Dog Crate
We primarily use metal crates with our dogs, as they are easier to clean, but plastic crates give the den-like feel and are a good option as well. A crate cover can give a metal crate the den-like feel yet you can still toss it in the washer if needed. Consider purchasing a 36″ crate with dimensions for medium puppies (mini goldendoodles may be comfortable in a 30″ crate). You may prefer to use a smaller crate can be used while your puppy is little or use a divider to make the crate a little smaller. We primarily use 30″ metal crates in crate conditioning the pups during their time with us, although we also try to introduce them to plastic crates.
Baxter & Bella Online Puppy Training Program
Baxter & Bella is a unique online puppy raising resource that is IMMENSELY helpful. Not only will you have access to the myriad of videos and training tips, but membership also includes chats with professional trainers. If your puppy enters a new stage and you’re not quite sure how to navigate it, just talk to a trainer to get the tips and tricks you need to help your puppy. Baxter & Bella helps new owners with everything from preparing your home to basic manners to make a socialization checklist. Use the code Timberidge for 25% off Baxter & Bella!
Chew Things for a Teething Puppy
Puppies love to chew, particularly until about 8 months of age. To help set both you and your puppy up for success, select a few long last items that your puppy can chew. We like RidgeRunner’s split elk antler. Use the code TR15 for 15% off your order at RidgeRunnerAntlerChews.com
Irresistible Tasty Chew for Crate
Select an AMAZINGLY tasty chew or two that your puppy ONLY gets in her crate. We find that puppies love buffalo or pigs ears, but it can be challenging to find ones produced in the USA. You may be able to find some at a local feed and supply store. Another good option is Nature Gnaws, available at Target as well as Amazon. Nature Gnaws has a variety of single ingredient chews that your pup will enjoy. Choose something that is very tasty and that will take your pup some time to devour.
Puppy Food
Your puppy will be used to eating TLC Puppy Food, so order a bag from TLCpetfood.com and they’ll ship it to your home, where it will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of your newest family member. You will receive an email directly from TLC when your puppy is about 5 weeks old.
We love TLC for a variety of reasons, a few of which are: multiple protein sources (helps reduce the risk of developing food allergies), low legume content (reduces the risk of developing dilated cardiac myelopathy), included pre & probiotics (helps keep the intestines happy), no corn or soybeans (ingredients that are likely to be genetically modified), no recalls ever (we want to keep our dogs healthy & safe), and the food is fresher than store bought foods since it is delivered directly to your home.
Soft Training Treats
Treats should be soft, small, and easy to chew quickly. Purebites dog treats are a good option as are Smart Cookie single ingredient treats. They are made with just one ingredient (i.e. lamb liver) and don’t contain ingredients such as BHA that you do not want your puppy to consume.
Metal Comb or Grooming Rake and Slicker Brush
A metal comb is a great tool for curly coated Goldendoodles and a grooming rake works well for wavy coated Goldendoodles. These will help keep in undercoat free from tangles. Also purchase a curved slicker brush for fluffing the outer coat on your goldendoodle. For more information about grooming, read through our goldendoodle haircuts post.
Nail Clippers or Dremel and Styptic Powder
We like to use normal human toenail clippers for trimming puppy nails. As puppies get older, we switch to a cordless dremel. Either nail clipper or a cordless dremel will work for trimming your puppy’s toenails – it’s a matter of which you prefer. Your puppy will have had it’s nails trimmed prior to going home and your vet & groomer will likely offer to trim her nails when you take her in for appointments, but it’s still important for you to trim her nails at home. It’s also a good idea to have styptic powder on hand just in case you trim your puppy’s nail a little too short.