Frequently Asked Questions
About Puppies Downunder
Are you a puppy farmer/puppy mill?
No we are not.
Puppies Downunder is a commercial dog breeding facility approved by the Victorian Government due to our high ethical standards.
Puppy Farms/Mills are establishments that breed puppies for sale on an
intensive basis and in cramped conditions that are cruel and in-humane
with little concern for their needs.
In Australia, Victoria is the only state that has banned the operation of Puppy Farms/Mills.
We are regularly audited by the Department of Primary Industries, our Local Council Latrobe City Shire and Veterinarians to ensure that we are strictly following the Commercial Breeding and Animal Welfare Legislation.
We set a very high standard for animal health and well-being and go beyond the requirements imposed on us by the Victorian State Government.
We love our dogs and always aim to provide an environment for them that nurtures their behavioral, social, physiological needs.Why are the puppies so expensive?
Our puppies are expensive due to the costs incurred to operate our facilities and comply with legislation. We employ 15+ staff which also includes our own veterinarian and nurse as well as animal attendants, socialization team, dog psychologist and trainer, maintenance team etc. as well as having to pay for ongoing costs such as food, wages, veterinary costs, DNA testing and bills etc.
Do you do DNA/Genetic testing?
Yes, we Genetically DNA test all our breeding dogs with Orivet for 50 different diseases.
Are your staff qualified?
Yes, our staff have completed Certificates III and IV in Animal Studies and Animal Companionship.
We also have staff members who are studying Animal Behaviour (Psychology) with the National Dog Training Federation.
We also ensure our staff keep up to date with any online breeding courses implemented by Animal Welfare Victoria.
We also implement internal staff training such as In-house workshops, dog training, animal welfare, socialization and enrichment, diet, grooming, health examinations, animal behavior, administration etc.
Are your puppies toilet trained?
Our puppies are not toilet trained in a home environment.
The best way to toilet train your puppy is using puppy pads/grass potty mat and by taking your puppy outside every hour.
Use positive reinforcement/encouragement when your puppy toilets where you want it to toilet.What makes Puppies Downunder different from other breeders?
At Puppies Downunder, we encourage our customers to come to our facility and meet the parents and puppies before purchase.
Our customer service is exceptional and we pride ourselves on our service and high standards.
We ensure we are available at each step of the process, from matching the breed most appropriate to the family dynamic to training, and general health and care.
Even after you bring your puppy home, we continue to provide you with ongoing advice and support for the lifetime of your puppy.
Choosing your puppy
Which dog breed is right for my family?
There are multiple factors that come into play when determining which breed of dog is right for your family e.g. Activity level, Trainability, Allergies within your family, what other pets you have, children/no children, age of your children, temperament.
Ensure you advise the breeder of these factors so they can recommend a breed that is most compatible for you and your family.
What dog breed is best for allergies?
The dog breeds best suited for allergies would be an F1b mixed breed that has a one parent that is either a Groodle, Labradoodle, Cavoodle, Labragroodle, Spoodle and the other a Poodle parent. This is a good way of ensuring the puppy has a higher chance of having the poodle genes for the curly or wavy, single or double coat although there is still a small chance for the puppy to have a hair coat that sheds.
What dog breed has the best nature/temperament?
The dog breeds with the best temperament are Cavoodles, Groodles, labradoodles, Labragroodles, aussiedoodles, Bordoodles and Spoodles. By combining the poodle with breeds such as the Labrador, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles, Cocker Spaniel etc. you are ensuring a highly intelligent dog that is also friendly and affectionate.
It is also important to take into account the temperaments are of the parents since that can affect the temperament of the puppy.
I am working from home. What dog breed is most suitable for me?
The most suitable dog breed for you would either be a Cavoodle, Groodle or Labradoodle or Labragroodle.
A Cavoodle is smaller than a Groodle and Labradoodle and makes for a very affectionate and intelligent companion that can sit on your lap and give you cuddles and kisses.
Groodles and Labradoodles are larger and a more active than a Cavoodle however, just as cuddly and affectionate.
I have a cat or another dog or pet. Will they get along with my new puppy?
Your puppy should get along with other dogs/cats as long as your puppy isn’t a sighthound/hunting breed of dog, is well socialised and has been introduced to your other cat/dog. Most dogs and cats can get along and be best friends contrary to popular opinion.
I have a small yard. What dog is most suitable?
Cavoodles, Labradoodles, Labragroodles and Groodles are moderately active mixed breeds.
As long as they are able to run around the yard and are taken for walks daily they will be happy in a small yard.
