichment programs are very important for mental stability in the dog’s life.
  • COMFORT – Do you feel uncomfortable about the purchase? Will the breeder not answer some questions or has made you feel strange about what guarantees they offer? Trust your gut and if you need to visit the breeder personally and it cannot happen in time for Christmas just wait until after Christmas – but make sure you are happy with the breeder even if that means driving out yourself to see the conditions.

3. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you to give! 

2

A puppy is a great idea for Christmas – why? Because most people have the following 2 weeks off work and can help settle puppy into it’s new life at home. That is great and it’s a perfect time IF you were already considering a puppy. If you are trying to think of a Christmas present for a loved one and just on impulse think ‘a puppy!’ then it is not the right present. Do not buy a puppy as a present for someone else (unless of course they are in the same household as you and the puppy is under your care i.e. kids or a husband!). If the puppy is not under your direct care then do not buy it as a present. They are not presents, they are members of a family.

So even though Christmas is a fantastic time for puppies to join a family – it still needs to be the right thing for the person receiving it.

 

If you have thought about all of these things, researched your puppy and your breeder, asked lots of questions, and understand the commitment – well done! You are not only saving yourself many issues in the future but you are also only supporting ethical breeders. Good luck with your new puppy and enjoy the summer holiday fun that can be had with puppies!

cute-puppy-for-sale-2

 

 

 

 

From Banksia Park Puppies

Banksia Park Puppies Grooming

The one thing you need to know about Grooming

If you have a Banksia Park Oodle you’ll want to read this!

Did you bring your puppy home and a few weeks later wonder… how often should I be brushing my fluffball? What shampoo do I use? What about his toenails?! And the questions keep adding up and adding up and you are wondering who to ask for all the answers.

 

tails a go go groomingTo answer these questions, we’ve asked our recommended groomer. Her name is Kristy from Tails a Go Go Grooming and she has been working as a dog groomer since 1992 – that’s 24 years of experience!

Thank you Kristy for all of your help, we’re sure that this will help many of our customers! For anyone wishing to learn more you can check out her website Tails a Go Go Grooming, or her Facebook page.

 

A bit about Kristy

“Well I trained at the Australian school of dog breeding, and then also went on to study overseas at the New York School of Dog Grooming. During this time I also worked as a Vet nurse to keep the bills paid (who better to groom your dog!). I opened Tails a Go Go Grooming in 1994 and had a small break in the middle to have 3 gorgeous children, and then re-opened in 2010.”

When should I have my puppy groomed for the first time?

“Do it as soon as all your puppy’s immunisations are complete. I believe securing a good relationship early on between a puppy and groomer is just as important as socialising your new puppy. Having him or her groomed is a wonderful chance for Puppy to go and make new friends and learn to be away from you for a short period of time in a safe environment. Grooming is not only about getting a great little ‘Hairdo’ its also a time that they get a little health check; we always look at coat and skin condition, cleanliness of ears, and toenail length, if we can give advice on shampoos or give you hints on maintaining puppy from a grooming side, we are always happy to spend time and help give you ideas. Having been a vet nurse as well means that we are very used to looking over your puppy or dog and making sure he is happy and healthy right from the start.”

How often should I get my Oodle groomed?

Banksia Park Puppies Grooming

“I recommend that your Oodle should be groomed every 6-8 weeks. This keeps your furry family member neat and tidy, or scruffy (what ever you prefer); it gives us a chance to get onto any tangles and keep eyes, feet, and bottoms clean.”

What about brushing?

“Most Oodle coats could be brushed everyday, but as we are all busy and that’s not realistic, I say as long as you get every single knot out BEFORE bathing, that’s the bare minimum. If you can run a brush and comb through twice or three times a week would be great, If you are able to get puppy used to standing on a nonslip surface and that is where brushing always takes place, you’ll find it will end up a quick 10 minute job. Another advantage of regular brushing is you give your Fur baby a good look over, this way you avoid little nastys like grass seeds, scratches or fleas going unnoticed. I would recommend a good quality slicker brush and comb for your grooming.”

