Preparing Your Home for a Goldendoodle Puppy

Bringing your Goldendoodle puppy into your home is an exciting experience! These affectionate, intelligent, and playful dogs quickly become beloved family members. Known for their friendly temperament and low-to-non-shedding coats, Goldendoodles are a popular choice for families, singles, and therapy work. However, raising a puppy requires time, commitment, and preparation. To ensure a smooth transition and help your new pup thrive, it’s essential to get your home ready in advance. From puppy-proofing your space to gathering essential supplies, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a safe and welcoming environment for your new furry family member.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Goldendoodles are naturally curious, so removing potential hazards from their reach is important. Secure electrical cords to prevent chewing, store household cleaners, medications, and toxic foods (like chocolate, grapes, and onions) out of reach, and keep small objects off the floor (including tempting socks and underwear.) Using baby gates to block off unsafe areas will also help protect your puppy from potential dangers.

Create a Safe and Quiet Area for Rest

Your Goldendoodle puppy will need plenty of nap time: two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon, and perhaps an hour in the evening. Your pup will have been introduced to a crate at Hearty K9s, but they will still require further training to learn that it is an ideal and safe retreat. If you are home often, placing the crate in a quiet spot is essential. Puppies can be easily awakened, and solid naps help prevent “overtired toddler syndrome.” They will need a comfortable sleeping area where they feel safe and secure. Crate training is crucial for house training, the pup’s safety, and providing a cozy retreat. Choose an easy-to-clean bed or blanket, and position the crate in a quiet area away from household noise to ensure uninterrupted rest. Crating the pup beside your bed while you sleep gives the pup a feeling of being part of your pack. There is also the option of tethering your pup to your bedpost and giving them a comfy dog bed.  I prefer a crate; that way, I know they are not chewing on my furniture or peeing beside their bed.

Stock Up On Supplies For Your Goldendoodle Puppy

Before your puppy arrives, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here is our checklist you can save for your next shopping trip:

• Training & Preparation: Consider reading at least 2 of the following books: “The Art of Raising a Puppy,” “Let Dogs be Dogs,” “Raising the Empowered Puppy,” or “How to Raise the Perfect Dog” to help you get ready. We can never stop learning!
• Food & Water Bowls: Opt for stainless steel or ceramic bowls to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Puppy Kibble: Feel free to ask Sonia or Dean what food your pup eats. If you plan to switch brands, start with a medium to large bag of their current food to transition gradually.
• Chew Toys: Various toys such as a Bully Stick, soft chew toy, rope toy, Nylabone, and Kong will help satisfy your pup’s teething urges.
• Bitter YUCK Spray: This deterrent protects electrical cords and other tempting household items from a teething puppy.
• Crate: Choose a crate large enough for your pup’s expected adult size. Use a box in the back, wrapped in a blanket to create a smaller space if needed while they’re still small. Sonia uses the plastic crates to create more of a den feeling.  Wire crates can be used but will likely need a blanket thrown over them.
• Blanket: A cozy blanket for your pup’s kennel will help them feel secure.
• Leash & Collar: A 6 ft leash to keep your pup tethered to you in the house until they are housetrained, understand house rules and have good greeting skills. We provide a puppy collar and slip leash for walking and training at pick-up.
• ID Tag: Ensure your pup has an ID tag with your contact information.
  No puppy pads are needed. A hearty K9 pup is used to going outside through a doggy door to potty, and using puppy pads confuses them, as they give them the option to go potty inside the house.
• Optional: Extra space on your phone camera to capture those adorable puppy moments before they slip away!
• Grooming Supplies:
  • Pin Brush for regular grooming.
  • Puppy or Oatmeal-Based Shampoo for gentle baths.
  • Slicker Brush & metal comb to maintain their coat.

Professional Grooming Schedule: Plan for professional grooming every 6-10 weeks.
If you wish to groom your dog, I recommend an Andis clipper with various blades and a good pair of scissors. You can also watch plenty of YouTube videos to learn how to groom your dog properly. 

Start Basic Puppy Training Early

Training should begin right away. Consistency is crucial—regularly take your puppy to a designated potty area, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Positive reinforcement with timely praise and/or treats or kibble will help to reinforce good habits. Since Goldendoodles are intelligent and eager to learn, early training is vital. Teaching basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” along with thoughtful socialization, creates a solid foundation.

Before puppy pickup, Hearty K9 will send you a recorded training session on Zoom (previously held in person). This session covers key tips for building a healthy relationship with your puppy.

After a month or two, you can request advanced training videos to enhance training. These include:

• Leash Work & “The Art of Attention” – Teaching focus and engagement through food-based training.
• Teaching “Place” – Training your pup to go to a designated spot and stay until released by touch, promoting obedience and impulse control.

These resources will help you raise a well-behaved, confident, and happy Goldendoodle while strengthening your bond. If you have any questions about training your Goldendoodle puppy, feel free to reach out to Sonia or Dean.

Schedule a Vet Appointment for Your Goldendoodle Puppy

Finally, schedule a vet appointment before bringing your puppy home to schedule their next vaccine appointment. Your veterinarian will ensure your Goldendoodle is up to date on vaccinations, deworming, and preventive care. Hearty K9s have the pups microchipped before they go to their new home.  Your vet can also provide recommendations on diet, flea and tick prevention when to spay and neuter and overall health.

Bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy requires preparation for a successful beginning. By being mentally/confidently and physically prepared, you’ll help your new furry friend settle in quickly and build a strong and healthy bond from the start. Investing time in training, socialization, and care will ensure your Goldendoodle grows into a well-behaved and happy companion. We are but a call or email away to help you add to the joy in the journey with your new Hearty K9 Goldendoodle! If you have any follow-up questions about bringing your Goldendoodle puppy home, review our FAQ page or connect with Sonia and Dean via our online Contact Us form.