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Santa brings all sorts of wonderful gifts on Christmas morning! From toys and clothes to vacations, games, and technology, there is bound to be something special for everyone under the tree. But one present you should think twice about? A puppy. As the preferred breeders of Oodle puppies worldwide, Puppies Downunder knows how magical it is to add a dog to the family. Bringing home a puppy should be a happy event. Yet the reality is, every year thousands of puppies are impulsively bought as gifts and later abandoned in shelters. This can turn a joyous occasion into a stressful disaster. So, before getting an Oodle puppy for Christmas, think carefully! Puppy for Christmas: 3 Things to Consider Did you know? Statistics show that in the months of January and February (immediately following the holiday season) the number of puppies surrendered to shelters skyrockets. In fact, online searches of people wanting to give up their dog increased by approximately 8% around this time – yikes. According to Dogs Trust, a British animal welfare charity and humane society, “20% of dog owners spend less than two weeks researching before buying a dog.” Even more worrisome? One in ten people admitted their dog was a Christmas gift. What often happens is the cuteness of the puppy wears off as reality sets in. The two biggest reasons dogs end up in shelters are because: 1) Behavioural problems (due to lack of training) 2) Owners feel they don’t have enough time to care for a puppy No dog breed is immune. Even popular ones like Labradoodles, Spoodles, Groodles, Aussiedoodles, and Bordoodles are surrendered. Therefore, before getting a puppy for Christmas, be sure to consider the following. Time First, let’s talk about time. Raising a puppy is akin to having a baby…those little furballs will demand hours of your attention! When puppies are young, they can only go 2-3 hours between toilet breaks. They also need constant supervision to prevent destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, howling, etc. and form healthy human-animal bonds. Between work and other commitments, do you have the time? Money Secondly, before giving or receiving a puppy for Christmas, assess your finances. This Pets in Australia report points out that in the first year alone, a dog will cost between $3,000 and $6,000. This includes expenses like veterinary bills, medications, spaying/neutering, insurance, grooming, dental care, food, toys, clothing and accessories, training classes…the list goes on and on. Gifting a puppy can put a huge financial strain on budgets. Lifestyle Lastly, honestly evaluate the would-be puppy parent’s lifestyle. Puppies are a 24/7 commitment. Dogs cannot be left alone for too long. Otherwise, they risk developing separation anxiety. Regardless of whether the sun is shining or rain is pouring down, that puppy will require regular walks. Not to mention, high- energy dogs – like Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles, and Bordoodles – will need active owners. Does your lifestyle match the breed you want? Final Thoughts Ultimately, puppies can successfully be given or received as Christmas presents. However, it all depends on how prepared an individual is. Remember, a dog is for life. Owning a pet is truly a lifetime responsibility. If you are looking to purchase an Oodle puppy this Christmas, consult with the team at PDU so they can find the right puppy suitable for your lifestyle. Refer to our website https://www.puppiesdownunder.com/ and contact us at 0499912709. Puppies Downunder wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Is it better to have two dogs? Nowadays, this is a question many pet owners find themselves asking. The Covid-19 pandemic upended our lives (and the lives of our dogs) in countless ways. During lockdowns and stay at home orders, people had endless time to spend with their four-legged best friend. In fact, according to National Geographic, we spent more time than ever before with our dogs and pet ownership skyrocketed globally. However, things have changed. With employees being called back to the office, providing adequate attention and affection to our pooches is proving difficult. This has led huge numbers of doggy moms and dads to wonder, “Should I purchase a companion for my dog?” Luckily, the canine pros at Puppies Downunder are here to explain why dogs are happier in pairs. In this article, we tackle the BIG question… Is getting a second dog the right thing to do? Let’s dive in! 3 Compelling Reasons to Get Another Dog The more, the merrier. Isn’t that how the old saying goes? Well, turns out, there is some factual truth to this statement. Science tells us that in terms of canine behavior, dogs are family-oriented animals. Their pack can include you (their loving human) plus other critters that share the same household. As Merck Veterinary Manual explains, “Dogs are highly social animals and are well adapted to living in groups.” Unfortunately, being home with your dog 24/7 is impossible. The good news is, adopting a second dog is a great way to prevent the following unwanted behaviors. Not to mention, there are numerous benefits of multi-dog households. Separation Anxiety It can be heartbreaking to watch a dog struggle with separation anxiety. This occurs when a dog is hyper-attached to their owner, so much so, that they cannot handle being left alone. Common signs of dog separation anxiety include: Barking Howling Pacing Chewing Scratching at doors Drooling Trembling Potty accidents To make your pup’s life easier, consider getting another dog to help with separation anxiety. Canine companions won’t instantly cure their stress. However, a second dog will likely alleviate some of the symptoms, calm them down, and provide hours of entertainment while owners are off at work, school, etc. Exercise Secondly, two dogs are fantastic for keeping each other fit. At Puppies Downunder, our concern for the health and well-being of our animals is paramount. We have extensive knowledge and qualifications in animal biology, health, canine psychology, breeding, raising, and training spanning 45 years. Breeds we specialize in include: Cavoodle Bordoodle Spoodle Aussiedoodle Groodle and Mini Groodle Labradoodle and Mini Labradoodle So, we know how important exercise is for dogs. But the reality is, works schedules are busy. Squeezing in between 30 minutes to two hours of dog walks, runs, hikes, etc. can be a challenge some days. Getting your dog a companion is an excellent way to guarantee your pooch has a playmate to burn those calories with. Maybe even a puppy! Puppy Training and Playfulness Speaking of puppies… Did you know? Older dogs can make puppy training easier. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, young puppies model behavior they observe. A well-trained adult dog will show them the ropes, so to speak. Additionally, puppies will pee and poop wherever they see/smell the older dog “doing their business.” This speeds up the housebreaking process. Who wouldn’t prefer fewer accidents while they are off at work? In return, a puppy will reignite the spark in your older dog. Don’t be surprised if you notice more playfulness, excitement, and a pep in their step. Is Getting a Second Dog the Right Thing to Do? In summary, getting another dog can be a fantastic decision. From lessening separation anxiety to increasing playfulness and ensuring physical exercise requirements are being met, adopting a second dog comes with numerous benefits in a post-pandemic world. As we go back to the office, don’t forget to think about your dog. A second pet could be a “paw-some” choice! Ready to find a puppy? View our upcoming litters by clicking here.