Do I need special shampoo when I bring home my new puppy?

“It is very important that your little puppy is bathed in a GOOD quality shampoo; their skin has a ph balance very different to a human. Using incorrect shampoos can lead to all sorts of issues ranging from skin disorders to eye problems.”

It’s my first groom, what do I need to know! Styles? Timeframe? What do you do?

Banksia Park Puppies Grooming

“When you come for your first groom – apart from discussing how cute and adorable your new family member is and having lots of cuddles – it’s important to discuss the coat length, if there are a lot of tangles, and what suits your family as far as brushing and maintenance. This will help us give you advice on what options you have with the type of coat your Oodle has. If you are looking for a particular style, we can also provide a few photos for you so you can get an idea of what styles are available.

In my experience a puppy’s first groom between 12-15 weeks is more a get to know each other as they are normally looking like a gorgeous fluffy puppy still with not too much to take off body length. When you come in, we ask you go have a coffee at the lovely cafes in Warrandyte while we bath, dry, clean ears, trim toe nails, trim little faces bottoms and feet. This is normally enough for your puppy to take in at this stage of their little life. We then can call you when he’s ready for a lift home; Its been a short sweet fun experience and the puppy will be ready for the next groom confident.”

What is the one thing to know about grooming?

“Always always brush all knots out of your puppy/dog before bathing. Little Oodles have wonderful coats, they do however tend to tangle and stay tangled if you add water to a matted coat. Most importantly make brushing an enjoyable experience, lots of treats and patience. If a puppy gets bored and bites during grooming, make sessions shorter and never end grooming on a negative note. If puppy is sitting and loving the brushing but you only have one leg done, give the little fella treats, praise, and cuddles then come back later for the other legs. Make sure grooming is a positive enjoyable experience.

 

How do I contact Kristy?

Kristy sees so many Banksia Park Puppies in her grooming salon and is always happy to see more. If you want to learn more have a look on the website Tails a Go Go Grooming, and the Facebook page or contact her through the below.

Email

tailsagogo@yahoo.com.au

Address

248 Yarra Street,
Warrandyte, Victoria
Australia 3113

Phone

+61 417 126 379

Newborn puppies

How big will my puppy grow?

How big will my cavoodle grow?

Banksia Park Puppies Jasper

A question that we commonly get asked is ‘How big will my cavoodle get?’ or ‘I only want a certain sized puppy and I’ve been told that my spoodle needs to be x cm tall’. ‘Are your poodles mini or toy poodles?’ is another question we are asked. Here you will find some answers to your questions and some help with how this will affect you and your relationship with your puppy.

What is a miniature versus a toy poodle?

fb Banksia Park Puppies Jack 11

This is Jack, he is 34cm

Poodles have been in dog shows for years and they are grouped into three categories; there is the toy, miniature and standard poodle. The two that that our customers predominently ask about are miniature poodles and toy poodles. If you want to categorise them, a toy poodle’s height is at maximum 28cm and the miniature poodle’s height starts at 28cm. The ‘height’ of a dog is measured at the withers of the dog, which put simply is around the highest point of the shoulders (rather than at the head of the dog).

Do toy and mini poodles differ in temperament?

Banksia Park Puppies Ollie 12

This is Ollie, he is 40cm

The difference in temperament is little, but in general the smaller poodles may be a little ‘yappier’ and more fragile given their smaller size. The miniature poodle is very good for families, and is the most rounded of the three sizes. It was so good to train that it was used in circuses for years!

What does this mean for your and your puppy?

Banksia Park Puppies Tyrone and Trinda - 4

This is Tyrone, he is 30cm

We breed dogs at Banksia Park Puppies for temperament and to fit perfectly into family life. For this reason we cross breed mostly King Charles Cavaliers, cocker spaniels, and golden retrievers with our poodles. The size of your puppy is based on both mum and dad – not just the poodle. Mum and dad’s genes mix together to make your puppy, and we cannot be sure quite which parts of mum and dad’s DNA that the puppy will pick up. This is similar to the blog that we wrote on why your puppy might actually be a different colour to both it’s parents (see here).

