Category: Blog

types chews for your puppy

types chews for your puppy

Posted on by Timberidge

As you prepare for your new bundle of fluff, you’ll notice that an almost overwhelming amount of chews exist. What are the different types of chews, which ones should you buy for your new puppy, and when do you give her the different ones?Remember, for the safety of your dog, you should always supervise chew sessions.

There are 3 broad categories of chews and there can be some overlap between the categories. Those 3 main groups are: long lasting (high value) chews, medium lasting (medium value) chews, and short lasting (high value) chews. I’ll discuss long lasting and high value chews first and then touch on medium lasting at the end.

1. long lasting, lower value chews

Like toddlers, puppies explore the world with their mouths. Plus, until about 6 months of age when those adult teeth finish coming in, puppies are experiencing teething, which means that their mouths hurt. Chewing comes with the territory. Rather than punishing your puppy for chewing, encourage her to chew on the right things. It’s good to have a variety of chews lying around so your puppy can get that necessary chewing out by chewing things you want her to chew… and instead of chewing on your favorite pair of shoes! 

There are two categories of long lasting chews: natural (aka animal product) chews and synthetic (aka nylon) chews. 

Examples of long lasting natural chews:

We get our split elk antlers from Ridgerunner Antlers. I like that their antlers are collected from the ground when the elk shed them naturally. We purchase water buffalo horns and hooves from a local feed store. All are available on Amazon as well. Natural chews have some nutritional benefit.

Examples of long lasting synthetic chews:

Both Benebone and Nylabone make long lasting dog chews out of nylon. Both companies make their products in the USA. Their bones are made in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. We find that our dogs usually prefer natural long lasting chew options, but will also gnaw on synthetic ones as they’re relaxing around the house in the evenings. Synthetic chews do not have nutritional benefit.

Some adult dogs love to curl up and relax with a good chew in the evenings. They appreciate having a few long lasting chews lying around, just as you might appreciate having the choice between a few good books before bed. Other adult dogs aren’t huge fans of chews. They’d prefer a good old fashion tennis ball over a chew any day. And that’s okay. We love that each dog is unique and has her own preferences.

2. high value, short lasting dog chews

It’s great to have some high value chews on hand for when your puppy is participating in daytime crate time. Think of these as puppy candy. Your dog will be super excited for a high value chew, will be completely obsessed with the chew until she finishes it, and will not be happy if you take it away from her prematurely. These high value chews won’t last long. She will power through them with determination. Don’t give your puppy a high value chew in a common area where someone (child or animal) might accidentally steal her treasured “lollipop.” Instead, use high value chews to create positive experiences for daytime crating.

Some examples of high value dog chews include: bully sticks, turkey tendons, pig ears, and so forth. Nature Gnaws makes a variety pack where you can try a number of different chews to learn what your best friend likes best and also learn which chews occupy her the longest. You may find that your dog devours certain high value chews in less than 2 minutes flat while others provide her with 20 minutes of chewing delight. None of them will last long, but all of them will be thoroughly enjoyed.

3. medium lasting, medium value dog chews

Some chew options aren’t quite as exciting as the high value options but are still well loved by dogs. Some dogs may finish them in one day while other dogs may chew the intermittently over the course of a week or so. Medium lasting chews a good option for giving to your puppy while you’re making dinner, participating in a video call for work, or providing your puppy with alone time in her play yard (again, always supervise your puppy when she has a chew). Medium lasting chews will keep her busy, but she won’t be quite as obsessed with them as the high value chews. Some examples of medium lasting chews include: yak chews (made from yak cheese) and beef trachea, 

Will my goldendoodle puppy change colors?

Will my goldendoodle puppy change colors?

Posted on by Timberidge

Many people fall in love with a puppy because of it’s appearance. Puppies are adorable looking. How could it not be love at first sight of that precious newborn puppy photo? As you enjoy the pictures and videos of your fluffy family member growing up, remember that appearances change. A lot. Little puppies look very little like how they will as adults. Grooming style impacts much of appearance, but haircut aside, your puppy’s color and hair texture will change. Sometimes change is somewhat subtle, as is the case with lighter colored puppies, and sometimes the color change is drastic. Please, oh please, don’t fall in love with a doodle puppy because of it’s coloring. Here are some pictures goldendoodle puppies next to the same dog at around a year old.

The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Goldendoodle at Home

The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Goldendoodle at Home

Posted on by Timberidge

By Ellie Yantsan

Professional grooming for Goldendoodles can cost $60-100+ per visit, and with grooming needed every 4-8 weeks, those expenses add up quickly. The good news? With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can groom your Goldendoodle at home and achieve professional-quality results!

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about home grooming: identifying your dog’s coat type, gathering essential tools, mastering step-by-step grooming techniques, and choosing the perfect style for your pup. While your first attempts won’t be perfect (even professional groomers needed practice), each session will improve your skills and strengthen the bond with your dog.

Understanding Your Goldendoodle's Coat Type

Before you start grooming, you need to understand what you’re working with. Goldendoodles are one of the most popular doodle cross breeds, and like other doodle mixes, they inherit a blend of traits from both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This genetic combination creates three distinct coat types, each with different grooming needs

Identify Your Goldendoodle's Coat Type: Curly, Wavy, or Straight

Your Goldendoodle’s coat falls into one of three main categories, and identifying which type your dog has determines how often you’ll need to groom and what tools work best.

  1. Curly coats resemble the Poodle parent most closely. These coats have tight ringlets, feel dense and springy to the touch, and show minimal to no shedding. The curls trap loose hair within the coat, creating the highest risk for matting if the coat is let grow out to a long length.
  2. Wavy coats strike a balance between both parent breeds. You’ll see loose waves or slight curls throughout the coat with moderate density. These coats can sometimes shed lightly, depending on the doodle’s genetics, and have a moderate matting risk. Wavy is the most common coat type among Goldendoodles. All F1 goldendoodles have wavy coats (one copy of the curl gene and one copy of the straight hair gene).
  3. Straight coats lean heavily toward the Golden Retriever side. The hair lies relatively flat with minimal curl, feels softer and less dense, and can sometimes sheds more noticeably than curly or wavy types, depending on a dog’s genetics. While it’s sometimes easier to maintain a straight coat, finer, softer straight coats can actually be more prone to matting and still require regular brushing to prevent tangles. Usually, only multi generational goldendoodles have truely straight coats because it takes a few generations to breed out the poodle curl while keeping the furnishing gene to prevent shedding.

How Coat Type Impacts Grooming Frequency & Tools Needed

Hair length, not coat type. is the biggest factor in determining how frequently a goldendoodle will need to be brushed. Long hair requires more maintenance. A short clip is essentially no maintenance (but be sure not to clip your dog so short that it can get sunburned).

Curly coats need the most attention if you like that long, shaggy look. Daily brushing prevents the tight curls from forming mats, and you’ll need both a slicker brush to work through the coat and a metal comb to check for hidden tangles near the skin. Those are the same tools poodle owners use for their dogs.

Wavy coats offer more flexibility for the shaggier coat style. Consistent brushing several times per week keeps the coat manageable, though you’ll still need to watch for mats behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar/ harness area.

Textured straight coats require the least intensive maintenance but shouldn’t be neglected. Regular brushing removes loose hair and distributes natural oils throughout the coat for a healthy shine. If your goldendoodle has a soft straight coat, be prepared for regular brushing to prevent matting. Those fine hairs feel amazing to pet but easily tangle.

Puppy Coat vs. Adult Coat: What Changes to Expect

If you have a Goldendoodle puppy, prepare for a significant coat transformation. Puppies start with soft, fluffy coats that feel almost cotton-like. Between 5-7 months of age, the adult coat emerges. In some Goldendoodles, usually those with a straight coat and only one copy of the furnishing gene, that puppy coat may actually shed out to make room for the adult coat.

During this transition period from puppy coat to adult coat, matting risk increases dramatically. The soft puppy fur tangles with incoming adult hair, creating stubborn mats that form seemingly overnight. Increase your brushing frequency during these months, sometimes brushing daily, remembering that this is a stage and your adult dog will not require so much coat maintence.

The adult coat that emerges will be denser, coarser, and more defined in its curl pattern. Some puppies with wavy coats develop curlier adult coats, while others stay relatively consistent. This time is also when you’ll get a more clearer picture of your dog’s grooming needs going forward.

Essential Tools & Products for Home Goldendoodle Grooming

Having the right equipment makes the difference between frustrating grooming sessions and successful ones. You don’t need to buy everything at once, but certain tools are non-negotiable for safe, effective grooming.

Must-Have Grooming Tools

  • Slicker brush is your primary weapon against tangles and mats. This rectangular brush with fine, bent wire bristles works through the dense Goldendoodle coat without causing breakage. Look for one with a comfortable grip since you’ll use it frequently.

  • Metal comb serves as your quality control tool. After brushing, run the comb through the coat to check for hidden mats near the skin. If the comb glides through smoothly, you’re done. If it catches, you need more brushing.

  • Dematting rake or comb helps safely remove stubborn mats without cutting them out. The serrated blades gently saw through tangles, though severe matting often requires professional help and may need to be cut out.

  • Dog clippers are essential for body trimming. Choose cordless clippers designed specifically for dogs with detachable blade systems. You’ll primarily use a #10 blade for sanitary areas and various guard combs (½”, ⅝”, ⅞”) for body length.

  • Grooming scissors with rounded tips prevent accidental pokes or cuts, especially important when trimming around the face and paws. A 6-8 inch pair works well for most tasks.

  • Nail clippers or grinder maintain proper nail length. Clippers offer quick results, while grinders file nails gradually with less risk of cutting the quick.

  • Dog-specific shampoo and conditioner protect your Goldendoodle’s skin pH balance. Human products can be too harsh and often cause irritation.

  • Ear cleaning solution and cotton pads prevent infections in those floppy Goldendoodle ears. Never use Q-tips inside the ear canal.

  • Dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste keep dental health in check. Never use human toothpaste, which contains ingredients toxic to dogs.

  • Absorbent towels, preferably microfiber, speed up the drying process after baths.

  • Treats & praise should be handed out liberally as your Goldendoodle patiently allows you to practice your grooming skills.

A basic starter kit costs $150-250, while professional-grade tools can run $400-600. You can start with budget-friendly options and upgrade as your skills improve.

Choosing Dog Shampoos & Conditioners: Natural vs. Medicated

Look for sulfate-free, pH-balanced formulas designed specifically for dogs. Dog skin has a different pH than human skin, so human products strip natural oils and cause dryness.

For regular maintenance, gentle, natural shampoos with ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil work well. These clean effectively without irritation.

Medicated shampoos address specific issues like hot spots, fungal infections, or excessive itching. Common active ingredients include chlorhexidine, ketoconazole, or benzoyl peroxide. Always consult your vet before using medicated products, as some skin conditions require diagnosis and specific treatment.

Conditioner isn’t optional for Goldendoodles. The thick coat benefits from moisture and detangling properties that make brushing easier and reduce static.

Budget-Friendly Tool Starter Kits vs. Professional-Grade

Start with mid-range tools rather than the cheapest options. A quality slicker brush costs $15-30 but lasts years and works more effectively than a $5 version that may damage the coat or break after a few uses.

Clippers represent your biggest investment. Budget clippers ($50-80) work for occasional touch-ups but may overheat, pull hair, or lack power for thick coats. Professional-grade clippers ($150-300) offer better motors, sharper blades, and longer runtime between charges.

As your confidence grows, upgrade tools where you notice limitations. Many groomers start with basic scissors and upgrade to professional shears once they’ve mastered basic techniques.

Step-by-Step Home Goldendoodle Grooming Process

Now that you understand coat types and have your tools ready, let’s walk through the complete grooming process. Following these steps in order ensures the best results and prevents common mistakes.

Step 1: Pre-Groom Preparation: Brushing & Dematting

Never skip pre-bath brushing. Water causes mats to tighten and shrink, making them nearly impossible to remove once wet. A matted dog that gets bathed becomes a nightmare to groom.

Use the line brushing technique: part the coat in sections, then brush from the skin outward in small areas. Work systematically across the entire body, paying special attention to high-mat areas like behind the ears, under the armpits, belly, and rear legs.

When you encounter a mat, hold the hair close to the skin to prevent pulling, then gently work through it with your fingers or dematting tool. Small mats can be brushed out; large, tight mats may need cutting out. If your dog is heavily matted throughout, professional grooming is the safer option. You don’t want to accidentally cut your dog trying to cut out a mat.

This pre-brushing can take 30-90 minutes depending on coat condition and type. Curly coats take longest, while straight coats move faster.

Step 2: Bath Time: How to Properly Wash Your Goldendoodle

Fill your tub or use a walk-in shower with lukewarm water. Test the temperature on your wrist, just as you would for a baby. Too hot causes discomfort; too cold makes dogs uncomfortable and anxious.

Wet your Goldendoodle thoroughly, starting at the neck and working backward. Keep water out of the ears by holding them closed or using cotton balls as temporary plugs.

Apply shampoo starting at the neck to create a barrier that prevents fleas from escaping to the head. Work the shampoo through the entire coat, massaging it down to the skin. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to allow cleaning agents to work.

Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo causes itching and dullness. Keep rinsing until water runs completely clear.

Apply conditioner the same way, focusing on the coat length rather than the skin. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse completely.

After the bath, clean your Goldendoodle’s ears with ear cleaning solution and cotton pads. Wipe gently around the visible ear canal opening, never inserting anything deep into the ear.

Step 3: Drying: Towel & Hair Dryer Technique

Squeeze excess water from the coat, then wrap your dog in absorbent towels. Pat and press rather than rubbing vigorously, which creates tangles.

Once towel-dried, brush through the damp coat to prevent mats from forming as it dries. This is crucial because the coat can mat if it air-dries unbrushed.

Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting. High heat can burn skin or damage coat texture. Keep the dryer moving and maintain several inches of distance from the skin.

Brush continuously while drying, working in small sections. The coat should be completely dry before you start trimming; cutting damp hair produces uneven results since wet hair appears longer and lies flatter.

Expect drying to take 45-90 minutes for a full-sized Goldendoodle.

Step 4: Trimming the Face, Paws & Sanitary Areas

These detail areas require the most care and patience. Take your time and use rounded-tip scissors to prevent accidental injuries.

Face Trimming

Start by clearing the vision area. Goldendoodles often have hair that grows into their eyes, causing irritation. Hold the hair between your fingers and trim conservatively, removing just enough to open up the eye area. Better to remove too little than too much; you can always trim more.

Shape the muzzle by trimming the hair around the mouth to prevent food and water from getting trapped. Many owners prefer a rounded, teddy bear appearance here. Comb the hair outward and trim to create a soft, even finish.

Round the top of the head and blend it with the ears. This creates that classic Goldendoodle look without harsh lines.

Muzzle & Chin

Trim carefully around the mouth opening, keeping enough length to maintain the breed’s characteristic fluffy appearance. Use scissors to blend the chin into the neck area, creating a natural flow rather than obvious cut lines. Keep in mind that water gathers on the chin when your dog quenches her thirst, so a longer beard may drip water after drinks.

Pads & Between Toes

Clip each paw to expose the pads. Hair grows between the pads and needs regular trimming to prevent dirt accumulation and improve traction. Use scissors or clippers to carefully remove hair flush with the pad surface.

Trim around the paw to create a rounded, compact look. Many groomers aim for a teddy bear paw appearance by scissoring the foot into a circular shape when viewed from above.

Clean paws (which is a shaved foot, as often seen on poodles) prevent your Goldendoodle from slipping on hard floors and reduce tracked-in dirt.

