Goldendoodle Puppy Checklist

So you’ve got your new Goldendoodle puppy and are excited to embark on the beautiful journey of raising this bright, adorable dog.

It will soon sink in that you’ll need a bunch of gear to raise your new puppy properly.

Today we’ll look at a comprehensive Goldendoodle puppy checklist to ensure new puppy owners are prepared to be five-star dog parents!

 

Shopping for a Doodle Puppy

Before you can bring your new Goldendoodle puppy home, you first have to hit the shops so that you have everything you need for the first few weeks!

Since young pups don’t do too well being left home alone, you should get everything ahead of time so you don’t have to spend ages at the shops trying to find what you might need.

Here is our complete list of what to shop for before getting your new Goldendoodle puppy.

Puppy-proofing essentials

Puppies can get into all kinds of trouble, which is why you need to puppy-proof your home to protect your furniture and your pup!

Stain remover

No matter how hard you try, you are going to have to clean up some kind of a mess at some point while raising your puppy. Whether that is removing muddy paw prints from your white furniture or cleaning up a potty time accident on your rug – a pet odor and stain remover will come in incredibly handy! We personally trust Rocky and Roxie’s stain remover to get rid of any puppy stains and odors.

Anti-chew spray

Once the teething phase hits you are going to have a hard time keeping those gnashers off your furniture and shoes. Your Goldendoodle puppy might even nip your hands and arms during playtime. Anti-chew spray, such as MXYOO Bitter Spray, is a great deterrent to protect your valuables and yourself!

Outlet covers

We are sure you have no intention of electrocuting your new fur baby, but their inquisitive minds get them into all kinds of trouble! To stop your pup from nibbling on electric outlets or sticking their tongues where they don’t belong, it is best to cover up those outlets!

Locking trash can

You might be planning on feeding your pup the most expensive puppy food, but that won’t stop them from trying to get into the trash! If you can’t stash your trash can out of puppy-reach, then it is best to get a trash can that can lock.

Feeding and watering

Food and water are the most basic necessities you must have before your pup arrives.

Food and water bowls

Stainless steel bowls are the way to go! Have separate bowls for food and water. Your pup may spill water while drinking, so consider no-spill water bowls.

Puppy food

The dog food you get is up to you, but check the ingredient list and make sure it is not full of fillers and artificial flavors. Make sure you get dog food specifically for puppies and try to feed the same food that the breeder fed the pups.

Treats

Treats can be used in moderation while training your pup. Opt for treats with natural ingredients, and avoid bones (cooked or raw) as well as raw hides. Bully sticks or Pawstruck’s Dental Chews are great as they taste delicious and also help satisfy that craving to chew.

Travel

Traveling and going on adventures with your pup is one of the best parts of being a pet parent! But before letting your Goldendoodle in your car, you need to prep for the trip.

Travel crate

Travel crates are great for keeping your pup safe while in the car. Get a crate that is big enough to accommodate your pup as it grows.

Dog hammock

Dog hammocks, or dog car seat covers such as the one offered by Active Pets, are great to protect your car seats from those pesky puppy nails! These covers are often waterproof as well, and will keep your car looking its best, even if a wet, sandy dog rolls around on the backseat!

Dog seat belt

Not keen on a travel crate? Then a dog seat belt is the next best thing to keep your dog safe in the car!

Collapsable water bowl

It is a good idea to always keep a small, collapsable water bowl in the car for long car trips or for some refreshment after a hike.

Toys

There are no “best” toys for your Goldendoodle puppy. Some pups prefer to pull the stuffing out of their soft toys, while others prefer puzzle games.

Toys are great for mental stimulation, and can also be used as rewards during training.

Here are some of our favorite toys for Goldendoodle puppies (but ultimately your dog will be the final decider in which toy is the best for them):

Kong toys

These toys enjoy plenty of popularity in the market thanks to their versatility. These interactive toys are super-durable and make a great addition to feeding time.

Load up the double ball shape with peanut butter, give it to your pup, and leave them to try and scoop the yummy treat out themselves.

Rope toys

You’ll soon figure out your new Goldendoodle puppy loves interactive playtime and these puppy toys are perfect for playing together. 

If you’ve ever played tug of war with a dog before, you realize they don’t get bored of it ever. Goldendoodle puppies are precisely this kind of dog.

Squeaky rubber balls

Playing fetch is a classic game that, as far as little puppies and grown-up dogs are concerned, will never go out of style.

Squeaky rubber balls make great fetch toys because they’re easy to throw and catch, and that squeaky noise will keep your pup happy for hours, maybe a little longer than you’d like!

Collars and leashes

Some pups are real Houdinis and take any chance to explore the big wide world. That is why a collar and leash are so important.

Even if your pup is microchipped, a name tag on a collar is very helpful should your pup make a dash for freedom. Adjustable collars are the best bet as you can fit them on your growing pup.

For walkies, a harness is a great option. It doesn’t pull at the dog’s neck like a collar would, and also gives you more control over a rambunctious pup.

Make sure you get a leash with a weight capacity to match the weight of your fully grown Goldendoodle, otherwise you might be chasing after your pup when it gets older and the leash snaps! BAAPET’s leash is not only affordable but strong enough for dogs up to 120 lbs!

Training supplies

How you decide to train your pup is completely up to you, but some basic training supplies include:

• Treat pouch

• Clicker

• Training leash

Grooming supplies

Even if you plan to take your pup to professional groomers, it is still a good idea to have some grooming supplies on hand. You never know when your pup might decide to romp in a muddy puddle at night when the groomers are closed!

