Buyer Resources

Welcome Home

Congratulations on your Urban Hero Poodle. This guide covers everything you need to set your puppy up for success in the first weeks at home. Read it in full before your puppy arrives, and reach out anytime with questions.

Feeding

Food: Royal Canin Medium Breed Puppy

Age	Meals Per Day	Notes
8–12 weeks	4x per day	Per bag chart for current weight
3–4 months	3x per day	Per bag chart for current weight
5–12 months	2x per day	Per bag chart for current weight

• Measure every meal; do not free-feed
• Pick up uneaten food after 15 minutes
• Fresh water available at all times

Potty Training

• Take outside immediately after waking, after eating, after playing, and before bed
• At 8 weeks, puppies need to go every 1–2 hours
• Praise the moment they finish outside, not after they come back in
• Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner (Nature's Miracle or similar)
• Never punish for accidents; redirect and supervise

Crate Training

• Crate = den, not punishment. Introduce with treats and meals
• At 8 weeks: approximately 1 hour per month of age + 1 (2–2.5 hrs max overnight at first)
• Cover with a blanket to create a den feel
• Place the included scented blanket inside; it smells like mom and will help them settle

First Night Tips

• Keep the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks
• Expect some crying; this is normal. Don't take them out unless they need to potty
• A ticking clock wrapped in a towel near the crate can help mimic a heartbeat
• Tire them out with play before bed

Vaccines and Vet Care

Your puppy's first vet exam is required within 72 hours of going home per your health guarantee. Your puppy has received DHPP vaccine(s) and deworming before leaving; see the Vaccine Record tab for details.

Your puppy still needs:

• DHPP booster at 12 weeks
• DHPP booster at 16 weeks
• Rabies at 12–16 weeks (per your vet / state law)

Grooming

Poodles require professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, starting around 12–16 weeks. The earlier you start, the better they tolerate it for life.

• Brush 2–3x per week to prevent matting; start now even if the coat is short
• Get them used to having ears, paws, and mouth handled daily
• Trim nails every 2–3 weeks
• Check and clean ears weekly; poodles are prone to ear infections

See our full Grooming Guide for clip recommendations and maintenance schedules.

Training and Socialization

Your puppy has been raised with Puppy Culture and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS/ESI) protocols from birth. They are primed to learn; start immediately.

• Use the included clicker and treats for positive reinforcement
• Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class as soon as your vet clears them
• The socialization window closes around 16 weeks; expose them to people, sounds, surfaces, and environments now

When to Call Your Vet