Make-A-Wish Australia helps grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, giving them greater strength and hope for their future. This adorable Groodle Puppy was recently donated to a child and her family through Make-A-Wish Australia. Puppies Downunder will donate a puppy or $10 from each puppy it sells to Make-A-Wish Australia.

Planning on having a new dog in your house and family is a big responsibility. But it's also a lot of work to make sure your home is ready for your furry friend. How to Choose the Best Dog for Your Family When it comes to picking the right dog for you, there are a number of things to consider. One of the most important things is what size of dog do you want? Some people prefer smaller dogs that they can pick up and carry around, while others might want a medium or large sized dog that can go on hikes and runs with them. There are pros and cons to each size, so it's important to think about what you want in a dog before making your decision. Don’t forget to think about the energy level of the dog. Some dogs need a lot of exercise, while others are content to lounge around the house all day. If you have an active lifestyle, you might want a dog that can keep up with you. But if you're more of a homebody, a less active dog might be a better fit. Think about what kind of personality you want in a dog. Some people prefer laid-back dogs that are easy to train, while others might want a dog that is more playful and active. Consider what you want in a companion and pick a dog that will fit well into your lifestyle. Prepare Your Home for Your New Dog Bringing a new dog in is not a simple thing to do. Think about both your dog and your home. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the new member of your household: Puppy-Proof Your Home Dogs of all ages like to chew on things, but puppies are especially notorious for it. Be sure to put away anything that you don't want your puppy to chew on, including things like shoes, clothing, books, and remote controls. You might also want to consider investing in some chew toys for your puppy to gnaw on instead. Create a Designated Potty Area If you want your new dog to learn where it's okay to go to the bathroom, you'll need to create a designated potty area for them. This can be either indoors or outdoors, but it's important that you're consistent with whichever one you choose. Put some newspaper down in the designated area and take your puppy there often, especially after meals and naps. With time and patience, they'll learn to go in the designated area. Get Rid of Threats Get rid of anything that your new dog might view as a threat. If you have any items in your home that your new dog might view as a threat, such as stuffed animals or toys with eyes, it's best to get rid of them before your new dog arrives. This will help your new dog feel more comfortable and less threatened in their new home. Introducing New Dog to Family Introduce your new dog to the family slowly. Once you've brought your new dog home, take things slow at first. Let them sniff around and explore their new environment at their own pace. When they're ready, introduce them to each family member one at a time. Have each person give your new dog a treat and speak to them in a calm, friendly voice. Be Prepared for Accidents Puppies (and even some adult dogs) are known for having accidents inside the house from time to time. Be sure to have some cleaning supplies on hand to deal with any messes. And most importantly, don't get angry at your new dog if they have an accident. They're still learning and accidents are bound to happen. Gather Up All of Your Pet Supplies Once you've got your home puppy-proofed and your potty area set up, it's time to gather up all of the supplies you'll need for your new pet. This includes things like food and water bowls, a collar and leash, toys, and treats. If you're not sure what kind of food to get for your new dog, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Dogs and Their Emotions Dogs are social creatures that thrive on companionship. When you bring a new dog into your home, it's important to give them the time and attention they need to adjust to their new surroundings. This means spending time with them, playing with them, and helping