Sanitary Trim (Private Areas)

This area requires extra caution. Always use clippers, never scissors, around the genitals and anus. Scissors pose too high a risk of injury in these sensitive areas.

Use a #10 blade and work slowly. Pull the skin taut to create a smooth surface for the clippers. Trim the hair very short around the anus and genital area to prevent waste from sticking to the coat.

Many dogs feel uncomfortable during this step. Work calmly and reward good behavior with treats and praise. If your dog becomes too stressed or won’t stay still, consider having a professional handle this area.

Step 5: Full Body Clipper & Scissor Trim

Start at the hindquarters and work forward toward the chest, then move to the legs. This progression helps you establish a consistent length pattern.

Attach your chosen guard comb to the clippers. Common lengths are ½” for a shorter puppy cut, ⅝” for moderate length, or ⅞” for a fluffier appearance.

Move the clippers with the grain of the hair growth, applying even pressure. Work in overlapping passes to avoid leaving lines or uneven patches. The clippers should glide smoothly; if they pull or catch, the blade may be dull or you’re going against the hair direction.

Blend different areas together rather than creating harsh lines. The transition from body to legs should look natural, not choppy.

Use scissors to finish the legs, tail, and any areas where you want more control over the shape. Comb the hair out, then trim to create the desired silhouette.

Expect this full-body work to take 1-2 hours as you develop your skills. Professionals work faster, but speed comes with experience.

Step 6: Nail Trimming: Avoiding the Quick

How to groom a Goldendoodle includes proper nail care every 3-4 weeks. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect how your dog walks.

Locate the quick, the blood vessel inside each nail. In clear or white nails, you can see it as a pink area. In black nails, you’ll need to trim conservatively in small increments.

Hold the paw firmly but gently. Cut at a slight angle, removing just the curved tip. If you see a small dark circle in the center of the cut surface, stop – you’re approaching the quick.

If you accidentally cut the quick and it bleeds, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. Most dogs forgive this mistake quickly, though they may be more nervous during the next trimming session.

Nail grinders offer an alternative that files nails gradually. They’re slower but reduce the risk of cutting too short. The buzzing sound and vibration bother some dogs, so introduce grinders gradually with positive reinforcement.

Step 7: Ear Cleaning & Maintenance

Goldendoodles’ floppy ears create a warm, moist environment perfect for bacterial and yeast growth. Weekly ear checks prevent infections.

Squeeze ear cleaning solution into the ear canal, then massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds. This loosens debris and wax. Let your dog shake their head – this brings the loosened material to the surface.

Wipe the visible parts of the ear with cotton pads or gauze. Never insert Q-tips into the ear canal, as this can damage the eardrum or pack debris deeper.

Healthy ears look pink and clean with minimal odor. Red, swollen ears with dark discharge or a yeasty smell signal infection. See your vet if you notice these signs.

Some Goldendoodles need ear hair plucking to improve air circulation. Ask your vet whether this applies to your dog, as not all need it.

Step 8: Teeth Brushing

Dental care often gets overlooked in grooming routines, but it’s crucial for long-term health. Aim to brush your Goldendoodle’s teeth 3-4 times weekly, though daily is ideal.

Use dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste, which doesn’t require rinsing and comes in flavors dogs tolerate. Never use human toothpaste – it contains xylitol and fluoride, both toxic to dogs. Plus, canine toothpaste is flavored to taste like something irresistible such as chicken, so your Goldendoodle will look forward to teeth brushing time. 

Lift your dog’s lip and brush in small circular motions, focusing on the gum line where plaque accumulates. Pay special attention to the back molars, where tartar builds up fastest.

If your dog resists brushing, start by letting them lick toothpaste off your finger, then gradually introduce the brush over several days. You may find that your dog prefers the type of tooth brush that fits over your finger rather than a style that resembles a human toothbrush.

Watch for signs of dental problems: bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or difficulty eating. These require professional veterinary dental cleaning.

Step 9: Final Grooming Touches

Once you’ve completed all the major steps, do a final inspection. Run your hands over your dog’s entire body to check for missed spots or uneven areas.

Brush through the coat one more time to fluff it and distribute natural oils. Some groomers use a finishing spray for extra shine and a pleasant scent, though this is optional.

Stand back and look at your Goldendoodle from different angles. Check that the face looks balanced, the body length appears even, and the legs are symmetrical.

Take before-and-after photos to track your improvement over time. You’ll be amazed at how much your skills develop with each grooming session.

Understanding Popular Goldendoodle Grooming Styles

Choosing how to cut a Goldendoodle’s hair depends on your lifestyle, climate, and maintenance preferences. Here are the most popular styles and what makes each one work.

Teddy Bear Cut

The teddy bear cut maintains a fluffy, rounded appearance with hair trimmed to about ¾” all over the body. The face is scissored into a round shape, and the legs stay fuller to preserve that stuffed animal look.

This style requires commitment. The longer coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting, and you’ll need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape.

The teddy bear clip is best for owners who love the classic fluffy Goldendoodle appearance and don’t mind the higher maintenance demands.

Puppy Cut

A puppy cut features uniform length across the entire body, typically ½” to 1″. The face receives similar treatment, creating a clean, practical appearance that’s easy to maintain.

This versatile style works year-round and significantly reduces brushing requirements. You can extend time between grooming appointments to 8-10 weeks.

Perfect for busy owners, active dogs, or warm climates where a shorter coat keeps dogs more comfortable.

Kennel Cut

The kennel cut goes even shorter, usually under ½” across the body. This minimalist approach prioritizes function over fluff, making it the easiest style to maintain at home.

With minimal coat length, matting becomes virtually impossible, and bathing/drying takes much less time. However, this cut sacrifices the characteristic Goldendoodle aesthetic.

The kennel clip is ideal for hot climates, dogs who swim frequently, or owners who want the absolute minimum maintenance requirements.

Lamb Cut

The lamb cut combines the best of both worlds: a shorter body (around ½”) with fuller, fluffy legs and paws. The face maintains a rounded, teddy bear appearance.

This style reduces matting risk on the torso while preserving the breed’s stylish leg “boots.” However, those fluffy legs still need regular brushing to prevent tangles.

The lamb cut is great for owners seeking a balance between practical maintenance and distinctive doodle style.

Poodle Cut (Show Style)

The traditional Poodle cut features a short body with sculpted areas of longer hair: a topknot on the head, pom-pom tail, and fuller leg sections with shaped puffs.

This elegant style requires advanced grooming skills and takes considerable time to execute properly. Most owners choose professional grooming for this cut.

Best suited for show dogs, experienced home groomers, or those who prefer a more formal, breed-specific appearance.

Health Essentials Often Overlooked in Home Grooming

Grooming goes beyond aesthetics. Regular sessions let you monitor your dog’s overall health and catch potential problems early.

Anal Gland Expression: When & Why

Anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of your dog’s anus. They normally express naturally during bowel movements, releasing a pungent, fishy-smelling fluid.

Some dogs have trouble expressing these glands naturally, leading to discomfort and potential infection. Warning signs include scooting across the floor, excessive licking of the rear area, a fishy odor, or visible swelling near the anus.

While some owners learn to express anal glands at home, most groomers and veterinarians recommend professional handling. The technique requires specific pressure and positioning, and improper expression can cause injury.

Diet affects anal gland health. Fiber helps create firmer stools that naturally express the glands during elimination. If your dog has chronic issues, discuss dietary changes with your vet.

Matting Prevention & Maintenance

Matting is the biggest grooming challenge for Goldendoodle owners. Mats form when loose hair tangles with attached hair, creating tight knots that pull on the skin. Mats can also form around burs or other items that become caught in your dog’s hair during romps outdoors. Additionally, swimming in chlorinated water can cause matting.

Prevention beats treatment. Consistent brushing removes loose hair before it tangles. Focus on high-friction areas: behind the ears, under the collar/harness, armpits, belly, and rear legs.

If you discover mats, address them immediately. Small mats can be worked out with your fingers and a dematting tool. Hold the hair close to the skin while working to prevent painful pulling.

Never bathe a matted dog. Water causes mats to shrink and tighten, making removal nearly impossible. If your dog has significant matting, either work through it completely before bathing or seek professional help.

For severe matting, shaving down may be the only humane option. This isn’t a failure – it’s a fresh start. Once the matted coat is removed, implement a consistent brushing routine to prevent recurrence.

Grooming Goldendoodles at Different Life Stages

Your approach to grooming should adapt as your Goldendoodle ages, with different priorities and techniques at each life stage.

Puppy Grooming (8 weeks to 12 months)

Start grooming early to create positive associations. Even before your puppy needs a full haircut, introduce them to the tools, sounds, and handling involved in grooming.

Keep initial sessions short – just 5-10 minutes. Focus on gentle brushing, touching paws and ears, and letting them hear clippers running nearby (not on them yet). Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.

Schedule your puppy’s first professional grooming around 17 weeks, after they’ve completed initial vaccinations. Many groomers offer “puppy introduction” sessions focused on positive experience rather than full grooming.

Expect your puppy’s soft, fluffy coat to change significantly around 5-8 months. Increase brushing frequency during this transition to prevent matting as the adult coat grows in.

Use this time to establish grooming as a normal, positive part of your dog’s routine. Puppies who learn to tolerate grooming young become much easier to work with as adults.

Adult Goldendoodle Grooming (1-7 years)

Once your dog’s adult coat is established, settle into a consistent maintenance schedule based on their specific coat type and your chosen hair style.

Active lifestyles require adjustments. Dogs who swim, hike, or play in dirt need more frequent bathing and brushing than house pets. After outdoor activities, brush out debris and check for burrs or mats.

Most adult Goldendoodles benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, with owners handling brushing and minor maintenance in between. Some owners do all grooming at home once they’ve developed confidence and skills.

Watch for changes in coat condition that might signal health issues. Excessive shedding, dullness, or dry skin can indicate nutritional deficiencies, allergies, or thyroid problems.

Senior Goldendoodle Grooming (7+ years)

Senior dogs need gentler handling and shorter grooming sessions. Their joints may ache from standing too long, and they tire more easily.

Consider switching to a shorter, more practical cut that requires less maintenance time. The teddy bear cut might have been manageable at age 3 but could be uncomfortable for your 10-year-old dog.

Use softer brushes and brush more gently. Senior skin becomes thinner and more sensitive.

Pay attention to lumps, bumps, or skin changes during grooming. Early detection of growths or masses improves treatment outcomes.

Watch for signs that grooming has become stressful: panting, whining, or trying to escape. If your senior dog struggles with home grooming, professional groomers often have experience accommodating older dogs’ needs.

Expert Tips for Professional-Quality Results

These tips come from professional groomers and experienced Goldendoodle owners who’ve mastered home grooming.

Work slowly and methodically, especially when you’re learning. Rushing causes mistakes like uneven cuts, nicked skin, or missed mats. A thorough grooming takes time – 3-4 hours isn’t unusual for beginners.

Use proper lighting so you can see what you’re doing. Natural daylight or bright LED lights help you spot uneven areas and achieve symmetrical results.

Keep your dog calm through positive reinforcement. Have treats handy and reward good behavior throughout the session. If your dog becomes stressed, take a break.

Practice on less visible areas first. Start trimming the body or legs before attempting the face. As your confidence grows, tackle more challenging areas.

Take before-and-after photos to track your progress. You’ll be amazed at your improvement over several grooming sessions.

Watch tutorial videos for specific techniques. Visual demonstrations help you understand scissoring angles, clipper direction, and handling methods.

Join online Goldendoodle grooming communities where experienced owners share tips and answer questions. These groups offer invaluable support and troubleshooting help.

Consider taking professional grooming classes or workshops. Many grooming schools offer weekend courses for pet owners wanting to learn basic techniques.

Don’t get discouraged by early attempts. Even professional groomers spent months learning their craft. Each grooming session builds your skills and confidence.

When to Seek Professional Grooming

Home grooming saves money and strengthens your bond with your dog, but professional grooming remains valuable in certain situations.

Heavily matted coats require professional intervention. Attempting to remove severe mats at home risks cutting your dog’s skin or causing pain. Professional groomers have experience safely removing mats or shaving down when necessary.

Many owners prefer professional grooming for their dog’s first full-body haircut. This establishes a baseline you can maintain at home, and you’ll learn what the finished product should look like.

If your Goldendoodle shows anxiety or behavioral issues during grooming – growling, snapping, or extreme fear – professional groomers have techniques to handle difficult dogs safely.

Lack of proper equipment or space makes home grooming impractical for some owners. Not everyone has a suitable bathing area or room to work.

Time constraints are valid reasons to use professionals. If you’re too busy to commit 3-4 hours every 6-8 weeks, professional grooming makes sense.

Safety concerns justify professional help. If you’re uncertain about using clippers near your dog’s face or ears, don’t risk it. Professionals handle these sensitive areas daily.

Complex styles like the traditional Poodle cut require advanced skills that take years to develop. Unless you’re committed to serious practice, leave these cuts to the professionals.

Professional grooming isn’t admitting defeat – it’s recognizing when expert help serves your dog’s best interests. Many owners do maintenance grooming at home (brushing, nail trims, sanitary trims) while relying on professionals for full haircuts.

Conclusion

Grooming your Goldendoodle at home saves hundreds of dollars yearly while giving you valuable bonding time with your dog. The process requires patience, practice, and the right tools, but it’s absolutely achievable for dedicated owners.

Start with basic maintenance – brushing, nail trims, ear cleaning – before progressing to full haircuts. Your first attempts won’t look professional, and that’s completely normal. Professional groomers spent years perfecting their skills; you’ll see noticeable improvement after just a few sessions.

Remember that home grooming complements rather than replaces professional services. Many owners do routine maintenance at home while using professionals for quarterly full grooms or when they need rescue from matting situations.

The key to success is consistency. Regular brushing prevents the matting that makes grooming difficult. Frequent practice improves your technique and builds your dog’s tolerance for the process.

By Ellie Yantsan

Puppy Crate Time Tips

Puppy Crate Time Tips

Posted on by Timberidge

Here at Timberidge Goldendoodles, we put forth a lot of time, effort & energy to help prepare each of our sweet puppies for their new families. One aspect of that preparation is early crate introduction. We introduce the crate when the puppies are around three weeks of age and at seven weeks, puppies transition to sleeping independently in crates overnight. Even with this early, positive crate introduction, occasionally a puppy may struggle with crate time initially once he joins his new family. Here are a couple tricks & tips you can try to help make crate time a success for your puppy:

  1. Snuggle puppies are a great sleeping buddy. Bring a snuggle puppy for your new furry family member at meet & greet day or ship one to our house. We’ll begin working with your puppy on sleeping with his stuffed buddy so he’ll have a familiar sleeping companion to bring home when he joins your family.
  2. Beds are great and many puppies love having a soft, comfy place to sleep BUT make sure that the bed doesn’t take up the entire crate. There should be room for your puppy to choose to sleep off of the bed in case he becomes hot. Sometimes a blanket or soft towel may work better than a bed because your puppy can position it how he likes and to achieve the amount of warmth or cooling that he finds comfortable.
  3. Set your puppy up for success by feeding him dinner several hours before bedtime. You want to make sure your puppy has plenty of time for dinner to go in and out before bedtime. We do not restrict the puppies’ access to water here before bedtime, but you may find it helpful to pick your pup’s water up an hour before bedtime.
  4. Puppies naturally prefer cozy covered places. If your puppy seems to have trouble settling in his crate, try moving the crate to a more secluded area and/or try covering it to give it more of that den-like feel. You can purchase a specially designed crate cover, but a blanket or towel will also work well. Be sure to keep some of the crate uncovered to allow for airflow. 
  5. Puppies play hard and sleep hard. structure your evening so your puppy has plenty of time to play hard before bedtime. A tired puppy is happy to go to sleep in his crate whereas an energetic puppy is likely protest.
  6. Set the bedtime mood. After the puppies have gone outside for one last potty and had a few minutes to run those last wiggles off, we put everyone in their crates and turn off the lights to cue bedtime. Similarly, at home you’ll want to turn off the lights and make sure the environment is fairly quiet to cue your puppy for bedtime. If the lights are on and there is a lot of activity happening, your puppy is going to want to join in on the fun.