It is possible to have a highly active dog breed in a small yard if you are prepared to take them for walks multiple times a day to ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
I am senior, what dog is most suitable.
The most suitable dog for seniors would be a dog that isn’t overly boisterous. Cavoodles would be the best match due to their temperament and since they’re less likely to knock you over if they jumped on you due to their smaller size.
Groodles and labradoodles are also suitable due to their temperament but you’ll need to make sure you train them to not jump on you.
I have a young family. Which breed is most suitable?
All our breeds at Puppies Downunder are suitable for young families.
Always make sure you supervise your children when they spend time with the puppy since some children can get a little rough and cause injury to the puppy.
Which dog is most active?
Aussiedoodles, Bordoodles and Spoodles are our most active breeds as they are mixed with the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie who need a lot of exercise, enrichment and mental stimulation.
Whilst the spoodle is usually smaller than an Aussiedoodle and Bordoodle, they are just as energetic.
Spoodles don’t have the herding instinct that Bordoodles and Aussiedoodles have but they still need just as much exercise and mental stimulation.
What breeds are most suitable for being an emotional support dog?
The breeds that are best suited as emotional support dogs are Groodles, Labradoodles, Labragroodles and Cavoodles. These breeds have friendly and affectionate temperaments and aren’t too overly energetic like the Aussiedoodle, Bordoodle or Spoodle.
What is the difference between F1, F1b, and F2 generations?
F1 – First generation cross- both parents are purebred. E.g. Mini Poodle x Cavalier King Charles
F1b – One parent is purebred, one parent is mixed breed E.g. Mini Poodle x Cavoodle
F2 – Both parents are mixed breed e.g. Groodle x Labradoodle, Groodle x GroodleIs a male puppy more suitable than a female puppy?
This depends on your personal preference; all puppies are individuals and will have different personalities and quirks. The differences between a male and female is that the male will have the behaviour of cocking his leg and marking his territory. A female will go on heat which means they will bleed and possibly get pregnant.
A male de-sexed at a young age won’t learn the leg cocking behaviour and a de-sexed female won’t go on heat.
Is a male puppy more suitable than a female puppy?
This depends on your personal preference; all puppies are individuals and will have different personalities and quirks. The differences between a male and female is that the male will have the behaviour of cocking his leg and marking his territory. A female will go on heat which means they will bleed and possibly get pregnant.
A male de-sexed at a young age won’t learn the leg cocking behaviour and a de-sexed female won’t go on heat.Purchasing your puppy
What are the steps to purchasing a puppy?
- Contact us to enquire about a puppy
- Choose a puppy from a litter either through facetime or in person by arranging an appointment.
- Pay a 10% deposit on puppy and fill out our Puppy Order Form with your details
- Read our Puppy Care Guide and Terms & Conditions.
- Use our New Puppy Checklist to ensure you have purchased all required items you need for the puppy prior to pick up.
- Arrange a pickup time 10-14 days after puppy has been de-sexed or contact us to arrange a courier/freight if unable to pick up in person.
- Collect your puppy and pay the balance remaining.
Do you freight overseas?
Yes, we can arrange freight overseas once your puppy is 12 weeks of age and has veterinary approval for overseas travel.
Do I need pet insurance?
You should have pet insurance; you never know if your dog/puppy will suddenly fall ill or end up in an accident. Having the right insurance will help cover the costs that come with an emergency surgery etc.
Puppies Downunder will organise 6 weeks free Pet Insurance with Petcover when you purchase your puppy. After this period it is at your discretion if you wish to continue with pet insurance.
Can we bring home our puppy at 8 weeks?
No, we only allow our puppies to go home from 9.5 -10 weeks of age.
As ethical breeders it is our responsibility to ensure that the health and wellbeing of our puppies are top priority.
Our puppies do not cope as well with leaving their familiar environment, mother, siblings and staff here prior to this time.
In our experience we have found that at 10 weeks of age our puppies are far more robust and resilient enabling them to better adapt and deal with the stresses associated with leaving their home.Bringing Home your Puppy
Will my puppy suffer separation anxiety when I take it home?
Your puppy might cry at first when it’s separated from you which is perfectly normal. You don’t want your puppy to be with you at all times since this can cause the puppy to develop severe separation anxiety. Your puppy needs to spend several hours a day and overnight in a secure area by itself so it can develop the confidence to be by itself.
Why do I need to feed the puppy the food as per the Puppy Diet Guide?