them to feel comfortable in their new home. It's also important to be aware of your new dog's emotions. Dogs can experience a range of emotions, just like humans, and it's important to be attuned to what your dog is feeling. If you're not sure how your dog is feeling, ask your veterinarian or a qualified animal behaviorist for guidance. Why Have a Spoodle? There are many reasons why spoodles are simply great. They are highly intelligent, easily trainable, and have a great disposition. They make excellent family pets and are very loyal to their owners. Spoodles are also hypoallergenic, so they are a good choice for people with allergies. Overall, spoodles are a great breed of dog and would make a wonderful addition to any family. Spoodles' temperament is even-keeled, which means they are not easily agitated and remain calm in most situations. They are also known to be very gentle and loving with their family and make great companions. Spoodles require moderate exercise, so they are well suited for people who live a sedentary lifestyle or have limited space for a dog. Bringing a new dog into your home is a big responsibility, but it's also a lot of fun. By taking the time to prepare your home and get acquainted with what your new dog will need, you can make the transition go as smoothly as possible for both of you. Enjoy getting to know each other!

Paul Leatham will always best be known as the quiet achiever. A craftsman that had excelled in the mastery of his craft. He was intelligent, quietly spoken and a dilligent worker who volunteered his time and gave selflessly. Paul passed away suddenly at his home on 2nd June 2022. Vale Paul... you will always have a special place in our hearts and will be dearly missed by Charlie, Sharron and the team at Puppies Downunder.

Most breeders will allow their puppies to go to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. Our puppies do not cope as well with leaving their familiar environment, mother, siblings and staff here at this early stage. 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. As ethical and responsible breeders it is our duty to ensure that the well being of our puppies is priority. This is why our puppies are not released to their new homes until 10 weeks of age.

Sadly many families and individuals have been scammed out of thousands of dollars when purchasing a puppy online in Australia. ​ Follow these 6 simple rules to minimise your chances of being scammed. ​ 1. Do not purchase a puppy only from a photo. Ask for an appointment via a WhatsApp, or Facetime Video Call or organise to attend the property in person to see your puppy. ​ 2. Buy only from a registered breeder and ask for their breeder license number. ​ 3. Contact the local council of that area to check the authenticity of the name, license number and address of the breeder. ​ Our Local Council is Latrobe City Shire They can be contacted on 1300 367 700. Please quote L120 to verify our license. ​ 4. Ask for the puppy's vaccination records and microchip number ​ 5. Ask for proof of the breeder's drivers license and request permission to check the microchip with the veterinarian who was the implanter. ​ 6. If using a courier, check with the courier to find out how long they have been dealing with the breeder for. ​ We have compiled a few articles, videos and tools that will provide further advice on the best ways to purchase your puppy and how to avoid the scams that are currently circulating. The Department of Environment and Primary Industries Victoria provides an excellent guide to Buying a pet in Victoria. Pet Place provides information on Questions to ask the breeder when purchasing your puppy. 6o Minutes recently aired stories on puppy scams in Victoria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gumtree provides a blog on Things you should know before purchasing from Gumtree. Tineye is a great reverse image search tool. People can use this tool to check if the picture of the puppy has been used on any other pages and is an obvious scam. Walkerville Vet has some good about how to avoid being scammed. Dogmovers also have good information and as well as contacts points for those who have been scammed. Have you had a bad experience? You can report them to Puppy Scam Awareness Australia