My puppy cries when I put him in his crate. How long should I let him cry?

More often than not, puppies do amazingly with crate training in their new homes. Occasionally, a puppy may struggle a little, though. Even though your puppy is used to sleeping in a crate in our home, everything he knows has suddenly changed when he joins your family, and it’s normal for a puppy to cry a bit those first few nights. Remember, your puppy is used to being in a crate, so any crying he does are merely cries of protest and not cries of freaking out. It’s okay for him to cry. Your puppy should settle within about 10 or 15 minutes, although occasionally a puppy may take 30 minutes to go to sleep that first night. Try the suggestions listed above, and let me know if your puppy is still struggling. 

Should I wake my puppy up overnight to go to the bathroom?

We have worked hard with your puppy to get him used to sleeping for about 7 hours in a crate overnight. You do not need to wake your puppy up to go to the bathroom overnight. Many of our puppies sleep through the night from day one of joining their new families. When puppies go home, they can be a little nervous (which is normal) and being nervous can make a puppy need to potty. If your puppy wakes up overnight those first few nights, try reaching your hand down so he can sniff you and know he’s not alone. If he doesn’t settle with this reassurance, take him outside to potty. As soon as he finishes, put him back in his crate. Remember, it’s sleeping time and not playtime. You do not want your puppy to train you to wake up every morning at 3am for playtime! If your puppy isn’t sleeping through the night within the first 7-10 days, please let me know.

What about daytime crating?

Our early crate introduction with your puppy has primarily focused on night time crate confinement. While the puppies have access to crates during the day, they are generally free to come and go as they choose. Often, puppies voluntarily choose to nap on the bed in the crates. We do minimal daytime crate confinement, which means that being locked in a crate during daytime hours at your home will be somewhat new for your puppy. You can help encourage successful daytime crate time by:

  1. Make sure your puppy is tired before starting crate time. Your puppy just slept for 7 hours in his crate overnight, it’s not fair to expect him to immediately go back in his crate. Wake up early enough to allow time for your puppy to potty outside, play, eat breakfast, potty outside again, play some more, and then get tired enough for a nap before expecting him to relax in his crate.
  2. Yummy chews make crate time more fun. When you are home and able to supervise your puppy’s crate time, give him an exciting, yummy chew that he only gets the pleasure of enjoying when he’s in his crate. Bully sticks and pigs ears are great options.
  3. Take your puppy out to potty before crate time. A puppy who needs to pee will have trouble settling in his crate even if he’s tired.
  4. Put your puppy’s crate somewhere quiet. Your puppy is going to have trouble settling in his crate if there is a lot of exciting activity happening right in front of him and he feels like he’s missing out.
Moki's 2026 Mini English Goldendoodle Puppies

Moki’s 2026 Mini English Goldendoodle Puppies

Posted on by Timberidge

happy birthday

Your puppy’s birthday is Monday, January 5th

Moki & Boaz are the proud parents of six squishy new babies: four boys and two girls. These little ones are absolutely precious. When first born, puppies depend completely on their mama, so we’re blessed that Moki does such a great job caring for them. Moki nurses them almost constantly and snuggles with them. How sweet are these faces? Most puppies are born with pink noses that gradually turn black over the first few days, but Moki has gorgeous dark points and her puppies are generally born with darker noses.

At first puppies can’t yet walk. Their eyes and ears are closed. They can’t go to the bathroom on their own. And they can’t maintain their own body temperature. Fortunately, God gave puppies a natural instinct to pile together for warmth, so they snuggle together in a giant puppy heap. And they also love cuddling around Moki as she snoozes contentedly, surrounded by her new family. Moki seems to love being surrounded by her tiny ones. She only leaves her new crew a few times a day for a quick bathroom trip.

EGs have revealed that the brain activity of infant puppies is the same when asleep and awake. But these little pups are busy eating, growing, and developing. It’s amazing how quickly Maple’s pups grow! Moki’s puppies twitch and pop in their sleep, as all healthy newborn puppies should. This activated sleep helps them build muscle tone. They also climb all over each other as they search for the perfect eating nook, and that sibling trek also helps the puppies develop their muscles. They will be strong enough to walk in just a few weeks.

weekly puppy tip #1: nap time is essential

Think about a napping place – The puppies spend most of their lives sleeping now, but did you know that your new furbaby is going to need lots of sleep when you bring her home, too? Puppies, just like small children, require naps throughout the day. When your puppy is sleeping, try to allow her to rest untouched (it’s okay for noisy life to carry on around her while she snoozes, but it’s best not to physically disturb her as much as possible). This may mean that you need to guide her to a different spot than the one she’s initially chosen. Puppy Culture estimates that an 8-10 week old puppy sleeps 3 hours and then is awake for 1 hour before going back down for another nap. Puppies are like little children – sometimes they don’t realize that you’re tired and need you to put them down for a nap. Puppies can get over stimulated and become overly tired just like toddlers. It’s your job to help regulate them. AKC gives some helpful insight into the importance of puppy sleep (You can read the whole of the article here.):

Although puppies may seem like little bundles of energy, in fact, they sleep 15-20 hours a day. One minute your puppy may be a miniature tornado, and the next he’s fallen soundly asleep, almost mid-activity. Sleep is essential to healthy growth: during sleep his central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles are developing. All of that sleep also helps him rest up during growth spurts… household members, especially children, should leave your puppy alone while he is sleeping. Plan his day so that active time is followed by quiet time for sleep. He’ll most likely be ready for a nap after playtime or a walk, sleep for a while and then wake up ready for anything. Your puppy may nap every hour or so, sleeping from 30 minutes to as long as two hours. All of this sleep is perfectly normal.

Jane Reisen from the American Kennel Club (AKC) Tweet

one week new

It’s hard to believe that these seven chunky munchkins are already one week old! They have grown so much! These puppies may still seem incredibly small, but they’ve really packed on the pounds! These sweet little pumpkins continue to dedicate their entire lives to eating and sleeping – and it shows! They are becoming fat little sausages with adorable wrinkles and rolls. They’ve officially reached (and passed) the one pound mark.

Although Moki’s puppies had dark noses initially, can you see how the skin around their noses has changed from the bright pink it was last week?

Even though the puppies spend most of their lives sleeping, they actually are doing baby workouts as they snooze the day away. These little pups twitch and pop involuntarily during their sleep, developing muscle tone for the near future. This phenomenon is known as “activated sleep.” In a few short weeks, these rolly polly puppies will be bouncing around playfully. Their legs, while still wobbly, have already gotten stronger and the puppies wobble around on them some instead of just army crawling as they did initially.

weekly puppy tip #2: make a puppy experience plan

Make a puppy experience plan – Compile a list of places you want to take your puppy and experiences you want your puppy to encounter. Any day now, these little eyes will be ready to soak up the sites, and we’ll now start introducing the puppies to items that differ in appearance. We have a thought out socialization plan, working hard to expose your puppy to as much as possible during her time with us. When you take your puppy home, that responsibility then shifts to you as you continue the socialization process. Exposing your puppy to new people, situations, sounds, smells, textures, etc. is extremely important. Give your new puppy a few days to adjust to her new home and new routine. Then begin giving her short, positive experiences (yummy treats make everything more positive!). Don’t try to do too much in one day, as you don’t want to overwhelm or stress her. Go ahead: start making a list of ideas for how to want to socialize your new puppy. 

Your goal is for your puppy to meet a minimum of 100 different people by the time she’s six months old. Dr. Ian Dunbar, a puppy socialization expert, raises the bar even higher by recommending that puppies meet 100+ people during the first month at home. If you hope to visit a local nursing home or hospital when your puppy gets older, secure some crutches, walkers or wheelchairs to expose your puppy to at home. Meeting people is just one component of socialization. Think about outdoor experiences that you and your puppy can safely enjoy together. Consider what predictable dogs you can introduce your puppy to (dogs who are stable, friendly, healthy, and will model good behavior for your pup). Keep in mind that adult dogs aren’t always fond of puppies so be sure to monitor them together. Do you know anyone with a woods or creek where you can take your puppy for a short romp? Remember, you want every experience to be POSITIVE (i.e. bring yummy treats and hand out the praise). Making a plan now, before you bring your puppy home, will help ensure that you follow through with a variety of positive exposures once you have your new little fluff ball at your side. 

Check out AviDog’s free e-book for more ideas about what to add to your puppy experience plan. Baxter & Bella also has some great ideas for socializing your puppy.

two weeks new

Isn’t it amazing how much puppies grow in just one week? They’re already looking so much more like little dogs. Look at those cute curls coming in on Popcorn (red collar)! Already, at only two weeks old, it’s easy to see which puppies will be curlier. 

You’ll probably notice how nicely they’re chunking up! But do you also see those tiny little eyes staring back at you?! The puppies started opening their eyes on Friday. Eye opening is a process that doesn’t happen all in one day. Right now, we keep the puppy room dim as their eyes adjust to seeing the world around them. 

Moki is a great mama. The ever increasing rolls on these babies are strong evidence that she is doing an excellent job nursing her crew! At this point, the sleepy little dumplings still snooze away most of their days and fill any awake time with stuffing their little bellies. We enjoy snuggling them every day, and the puppies have fun snuggling down for a nap on our laps. 

Our kids thoroughly enjoy giving puppies their temporary names, and we’re excited to share their choices for these special pups with you: Copper (green boy), Panda purple girl), Marshmallow (blue boy), Popcorn (red boy), Bella (pink girl), and Butter (orange boy). The puppies have grown enough (they’ve reached 2lbs now!) that they’ve transitioned into wearing their special break-free collars that they’ll wear during the rest of their time in our home.

weekly puppy tip #3: age appropriate exercise

Glance over Puppy Culture’s exercise chart. Familiarize yourself with what sorts of activities are appropriate for your puppy at different stages of development. You want to give your puppy a variety of unique positive experiences, but your puppy is still growing & developing, so you don’t want to push your puppy too far. For instance, climbing up one to two stairs is an appropriate challenge but climbing a flight of stairs is not a good idea for a young puppy (a study done on 500 dogs showed that puppies allowed to climb a flight of stairs regularly before 3 months old were more likely to develop hip dysplasia). Remember, free running and playing is a great option because your puppy can rest whenever she feels inclined to do so. If you’d like to read more about puppy exercise, check out AviDog’s puppy exercise guidelines. This article from AKC also gives some helpful puppy exercise tips.

three weeks new

3 week old goldendoodle puppies

It’s a few days early for the three week update, but I couldn’t wait to share these little sausages with you! Aren’t the puppies really looking like miniature dogs now? Particularly little Butter looks like a miniature dog the way he is sitting up so straight and tall! These pumpkins are so stinking precious. The puppies sit awkwardly and attempt to walk around now, albeit a bit clumsily. Aren’t they so cute?!

Look at those open eyes! When puppy eyes first open, they’re blue and cloudy but as the eyes change from their cloudy blue appearance, they open more and the puppy’s vision becomes crisper. The pups still spend the majority of their time snoozing… or eating! Pretty much any waking time is spent slurping down Mama Moki’s delicious, nutritious milk. These chunky monkeys continue to grow like crazy. Can you see the curls already beginning to form on Popcorn’s (red collar) ears and forehead? Not only have the puppies grow bigger in size, their coats have also grown longer, which makes the curls more evident. Granted, their hair is still short and isn’t fluffy yet, but these little munchkins have been busy growing in every way possible!

I shared a few short videoclips on my Instagram story today, so hopefully you enjoyed watching them. I’ll continue to share more and more video clips that way as the puppies get older.

weekly puppy tip #4: be the leader your puppy wants you to be

It’s essential that you establish yourself as the pack leader. Your puppy doesn’t want to be in charge – that’s a scary place to be! Your puppy wants to look to you as the leader, but you have to show yourself as worth of the role by being the leader (this also helps set your kids apart as ranking higher in the pack than your new pup). Some easy ways to establish your leadership could include:

  • Sit down with your puppy each night before bed and briefly touch your puppy EVERYWHERE. Kneel on the floor with your puppy sitting between your legs. Start by petting your puppy’s head and tell him “head, head.” Then check his mouth, telling him “teeth, teeth,” and look inside his ears telling him “ear, ears.” Briefly go over your puppy from nose to tail in this fashion. This helps establish that you’re allowed to touch your puppy anywhere and everywhere. (see the video below)
  • Set boundaries so there is at least one place in your home that your dog isn’t allowed to go in your home (i.e. not allowed to jump on your bed, not allowed to sit on a particular couch or not allowed into a certain room). 
  • Teach you puppy to sit and wait for you to walk out the front door before her and give her the “okay” before she is permitted to walk through it. If you’ve been consistent, your puppy will offer a sit and wait for a release word (i.e. “okay”) before coming inside by 3 months old. When she’s old enough to start walking freely up and down stairs, teach her to wait for you to finish climbing/descending the stairs before she comes. 
  • Encourage your puppy sit and wait for you to give her the “okay” before she is allowed to approach her food bowl. Periodically pick up your puppy’s food bowl while she’s eating, reward her with a yummy treat, and return the food bowl. (we’ll talk about the Toy Trade Game and other educational games you can play with your puppy next week).
  • Teach your puppy to do a long down during meal times. Buy a soft rug or bed and teach your puppy to go lay on it on command. We have our own adult dogs lay on a rug in a down stay during dinner. Maple was doing a down stay along side them at 6 months old for the entire length of our meal – which means your puppy can do it at a young age, too!

four weeks new

I can’t believe how quickly these babies are growing up! The kids LOVE the puppies , and the puppies LOVE the kids. Often you’ll find someone holding a puppy on their lap while reading a book or doing math. The puppies have loved exploring the main part of our downstairs. We continue to give the munchkins new toys to spark their curiosity. And we continue to snuggle them. The pups have started playing with each other, and they thoroughly enjoy wrestling each other. The puppies have also found their voices and enjoy making all kinds of adorable sounds. Sometimes it seems like they surprise themselves with the noises that emerge from their own mouths! The puppies have also started enjoying goat milk (shout out to our friends at Land of Goshen for providing us with amazing goat milk for these precious babies!), and they think it’s delicious! They’ll transition to eating a goat milk/kibble mush here in a few days. The puppies still enjoy Mama Moki’s nutritious milk, too. If you have not received an email from TLC about ordering puppy food, please let me know.

four week old goldendoodle puppies in Ohio

weekly puppy tip #5: Get ready to play educational games with your puppy!

Did you know that there are fun games you can play with your puppy that teach him beneficial skills? It’s great to incorporate regular educational games into your puppy’s routine, so read through these suggestions, add any needed supplies to your puppy shopping list, and get ready for puppy playtime!