By feeding your puppy according to the Puppy Diet Guide you are ensuring your puppy gets the best nutrition during his/her multiple periods of growth.
It is important to feed your puppy a mixture of wet and dry foods.
Feeding your puppy only dry food causes the puppy to be deficient in necessary nutrients it needs as well as causing plaque build-up on the teeth.
Give your puppy lactose free milk to drink to ensure they receive sufficient calcium nutrients for their bone development.
Do not give your puppy cow’s milk!! This will give your puppy an upset stomach.
Lactose free milk can be ceased around 10-12 months of age.Why does my puppy seem sick now that I have taken it home?
Stress and changing environments can cause your puppy stress and feel unwell.
Some symptoms you may notice as a result of this stress is loss of appetite, loose stools and diarrhoea. This will usually pass within a few weeks and is not a cause for concern providing your puppy is still active and appears content.
Another reason why your puppy may develop diarrhoea can be due to eating too much dry food or has eaten a new food that it has not eaten before.
However, if you feel concerned at all we prefer you call us immediately so we can advise you accordingly.
Please refer to our Puppy Care Guide for more information.
How do I toilet train my puppy?
The best way to toilet train your puppy is using puppy pads/grass potty mat and by taking your puppy outside every hour.
Use positive reinforcement/encouragement when your puppy toilets where you want it to toilet.How often should I groom and bath my puppy?
You should only bathe your puppy whenever it gets very dirty with dog shampoo and conditioner. If you wash your puppy excessively it will strip the natural oils off the coat and can cause skin irritation and dryness.
Your puppy should be groomed every 6-8 weeks and should only have puppy cuts until it’s an adult.
Nails should be clipped once a week to keep them blunt and short.
Please refer to our Puppy Care Guide for more information.
Do I need to worm and de-flea my puppy?
Yes you need to administer worm, flea and tick prevention. Make sure you weigh your puppy/dog and follow the instructions on the brands that you use for your puppy.
Please refer to our Puppy Care Guide for more information.How often do I need to worm and de-flea my puppy?
Intestinal worming should be done once a week or fortnight depending on the syrup or tablet; please refer to directions on packet.
Flea and tick prevention should be done monthly.
Heartworm prevention can either be done with medication or with a vaccination.
These can change due to what brand of wormer, flea prevention and tick prevention you use.
Please refer to our Puppy Care Guide for more information.Do I need to vaccinate my puppy?
Yes, you’ll need to take your puppy to your veterinary clinic to receive his/her 12 week vaccination as well ensuring it receives an annual C5 vaccination booster. Your puppy will be at high risk of contracting contagious diseases without their vaccinations.
Boarding kennels/doggy day cares will not allow your puppy into their facilities if it hasn’t had at least a C5 vaccination within the past year.
How do I tell if I am allergic to a puppy?
The easiest way to tell if you’re allergic to dogs is by playing/petting a dog then waiting for any signs of allergic reaction after, these signs can be.
- Sneezing
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Facial pain from nasal congestion
- Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing
- Watery, red or itchy eyes
- Skin rash or hives
Do I need to take my puppy to puppy school?
You should take your puppy to a puppy school once they have had their 12 week vaccination.
Ensure the puppy school has accredited dog trainers, so that you are exposing and socialising your puppy in a new and controlled environment, with other people as well as other puppies of different breeds and sizes.
An accredited dog trainer will teach you how to train your puppy and can arrange ongoing one on one training services as the puppy grows older.
Can I take my puppy out to the park before it reaches 12 Weeks Old?
No, your puppy has not had all required vaccinations prior to 12 weeks of age.
This makes them vulnerable to bacteria and diseases that may be present at parks or public areas where other dogs may have been.Yes you can, we provide ongoing support throughout your puppy’s life.
Yes you can, we provide ongoing support throughout your puppy’s life.
Health and Wellbeing
Is Early Age De-Sexing (EAD) bad for my puppy?
Early age de-sexing isn’t inherently bad.
RSPCA perform early age de-sexing on their puppies if they healthy and are at least 8 weeks of age.
At Puppies Downunder we also de-sex our puppies at 8 weeks of age.
EAD is an effective way of preventing unwanted pregnancies as well as offering the following health benefits.
In females it can help prevent the following issues and diseases:
- prevention of mammary cancer (especially if prior to the first heat)
- prevention of reproductive organ disease such as Pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection) and ovarian cancer
- prevention of unplanned pregnancies
- prevention of pseudo-pregnancy behaviours
In males it can help prevent the following issues and diseases:
- prevention of prostatitis (inflammation/infection of the prostate gland)
- prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement)
- prevention of certain types of hernias and tumours of the testicles and anus
- decrease in interest in wandering/roaming to find female mates
- reduction of aggressive behaviour towards other male dogs
- reduction of urine marking
- reduction of inappropriate mounting
Why do you de-sex at 8 weeks of age?