Banksia Park Puppies R cavoodles cuddles

So if your mum is a King Charles Cavalier and dad is a poodle (making one of our gorgeous cavoodles!) then mum would be about 30-33cm at the shoulder and right now our poodles range from 27cm to 42cm. The difference between a puppy bred with our very smallest poodle 27cm high and our very largest at 42cm high may be different in size – but the difference between one of our 30cm and 35cm poodles we expect would not actually be very different – if at all.

Size may not actually matter at all

We expect our dogs (alongside good behavioural training) to be the perfect companion who will fill your lives with happiness. They should be able to sit with you at a café, run or walk with you, play with your children, and go with you wherever you go as a family. With the proper behavioural training, this is the potential of the dog that you are bringing into your family. The thing to remember is the question of whether your dog is 2 or even 3 or 4cm different than your next-door neighbours dog may actually be insignificant when you have the perfectly behaved dog at your feet!

So what should you know when you think about the size of your cavoodle or spoodle?

When you ask what size the poodle dad is, there are a few things to consider:

  • We don’t categorise our poodles into toy or mini. This is mostly done for showing dogs. We don’t feel that it helps to identify the size of your puppy. What we can do though is let you know the size in cm of your poodle parent and this will help you much more!
  • Your puppy could be tall even if he or she seems small as a puppy.
  • Your puppy could be bigger or small than his or her siblings – they each have a different DNA make up from mum and dad. They may also grow differently.
  • There are very minor differences between the smaller and larger poodles.
  • Because you have a cross bred puppy, being bred with a smaller poodle as the parent doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be as small as the poodle – you need to consider the other parent too.
  • When you think about the size of your puppy, it could be 34cm high or 31cm high but the actual difference to your life may be minimal.
  • The height is taken at the highest point of the shoulder (called the withers).
  • Any of our mums and dads will produce a puppy with a similar, family-friendly temperament.

Can I guess how big my puppy will get?

We do know that you have an interest as to how big that your cavoodle, spoodle or groodle puppy will get – so although we cannot predict exactly, here is a graph that will help you see the approximate growth pattern of your puppy*. No dog will follow this exact same path (the same way that no child will follow the same growth path) but it may help give you an idea as to where the largest growth periods are for your puppy.

Let us know if the graph seems right for your puppy or if yours differed!

Growth chart

*NOTE: This graph is approximate and is not intended as a health or exact indicator for your puppy.

newborn banksia park puppies

When will my puppy grow up?

What does my Banksia Park Puppy learn when?

When will my puppy grow up? Why does it seem like they are going backwards in their training and not listening? Why is my puppy growing at things they’ve seen a million times before? These are all questions that we are commonly asked by our Banksia Park Puppies families.

Did you know, that like human babies, puppies go through different periods of learning? New owners should be aware of this so that they know what to expect from their puppies at each stage, and how best to deal with the changes in their puppy in each stage. It will also help you to train them to become life long companions with you and your family.

Here are the different stages a puppy goes through, as well as what we do at Banksia Park Puppies to help them through each stage!

Neonatal Period (0-13 days)

Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at 3.23.45 pm

I am only little and really need mum at the moment. I can’t open my eyes or hear anything yet, and can’t even go to the toilet without mum’s help! I need to have a constant temperature as I cant keep myself warm or cool. I crawl to mum and use tiny little cries to tell her I’m hungry. I really need mum right now to be close to me and take good care of me. I need to be handled very gently, and because I need mum so much she is going to be very protective over me, so forgive her if she is defensive!

At Banksia Park Puppies I’m with my mum in the specially designed nursery. We have a constant temperature with heating and cooling, and constant contact with mum.  Mum has access to an outside area so that she is always close to me but has her own space

Transitional Period (13-20 days)

Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at 3.33.34 pmI can start to hear things now! I can also open my eyes and see some things but not really clearly yet. I think I’m big because I can stand up and wag my tail sometimes when I’m happy! My teeth are starting to come through though which doesn’t make me so happy sometimes!
I can hear and see some things now, so I can start to be exposed to some new things. Small toys and things which make noises will interest me, as well as different surfaces to help me experience different things.