  • Ball On The Wall – Encourages retrieving
    • Supplies: A ball that your puppy can carry in her mouth
    • How to play: Sit on the floor about 1-5’ from a wall. Put your legs in a “V” and sit facing the wall with your puppy between you and the wall. Toss the ball at the wall, encouraging your puppy to go after it. Give your puppy lots of praise when she brings the ball back! 
    • Variation: Once you’ve mastered Ball On The Wall, try playing retrieve in a hallway with all the doors closed (so your puppy can’t run away with the ball).
  • Toy Trade – Prevents resource guarding
    • Supplies: A toy that your puppy likes but doesn’t highly value and a high value treat
    • How to play: Briefly play with your puppy using the toy. Ask your puppy for the toy by offering her a high value treat. Reward & praise her for giving you the toy, and give the toy back to her as soon as she finishes chewing. Gradually work on having her give you objects of higher value (i.e. a bone).
    • Variation: Work on teaching your puppy the command “give” and ask her to drop the toy/bone on command in exchange for the high value treat.
  • Hide & Seek – Encourages recall
    • Supplies: Yummy treats
    • How to play: Run away from your puppy, hide behind a corner, tree, couch or other object, and call your puppy to encourage her to find you. When she does, give her lots of praise and a yummy treat.
    • Variation: Play Ping Pong by having a partner play with you and take turns hiding. While the first person is rewarding the puppy for coming, the second person hides.

five weeks new

This is such a fun age! These puppies are cuter and fluffier every day! Their individual personalities are starting to show through. Copper managed to pick up a regular size tennis ball and carry it around this afternoon. Marshmallow found a comfy dog bed and took a nice snooze today. Popcorn is a smart boy, and he was the first puppy to figure out the puppy ramp we use to get the babies inside and outside without any stairs. These munchkins have transformed from little guinea pigs who couldn’t see or hear to actual miniature dogs who run around and play and give kisses. And they already enjoy belly rubs, which is fun, too. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the short video clips on our Instagram story. I’m trying to share short videos there so you can see what the puppies are up to each day.

The puppies have been sleeping confined together for about a week now, but now the puppies will begin dividing between two or three crates overnight. They do a nice job settling down at bedtime and staying quiet all night long. We’re working towards them sleeping about 7 hours for you when they go home.

The puppies have started eating softened TLC puppy kibble. Soon they’ll be chowing down on dry kibble, but for now while their teeth are coming in, the soften food makes for a perfect meal. Moki continues to nurse them throughout the day.

The puppies trot about, exploring the world around them. They enjoy playing with the different toys in their pen, and they enjoy playing with each other, too. They enjoy exploring the main part of our home and sniffing noses with the big dogs. The puppies have also been working on pottying outside despite all of the snow. Their fur is still short, so they can’t stay outside for long in the frigid temperatures, but we still managed to get almost every poop outside today, which is a win! The pups don’t sit still for long, except for when they’re on your lap or sleeping, so pictures are a little challenging 🙂

Mini goldendoodle breeder in Ohio

weekly puppy tip #6: select and register for a puppy class

A puppy class is essential both for socialization and manners. Look for a class that emphasizes positive reinforcement, as learning & training should be a fun game at this point. Clicker training is a plus. This article from AKC gives some pointers about what to look for in a puppy class. Many dog training facilities will allow your new friend to join their puppy class around 12 weeks of age, once she has received her second set of immunizations. Allison Camp from Pups Unleashed offers a local puppy class. She’ll be temperament testing the puppies in about 2 weeks and assisting with matching. Temperament testing always an exciting day!

We prefer in person puppy class over virtual hands down, but having online recourses is incredibly helpful, too. Timberidge Goldendoodles is excited to be partnering with Baxter & Bella. These online resources, virtual classes, and video training tips are an amazing option for every puppy owner – there are even a variety of resources to help you now as you prepare for your new furry family member. Plus membership is for a lifetime, so you can access Baxter & Bella’s tools repeatedly over the years ahead for each and every furry child that joins your family. Use the discount code TIMBERIDGE to save 25% when you join Baxter & Bella!

Here’s a short video from Baxter & Bella’s about how to train your puppy to respond positively the someone ringing your doorbell. You can take this same principle and apply it to a variety of other circumstances, such as teaching your puppy to walk calmly past another dog who is going crazy. Additional free puppy training videos are linked at the bottom of this blog post, so if you haven’t already checked them out, please take the time to watch at least a few of them. Remember, the best thing you can do to prepare for your new puppy is to prepare yourself!

six weeks new

These little babies are just scrumptious! The puppies are so very curious and playful and friendly. We let them run around the main part of our house for small segments now. They have a blast sniffing noses with the older dogs, exploring every nook and cranny, looking for chews that belong to the big dogs, chasing balls, and snuggling into the dog beds. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the Insta videos of the pups in action! We make sure to supervise any interactions with the big dogs and to provide a safe place where the puppies could hide if they became overwhelmed for any reason. When you introduce your pup to new canine friends, you’ll want to do the same. Always supervise, especially the initial interactions with a new dog. And always provide your puppy with a safe “get away” spot in case she needs a break. For our home, the pups could duck under the coffee table or even squirm under the couch and pop out at will, giving them the freedom to control their interactions with the big dogs. Outdoors, a kiddie picnic table or something similar works well. Additionally, be sure to provide the big dog with a way to get away from your puppy in case he becomes overwhelmed with the puppy energy. Being around other safe dogs is great for your puppy!

Mini english goldendoodles for sale in Ohio

weekly puppy tip #6: get ready to groom!

Your puppy has had her nails clipped and hair trimmed around her bottom during her time with us, so she has already had her initial introduction to a lifetime of being groomed. Take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. The groomer will bathe her, trim the hair out of her eyes, give her a sanitary clip, and trim her nails. Since she will need regular grooming throughout her life, both she and the groomer will benefit if she becomes accustomed to being groomed from a young age, even before she’s ready for a full haircut. 

When should she have her first big girl haircut? The wavy adult coat will start replacing the soft, fluffy puppy coat around 5-6 months of age. You’ll notice the new hair coming in is kinkier than the pure fluff on top. Waiting to cut the hair until the adult coat makes its debut beneath the layers of puppy plush helps ensure that the adult coat remains soft. Many poodle groomers and poodle fanciers claim that shaving a poodle or goldendoodle down before her adult coat starts coming in could damage the adult coat, affecting the texture. While there isn’t any substantiated evidence that this is true (at least that I can find), it’s worth avoiding just in case. That doesn’t mean that your puppy might not benefit from a puppy clip in the meantime! Don’t let your puppy’s hair get out of control! As aforementioned, take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. Be extra careful to brush your puppy’s coat around that 5-6 month time period when the adult coat is coming in. The transition from puppy fluff to adult coat makes the hair extra prone to matting. When the time comes, check out the grooming section on our website for a variety of goldendoodle haircut pictures. Learn more about your Goldendoodle puppy’s first trip to the groomer. We have a plethora of haircut resources under the “grooming” tab on the main menu bar.

Waiting until 6 months for the first full big girl clip does NOT mean you’re off the hook for grooming at home! You should regularly groom your puppy: brushing her hair, cleaning her ears, brushing her teeth, clipping her toenails, and checking her for any anomalies (i.e. ticks, cuts, etc.). You want your puppy to become accustomed to being brushed and handled all over from a young age. We HIGHLY recommend doing regular bonding/body handling exercises with your puppy (demonstrated in the video shared on weekly puppy tip #4). Goldendoodles are a breed that like routines (thanks to those poodle ancestors), so it’s nice to do bonding exercises every night just before your put your puppy in her crate for bed. It’s easy to incorporate different parts of grooming into your nightly bonding exercises, just doing a little here and a little there since young puppies don’t have the attention span for lots of grooming at once.

seven weeks new

The puppies are so much fun! They bound around outside, finding things to chew and places to explore. They also sneak around the house, trying to investigate new places. We continue to take the puppies on new and different adventures. It’s fun to see their curiosity! The pups enjoy any new toy we throw their way. The puppies have gone on several road trips this past week, and they absolutely love meeting new people. Aren’t these pups adorable? Now scroll back and look at their newborn pictures. Isn’t it marvelous that in just seven weeks they’ve transformed from little guinea pigs into gorgeous, fluffy puppies?!

Be sure to pick up a special extra yummy chew that your puppy only gets during (daytime) crate time.

weekly puppy tip #8: fostering the child/puppy relationship

Goldendoodles are family dogs by nature, but there are a few steps you can take to help set your puppy and your kids up for a lifetime of friendship:

  1. When your puppy is sleeping, let her sleep – your puppy is growing & developing and she NEEDS that sleep. Teach your children to respect a sleeping puppy by not interrupting her. Your puppy’s crate should be her safe retreat. When she’s in her crate, allow her to enjoy safe, undisturbed quiet time- this doesn’t mean that you all need to tip toe quietly around when the puppies napping! It just means that when the puppy is napping, let her enjoy that peaceful sleep untouched and wake up on her own good time.
  2. Involve your children in daily puppy care – allowing your children to participate in caring for the puppy will help grow the bond between them and their furry friend. It also helps the puppy learn associate good things with little people and helps her see the children as above her in the pack order. Younger children particularly love being helpers. Our kids enjoy (aka fight over) feeding the dogs, letting them out of their crates, opening the back door to let the dogs in/out, etc. We let them help brush the dogs with much supervision (remember, we want all puppy experiences to be POSITIVE!). Our children also love holding leashes on walks (children should only take your dog on a walk with adult supervision). If you don’t trust your puppy to not pull a young child over, you can attach two short leashes to one dog so both you & your child have a leash to hold. Be cognizant of your child’s age and maturity level. Older children can be more actively involved and younger children can be involved in smaller ways.
  3. Encourage your children to play with the puppy – puppy nips and jumps can be intimidating for some children. Teaching children how to act calmly around a puppy and how to play intentional games such as fetch and educational games (see some suggestions under week 3) can help both the children and the puppy learn how to interact with each other. Explain to your children that your puppy isn’t trying to hurt them when she’s nipping – she’s asking them to play with her.
  4. Include your children in puppy training – when you enroll your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class, ask about bringing your child along (assuming he’s old enough and mature enough to participate). Our children enjoy practicing sits and downs with our dogs, dolling out hotdog slivers to the eager participants. Our dogs think it’s great! Be sure to always supervise children/puppy training sessions.
  5. Teach your children to respect the puppy – sometimes it’s challenging for children, especially young ones, to distinguish between their favorite stuffie and a real-life fluffy puppy. Many children need to be patiently taught to be gentle and kind with animals. “No hugging dogs” is a rule in our home because a preschooler bear hug around the neck is too much our small dogs (our dogs don’t mind but we’re afraid they might accidentally get hurt since they’re significantly smaller than the ones dolling out the hugs). If there are times when you aren’t able to supervise your children’s interaction with your puppy, it might be best (and safest) to put your puppy in her crate. Remember, that crate should be your puppy’s safe place. This article by AKC has more helpful tips about teaching children to respect dogs.
  6. Establish a safe place for your dog, usually either a dog bed or crate. Teach your children that when the puppy is in her safe place, they need to let her alone and they may not touch her. Your puppy will learn that she can retreat to her safe place if she becomes overwhelmed with a situation or if she just needs a nap.

vet check: February 24

The puppies visited our friends at Hopewell Animal Hospital. I am please to report that all six puppies are healthy! The pups received their first of three doses of the DHP vaccine. You should schedule an appointment with your vet for your pup to receive a second dose when she is 12 weeks old (around 03.30.26) weeks of age and third dose at 16 weeks of age (around 04.27.26). Your puppy’s birthday is January 5th.

getting ready for your puppy

As you begin shopping for your new bundle of fluff, be sure to scroll through our puppy shopping list to be sure you get all of the essentials. The shopping list will also answer questions like what size collar your puppy will need and how big of a crate you should purchase.

the best way to prepare for your puppy is to prepare yourself!

Baxter & Bella: first 2 weeks with a new puppy videos are all short 1-3 minute videos that are helpful to watch. You’ll learn how to teach your puppy and get ideas for establishing good behaviors from day one. These videos show Amy Jensen training Chili, her young doodle puppy.

If you’re eager to learn more, Baxter & Bella’s online resources, virtual classes, and video training tips are an amazing option for every puppy owner. Plus membership is for a lifetime, so you can access Baxter & Bella’s tools repeatedly over the years ahead for each and every furry child that joins your family. Use the discount code TIMBERIDGE to save 25% when you join Baxter & Bella!

Maple's 2025 Babies

Maple’s 2025 Babies

Posted on by Timberidge

Your puppy’s birthday is November 30th. Your puppy will be ready to join your family on January 25th-26th.

happy birthday

Maple & Boaz are the proud parents of SEVEN squishy new babies: six boys and one girl. These little ones are absolutely precious. When first born, puppies depend completely on their mama, so we’re blessed that Maple does such a great job caring for them. Maple is a cow, and that’s a compliment! She nurses them almost constantly and snuggles with them, and within 24 hours, the babies had not only returned to their birth weights, they had all surpassed them. It’s a blessing to have such a doting mama! How sweet are these faces? Most puppies are born with pink noses that gradually turn black over the first few days, so enjoy those pink little noses now! 

At first puppies can’t yet walk. Their eyes and ears are closed. They can’t go to the bathroom on their own. And they can’t maintain their own body temperature. Fortunately, God gave puppies a natural instinct to pile together for warmth, so they snuggle together in a giant puppy heap. And they also love cuddling around Maple as she snoozes contentedly, surrounded by her new family. Maple seems to love being surrounded by her tiny ones. She only leaves her new crew a few times a day for a quick bathroom trip.

EEGs have revealed that the brain activity of infant puppies is the same when asleep and awake. But these little pups are busy eating, growing, and developing. It’s amazing how quickly Maple’s pups grow! They start out at less than 1lb when they’re born. The first puppy just passed the 1lb mark at 3 days old. Can you think of something that only weighs one pound? One pound is pretty light! Maple’s puppies twitch and pop in their sleep, as all healthy newborn puppies should. This activated sleep helps them build muscle tone. They also climb all over each other as they search for the perfect eating nook, and that sibling trek also helps the puppies develop their muscles. They will be strong enough to walk in just a few weeks!

weekly puppy tip #1: nap time is essential

Think about a napping place – The puppies spend most of their lives sleeping now, but did you know that your new furbaby is going to need lots of sleep when you bring her home, too? Puppies, just like small children, require naps throughout the day. When your puppy is sleeping, try to allow her to rest untouched (it’s okay for noisy life to carry on around her while she snoozes, but it’s best not to physically disturb her as much as possible). This may mean that you need to guide her to a different spot than the one she’s initially chosen. Puppy Culture estimates that an 8-10 week old puppy sleeps 3 hours and then is awake for 1 hour before going back down for another nap. Puppies are like little children – sometimes they don’t realize that you’re tired and need you to put them down for a nap. Puppies can get over stimulated and become overly tired just like toddlers. It’s your job to help regulate them. AKC gives some helpful insight into the importance of puppy sleep (You can read the whole of the article here.):

Although puppies may seem like little bundles of energy, in fact, they sleep 15-20 hours a day. One minute your puppy may be a miniature tornado, and the next he’s fallen soundly asleep, almost mid-activity. Sleep is essential to healthy growth: during sleep his central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles are developing. All of that sleep also helps him rest up during growth spurts… household members, especially children, should leave your puppy alone while he is sleeping. Plan his day so that active time is followed by quiet time for sleep. He’ll most likely be ready for a nap after playtime or a walk, sleep for a while and then wake up ready for anything. Your puppy may nap every hour or so, sleeping from 30 minutes to as long as two hours. All of this sleep is perfectly normal.

Jane Reisen from the American Kennel Club (AKC) Tweet

one week new

It’s hard to believe that these seven chunky munchkins are already one week old! They have grown so much! These puppies may still seem incredibly small, but they’ve really packed on the pounds! These sweet little pumpkins continue to dedicate their entire lives to eating and sleeping – and it shows! They are becoming fat little sausages with adorable wrinkles and rolls. They’ve officially reached the one pound mark! 

