Groodle FAQ
What do I need to welcome a puppy into my home?
This question is answered fully once you become part of our family. One of the first considerations is setting the puppy up with his own space. Puppies need a safe space dedicated to them. It may be a crate, a playpen or the laundry room with a baby gate across.
Each home will look different and here at Great Southern Groodles we can help you prepare your space for a puppy. Those first few weeks with your new puppy home can be chaotic as you familiarise him with your routine, your home & your family. We offer no judgment support throughout.
Below are several images showing how Great Southern Groodle Families set up their puppy areas.
Do you prematurely desex puppy?
Your puppy will arrive in your arms fully intact. We encourage you to desex your puppy on your vet’s guidance. We believe that a trusted vet is the best person to discuss your puppy’s medical requirements with. We’d be happy to recommend vets that we have previously visited. We can also direct you to the latest research in this area.
As we spend such considerable time getting to know you, we fully trust that you have your dog’s best interests at heart and you will make the right choice for your individual circumstances. Our puppies do go home with a strict non breeding policy, which we will fully enforce.
What vaccinations does my puppy need?
Your puppy will have its first vaccination at six weeks of age for protection against diseases like Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo Virus. Traditionally, your puppy should have a further two vaccinations, one month apart before going out in public or meeting other dogs outside your home.
An annual booster vaccination is then recommended to remain protected.
Some vets may have different protocols, so it is always best to discuss this with your own vet.
Do you worm my puppy?
We use Drontal all wormer, our puppies are wormed fortnightly from birth until twelve weeks old.
Drontal is a preventative against parasites that may be present in the intestines, as an added precaution we send fecal samples to our vet for the all clear before sending puppy home.
Heartworm tablets may also be needed, you will have to get your vets advise if it is necessary for your area.
What shall I feed my puppy?
Puppies have very sensitive stomachs. Our puppies are weaned very gently onto Black Hawk Puppy Food. At 8 weeks old they will join your family with a bag of this food.
Only feed them this while the puppy settles in to your home. If you would like to change foods to a different brand, please do so very slowly, over the course of two weeks.
Be very clear to other members of the family that a puppy should not be fed any table scraps or have access to other food. The majority of vet visits at this age are because a puppy has eaten something he should not have. He should have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
When should I see my vet?
What is a Groodle?
Groodles were originally developed as a breed suitable for the visually impaired and those with allergies to dogs. By crossing the placid, loyal and good-natured Golden Retriever, with the highly intelligent, non-shedding Poodle we produce highly trainable, affectionate and friendly Groodle puppies.
Today, the Groodle is a popular breed with a fabulous reputation. Due to ‘hybrid vigour’, the cross is likely to be genetically stronger than their purebred parents. Groodles have become a popular choice for many, with some trained as service dogs, companion animals and medical alert dogs. This beautiful breed suits individuals and families from all walks of life, and we think they are very special indeed.
Groodles are medium energy dogs and require a regular exercise in the form of a daily walk. Regular mental stimulation is also a must and can come in the form of games, puzzles, toys and socialising. Our ongoing support will provide all the ideas and plans for regular enrichment activities. We particularly love snuffle blankets, stuffed kongs and lick mats. We get really excited here about enrichment ideas, so please ask us for further discussions.
Great Southern Groodles focus specifically on health, temperament and ethical breeding practices.
Will a Great Southern Groodle be a good fit with my children?
Absolutely. We will provide an abundance of training resources to ensure all members of the family understand how to safely interact with their new family member. We show you exactly how to set up the environment so that everyone has a safe space. We also teach you about canine body language so you can read exactly how your puppy is feeling. This information helps your human children and your new fur child to thrive together.
Do Great Southern Groodles like the beach?
What does a Great Southern Groodle look like when full grown?
Do you organise social events or puppy meet ups?
Should I be concerned about Hip Dysplasia?
Hip Dysplasia is a condition that we have researched and considered very carefully. Hip Dysplasia is an orthopaedic disorder that affects the ball and socket joint of the hips. To our knowledge, no Great Southern Groodle has been diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia, however, we are unable to make any guarantees.
There is a genetic component to hip dysplasia. Our adult dogs are all hip and elbow tested. This means they have had x-rays completed while under general anaesthetic and the results have been sent away for interpretation by specialists. We only breed with dogs that score well below the breed average. Full testing results are available.
There is also an environmental risk. Activities such as “zoomies” on slippery floor and over exercising a puppy can contribute. It is important to keep your dog at a healthy weight, with a balanced diet. Many vets will agree that they would rather see a slim dog than an overweight one. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Body Score Chart is a useful tool.
We send our puppies home with 6 weeks complimentary insurance and strongly advise our new owners to continue to insure their puppy. This makes any unforeseen issues less stressful.
We reduce the risk of hip dysplasia by:
- Only breeding adult dogs with excellent hips and elbows.
- Providing education and support to new owners regarding the environmental risks.
- Encouraging new owners to purchase ongoing pet insurance.
How much is a Great Southern Groodle?
Our 2022 price is $5,500 including GST
We offer zero fee payment plans
Payment plans are very informal, you are able to transfer any amount at any time as long as final payment is completed before delivery.
Credit cards and bank transfers also accepted.