At Banksia Park Puppies we move to the nursery with mum. Mum has exercise twice a day for two hours each time with some of the other mums, and we have a rest and a play with each other during this time. The floors here are heated here in winter to make sure that I am always nice and toasty. We have fans as well to cool us in summer.
The staff here start to play with me and give me toys that make noises such as pasta in bottles, or toys with bells inside them.

Awareness Period (21-28 days)

cavoodles eating banksia park puppiesAll of my senses are developed now yay! I can walk around and explore my world now and play with my siblings. I can also start to regulate my own body temperature and need less help from mum (and everyone else taking care of me) to keep me warm and cool. I can even go to the toilet on my own, and eat food other than mum’s milk, so I’m on the road to being a big puppy!
So much is happening in my life that I need everyone to keep things stable so that I am not too overwhelmed by all the changes in my life! Keep giving me toys and love but let me explore on my own too.

At Banksia Park Puppies I am having wet food as well as mums milk still. I still get given different toys constantly to be challenging me in different ways. The staff are interacting with me more and more and playing with me and my siblings.

Canine Socialisation Period (21-49 days)

oopsyI’m learning alot now. Mostly from mum and my siblings. I’m learning how they react and how I should react, how to play, who is going to be boss in my family, and mum starts telling me off now when I’m doing something wrong! I need lots of time for mum to teach me all about the world and for me to learn through play with my siblings.
Mum is starting to give me less milk, but I am eating alot of other food now too.

Within this time at Banksia Park Puppies I am microchipped and vaccinated and checked over by a Veterinarian to make sure I am completely healthy. Now that I have had my vaccinations I come out and play with my siblings with the socialisation staff at Banksia Park Puppies, and with a family with kids to help me adjust to different surroundings.
Mum gets more time away from me so I can slowly wean off her milk, and I get ready to meet my new family.

 

Human Socialisation Period (7-12 weeks)

Banksia Park Puppies R cavoodlesThis is one of the most important times in my life.
This is the time where I can and will form deep bonds with the people who take care of me. I will love and care for these people my whole life!
If I experience anything which makes me really sad or afraid, I may also be afraid of this my whole life. So please show me lots of love in this time!
I need to be shown new situations with love. Take me to the Vet and show me that it’s fun! If there is a storm make sure I get lots of cuddles and do fun things so that I associate these experiences with love and not fear.
This time in my life is very important, so please take this time to set me up for life with you.

Banksia Park and Pines Puppies urge my new family to get me as close as possible to 8 weeks so that I can bond with you! I am playing and learning with the people at Banksia Park Puppies, but you don’t want to miss out on this special bonding time. The puppies who are staying at Banksia Park Puppies get lots of attention and playtime with the socialisation staff during this time.

Seniority Classification Period (10-16 weeks)

Banksia Park Puppies Oopsy's pupsThis is the time when I work out if I am the boss in my new house or you are. I am independent now and am keen to be the boss if you let me! I will test you to work out what I can and can’t do. Correct any behaviour you don’t wish to continue with positive reinforcement so that I know what is good behaviour and what I shouldn’t do. I will start biting and mouthing everything in this time! Telling me off wont do alot for this habit, so redirect this behaviour onto something that I am allowed to bite. A toy or bottle works well!

At Banksia Park Puppies we get intense focus over this time. We are staying here at Banksia Park so we get alot of attention! We are taught how to play, and simple things like lead training and commands like ‘sit’ and ‘down’. We have lots of toys to bite and play with, and our own playgrounds to wear off some of our energy!

