Doodle Puppy Shopping List

Congratulations on adding a new furry member to your family! Goldendoodles make wonderful pets, and you’re going to love your new little one. We’ve created this goldendoodle puppy shopping list to help you prepare. You’ll learn what size collar, what size crate, recommended chew items for teething puppies, etc. We’ll also give you a few special discount codes for some of our favorite products!

Food & Water Bowls

Look to purchase stainless or ceramic bowls, as they are healthier for your puppy and easier to clean than plastic. It’s a good idea to purchase an extra water bowl, as an extra will allow you to regularly throw your puppy’s water bowl in the dishwasher.

Fun Food activities that Build on the Foraging Instinct

Dogs are natural foragers, and sometimes, eating out of a bowl can be a little…. boring. Have a few more entertaining feeding options available for your pup such as a snuffle bowl, slow feeder bowl, and wobble feeder. These types of interactive food games take mental energy and problem solving, which helps a puppy use that puppy energy in a productive, fun way.

Collar and Identification tag

Your mini puppy will likely need a 14”-16″ collar when full-grown (the collar will probably adjust from 13″-19″ like this medium one) but may benefit from a smaller collar at first. She has been wearing a collar that is adjusted to about 9″-11″ during her last few weeks with us. Even though your puppy will go home with a microchip, it’s always a good idea to have a tag on her collar to make it easy to identify her (without a microchip reader!). Alternatively, you may choose to purchase a collar with your phone number embroidered on the collar. Abria has a cute polkadot collar we found on Etsy!

Scent Item

You may opt to bring a piece of material to hold the familiar, comforting scent of littermates (i.e. a wash cloth), but an even better option is a Snuggle Puppy. We have families tell us that their dog continues to sleep with Snuggle Puppy friend even as an adult dog. Snuggle Puppies are specially designed for puppies: the tag is hidden away inside the pocket and there aren’t any eyes or noses that can be chewed off and swallowed. Additionally, there isn’t any stuffing in the ears or tail to prevent your pup from accidentally ingesting the white fluffy stuffing usually found in stuffed animals.

Flat Leash

Pick out a sturdy flat lead that is 3/4″ wide that’s 4′-6′ long. Flexi leads are not the best choice for young puppies. We have leashes made by Kakadu and DexDog that we use regularly, and we have been happy with them both.

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

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.

 

 

Goldendoodle Puppy Shopping List

As the time approaches to bring home your new English goldendoodle puppy, the excitement & anticipation are certainly building. One thing you can do to prepare for your new bundle of fur is to go shopping! Here are some suggested items to purchase for your goldendoodle puppy:

Please note: although the pictures are links to products on Amazon, we don’t necessarily recommend that specific product over a similar one. A picture is worth a thousand words, so the pictures and product links are there simply to serve as examples to assist you in preparing for your new goldendoodle puppy.

Food & Water Bowls

Look to purchase stainless or ceramic bowls, as they are healthier for your puppy and easier to clean than plastic.

Collar

Your mini puppy will likely need a 14”-16″ collar when full-grown (the collar will probably adjust from 13″-19″ like this medium one) but may benefit from a smaller collar at first. She has been wearing a collar that is adjusted to about 9″-11″ during her last few weeks with us.  Be sure to browse through the myriad of gorgeous and unique handmade collars on Etsy!

Flat Leash

Pick out a sturdy flat lead that is 3/4″ wide that’s 5′-6′ long. Flexi leads are not the best choice for young puppies. We have leashes made by Kakadu and DexDog that we use regularly, and we have been happy with them both.

Identification Tag

Your puppy will go home with a microchip, but it’s always a good idea to have a tag on her collar to make it easy to identify her (without a microchip reader!).

Dog Crate with Divider

Metal is preferable over plastic, as it is easier to clean and allows your puppy to watch everything going on around her. Consider purchasing a 36″ crate with dimensions with a moveable divider 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 rather than using the divider.

Dog Treats

Treats should be soft, small, and easy to chew quickly. Purebites dog treats are a good option. They are made with just one ingredient (i.e. lamb liver) and don’t contain ingredients such as BHA that you don’t want your puppy to consume.

Metal Comb or Grooming Rake

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. For more information on grooming, check out our goldendoodle haircuts post.

Slicker Brush

A slicker brush is handy for fluffing the outer coat on your goldendoodle.

Nail Clippers or Cordless Dremel

We like to use normal human toenail clippers for trimming our dogs’ nails. Either nail clipper or a cordless dremel will work for trimming your puppy’s toenails as well – 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.

Styptic Powder

It’s a good idea to have styptic powder on hand just in case you trim your puppy’s nail a little too short. Styptic powder is located next to the nail clippers in the pet store.

Doggie Toothbrush

You may find that the finger toothbrush is easiest to use when your goldendoodle is a puppy.

Carpet Cleaner (Stain/Odor Eliminator) & Paper Towels and Clorox Wipes

To clean up those inevitable puppy accidents…

Bell for Housebreaking

A bell is handy for housebreaking, so your goldendoodle has a way to tell you when she needs to go out. Any bell will work, it doesn’t have to be a bell specifically for dogs.

Toys

When your goldendoodle puppy is young, she will enjoy soft toys, but keep in mind that her sharp teeth will eventually allow her to chew through stuffed toys quickly. As she gets older, Jolly Balls, chew ropes, etc. will last longer. Food dispensing toys are a fun way to encourage your puppy to channel her energy into something productive. Look for toys that specifically say “non-toxic” on the label.

A Book about Puppies

If you’re interested in doing a little preparatory reading, The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete is a great choice. You’ll find this book is a handy reference as you tackle housebreaking, etc

.

Baxter & Bella Online Training Program

Baxter & Bella is a unique online puppy raising resource that 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!

puppy food

You 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

Misc. Items:

  • A piece of material to hold the mamma dog’s scent (i.e. a wash cloth) and/or a Snuggle Puppy
  • Old towels or small blankets for the crate
  • Pure Pumpkin paste – Going to a new home can be stressful and some puppies develop runny stool in response. If your puppy starts having runny stool, give 1tbsp/serving of puppy food.
  • Baby gate(s) – you may need a gate or two to section off your house during housebreaking
  • Chew Toy – It’s good for teething puppies to have something to sink their teeth into. Split elk antlers (use the code TRGD15 for 15% off at RidgeRunner Antlers) and yak chews are great options. Avoid raw hides, as they are not healthy option for your puppy, and never give your dog poultry bones, as they can splinter easily.

Curious what your puppy will look like as an adult? View our goldendoodle puppy time lapses to see goldendoodle puppies with different hair types grow up before your eyes! Also learn about how big your puppy might grow up to be.