Look at those dark noses! They’ve transitioned from the cute little pink baby noses into their dark big pup noses.

Even though the puppies spend most of their lives sleeping, they actually are doing baby workouts as they snooze the day away. These little pups twitch and pop involuntarily during their sleep, developing muscle tone for the near future. This phenomenon is known as “activated sleep.” In a few short weeks, these rolly polly puppies will be bouncing around playfully. Their legs, while still wobbly, have already gotten stronger and the puppies wobble around on them some instead of just army crawling as they did initially.

weekly puppy tip #2: make a puppy experience plan

Make a puppy experience plan – Compile a list of places you want to take your puppy and experiences you want your puppy to encounter. Any day now, these little eyes will be ready to soak up the sites, and we’ll now start introducing the puppies to items that differ in appearance. We have a thought out socialization plan, working hard to expose your puppy to as much as possible during her time with us. When you take your puppy home, that responsibility then shifts to you as you continue the socialization process. Exposing your puppy to new people, situations, sounds, smells, textures, etc. is extremely important. Give your new puppy a few days to adjust to her new home and new routine. Then begin giving her short, positive experiences (yummy treats make everything more positive!). Don’t try to do too much in one day, as you don’t want to overwhelm or stress her. Go ahead: start making a list of ideas for how to want to socialize your new puppy. 

Your goal is for your puppy to meet a minimum of 100 different people by the time she’s six months old. Dr. Ian Dunbar, a puppy socialization expert, raises the bar even higher by recommending that puppies meet 100+ people during the first month at home. If you hope to visit a local nursing home or hospital when your puppy gets older, secure some crutches, walkers or wheelchairs to expose your puppy to at home. Meeting people is just one component of socialization. Think about outdoor experiences that you and your puppy can safely enjoy together. Consider what predictable dogs you can introduce your puppy to (dogs who are stable, friendly, healthy, and will model good behavior for your pup). Keep in mind that adult dogs aren’t always fond of puppies so be sure to monitor them together. Do you know anyone with a woods or creek where you can take your puppy for a short romp? Remember, you want every experience to be POSITIVE (i.e. bring yummy treats and hand out the praise). Making a plan now, before you bring your puppy home, will help ensure that you follow through with a variety of positive exposures once you have your new little fluff ball at your side. 

Check out AviDog’s free e-book for more ideas about what to add to your puppy experience plan. Baxter & Bella also has some great ideas for socializing your puppy.

two weeks new

Isn’t it amazing how much puppies grow in just one week? They’re already looking so much more like little dogs. Look at those cute curls coming in! Already, at only two weeks old, it’s easy to see the puppies that will be curlier. 

You’ll probably notice how nicely they’re chunking up! But do you also see those tiny little eyes staring back at you?! The puppies started opening their eyes on Friday. Eye opening is a process that doesn’t happen all in one day. Right now, we keep the puppy room dim as their eyes adjust to seeing the world around them. 

Maple is a great mama. The ever increasing rolls on these babies are strong evidence that she is doing an excellent job nursing her crew! At this point, the sleepy little dumplings still snooze away most of their days and fill any awake time with stuffing their little bellies. We enjoy snuggling them every day, and the puppies have fun snuggling down for a nap on our laps. 

Our kids thoroughly enjoy giving puppies their temporary names, and we’re excited to share their choices for these special pups with you: Lion (yellow boy), Buddy (green boy), Rudolph aka Rudy (red boy), Buckbeak aka Beaky (teal ribbon/ black collar boy), Frosty (blue boy), Henry (orange boy), and Pinkie (pink girl). The puppies have grown enough that they’ve transitioned into wearing their special break-free collars that they’ll wear during the rest of their time in our home.

weekly puppy tip #3: age appropriate exercise

Glance over Puppy Culture’s exercise chart. Familiarize yourself with what sorts of activities are appropriate for your puppy at different stages of development. You want to give your puppy a variety of unique positive experiences, but your puppy is still growing & developing, so you don’t want to push your puppy too far. For instance, climbing up one to two stairs is an appropriate challenge but climbing a flight of stairs is not a good idea for a young puppy (a study done on 500 dogs showed that puppies allowed to climb a flight of stairs regularly before 3 months old were more likely to develop hip dysplasia). Remember, free running and playing is a great option because your puppy can rest whenever she feels inclined to do so. If you’d like to read more about puppy exercise, check out AviDog’s puppy exercise guidelines. This article from AKC also gives some helpful puppy exercise tips.

three weeks new

Aren’t these little pumpkins really looking like miniature dogs now? They are so stinking precious. The puppies sit awkwardly and walk around now, albeit a bit clumsily. Aren’t they so cute?!

Look at those open eyes! When puppy eyes first open, they’re blue and cloudy but as the eyes change from their cloudy blue appearance, they open more and the puppy’s vision becomes crisper. The pups still spend the majority of their time snoozing, but they’re also starting to play with each other. Their clumsy play right now looks like it’s happening in slow motion. It’s adorable!

The puppies have recently discovered that they can make little noises, and sometimes a seemingly random high pitched bark rings out. They surprise themselves with the sounds that come out of their own mouths!

All of the time these babies spend eating shows! These chunky monkeys continue to grow like crazy. They now weigh between about 3 1/2-4lbs. Mama Maple has a plentiful supply of milk, and she is a pro at growing chunky puppies! The puppies just tried goat milk for the first time, and they had a blast licking it off of each other.

weekly puppy tip #4: be the leader your puppy wants you to be

It’s essential that you establish yourself as the pack leader. Your puppy doesn’t want to be in charge – that’s a scary place to be! Your puppy wants to look to you as the leader, but you have to show yourself as worth of the role by being the leader (this also helps set your kids apart as ranking higher in the pack than your new pup). Some easy ways to establish your leadership could include:

  • Sit down with your puppy each night before bed and briefly touch your puppy EVERYWHERE. Kneel on the floor with your puppy sitting between your legs. Start by petting your puppy’s head and tell him “head, head.” Then check his mouth, telling him “teeth, teeth,” and look inside his ears telling him “ear, ears.” Briefly go over your puppy from nose to tail in this fashion. This helps establish that you’re allowed to touch your puppy anywhere and everywhere. (see the video below)
  • Set boundaries so there is at least one place in your home that your dog isn’t allowed to go in your home (i.e. not allowed to jump on your bed, not allowed to sit on a particular couch or not allowed into a certain room). 
  • Teach you puppy to sit and wait for you to walk out the front door before her and give her the “okay” before she is permitted to walk through it. If you’ve been consistent, your puppy will offer a sit and wait for a release word (i.e. “okay”) before coming inside by 3 months old. When she’s old enough to start walking freely up and down stairs, teach her to wait for you to finish climbing/descending the stairs before she comes. 
  • Encourage your puppy sit and wait for you to give her the “okay” before she is allowed to approach her food bowl. Periodically pick up your puppy’s food bowl while she’s eating, reward her with a yummy treat, and return the food bowl. (we’ll talk about the Toy Trade Game and other educational games you can play with your puppy next week).
  • Teach your puppy to do a long down during meal times. Buy a soft rug or bed and teach your puppy to go lay on it on command. We have our own adult dogs lay on a rug in a down stay during dinner. Maple was doing a down stay along side them at 6 months old for the entire length of our meal – which means your puppy can do it at a young age, too!

four weeks new

I can’t believe how quickly these babies are growing up! The kids LOVE the puppies , and the puppies LOVE the kids. The puppies have started going outside several times a day, and we’re beginning to work on getting potties to happen out there. This litter has done an amazing job using their pee pad indoors already, so hopefully that will translate to easy house breaking as we work on moving those potties outdoors. We continue to give the munchkins new toys to spark their curiosity. And we continue to snuggle them. The pups have started playing with each other, and they thoroughly enjoy wrestling each other. The puppies have also started enjoying a kibble goat milk mush (shout out to our friends at Land of Goshen for providing us with amazing goat milk for these precious babies!) and they think it’s delicious! The puppies still enjoy Mama Maple’s nutritious milk, too. If you have not received an email from TLC about ordering puppy food, please let me know.

Weekly puppy tip #5: Get ready to play educational games with your puppy!

Did you know that there are fun games you can play with your puppy that teach him beneficial skills? It’s great to incorporate regular educational games into your puppy’s routine, so read through these suggestions, add any needed supplies to your puppy shopping list, and get ready for puppy playtime!

  • Ball On The Wall – Encourages retrieving
    • Supplies: A ball that your puppy can carry in her mouth
    • How to play: Sit on the floor about 1-5’ from a wall. Put your legs in a “V” and sit facing the wall with your puppy between you and the wall. Toss the ball at the wall, encouraging your puppy to go after it. Give your puppy lots of praise when she brings the ball back! 
    • Variation: Once you’ve mastered Ball On The Wall, try playing retrieve in a hallway with all the doors closed (so your puppy can’t run away with the ball).
  • Toy Trade – Prevents resource guarding
    • Supplies: A toy that your puppy likes but doesn’t highly value and a high value treat
    • How to play: Briefly play with your puppy using the toy. Ask your puppy for the toy by offering her a high value treat. Reward & praise her for giving you the toy, and give the toy back to her as soon as she finishes chewing. Gradually work on having her give you objects of higher value (i.e. a bone).
    • Variation: Work on teaching your puppy the command “give” and ask her to drop the toy/bone on command in exchange for the high value treat.
  • Hide & Seek – Encourages recall
    • Supplies: Yummy treats
    • How to play: Run away from your puppy, hide behind a corner, tree, couch or other object, and call your puppy to encourage her to find you. When she does, give her lots of praise and a yummy treat.
    • Variation: Play Ping Pong by having a partner play with you and take turns hiding. While the first person is rewarding the puppy for coming, the second person hides.

five weeks new

This is such a fun age! These puppies are cuter and fluffier every day! Their individual personalities are starting to show through. They’ve transformed from little guinea pigs who can’t see or hear to actual miniature dogs who run around and play and give kisses. And they already enjoy belly rubs, which is fun, too. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the short video clips on our Instagram story. I’m trying to share short videos there so you can see what the puppies are up to each day.

The puppies have been sleeping confined in crates for about a week now. At first, the whole litter slept together in one crate, but now the puppies are divide between two crates. They do a nice job settling down at bedtime and staying quiet all night long. We’re working towards them sleeping about 7 hours for you when they go home.

The puppies have started eating softened TLC puppy kibble. Soon they’ll be chowing down on dry kibble, but for now while their teeth are coming in, the soften food makes for a perfect meal. Maple continues to nurse them throughout the day.

The puppies trot about, exploring the world around them. They enjoy playing with the different toys in their pen, and they enjoy playing with each other, too. The pups don’t sit still for long, except for when they’re on your lap or sleeping, so pictures are challenging 🙂

weekly puppy tip #6: select and register for a puppy class

A puppy class is essential both for socialization and manners. Look for a class that emphasizes positive reinforcement, as learning & training should be a fun game at this point. Clicker training is a plus. This article from AKC gives some pointers about what to look for in a puppy class. Many dog training facilities will allow your new friend join their puppy class around 12 weeks of age, once she has received her second set of immunizations. Allison Camp from Pups Unleashed offers a local puppy class. She’ll be temperament testing the puppies in about 2 weeks and assisting with matching. Temperament testing always an exciting day!

We prefer in person puppy class over virtual hands down, but having online recourses is incredibly helpful, too. Timberidge Goldendoodles is excited to be partnering with Baxter & Bella. These online resources, virtual classes, and video training tips are an amazing option for every puppy owner – there are even a variety of resources to help you now as you prepare for your new furry family member. Plus membership is for a lifetime, so you can access Baxter & Bella’s tools repeatedly over the years ahead for each and every furry child that joins your family. Use the discount code TIMBERIDGE to save 25% when you join Baxter & Bella!

Here’s a short video from Baxter & Bella’s about how to train your puppy to respond positively the someone ringing your doorbell. You can take this same principle and apply it to a variety of other circumstances, such as teaching your puppy to walk calmly past another dog who is going crazy. Additional free puppy training videos are linked at the bottom of this blog post, so if you haven’t already checked them out, please take the time to watch at least a few of them. Remember, the best thing you can do to prepare for your new puppy is to prepare yourself!

six weeks new

These little babies are just scrumptious! The puppies are so very curious and playful and friendly. We let them run around the main part of our house for small segments now. They have a blast sniffing noses with the older dogs, exploring every nook and cranny, looking for chews that belong to the big dogs, and pulling the dog beds across the room. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the Insta videos of the pups in action! We make sure to supervise any interactions with the big dogs and to provide a safe place where the puppies could hide if they became overwhelmed for any reason. When you introduce your pup to new canine friends, you’ll want to do the same. Always supervise, especially the initial interactions with a new dog. And always provide your puppy with a safe “get away” spot in case she needs a break. For our home, the pups could duck under the coffee table or even squirm under the couch and pop out at will, giving them the freedom to control their interactions with the big dogs. Outdoors, a kiddie picnic table or something similar works well. Additionally, be sure to provide the big dog with a way to get away from your puppy in case he becomes overwhelmed with the puppy energy. Being around other safe dogs is great for your puppy!

weekly puppy tip #6: get ready to groom!

Your puppy has had her nails clipped and hair trimmed around her bottom during her time with us, so she has already had her initial introduction to a lifetime of being groomed. Take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. The groomer will bathe her, trim the hair out of her eyes, give her a sanitary clip, and trim her nails. Since she will need regular grooming throughout her life, both she and the groomer will benefit if she becomes accustomed to being groomed from a young age, even before she’s ready for a full haircut. 

When should she have her first big girl haircut? The wavy adult coat will start replacing the soft, fluffy puppy coat around 5-6 months of age. You’ll notice the new hair coming in is kinkier than the pure fluff on top. Waiting to cut the hair until the adult coat makes its debut beneath the layers of puppy plush helps ensure that the adult coat remains soft. Many poodle groomers and poodle fanciers claim that shaving a poodle or goldendoodle down before her adult coat starts coming in could damage the adult coat, affecting the texture. While there isn’t any substantiated evidence that this is true (at least that I can find), it’s worth avoiding just in case. That doesn’t mean that your puppy might not benefit from a puppy clip in the meantime! Don’t let your puppy’s hair get out of control! As aforementioned, take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. When the time comes, check out the grooming section on our website for a variety of goldendoodle haircut pictures. Learn more about your Goldendoodle puppy’s first trip to the groomer. We have a plethora of haircut resources under the “grooming” tab on the main menu bar.

Waiting until 6 months for the first full big girl clip does NOT mean you’re off the hook for grooming at home! You should regularly groom your puppy: brushing her hair, cleaning her ears, brushing her teeth, clipping her toenails, and checking her for any anomalies (i.e. ticks, cuts, etc.). You want your puppy to become accustomed to being brushed and handled all over from a young age. We HIGHLY recommend doing regular bonding/body handling exercises with your puppy (demonstrated in the video shared on weekly puppy tip #4). Goldendoodles are a breed that like routines (thanks to those poodle ancestors), so it’s nice to do bonding exercises every night just before your put your puppy in her crate for bed. It’s easy to incorporate different parts of grooming into your nightly bonding exercises, just doing a little here and a little there since young puppies don’t have the attention span for lots of grooming at once.

seven weeks new

The puppies are so much fun! They bound around outside, finding things to chew and places to explore. They also sneak around the house, trying to investigate new places. We continue to take the puppies on new and different adventures. It’s fun to see their curiosity! The pups enjoy any new toy we throw their way. The puppies have gone on several road trips this past week. Aren’t these pups adorable? Now scroll back and look at their newborn pictures. Isn’t it marvelous that in just seven weeks they’ve transformed from little guinea pigs into gorgeous, fluffy puppies?!