We de-sex our puppies at 8 weeks for the following reasons:
- The puppy recovers faster from surgery than an adult dog.
- We can monitor the puppy to make sure it doesn’t lick the surgery site and pull out the stitches.
- We also monitor for any infections.
- It’s a part of responsible breeding, by de-sexing our puppies before they go to their new homes we are preventing unwanted litters from happening.
Why do I need to feed the puppy the food as per the Puppy Diet Guide?
By feeding your puppy according to the Puppy Diet Guide you are ensuring your puppy gets the best nutrition during his/her multiple periods of growth.
It is important to feed your puppy a mixture of wet and dry foods.
Feeding your puppy only dry food causes the puppy to be deficient in necessary nutrients it needs as well as causing plaque build-up on the teeth.
Give your puppy lactose free milk to drink to ensure they receive sufficient calcium nutrients for their bone development.
Do not give your puppy cow’s milk!! This will give your puppy an upset stomach.
Lactose free milk can be ceased around 10-12 months of age.Why does my puppy seem sick now that I have taken it home?
Stress and changing environments can cause your puppy stress and feel unwell.
Some symptoms you may notice as a result of this stress is loss of appetite, loose stools and diarrhoea. This will usually pass within a few weeks and is not a cause for concern providing your puppy is still active and appears content.
Another reason why your puppy may develop diarrhoea can be due to eating too much dry food or has eaten a new food that it has not eaten before.
However, if you feel concerned at all we prefer you call us immediately so we can advise you accordingly.
Please refer to our Puppy Care Guide for more information.
How do I know if the collar is the right fit?
The best way to tell if the collar is fitted is if you can put your index and middle finger underneath the collar while it’s on the puppy/dog. Make sure to move your fingers around the entire collar to ensure there is no overly tight or loose areas.
How often should I groom and bath my puppy?
You should only bathe your puppy whenever it gets very dirty with dog shampoo and conditioner. If you wash your puppy excessively it will strip the natural oils off the coat and can cause skin irritation and dryness.
Your puppy should be groomed every 6-8 weeks and should only have puppy cuts until it’s an adult.
Nails should be clipped once a week to keep them blunt and short.
Please refer to our Puppy Care Guide for more information.
Do I need to worm and de-flea my puppy?
Yes you need to administer worm, flea and tick prevention. Make sure you weigh your puppy/dog and follow the instructions on the brands that you use for your puppy.
Please refer to our Puppy Care Guide for more information.How often do I need to worm and de-flea my puppy?
Intestinal worming should be done once a week or fortnight depending on the syrup or tablet; please refer to directions on packet.
Flea and tick prevention should be done monthly.
Heartworm prevention can either be done with medication or with a vaccination.
These can change due to what brand of wormer, flea prevention and tick prevention you use.
Please refer to our Puppy Care Guide for more information.Do I need to vaccinate my puppy?
Yes, you’ll need to take your puppy to your veterinary clinic to receive their 12 week vaccination as well as making sure it receives an annual C5 vaccination booster. Your puppy will be at high risk of contracting contagious diseases without their vaccinations.
Boarding kennels/doggy day cares will not allow your puppy into their facilities if it hasn’t had at least a C5 vaccination within the past year.How do I tell if I am allergic to a puppy?
The easiest way to tell if you’re allergic to dogs is by playing/petting a dog then waiting for any signs of allergic reaction after, these signs can be.
- Sneezing
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Facial pain from nasal congestion
- Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing
- Watery, red or itchy eyes
- Skin rash or hives
Do I need to take my puppy to puppy school?
You should take your puppy to a puppy school once he/she has had their 12 week vaccination.
Ensure the puppy school has accredited dog trainers, so that you are exposing and socialising your puppy in a new and controlled environment, with other people as well as other puppies of different breeds and sizes.
An accredited dog trainer will teach you how to train your puppy and can arrange ongoing one on one training services as the puppy grows older.
How do I toilet train my puppy?
The best way to toilet train your puppy is using puppy pads/grass potty mat and by taking your puppy outside every hour.
Use positive reinforcement/encouragement when your puppy toilets where you want it to toilet.I have a question. Can I call you for help?
Yes you can, we provide ongoing support throughout your puppy’s life.