 

Flight Instinct Period (4-8 months)

DSC_0017I am going to start testing you again! Sometimes I wont listen (especially when you call for me) and I seem like I’m regressing a little bit. If you’re walking me, it’s best that you use a leash so that I know how far away I can go from you. Bear with me and continue the positive reinforcement, and the redirecting of behaviour – I promise, it will be worth it in the end! In the meantime though… keep your shoes and valuable items out of my reach!

At Banksia Park Puppies we still have alot of focus and are moved into a yard with a friend and a playground. We are now right next to the agility yard and get plenty of time in there, and time playing with the staff here. The staff are reinforcing ‘sit’ and ‘down’ so that when I am rehomed later in life I understand these commands.

Second Fear Impact Period: Adolescence (6-14 months)

Banksia Park Puppies EllaI am going through alot of changes again and you need to look after me! I may become worried in some new situations, and even old ones which I have never been fearful of before. Stay positive, and use positive reinforcement rather than punishing me to help me during this time. Also make my new experiences fun. Give me treats or lots of cuddles when I am going or doing something new!
I may start growling at new (and sometimes known) people. I may also start growling towards dogs or people and defending what I have come to know is mine. Let me know that I am safe and you are safe and help me to understand that things are ok.

At Banksia Park Puppies the staff put lots of effort into making sure that I am comfortable and happy. I also am around lots of different people so that I can learn to adjust to different situations with people who care for me.

 

Maturity (1-4 years)

Banksia Park Puppies KaraIf you have trained me well, during this time that you will start to see the benefit! I will start to listen and obey commands (consistently!).
I will be part of your family and will love you and be loyal to you.
Thank you for helping me through all of my periods of learning! I’m sure it was as hard for you as it was for me!

At Banksia Park Puppies I continue to come to the Agility Yard to play and exercise, and interact with different people and play with them. I continue to have different toys to play with and I always have a playmate to chase and keep me company. I am rehomed at around 4-5 years, and I have benefited through all of the socialisation that Banksia Park has focused on over the years.

Feature article: My oodle is shedding!

Banksia Park Puppies Feature Article

Welcome to Banksia Park Puppies second feature article! This feature article has been written by Matt Hams, the owner and manager of Banksia Park Puppies. This article is focusing on the difference between puppy and adult coats, and how best to deal with them as an owner. Thanks Matt!

Groodle
Cavoodle
Spoodle

At Banksia Park Puppies we often get questions a month or even up to 4 or more months after one of our customers has brought home their puppy, and they exclaim ‘ah! I wanted an oodle dog so that he/she doesn’t shed…. why is my puppy shedding?!’. We’re going to a little bit into what a puppy coat is, why it sheds, and how you can deal with this part of their life.

What is a puppy coat?

 

Puppy coats are softer and sometimes different to adult coats
Puppy coats are softer and sometimes different to adult coats
Puppy coats are softer and sometimes different to adult coats

It is sometimes unknown to new puppy owners that all puppies actually have what is called a ‘puppy’ coat that they lose before they get their full adult coat. This is a really soft fur that covers their body, and is intended to help keep them warm and to protect them from the elements when they’re only little. Each puppy’s coat will be different to another puppy’s, and it will also be different in some ways to their adult coat which will eventually replace it. Every puppy (yes even puppies who are ‘non-shedding’) will lose their puppy coat.

When will my puppy lose it’s puppy coat?

Every puppy is different, but expect your Banksia Park Puppy to start losing it’s puppy coat anywhere from 12 weeks up until about 6 months old. It really depends on your puppy. It will begin to be replaced by the adult coat over this time. This adult coat will be fuller and thicker, and may not be as soft or look exactly the same as the puppy coat.

When is it a problem?

 

Your puppy should not be sore or uncomfortable during the shedding process.

While shedding a puppy coat to make room for it’s adult coat is a normal part of a puppy’s life, there are some things that you should look out for in case the shedding is related to a more serious issue. Below is a list of things to look for which would suggest more than the puppy coat shedding, and in these cases we would suggest you take her to your vet for assessment.