Be sure to pick up a special extra yummy chew that your puppy only gets during (daytime) crate time.

weekly puppy tip #8: fostering the child/puppy relationship

Goldendoodles are family dogs by nature, but there are a few steps you can take to help set your puppy and your kids up for a lifetime of friendship:

  1. When your puppy is sleeping, let her sleep – your puppy is growing & developing and she NEEDS that sleep. Teach your children to respect a sleeping puppy by not interrupting her. Your puppy’s crate should be her safe retreat. When she’s in her crate, allow her to enjoy safe, undisturbed quiet time- this doesn’t mean that you all need to tip toe quietly around when the puppies napping! It just means that when the puppy is napping, let her enjoy that peaceful sleep untouched and wake up on her own good time.
  2. Involve your children in daily puppy care – allowing your children to participate in caring for the puppy will help grow the bond between them and their furry friend. It also helps the puppy learn associate good things with little people and helps her see the children as above her in the pack order. Younger children particularly love being helpers. Our kids enjoy (aka fight over) feeding the dogs, letting them out of their crates, opening the back door to let the dogs in/out, etc. We let them help brush the dogs with much supervision (remember, we want all puppy experiences to be POSITIVE!). Our children also love holding leashes on walks (children should only take your dog on a walk with adult supervision). If you don’t trust your puppy to not pull a young child over, you can attach two short leashes to one dog so both you & your child have a leash to hold. Be cognizant of your child’s age and maturity level. Older children can be more actively involved and younger children can be involved in smaller ways.
  3. Encourage your children to play with the puppy – puppy nips and jumps can be intimidating for some children. Teaching children how to act calmly around a puppy and how to play intentional games such as fetch and educational games (see some suggestions under week 3) can help both the children and the puppy learn how to interact with each other. Explain to your children that your puppy isn’t trying to hurt them when she’s nipping – she’s asking them to play with her.
  4. Include your children in puppy training – when you enroll your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class, ask about bringing your child along (assuming he’s old enough and mature enough to participate). Our children enjoy practicing sits and downs with our dogs, dolling out hotdog slivers to the eager participants. Our dogs think it’s great! Be sure to always supervise children/puppy training sessions.
  5. Teach your children to respect the puppy – sometimes it’s challenging for children, especially young ones, to distinguish between their favorite stuffie and a real-life fluffy puppy. Many children need to be patiently taught to be gentle and kind with animals. “No hugging dogs” is a rule in our home because a preschooler bear hug around the neck is too much our small dogs (our dogs don’t mind but we’re afraid they might accidentally get hurt since they’re significantly smaller than the ones dolling out the hugs). If there are times when you aren’t able to supervise your children’s interaction with your puppy, it might be best (and safest) to put your puppy in her crate. Remember, that crate should be your puppy’s safe place. This article by AKC has more helpful tips about teaching children to respect dogs.
  6. Establish a safe place for your dog, usually either a dog bed or crate. Teach your children that when the puppy is in her safe place, they need to let her alone and they may not touch her. Your puppy will learn that she can retreat to her safe place if she becomes overwhelmed with a situation or if she just needs a nap.

getting ready for your puppy

As you begin shopping for your new bundle of fluff, be sure to scroll through our puppy shopping list to be sure you get all of the essentials. The shopping list will also answer questions like what size collar your puppy will need and how big of a crate you should purchase.

the best way to prepare for your puppy is to prepare yourself!

Baxter & Bella: first 2 weeks with a new puppy videos are all short 1-3 minute videos that are helpful to watch. You’ll learn how to teach your puppy and get ideas for establishing good behaviors from day one. These videos show Amy Jensen training Chili, her young doodle puppy.

.

If you’re eager to learn more, Baxter & Bella’s online resources, virtual classes, and video training tips are an amazing option for every puppy owner. Plus membership is for a lifetime, so you can access Baxter & Bella’s tools repeatedly over the years ahead for each and every furry child that joins your family. Use the discount code TIMBERIDGE to save 25% when you join Baxter & Bella!

Winter Babies!

Winter Babies!

Posted on by Timberidge

Moki & Coco are fur sisters who live in the same guardian home, and they are BEST friends! It’s so fun that these girls get to raise their babies together! We have availability in these two amazing litters. Email us at timberidgegoldendoodles@gmail.com for more information!

fresh, squishy newborns!

Together, Coco & Moki are the proud mamas of TWELVE squishy new babies! The top four are Moki’s sweet little girls. In the middle, we have Moki’s handsome three boys. Last, but not least, on the bottom are pictured Coco’s adorable crew. These little ones are absolutely precious. When first born, puppies depend completely on their mama, so we’re blessed that both Moki & Coco do such a great job caring for them. They nurse their baby sausages almost constantly and they lovingly snuggle with them, too. How sweet are these faces?

At first puppies can’t yet walk. Their eyes and ears are closed. They can’t go to the bathroom on their own. And they can’t maintain their own body temperature. Fortunately, God gave puppies a natural instinct to pile together for warmth, so they snuggle together in a giant puppy heap. And they also love cuddling around their mama as she snoozes contentedly, surrounded by her new family. Moki & Coco seem to love being surrounded by their tiny ones. They only leave their new crew a few times a day for a quick bathroom trip.

EEGs have revealed that the brain activity of infant puppies is the same when asleep and awake. But these little pups are busy eating, growing, and developing. It’s amazing how quickly Maple pups grow! At 48 hours old, they’ve already surpassed their birthday weights and gained an ounce or two. Maple’s puppies twitch and pop in their sleep, as all healthy newborn puppies should. This activated sleep helps them build muscle tone.

weekly puppy tip #1: nap time is essential

Think about a napping place – The puppies spend most of their lives sleeping now, but did you know that your new furbaby is going to need lots of sleep when you bring her home, too? Puppies, just like small children, require naps throughout the day. When your puppy is sleeping, try to allow her to rest untouched (it’s okay for noisy life to carry on around her while she snoozes, but it’s best not to physically disturb her as much as possible). This may mean that you need to guide her to a different spot than the one she’s initially chosen. Puppy Culture estimates that an 8-10 week old puppy sleeps 3 hours and then is awake for 1 hour before going back down for another nap. Puppies are like little children – sometimes they don’t realize that you’re tired and need you to put them down for a nap. Puppies can get over stimulated and become overly tired just like toddlers. It’s your job to help regulate them. AKC gives some helpful insight into the importance of puppy sleep (You can read the whole of the article here.):

Although puppies may seem like little bundles of energy, in fact, they sleep 15-20 hours a day. One minute your puppy may be a miniature tornado, and the next he’s fallen soundly asleep, almost mid-activity. Sleep is essential to healthy growth: during sleep his central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles are developing. All of that sleep also helps him rest up during growth spurts… household members, especially children, should leave your puppy alone while he is sleeping. Plan his day so that active time is followed by quiet time for sleep. He’ll most likely be ready for a nap after playtime or a walk, sleep for a while and then wake up ready for anything. Your puppy may nap every hour or so, sleeping from 30 minutes to as long as two hours. All of this sleep is perfectly normal.

Jane Reisen from the American Kennel Club (AKC) Tweet

one week new

Coco's babies
Moki's babies

weekly puppy tip #2: make a puppy experience plan

Make a puppy experience plan – Compile a list of places you want to take your puppy and experiences you want your puppy to encounter. Any day now, these little eyes will be ready to soak up the sites, and we’ll now start introducing the puppies to items that differ in appearance. We have a thought out socialization plan, working hard to expose your puppy to as much as possible during her time with us. When you take your puppy home, that responsibility then shifts to you as you continue the socialization process. Exposing your puppy to new people, situations, sounds, smells, textures, etc. is extremely important. Give your new puppy a few days to adjust to her new home and new routine. Then begin giving her short, positive experiences (yummy treats make everything more positive!). Don’t try to do too much in one day, as you don’t want to overwhelm or stress her. Go ahead: start making a list of ideas for how to want to socialize your new puppy. 

Your goal is for your puppy to meet a minimum of 100 different people by the time she’s six months old. Dr. Ian Dunbar, a puppy socialization expert, raises the bar even higher by recommending that puppies meet 100+ people during the first month at home. If you hope to visit a local nursing home or hospital when your puppy gets older, secure some crutches, walkers or wheelchairs to expose your puppy to at home. Meeting people is just one component of socialization. Think about outdoor experiences that you and your puppy can safely enjoy together. Consider what predictable dogs you can introduce your puppy to (dogs who are stable, friendly, healthy, and will model good behavior for your pup). Keep in mind that adult dogs aren’t always fond of puppies so be sure to monitor them together. Do you know anyone with a woods or creek where you can take your puppy for a short romp? Remember, you want every experience to be POSITIVE (i.e. bring yummy treats and hand out the praise). Making a plan now, before you bring your puppy home, will help ensure that you follow through with a variety of positive exposures once you have your new little fluff ball at your side. 

Check out AviDog’s free e-book for more ideas about what to add to your puppy experience plan. Baxter & Bella also has some great ideas for socializing your puppy.

two weeks new

Isn’t it amazing how much puppies grow in just one week? They’re already looking so much more like little dogs. Already, at only two weeks old, it’s easy to see the puppies that will be curlier and which will be wavier. 

You’ll probably notice how nicely they’re chunking up! These babies sure do love to eat! But do you also see those tiny little eyes staring back at you?! Eye opening is a process that doesn’t happen all in one day. Right now, we keep the puppy room dim as their eyes adjust to seeing the world around them. 

Coco & Moki are bothgreat mamas. The ever increasing rolls on these babies are strong evidence that they are doing an excellent job nursing their crews! At this point, the sleepy little dumplings still snooze away most of their days and fill any awake time with stuffing their little bellies. We enjoy snuggling them every day, and the puppies have fun snuggling down for a nap on our laps. 

weekly puppy tip #3: age appropriate exercise

Glance over Puppy Culture’s exercise chart. Familiarize yourself with what sorts of activities are appropriate for your puppy at different stages of development. You want to give your puppy a variety of unique positive experiences, but your puppy is still growing & developing, so you don’t want to push your puppy too far. For instance, climbing up one to two stairs is an appropriate challenge but climbing a flight of stairs is not a good idea for a young puppy (a study done on 500 dogs showed that puppies allowed to climb a flight of stairs regularly before 3 months old were more likely to develop hip dysplasia). Remember, free running and playing is a great option because your puppy can rest whenever she feels inclined to do so. If you’d like to read more about puppy exercise, check out AviDog’s puppy exercise guidelines. This article from AKC also gives some helpful puppy exercise tips.

three weeks new

Aren’t these little pumpkins really looking like miniature dogs now? They are so stinking precious. The puppies sit awkwardly and walk around now, albeit a bit clumsily. Aren’t they so cute?!

Look at those open eyes! When puppy eyes first open, they’re blue and cloudy but as the eyes change from their cloudy blue appearance, they open more and the puppy’s vision becomes crisper. The pups still spend the majority of their time snoozing, but they’re also starting to play with each other. Their clumsy play right now looks like it’s happening in slow motion.

They puppies have recently discovered that they can make little noises now, and sometimes a seemingly random high pitched bark rings out. They surprise themselves with the sounds that come out of their own mouths!

All of the time these babies spend eating shows! These chunky monkeys continue to grow like crazy.

weekly puppy tip #4: be the leader your puppy wants you to be

It’s essential that you establish yourself as the pack leader. Your puppy doesn’t want to be in charge – that’s a scary place to be! Your puppy wants to look to you as the leader, but you have to show yourself as worth of the role by being the leader (this also helps set your kids apart as ranking higher in the pack than your new pup). Some easy ways to establish your leadership include:

  • Sit down with your puppy each night before bed and briefly touch your puppy EVERYWHERE. Kneel on the floor with your puppy sitting between your legs. Start by petting your puppy’s head and tell him “head, head.” Then check his mouth, telling him “teeth, teeth,” and look inside his ears telling him “ear, ears.” Briefly go over your puppy from nose to tail in this fashion. This helps establish that you’re allowed to touch your puppy anywhere and everywhere. (see the video below)
  • Set boundaries so there is at least one place in your home that your dog isn’t allowed to go in your home (i.e. not allowed to jump on your bed, not allowed to sit on a particular couch or not allowed into a certain room). 
  • Teach you puppy to sit and wait for you to walk out the front door before her and give her the “okay” before she is permitted to walk through it. If you’ve been consistent, your puppy will offer a sit and wait for a release word (i.e. “okay”) before coming inside by 3 months old. When she’s old enough to start walking freely up and down stairs, teach her to wait for you to finish climbing/descending the stairs before she comes. 
  • Encourage your puppy sit and wait for you to give her the “okay” before she is allowed to approach her food bowl. Periodically pick up your puppy’s food bowl while she’s eating, reward her with a yummy treat, and return the food bowl. (we’ll talk about the Toy Trade Game and other educational games you can play with your puppy next week).
  • Teach your puppy to do a long down during meal times. Buy a soft rug or bed and teach your puppy to go lay on it on command. We have our own adult dogs lay on a rug in a down stay during dinner. Maple was doing a down stay along side them at 6 months old for the entire length of our meal – which means your puppy can do it at a young age, too!

four weeks new

I can’t believe how quickly these babies are growing up! The kids LOVE the puppies , and the puppies LOVE the kids. The puppies have started going outside multiple times a day, and we’re beginning to work on getting as many potties as possible to happen out there. We continue to give the munchkins new toys to spark their curiosity. And we continue to snuggle them. The pups have sniffed noses with some other dogs besides their mama. They’ve started playing with each other, and they thoroughly enjoy wrestling each other. The puppies have also started enjoying a kibble goat milk mush (shout out to our friends at Land of Goshen for providing us with amazing goat milk for these precious babies!), and they think it’s delicious! The pups already try to sneak kibble out of Coco & Moki’s bowl any chance they get. The puppies still enjoy Mama Moki & Mama Coco’s nutritious milk, too. We’ve combined the two litters, so the puppies happily nurse from either mama and the mamas happily nurse any of the puppies. If you have not received an email from TLC about ordering puppy food, please let me know.

weekly puppy tip #5: Get ready to play educational games with your puppy!

Did you know that there are fun games you can play with your puppy that teach him beneficial skills? It’s great to incorporate regular educational games into your puppy’s routine, so read through these suggestions, add any needed supplies to your puppy shopping list, and get ready for puppy playtime!

  • Ball On The Wall – Encourages retrieving
    • Supplies: A ball that your puppy can carry in her mouth
    • How to play: Sit on the floor about 1-5’ from a wall. Put your legs in a “V” and sit facing the wall with your puppy between you and the wall. Toss the ball at the wall, encouraging your puppy to go after it. Give your puppy lots of praise when she brings the ball back! 
    • Variation: Once you’ve mastered Ball On The Wall, try playing retrieve in a hallway with all the doors closed (so your puppy can’t run away with the ball).
  • Toy Trade – Prevents resource guarding
    • Supplies: A toy that your puppy likes but doesn’t highly value and a high value treat
    • How to play: Briefly play with your puppy using the toy. Ask your puppy for the toy by offering her a high value treat. Reward & praise her for giving you the toy, and give the toy back to her as soon as she finishes chewing. Gradually work on having her give you objects of higher value (i.e. a bone).
    • Variation: Work on teaching your puppy the command “give” and ask her to drop the toy/bone on command in exchange for the high value treat.
  • Hide & Seek – Encourages recall
    • Supplies: Yummy treats
    • How to play: Run away from your puppy, hide behind a corner, tree, couch or other object, and call your puppy to encourage her to find you. When she does, give her lots of praise and a yummy treat.
    • Variation: Play Ping Pong by having a partner play with you and take turns hiding. While the first person is rewarding the puppy for coming, the second person hides.

five weeks new

This is such a fun age! These puppies are cuter and fluffier every day! Their individual personalities are starting to show through. They’ve transformed from little guinea pigs who can’t see or hear to actual miniature dogs who run around and play and give kisses. And they already enjoy belly rubs, which is fun, too. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the short video clips on our Instagram story. I’m trying to share short videos there so you can see what the puppies are up to each day.