Some must-haves are:

• Puppy shampoo and conditioner

• Grooming wipes

• Wire brush to remove tangles and mats

• Nail clippers or nail grinder

• Dog towel (you don’t want to get that wet dog smell on your guest towels!)

Beds and crates

It might not feel like it when you are being woken up at all hours of the night, but pups actually spend a lot of time sleeping! That is why it is so important that you set up the best sleeping arrangement for your Goldendoodle puppy.

Wire crate

A wire crate is great for crate training your pup (which will go a long way with potty training) but also gives your puppy its own private den in the home. A double-door folding crate is a good option as you can open the doors wide to make the pup feel part of the family while allowing them to have their own space.

Place comfortable blankets in the crate and cover it with a towel or blanket to block out any light during naptime.

Bed and blankets

We recommend getting a dog bed that will be big enough for your fully-grown Goldendoodle. That way you don’t have to constantly buy new beds as the pup grows. We guarantee that your pup will love Furhaven’s Deluxe Chaise Lounge bed!

Make sure to spray some anti-chew spray on the corners of the bed, as those puppy teeth will try their hardest to get to the soft foam inside!

Potty supplies

Accidents do happen, but having potty supplies on hand can make cleaning up any messes a breeze. And no, we don’t just mean a roll of paper towels (although they are pretty useful as well!)

Puppy pads

If for whatever reason you can’t take your pup outside to go potty, then having absorbent puppy pads is a blessing!

Poop bags

Some pups simply love to hold their poos until out and about on a walk. Having a roll of doggy poop bags on hand is always a good idea to clean up any unexpected poos and prevent the neighbors from getting upset about your dog doo-dooing on their lawns!

 

Prepping your Home for a New Puppy

Make no mistake, Goldendoodles pack a bunch of energy into a tiny bundle. These little puppies are persistent, adventurous, and active.

Your home will be a wonderland full of exciting new things to explore, so ensuring you’ve got the environment prepped for your puppy’s arrival is vital!

Living space

It makes sense to make your lounge or second living space the central spot where your new puppy will spend most of their time so you can keep an eye on them.

If you’ve got more of an open-plan home, use your available living space, but consider putting a baby gate on the door to the kitchen or separate areas to keep them close by.

You’ll also want to keep your toys, crate, potty area, food, and water bowls in this area so everything is close to hand.

Also, make sure you’ve got a clear line of sight on any electrical wires that your new puppy might feel like chewing.

Position them out of reach, or use a citrus spray on them. The bitter taste deters dogs, so this is an easy way to keep them away from areas you want them to stay away from.

House training space

House training your new puppy can essentially begin the day your puppy arrives. Delaying it creates an opportunity for bad habits to settle in.

Choose a spot where their potty training isn’t going to upset the balance of your home.

Sleeping space

Eventually, you’ll be able to let your new house-trained puppy sleep downstairs or in a separate room, but when you first bring them home, they will have a much easier time sleeping in the room with you. Leaving them alone for the night can make them anxious.

You may want to consider getting two crates or a bed to save you from moving their sleeping space around the house daily.

Baby gates

Installing a baby gate to lock off areas of your house you don’t want your pup to go is crucial. You probably don’t want them free-roaming in your home anyway, so restricting their movement will make raising them much more manageable.

You can pick these up at pet stores or baby supply stores.

 

Tips for New Goldendoodle Parents

Even with all the necessary supplies and a handful of bully sticks, you can never be too prepared for when your puppy arrives. Here are some final tips to make the first few weeks as easy as possible:

• Comfort: Give your pup an item that will comfort them. This can be an old t-shirt that smells like you or a blanket that they had when they were still with their mother. Place it in the area where they will sleep.

• Potty time: Be prepared for potty accidents! Don’t get mad – these accidents are a part of your puppy’s training. Reward them for going potty where they should, and simply clean up any messes without making a fuss.

• Feeding: Pups have sensitive stomachs, so ask the breeder what puppy food they fed the litter, and try to get the same brand of food. Try to stick to the same feeding schedule that the breeder had.

• Limit freedom: Keep your pup in a designated space when they are still young. This will not only keep them out of trouble, but also help with training! Don’t lock them in a wire crate all day, but use playpens or baby gates to limit the number of rooms they can wander into.

• Wait for vaccinations: Goldendoodle puppies are pretty susceptible to diseases until they have their final vaccinations, so keep your puppy safe and indoors until they are up to date with their shots. Only then is it a good idea to let them potty outside or play where other dogs are.

 

FAQs

How do you take care of a Goldendoodle puppy?

You need to prioritize feeding, exercise, training, and grooming to make sure your puppy can live its best life. Socializing your puppy from a young age is also very important.

How can I teach my Goldendoodle puppy basic obedience commands?

To teach your Goldendoodle puppy basic obedience commands, start with simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Use positive reinforcement, such as treats, playtime, or praise, and keep training sessions short and consistent so that your pup doesn’t get bored.

Can I use a retractable leash to walk my Goldendoodle puppy?

It’s generally not recommended to use a retractable leash for a Goldendoodle puppy, as they can be unpredictable and may pull or lunge unexpectedly, putting both the puppy and owner at risk. Instead, use a fixed-length leash to ensure control and safety for you and your pup!

 

Final Thoughts

Goldendoodles make charming, loveable, and loving pets. Their excellent levels of intelligence and trainability make them a joy to be around.

They don’t present significant difficulties that are common in some breeds of smaller-sized dogs and will get on well with kids, adults, and new dogs alike.

Make sure you’re prepared with all the essential bits and bobs we’ve listed on our Goldendoodle puppy supply list, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running once you get your pup home.