At Puppies Downunder we take great pride in finding the right homes for our puppies! Not only is it crucial that we find loving and suitable families for our little fluff balls but it is equally important that our customers understand the ongoing costs of raising a puppy and the responsibilities that comes with such a privilege. It’s no joke now that purchasing a puppy now costs the same price as a second hand car! So it’s important that before you jump in with your emotions you first evaluate your financial situation before you act with your heart and proceed with a purchase. Check your financial situation first by clicking on the following link and determining where your score on the financial well-being calculator. https://www.anz.com.au/personal/financial-wellbeing/calculator/ Every puppy has different needs so it is quite a challenge to advise you what the exact costs of your puppy will be throughout it’s lifetime. However, as a rough guide we have put the following list together for you so you know what costs you can expect: - Annual booster - $115 - Animal registration - $15 - $250 depending on concessions and de-sexing status - Grooming - $45 - $75 (frequency between 6 weeks to 10 weeks) $360pa - $600pa - Boarding costs - $40 - $60 per day ($280 - $420 per week) - Pet insurance - $45 - $75 per month ($540 - $900pa) - Simparica Trio (fleas, ticks, worms) - $55 every 5 weeks ($572pa) - Puppy School - Between $100 - $250 for a block of training lessons - Unplanned events such as illnesses and accidents or injuries can cost considerably so it is always wise to have insurance for your puppy in case the unexpected happens. - High quality Food and Between $70 - $100 per month ($840 - $1200) - Bedding, shampoo and conditioner, Toys and treats $250 - $500pa Did you know? The annual average cost to care for your puppy can be anywhere between $2,800 - $4,150pa! Start budgeting for your furry friend now by using the ‘plan your spend tool’ from ANZ Bank. https://www.anz.com.au/personal/financial-wellbeing/plan-your-spend/ Owning a puppy is a long term commitment which requires love, time, energy and money. As a breeder of dogs for more than 45 years we have seen our share of tragedies and have heard countless stories from customers about accidents and unforeseeable events which have hit back pockets hard. We strongly encourage our customers to obtain pet insurance to protect their puppies so they may cover an unanticipated event if it arises. We would like our customers to note we receive a 10% commission from Knose pet insurance for all insurance policies taken up that have been referred by us. As it is in our interest to ensure all puppies which leave us are in the safest possible hands we will happily forego our commission by passing on the benefit by way of premium reduction to any of our customers that request it. Further information about Knose Pet Insurance may be found on the following link: https://www.knose.com.au/

A big THANKS to The Dogs Journal for choosing us as the Best Groodle Breeder in Victoria!

On 18th June 2021 Puppies Downunder was re-approved by the Victorian Minister of Agriculture the Honorable Mary-Anne Thomas MP to operate as a Commercial dog breeder for the next three years. This 3 year license is the first of its kind in Victoria and was imposed as a measure to rule out unethical breeding. Our operations are conducted in according with the Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Business and our license was granted on the basis of us satisfying all the requirements. For information about the Code of Practice visit: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/codes-of-practice/code-of-practice-for-the-operation-of-breeding-and-rearing-businesses-2014

We charge a premium because 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 strongly focus on health, intelligence, temperament and hypo-allergenic qualities. We believe we can do it better than others based on 45 years of acquiring the best bloodlines that emphasise these qualities. We also believe we are better resourced than others as we are a commercial breeder which licenses us to breed with up to 50 females that have been carefully selected over the years. As responsible and ethical breeders, we ensure we provide our animals with the best care possible at all times. We have recently established our own on site veterinary clinic and surgery for our vet so he can perform any procedures or surgeries as they arise. We also employ 15 employees to cater for the socialisation and enrichment requirements for all our puppies and adult dogs. This means that when the puppies leave our facility at 10 weeks they have been well cared for and loved since birth by our staff and family. This positive experience results in excellent health and forms the beautiful temperament they have developed by the time they are ready to go to their new homes.

The Heart Foundation reports that dog owners are more likely to live longer than non dog owners, and this is why... When you own a dog, your hormone levels increase exponentially to enhance the natural production of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine in your body. These hormones are called your ‘happy hormones’. They lower stress levels and increase your overall feeling of well-being. They lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve fitness and reduce feelings of depression.