The puppies have been sleeping confined in crates for about a week now. At first, I split the whole into two groups so 6 puppies slept in each crate. Now the puppies are sleeping 3 pups to a crate. They do a nice job settling down at bedtime and staying quiet all night long. We’re working towards them sleeping about 7 hours for you when they go home.

As I mentioned last week, the puppies have started eating softened TLC puppy kibble. Soon they’ll be chowing down on dry kibble, but for now while their teeth are coming in, the soften food makes for a perfect meal. Moki & Coco continue to nurse them throughout the day.

The puppies trot about, exploring the world around them. They’ve been outside in the rain, snow, and sunshine. Speaking of snow, wow! We’ve had so much snow here! The snow was over the puppies’ little heads, so we shoveled “runways” for them. They have a great time trotting up and down the different shoveled paths. Even with the snow, we’re working hard to get lots of potties happening outside. The puppies enjoy playing with the different toys in their pen, and they enjoy playing with each other, too. The pups don’t sit still for long, except for when they’re on your lap or sleeping.

weekly puppy tip #6: select and register for a puppy class

A puppy class is essential both for socialization and manners. Look for a class that emphasizes positive reinforcement, as learning & training should be a fun game at this point. Clicker training is a plus. This article from AKC gives some pointers about what to look for in a puppy class. Many dog training facilities will allow your new friend join their puppy class around 12 weeks of age, once she has received her second set of immunizations. Allison Camp from Pups Unleashed offers a local puppy class. She’ll be temperament testing the puppies in about 2 weeks and assisting with matching. Temperament testing always an exciting day!

We prefer in person puppy class over virtual hands down, but having online recourses is incredibly helpful, too. Timberidge Goldendoodles is excited to be partnering with Baxter & Bella. These online resources, virtual classes, and video training tips are an amazing option for every puppy owner – there are even a variety of resources to help you now as you prepare for your new furry family member. Plus membership is for a lifetime, so you can access Baxter & Bella’s tools repeatedly over the years ahead for each and every furry child that joins your family. Use the discount code TIMBERIDGE to save 25% when you join Baxter & Bella!

Here’s a short video from Baxter & Bella’s about how to train your puppy to respond positively the someone ringing your doorbell. You can take this same principle and apply it to a variety of other circumstances, such as teaching your puppy to walk calmly past another dog who is going crazy. Additional free puppy training videos are linked at the bottom of this blog post, so if you haven’t already checked them out, please take the time to watch at least a few of them. Remember, the best thing you can do to prepare for your new puppy is to prepare yourself!

six weeks new

Aren’t these little babies just scrumptious? The puppies are so very curious and playful and friendly. We let them run around the main part of our house for small segments now. They have a blast sniffing noses with the older dogs, exploring every nook and cranny, looking for chews that belong to the big dogs, and feeling the carpet squishing between their toes. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the Insta videos of the pups in action!

We make sure to supervise any interactions of the pups with the big dogs and to provide a safe place where the puppies could hide if they became overwhelmed for any reason. When you introduce your pup to new canine friends, you’ll want to do the same. Always supervise, especially the initial interactions with a new dog. And always provide your puppy with a safe “get away” spot in case she needs a break. For our home, the pups can duck under the coffee table or even squirm under the couch and pop out at will, giving them the freedom to control their interactions with the big dogs. Outdoors, a kiddie picnic table or something similar works well. Additionally, be sure to provide the big dog with a way to get away from your puppy in case he becomes overwhelmed with the puppy energy. Being around other safe dogs is great for your puppy! 

weekly puppy tip #7: get ready to groom

our puppy has had her nails clipped and hair trimmed during her time with us, so she has already had her initial introduction to a lifetime of being groomed. Take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. The groomer will bathe her, trim the hair out of her eyes, give her a sanitary clip, and trim her nails. Since she will need regular grooming throughout her life, both she and the groomer will benefit if she becomes accustomed to being groomed from a young age, even before she’s ready for a full haircut. 

When should she have her first big girl haircut? The wavy adult coat will start replacing the soft, fluffy puppy coat around 5-6 months of age. You’ll notice the new hair coming in is kinkier than the pure fluff on top. Waiting to cut the hair until the adult coat makes its debut beneath the layers of puppy plush helps ensure that the adult coat remains soft. Many poodle groomers and poodle fanciers claim that shaving a poodle or goldendoodle down before her adult coat starts coming in could damage the adult coat, affecting the texture. While there isn’t any substantiated evidence that this is true (at least that I can find), it’s worth avoiding just in case. That doesn’t mean that your puppy might not benefit from a puppy clip in the meantime! Don’t let your puppy’s hair get out of control! As aforementioned, take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. When the time comes, check out the grooming section on our website for a variety of goldendoodle haircut pictures. Learn more about your Goldendoodle puppy’s first trip to the groomer. We have a plethora of haircut resources under the “grooming” tab on the main menu bar.

Waiting until 6 months for the first full big girl clip does NOT mean you’re off the hook for grooming at home! You should regularly groom your puppy: brushing her hair, cleaning her ears, brushing her teeth, clipping her toenails, and checking her for any anomalies (i.e. ticks, cuts, etc.). You want your puppy to become accustomed to being brushed and handled all over from a young age. We HIGHLY recommend doing regular bonding/body handling exercises with your puppy (demonstrated in the video shared on weekly puppy tip #4). Goldendoodles are a breed that likes routines (thanks to those poodle ancestors), so it’s nice to do bonding exercises every night just before your put your puppy in her crate for bed. It’s easy to incorporate different parts of grooming into your nightly bonding exercises, just doing a little here and a little there since young puppies don’t have the attention span for lots of grooming at once.

seven weeks new

The puppies are so much fun! They bound around outside, finding things to chew and places to explore. They’ve come to really enjoy the snow. They also sneak around the house, trying to investigate new places. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the Instagram story videos of the pups dashing around our home! It’s hilarious watching their little puppy antics! We continue to take the puppies on new and different adventures. It’s fun to see their curiosity! The pups enjoy any new toy we throw their way. The puppies have gone on several road trips this past week. They’ve also had their bottoms trimmed with clippers for a second time and toenails clipped again.

Aren’t these pups adorable? Now scroll back and look at their newborn pictures. Isn’t it marvelous that in just seven weeks they’ve transformed from little sausages into gorgeous, fluffy puppies?!

Be sure to pick up a special extra yummy chew that your puppy only gets during (daytime) crate time.

weekly puppy tip #8: fostering the child/puppy relationship

Goldendoodles are family dogs by nature, but there are a few steps you can take to help set your puppy and your kids up for a lifetime of friendship:

  1. When your puppy is sleeping, let her sleep – your puppy is growing & developing, and she NEEDS that sleep. Teach your children to respect a sleeping puppy by not interrupting her. Your puppy’s crate should be her safe retreat. When she’s in her crate, allow her to enjoy safe, undisturbed quiet time- this doesn’t mean that you all need to tip toe quietly around when the puppies napping! It just means that when the puppy is napping, let her enjoy that peaceful sleep untouched and wake up on her own good time.
  2. Involve your children in daily puppy care – allowing your children to participate in caring for the puppy will help grow the bond between them and their furry friend. It also helps the puppy learn associate good things with little people and helps her see the children as above her in the pack order. Younger children particularly love being helpers. Our kids enjoy (aka fight over) feeding the dogs, letting them out of their crates, opening the back door to let the dogs in/out, etc. We let them help brush the dogs with much supervision (remember, we want all puppy experiences to be POSITIVE!). Our children also love holding leashes on walks (children should only take your dog on a walk with adult supervision). If you don’t trust your puppy to not pull a young child over, you can attach two short leashes to one dog so both you & your child have a leash to hold. Be cognizant of your child’s age and maturity level. Older children can be more actively involved and younger children can be involved in smaller ways.
  3. Encourage your children to play with the puppy – puppy nips and jumps can be intimidating for some children. Teaching children how to act calmly around a puppy and how to play intentional games such as fetch and educational games (see some suggestions under week 3) can help both the children and the puppy learn how to interact with each other. Explain to your children that your puppy isn’t trying to hurt them when she’s nipping – she’s asking them to play with her.
  4. Include your children in puppy training – when you enroll your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class, ask about bringing your child along (assuming he’s old enough and mature enough to participate). Our children enjoy practicing sits and downs with our dogs, dolling out hotdog slivers to the eager participants. Our dogs think it’s great! Be sure to always supervise children/puppy training sessions.
  5. Teach your children to respect the puppy – sometimes it’s challenging for children, especially young ones, to distinguish between their favorite stuffie and a real-life fluffy puppy. Many children need to be patiently taught to be gentle and kind with animals. “No hugging dogs” is a rule in our home because a preschooler bear hug around the neck is too much our small dogs (our dogs don’t mind but we’re afraid they might accidentally get hurt since they’re significantly smaller than the ones dolling out the hugs). If there are times when you aren’t able to supervise your children’s interaction with your puppy, it might be best (and safest) to put your puppy in her crate. Remember, that crate should be your puppy’s safe place. This article by AKC has more helpful tips about teaching children to respect dogs.
  6. Teach your puppy to respect your children – sometimes children play with their puppy like they themselves are, well, a puppy. Young kids particularly may act like a dog when playing with their new furball. While you want your children to have fun with their puppy, you also want your puppy to know that your child is a leader who is to be respected and not a puppy littermate. Encouraging your children to care for the puppy (i.e. feeding), train the puppy (i.e. having the puppy do a few sits & downs each day), and do bonding exercises (see the above video in week 3). These are all are easy ways to help establish your child as a leader over your puppy and not a puppy peer. If you find that your puppy is particularly mouthy and jumpy with your child, your puppy is likely viewing your child as a littermate.
  7. Establish a safe place for your dog, usually either a dog bed or crate. Teach your children that when the puppy is in her safe place, they need to let her alone and they may not touch her. Your puppy will learn that she can retreat to her safe place if she becomes overwhelmed with a situation or if she just needs a nap.

getting ready for your new furbaby

We’ve created a puppy shopping list to guide you as you prepare to bring your new pup home! Go ahead and pick up a Snuggle Puppy (stuffed puppy with a heartbeat) to bring with you on meet & greet day (or mail it to us if you live out of town). If you have a crate, you’re welcome to leave that with us that on meet & greet day as well and we’ll start getting your puppy used to her new future “bedroom.”

The best way to prepare for a puppy is to prepare yourself!

Baxter & Bella: first 2 weeks with a new puppy videos are all short 1-3 minute videos that are helpful to watch. You’ll learn how to teach your puppy and get ideas for establishing good behaviors from day one. These videos show Amy Jensen training Chili, her young doodle puppy.

Maple 2024 puppies

Maple 2024 puppies

Posted on by Timberidge

Your puppy’s birthday is Sunday, October 27th. Your puppy is ready to join your family December 22nd-26th.

happy birthday!

Maple & Boaz are the proud parents of SEVEN squishy new babies: five girls and two boys. These little ones are absolutely precious. When first born, puppies depend completely on their mama, so we’re blessed that Maple does such a great job caring for them. She nurses them almost constantly and snuggles with them. How sweet are these faces? Most puppies are born with pink noses that gradually turn black over the first few days, so enjoy those pink little noses now! The puppies are about 24 hours old in these pictures, and you can see that the nose of little Acorn (orange collar) is already darkening in color.

At first puppies can’t yet walk. Their eyes and ears are closed. They can’t go to the bathroom on their own. And they can’t maintain their own body temperature. Fortunately, God gave puppies a natural instinct to pile together for warmth, so they snuggle together in a giant puppy heap. And they also love cuddling around Maple as she snoozes contentedly, surrounded by her new family. Maple seems to love being surrounded by her tiny ones. She only leaves her new crew a few times a day for a quick bathroom trip.

EEGs have revealed that the brain activity of infant puppies is the same when asleep and awake. But these little pups are busy eating, growing, and developing. It’s amazing how quickly Maple pups grow! At 48 hours old, they’ve already surpassed their birthday weights and gained an ounce or two. Maple’s puppies twitch and pop in their sleep, as all healthy newborn puppies should. This activated sleep helps them build muscle tone.

weekly puppy tip #1: nap time is essential!

Think about a napping place – The puppies spend most of their lives sleeping now, but did you know that your new furbaby is going to need lots of sleep when you bring her home, too? Puppies, just like small children, require naps throughout the day. When your puppy is sleeping, try to allow her to rest untouched (it’s okay for noisy life to carry on around her while she snoozes, but it’s best not to physically disturb her as much as possible). This may mean that you need to guide her to a different spot than the one she’s initially chosen. Puppy Culture estimates that an 8-10 week old puppy sleeps 3 hours and then is awake for 1 hour before going back down for another nap. Puppies are like little children – sometimes they don’t realize that you’re tired and need you to put them down for a nap. Puppies can get over stimulated and become overly tired just like toddlers. It’s your job to help regulate them. AKC gives some helpful insight into the importance of puppy sleep (You can read the whole of the article here.):

Although puppies may seem like little bundles of energy, in fact, they sleep 15-20 hours a day. One minute your puppy may be a miniature tornado, and the next he’s fallen soundly asleep, almost mid-activity. Sleep is essential to healthy growth: during sleep his central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles are developing. All of that sleep also helps him rest up during growth spurts… household members, especially children, should leave your puppy alone while he is sleeping. Plan his day so that active time is followed by quiet time for sleep. He’ll most likely be ready for a nap after playtime or a walk, sleep for a while and then wake up ready for anything. Your puppy may nap every hour or so, sleeping from 30 minutes to as long as two hours. All of this sleep is perfectly normal.

Jane Reisen from the American Kennel Club (AKC) Tweet

one week

It’s hard to believe that these seven chunky munchkins are already one week old! They have grown so much! These puppies may still seem incredibly small, but they’ve really packed on the pounds! These sweet little pumpkins continue to dedicate their entire lives to eating and sleeping – and it shows! They are becoming fat little sausages with adorable wrinkles and rolls. 

Look at those dark noses! They’ve transitioned from the cute little pink baby noses into their dark big pup noses.

Even though the puppies spend most of their lives sleeping, they actually are doing baby workouts as they snooze the day away. These little pups twitch and pop involuntarily during their sleep, developing muscle tone for the near future. This phenomenon is known as “activated sleep.” In a few short weeks, these rolly polly puppies will be bouncing around playfully. Their legs, while still wobbly, have already gotten stronger and the puppies wobble around on them instead of just army crawling as they did initially.

weekly puppy tip #2: make a puppy experience plan

Make a puppy experience plan – Compile a list of places you want to take your puppy and experiences you want your puppy to encounter. Any day now, these little eyes will be ready to soak up the sites, and we’ll now start introducing the puppies to items that differ in appearance. We have a thought out socialization plan, working hard to expose your puppy to as much as possible during her time with us. When you take your puppy home, that responsibility then shifts to you as you continue the socialization process. Exposing your puppy to new people, situations, sounds, smells, textures, etc. is extremely important. Give your new puppy a few days to adjust to her new home and new routine. Then begin giving her short, positiveexperiences (yummy treats make everything more positive!). Don’t try to do too much in one day, as you don’t want to overwhelm or stress her. Go ahead: start making a list of ideas for how to want to socialize your new puppy. 

