September 2020//Puppy Preparation Tips
Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use. If Mom says “down” when the pup climbs on the couch, Dad says “down” when he wants him to lie down, and Junior utters “sit down” when he expects the pup’s rear to hit the floor, the result will be one confused puppy. Putting the schedule and vocabulary list in writing prevents confusion and will help others involved in raising your puppy.
Puppy Proofing: Like toddlers, puppies can get themselves in a lot of trouble very fast. You’ll want to protect your dog (and your home) from potential trouble spots. Like toddlers, puppies can get themselves in a lot of trouble very fast. You’ll want to protect your dog (and your home) from potential trouble spots. “AKC’s Handy Puppy-Proofing Checklist” to get everything in order before beginning the puppy home.
Dog Crates: First and most important, purchase a crate (see our crate training page). Dog crates provide a secure place for a puppy to rest and sleep. It also acts as a safe place should you need to leave him alone for brief periods. A crate can prove useful in housebreaking because a dog won’t soil his crate unless the owner fails to take him outside to relieve himself. The crate should be large enough to allow the dog to stand in it and turn around. We like the “Metal Wire Crate” for the house, and for travel, we recommend a smaller “Plastic 200 Series Kennel (10 to 20 lbs)”, which will work great for picking your puppy up. If you’re planning on limiting the puppy’s access to parts of the house or to certain rooms, buy or borrow baby gates. Since this is probably temporary, consider gates that use tension to attach to the walls.
Collar and Leash: Your Lagotto puppy comes with a Harness and leash. Although we do not use harnesses with adult “trained” dogs, the harness will be a tool to use as you teach your pup how to walk on a lead, without damaging neck and vertebrae while learning. Please, train your dog to heal, or walk on a “loose” leash. This is basic obedience and easy to teach. Nothing is worse than watching dogs walk people… its dangerous and uncontrolled behavior. “Teach Your Dog Not To Pull On The Leash”
Food and Water Bowls: A typical puppy should be fed two to three times a day. See our article on top food picks for your puppy. You’ll also need a good supply of healthy treats, which will come in handy when you begin to train your puppy. We recommend feeding only “whole food treats” such as “Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers”, which come in small bite size treats. These treats provide a boost of yummy nutrition without the “bad stuff”. Should you choose to feed dry kibble, we recommend an “Interactive Feeder” to slow down the consumption and risk of choking from eating to fast. We also prefer “Stainless Steel” water bowls.
Dog Beds: Soon enough he’ll learn that this is his special sleeping and napping spot. There are probably as many dog bed styles as there are mattress options for humans, so you should have no trouble finding something suitable. My dogs LOVE what’s called “The Donut Bed”. In our kennel, we have “Chew proof Kuranda Dog Beds”.
Grooming Supplies: For our puppy buyers, our puppy packet will contain a graphic reference guide on “How to groom the Lagotto”. Most groomers don’t know how to properly groom a Lagotto. The Lagotto requires “hair cuts” about every three months to prevent matting (more so if exposed to water and swimming). As a puppy, the coat should have what we call a “puppy cut to encourage the “curl” to develop. Letting the coat grow long results in to much weight on the pups hair, thus not developing the proper curl. Specific to the Lagotto Romagnolo. We find the following to be essential grooming tools.
From Left to Right: 1) Boshel Nail Clippers with Safety Guard to Avoid Over-cutting Nails; 2) Poodle Pet Dog Combs Stainless Steel Teeth to easily Remove Dirt Proper Care Prevents Knots and Mats; 3) Slicker Brush or Wig Brush (small) great for eliminating tangles, knots, and trapped dirt from beard, legs, ears and facial hair; 4) Premium Pet Oatmeal Shampoo; All-natural and hypoallergenic soap/shampoo/conditioner with anti-bacterial & anti-fungal treatment – helps protect your doggy or kitty from itching, shedding, fleas, yeast, & allergies! ZERO harmful chemicals (unlike other dog shampoos) 4) Banixx Solution for cleaning ear canal; A Non-Irritant cleans and treats Bacteria/Fungus. 5) Ear Powder; Dries wet ears, helps inhibit bacterial growth, eliminates odors and grips hair for easy removal; 6) Boshel Dog Grooming Scissors Set — Safe rounded tips for trimming face, ear, nose and paws.