  • Large patches of bare skin
  • Any sores at all on your dog’s skin
  • Skin that looks sore and has bumps, a rash, is inflamed or red or otherwise doesn’t look ‘normal’.

Puppy coat shedding will not hurt your puppy, so if your puppy’s skin looks ‘sore’ or like any of the above, this may suggest a more pressing issue like fleas, mites or parasites. It is really important if you are worried to go and see your Vet to have your puppy checked out in more detail.

What can I do to stop my puppy from shedding?

Unfortunately you cant actually stop your puppy from shedding over this time. But you can help minimise it, and you will also be happy to know that the shedding from a puppy to an adult coat only happens once!

To minimise the shedding and it’s impact on your life, brush your dog very regularly (every day for 15 minutes or more!) over the initial few months of his or her life with you, and when he or she is likely to be shedding. There are a few great reasons – detailed below – why you should brush your dog over this time.

Banksia Park Puppies hair brush

Brush Brush Brush!

 

  1. Your dog if brushed alot over this time, will get really used to you brushing him and this will allow you to brush him regularly throughout his life.
  2. It’s a fantastic bonding opportunity for you and your puppy where you can dedicate 15 minutes every day just to patting and brushing him!
  3. You will stop the hair from going all over your house as alot will come out in the brush while you are brushing him, so you will minimise the impact on your house and furniture.
  4. As the hair comes out in most ‘oodle’ dogs like our cavoodles, spoodles and groodles, the curly hair may mean that as this puppy hair gets tangled in the other hair your puppy still has. This can result in matting which can occur VERY quickly. By brushing your puppy’s shedded hair out of his fur, it will help ensure his coat doesn’t become tangled, which can result in more pain for your puppy if the matting is not dealt with quickly.
  5. By brushing the hair, it will encourage more shedding, which will help the shedding phase be over much quicker!

Our advice over this time for these reasons is to contact Pines Puppies and get a brush that is suited to your particular dog and it’s individual hair/fur and brush brush brush!

Will my adult oodle shed her hair?

Dogs shed their adult hair as a result of various things, but the most prominent reason is due to their breed. We breed our ‘oodles’ (cavoodles, spoodles, groodles etc) for their lovely temperament, the ability of these dogs to fit into your lifestyle, and of course their extremely low shedding coat. We know that Australians want their dogs inside their homes (did you know that around 76% of dogs in Australia* are now allowed inside?) and for this reason we breed dogs who shed as little as possible. It is important for an oodle dog owner to know though, that there is no dog that does not shed at all. Dogs are the same as humans and nearly every other mammal on the planet and they do shed hair, but we reduce this to as little as possible by breeding with the correct selection of parents.

Our oodles are extremely low shedding – so much so that we’d expect you to be able to wear white pants with a chocolate oodle and you wont see any hairs on your pants. We know that this is what our customers want – to have your dog inside, on your bed, on your couch or pat them on your lap! We breed our dogs so that you have puppies and then dogs who perfectly fit into your house and your lifestyle.

Be VERY wary of any breeder who tells you that their dogs are ‘completely non-shedding’, or ‘a rare breed that does not shed at all’ – this breed of dog does not exist. 

Choose an ethical breeder, be wary of a breeder who lies.
Choose an ethical breeder, be wary of a breeder who lies.
Choose an ethical breeder, be wary of a breeder who lies.

 

If at any time you are concerned about your puppy’s shedding, please make sure you contact the team at Pines Puppies, or us at Banksia Park Puppies, and we can help talk you through your questions.

 

*Reference: https://petsinaustralia.com.au/wp-content/themes/_TBST-BusinessAccelerator-v3/library/Downloads/Pet-Ownership-in-Australia-2013.pdf

Banksia Park Puppies Cavoodle Socialisation

Feature Article: What do I need for my new puppy?

Welcome to Banksia Park Puppies first feature article! Our feature articles will be written around every 3 months. The first one has been written by Nick one of our puppy consultants and helps you uncover the basics, essentials, and ‘need to knows’ for your new puppy! Thanks Nick, and we look forward to your next feature article.

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