Your goal is for your puppy to meet a minimum of 100 different people by the time she’s six months old. Dr. Ian Dunbar, a puppy socialization expert, raises the bar even higher by recommending that puppies meet 100+ people during the first month at home. If you hope to visit a local nursing home or hospital when your puppy gets older, secure some crutches, walkers or wheelchairs to expose your puppy to at home. Meeting people is just one component of socialization. Think about outdoor experiences that you and your puppy can safely enjoy together. Consider what predictable dogs you can introduce your puppy to (dogs who are stable, friendly, healthy, and will model good behavior for your pup). Keep in mind that adult dogs aren’t always fond of puppies so be sure to monitor them together. Do you know anyone with a woods or creek where you can take your puppy for a short romp? Remember, you want every experience to be POSITIVE (i.e. bring yummy treats and hand out the praise). Making a plan now, before you bring your puppy home, will help ensure that you follow through with a variety of positive exposures once you have your new little fluff ball at your side. 

Check out AviDog’s free e-book for more ideas about what to add to your puppy experience plan. Baxter & Bella also has some great ideas for socializing your puppy.

two weeks

Isn’t it amazing how much puppies grow in just one week? They’re already looking so much more like little dogs. Look at those cute curls coming in! Already, at only two weeks old, it’s easy to see the puppies that will be curlier. Do you see those adorable waves on Hickory & Nugget in the top left picture?

You’ll probably notice how nicely they’re chunking up (Everyone but Cider has passed over the big 2lb mark!)! But do you also see those tiny little eyes staring back at you?! The puppies started opening their eyes on Friday. Eye opening is a process that doesn’t happen all in one day. Right now, we keep the puppy room dim as their eyes adjust to seeing the world around them. 

Maple is a great mama. The ever increasing rolls on these babies are strong evidence that she is doing an excellent job nursing her crew! At this point, the sleepy little dumplings still snooze away most of their days and fill any awake time with stuffing their little bellies. We enjoy snuggling them every day, and the puppies have fun snuggling down for a nap on our laps. 

Our kids thoroughly enjoy giving puppies their temporary names, and we’re excited to share their choices for these special pups with you. Introducing (from left to right in the group photo): Cider (purple girl), Walnut (aka Wallie; green girl), Nugget (pink girl), Biscuit (yellow girl), Hickory (teal girl), Pluto (red boy), and Acorn (orange boy).

weekly puppy tip #3: age appropriate exercise

Glance over Puppy Culture’s exercise chart. Familiarize yourself with what sorts of activities are appropriate for your puppy at different stages of development. You want to give your puppy a variety of unique positive experiences, but your puppy is still growing & developing, so you don’t want to push your puppy too far. For instance, climbing up one to two stairs is an appropriate challenge but climbing a flight of stairs is not a good idea for a young puppy (a study done on 500 dogs showed that puppies allowed to climb a flight of stairs regularly before 3 months old were more likely to develop hip dysplasia). Remember, free running and playing is a great option because your puppy can rest whenever she feels inclined to do so. If you’d like to read more about puppy exercise, check out AviDog’s puppy exercise guidelines. This article from AKC also gives some helpful puppy exercise tips.

three weeks new

Aren’t these little pumpkins really looking like miniature dogs now? They are so stinking precious. The puppies sit awkwardly and walk around now, albeit a bit clumsily. Aren’t they so cute?!

Look at those open eyes! When puppy eyes first open, they’re blue and cloudy but as the eyes change from their cloudy blue appearance, they open more and the puppy’s vision becomes crisper. The pups still spend the majority of their time snoozing, but they’re also starting to play with each other. Their clumsy play right now looks like it’s happening in slow motion.

They puppies have recently discovered that they can make little noises now, and sometimes a seemingly random high pitched bark rings out. They surprise themselves with the sounds that come out of their own mouths!

All of the time these babies spend eating shows! These chunky monkeys continue to grow like crazy.

weekly puppy tip #4: be the leader your puppy wants you to be

It’s essential that you establish yourself as the pack leader. Your puppy doesn’t want to be in charge – that’s a scary place to be! Your puppy wants to look to you as the leader, but you have to show yourself as worth of the role by being the leader (this also helps set your kids apart as ranking higher in the pack than your new pup). Some easy ways to establish your leadership include:

  • Sit down with your puppy each night before bed and briefly touch your puppy EVERYWHERE. Kneel on the floor with your puppy sitting between your legs. Start by petting your puppy’s head and tell him “head, head.” Then check his mouth, telling him “teeth, teeth,” and look inside his ears telling him “ear, ears.” Briefly go over your puppy from nose to tail in this fashion. This helps establish that you’re allowed to touch your puppy anywhere and everywhere. (see the video below)
  • Set boundaries so there is at least one place in your home that your dog isn’t allowed to go in your home (i.e. not allowed to jump on your bed, not allowed to sit on a particular couch or not allowed into a certain room). 
  • Teach you puppy to sit and wait for you to walk out the front door before her and give her the “okay” before she is permitted to walk through it. If you’ve been consistent, your puppy will offer a sit and wait for a release word (i.e. “okay”) before coming inside by 3 months old. When she’s old enough to start walking freely up and down stairs, teach her to wait for you to finish climbing/descending the stairs before she comes. 
  • Encourage your puppy sit and wait for you to give her the “okay” before she is allowed to approach her food bowl. Periodically pick up your puppy’s food bowl while she’s eating, reward her with a yummy treat, and return the food bowl. (we’ll talk about the Toy Trade Game and other educational games you can play with your puppy next week).
  • Teach your puppy to do a long down during meal times. Buy a soft rug or bed and teach your puppy to go lay on it on command. We have our own adult dogs lay on a rug in a down stay during dinner. Maple was doing a down stay along side them at 6 months old for the entire length of our meal – which means your puppy can do it at a young age, too!

three and a half weeks new

Sometimes I get a little too excited about puppies, and I can’t help but share pictures mid week. This is one of those times 🙂 Our kids talked us into putting up our Christmas tree already, so naturally the puppies needed a little Christmas photo shoot! They’re getting cuter and more fun every day.

Monday afternoon was gorgeous, so the puppies ventured outside for the very first time. I shared a little video on Instagram of them enjoying a snack from Mommy Maple on our driveway. Today has really felt like winter around here, and it’s a little too chilly for the puppies to go outside at this age. They’ll continue to grow more hair and be ready for cold weather soon. This week, since they’re only 3 weeks old, we’ll stick to exploring the big outdoors on the warmer, sunnier days.

four and a half weeks new

I can’t believe how quickly these babies are growing up! The kids LOVE the puppies , and the puppies LOVE the kids. The puppies have started going outside multiple times a day, and we’re beginning to work on getting as many potties as possible to happen out there. We continue to give the munchkins new toys to spark their curiosity. And we continue to snuggle them. The pups have sniffed noses with some other dogs besides their mama. They’ve started playing with each other, and they thoroughly enjoy wrestling each other. The puppies have also started enjoying a kibble goat milk mush (shout out to our friends at Land of Goshen for providing us with amazing goat milk for these precious babies!) and they think it’s delicious! The pups already try to sneak kibble out of Maple’s bowl any chance they get. It’s funny to see them climbing inside her bowl. The puppies have gotten so big yet they are still tiny enough to fit inside a normal size dog food bowl! The puppies still enjoy Mama Maple’s nutritious milk, too. If you have not received an email from TLC about ordering puppy food, please let me know.

weekly puppy tip #5: Get ready to play educational games with your puppy!

Did you know that there are fun games you can play with your puppy that teach him beneficial skills? It’s great to incorporate regular educational games into your puppy’s routine, so read through these suggestions, add any needed supplies to your puppy shopping list, and get ready for puppy playtime!

  • Ball On The Wall – Encourages retrieving
    • Supplies: A ball that your puppy can carry in her mouth
    • How to play: Sit on the floor about 1-5’ from a wall. Put your legs in a “V” and sit facing the wall with your puppy between you and the wall. Toss the ball at the wall, encouraging your puppy to go after it. Give your puppy lots of praise when she brings the ball back! 
    • Variation: Once you’ve mastered Ball On The Wall, try playing retrieve in a hallway with all the doors closed (so your puppy can’t run away with the ball).
  • Toy Trade – Prevents resource guarding
    • Supplies: A toy that your puppy likes but doesn’t highly value and a high value treat
    • How to play: Briefly play with your puppy using the toy. Ask your puppy for the toy by offering her a high value treat. Reward & praise her for giving you the toy, and give the toy back to her as soon as she finishes chewing. Gradually work on having her give you objects of higher value (i.e. a bone).
    • Variation: Work on teaching your puppy the command “give” and ask her to drop the toy/bone on command in exchange for the high value treat.
  • Hide & Seek – Encourages recall
    • Supplies: Yummy treats
    • How to play: Run away from your puppy, hide behind a corner, tree, couch or other object, and call your puppy to encourage her to find you. When she does, give her lots of praise and a yummy treat.
    • Variation: Play Ping Pong by having a partner play with you and take turns hiding. While the first person is rewarding the puppy for coming, the second person hides.

five weeks new

This is such a fun age! These puppies are cuter and fluffier every day! Their individual personalities are starting to show through. They’ve transformed from little guinea pigs who can’t see or hear to actual miniature dogs who run around and play and give kisses. And they already enjoy belly rubs, which is fun, too. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the short video clips on our Instagram story. I’m trying to share short videos there so you can see what the puppies are up to each day.

The puppies have been sleeping confined in crates for about a week now. At first, the whole litter slept together in one crate, but now the puppies are sleeping 2 pups to a crate. They do a nice job settling down at bedtime and staying quiet all night long. We’re working towards them sleeping about 7 hours for you when they go home.

As I mentioned last week, the puppies have started eating softened TLC puppy kibble. Soon they’ll be chowing down on dry kibble, but for now while their teeth are coming in, the soften food makes for a perfect meal. Maple continues to nurse them throughout the day.

The puppies trot about, exploring the world around them. They’ve been outside in the rain, snow, and sunshine. They enjoy playing with the different toys in their pen, and they enjoy playing with each other, too. The pups don’t sit still for long, except for when they’re on your lap or sleeping, so pictures are challenging 🙂

weekly puppy tip #6: select and register for a puppy class

A puppy class is essential both for socialization and manners. Look for a class that emphasizes positive reinforcement, as learning & training should be a fun game at this point. Clicker training is a plus. This article from AKC gives some pointers about what to look for in a puppy class. Many dog training facilities will allow your new friend join their puppy class around 12 weeks of age, once she has received her second set of immunizations. Allison Camp from Pups Unleashed offers a local puppy class. She’ll be temperament testing the puppies in about 2 weeks and assisting with matching. Temperament testing always an exciting day!

We prefer in person puppy class over virtual hands down, but having online recourses is incredibly helpful, too. Timberidge Goldendoodles is excited to be partnering with Baxter & Bella. These online resources, virtual classes, and video training tips are an amazing option for every puppy owner – there are even a variety of resources to help you now as you prepare for your new furry family member. Plus membership is for a lifetime, so you can access Baxter & Bella’s tools repeatedly over the years ahead for each and every furry child that joins your family. Use the discount code TIMBERIDGE to save 25% when you join Baxter & Bella!

Here’s a short video from Baxter & Bella’s about how to train your puppy to respond positively the someone ringing your doorbell. You can take this same principle and apply it to a variety of other circumstances, such as teaching your puppy to walk calmly past another dog who is going crazy. Additional free puppy training videos are linked at the bottom of this blog post, so if you haven’t already checked them out, please take the time to watch at least a few of them. Remember, the best thing you can do to prepare for your new puppy is to prepare yourself!

six weeks new

How adorable are these Christmas pictures?! These little babies are just scrumptious! The puppies are so very curious and playful and friendly. We let them run around the main part of our house for small segments now. They have a blast sniffing noses with the older dogs, exploring every nook and cranny, looking for chews that belong to the big dogs, and feeling the carpet squishing between their toes. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the Insta videos of the pups in action! We made sure to supervise any interactions and to provide a safe place where the puppies could hide if they became overwhelmed for any reason. When you introduce your pup to new canine friends, you’ll want to do the same. Always supervise, especially the initial interactions with a new dog. And always provide your puppy with a safe “get away” spot in case she needs a break. For our home, the pups could duck under the coffee table or even squirm under the couch and pop out at will, giving them the freedom to control their interactions with the big dogs. Outdoors, a kiddie picnic table or something similar works well. Additionally, be sure to provide the big dog with a way to get away from your puppy in case he becomes overwhelmed with the puppy energy. Being around other safe dogs is great for your puppy! 

get ready to groom!

Your puppy has had her nails clipped and hair trimmed during her time with us, so she has already had her initial introduction to a lifetime of being groomed. Take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. The groomer will bathe her, trim the hair out of her eyes, give her a sanitary clip, and trim her nails. Since she will need regular grooming throughout her life, both she and the groomer will benefit if she becomes accustomed to being groomed from a young age, even before she’s ready for a full haircut. 

When should she have her first big girl haircut? The wavy adult coat will start replacing the soft, fluffy puppy coat around 5-6 months of age. You’ll notice the new hair coming in is kinkier than the pure fluff on top. Waiting to cut the hair until the adult coat makes its debut beneath the layers of puppy plush helps ensure that the adult coat remains soft. Many poodle groomers and poodle fanciers claim that shaving a poodle or goldendoodle down before her adult coat starts coming in could damage the adult coat, affecting the texture. While there isn’t any substantiated evidence that this is true (at least that I can find), it’s worth avoiding just in case. That doesn’t mean that your puppy might not benefit from a puppy clip in the meantime! Don’t let your puppy’s hair get out of control! As aforementioned, take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. When the time comes, check out the grooming section on our website for a variety of goldendoodle haircut pictures. Learn more about your Goldendoodle puppy’s first trip to the groomer. We have a plethora of haircut resources under the “grooming” tab on the main menu bar.

Waiting until 6 months for the first full big girl clip does NOT mean you’re off the hook for grooming at home! You should regularly groom your puppy: brushing her hair, cleaning her ears, brushing her teeth, clipping her toenails, and checking her for any anomalies (i.e. ticks, cuts, etc.). You want your puppy to become accustomed to being brushed and handled all over from a young age. We HIGHLY recommend doing regular bonding/body handling exercises with your puppy (demonstrated in the video shared on weekly puppy tip #4). Goldendoodles are a breed that like routines (thanks to those poodle ancestors), so it’s nice to do bonding exercises every night just before your put your puppy in her crate for bed. It’s easy to incorporate different parts of grooming into your nightly bonding exercises, just doing a little here and a little there since young puppies don’t have the attention span for lots of grooming at once.

getting ready for you new fur baby!

We’ve created a puppy shopping list to guide you as you prepare to bring your new pup home! Go ahead and pick up a Snuggle Puppy (stuffed puppy with a heartbeat) to bring with you on meet & greet day (or mail it to us if you live out of town). If you have a crate, you’re welcome to leave that with us that on meet & greet day as well and we’ll start getting your puppy used to her new future “bedroom.”

The best way to prepare for a puppy is to prepare yourself!

Baxter & Bella: first 2 weeks with a new puppy videos are all short 1-3 minute videos that are helpful to watch. You’ll learn how to teach your puppy and get ideas for establishing good behaviors from day one. These videos show Amy Jensen training Chili, her young doodle puppy.

If you’re eager to learn more, Baxter & Bella’s online resources, virtual classes, and video training tips are an amazing option for every puppy owner. Plus membership is for a lifetime, so you can access Baxter & Bella’s tools repeatedly over the years ahead for each and every furry child that joins your family. Use the discount code TIMBERIDGE to save 25% when you join Baxter & Bella!.