To learn more about Lagotto Grooming, see my Grooming Download Pdf on LagottoLady.com
Cleaning Supplies: Face it, your going to need to clean up puppy accidents. Stock up on paper towels, cleaning cloths, and natural cleaners designed to clean up typical dog messes. “AKC’s Best Cleaning Tools for Cleaning Dog Messes.”
Don’t Forget the Fun Stuff: Your new puppy will be curious and active, and toys are an excellent outlet. Hard rubber toys, rope toys, and flavored synthetic bones are particularly good for unsupervised play. Soft-stuffed toys and tennis balls are fine, as long as you keep an eye on your puppy. A determined puppy can tear into a soft toy or a tennis ball and might swallow pieces. Our “Lagotto Approved for Tough Chewers Toys” are as shown below…
From Left to Right:1) Zogoflex TuxInteractive Treat Dispensing Toy for Big Chewers; 2) Rope fibers floss dog’s teeth as they chew and play. Built strong to chew and play for hours, perfect for teething puppies; 3) Redbarn Naturals Bully Rings Dog Treats are great for teething; 4) KONG Wubba Dog Toy Interactive tug, toss, and squeak toy Durable nylon cover, natural rubber ball; 5) Ethical Pets Skinneeez Crinklers Toy Stuffing free — It squeaks — It crinkles. 6) Last but not least Rated Top Product by numerous magazines and called the “World’s Best Dog Ball” by industry experts – this doggie-durable, buoyant, bouncy and minty toy is irresistible to dogs. Put a treat inside for added enjoyment!
Decide on House Rules: If one day they’re allowed on the furniture and the next day they’re not. Or if you think his nipping at you today is cute, but tomorrow decide it’s annoying. Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use. If Mom says “down” when the pup climbs on the couch, Dad says “down” when he wants him to lie down, and Junior utters “sit down” when he expects the pup’s rear to hit the floor, the result will be one confused puppy. Putting the schedule and vocabulary list in writing prevents confusion and will help others involved in raising your puppy. The most important points are consensus and consistency, so the whole household should sit down together to come up with the “AKC House Rules For Your New Puppy.”
Introduce Your Puppy to the New Home and Family: As excited as you are, you’ll make the puppy’s transition easier if you start slowly. Introduce family members one at a time, if possible, and give your new pet time to explore his surroundings. Show him his sleeping spot, outdoor potty place, crate, and water and food bowls. Most fun of all, introduce him to his toys. During these first few days and weeks, keep an eye on your puppy at all times and make sure that he’s supervised or, at the very least, in view.
Now’s also the time to decide which family member is responsible for what: who will do the last night potty walk, who will feed him, who’s job is it to clean up accidents, etc. You might want to “AKC Create a Schedule for Feedings, Potty and Walks” which will also serve as a helpful reminder when it comes to everyone’s responsibilities.
A Word About Dog Park Dangers: Would you bring your timid preschooler to a park where you knew the chances are good he would be assaulted and scared to death? Then why would you bring your timid dog to a dog park? The most extreme risk is also the most common at dog parks: that of other dogs hurting or even killing your dog. Dogs can be dangerous to other dogs. Enough Said.
The Importance of Choosing a Great Veterinary Clinic
Conventional Veterinary Care vs Holistic Pet Care? Many people are finding that drugs, chemicals and over-vaccination programs offered by conventional vets are not really giving their pets quality health care; in fact, the opposite might be true. We are at a time in pet health awareness realizing that there may well be a problem with the veterinary health care system as we know it, as many pet owners are becoming more educated about natural pet care.
In veterinary school, very little time is spent in learning true nutrition and natural health for animals. What vet students are taught is coming from industry reps of pet food companies and vaccination companies. They sell and “prescribe” their products, rather than information on how to keep pets healthy using good nutrition and alternative treatments.
Although conventional veterinary treatment is excellent at diagnostics, it mostly treats our pets’ symptoms and does not address the root cause. At Lagotto Lady Kennels, we choose Holistic Methods first, but do realize, at times, traditional medicine is of great value. Do not let a Vet “shame” you into a “laundry list” of vaccinations, kindly refuse and find another vet. You are the care giver, you decide what approach you feel best for your pup.
Locate a “True” Holistic Vet Near You: www.ahvma.org
How to Prepare to be A Responsible Dog Owner
Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a canine companion into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. Here are 75 tips on how to be a good dog owner.
©2025 Lagotto Lady Kennels, LLC Breeder of Quality Lagotto Romagnolo Dogs
Serving Minnesota and Wisconsin | Within 40 miles of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN)