New Puppy

[Stephanie T.]

Hi everyone!

     My standard F1 goldendoodle will be born in less than two weeks, and I am so excited! He or she will be coming home in late May or early June. I know it is a little early to start buying stuff for my puppy, but of course I cannot stop looking at puppy things because I am just so incredibly excited. I wanted to ask y'all if you have any recommendations on the best stuff to buy for goldendoodle puppies along the lines of the size of crate, types of toys, type of brush, brand of shampoo, brand of quality food, etc. to buy. Really, just any of the necessities and some extras of what y'all get your dogs! I want to start buying some things now so I can be completely ready by the time I go pick up my puppy!

Thank you all so much. :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Regarding food, don't change the puppy's food for at least two weeks after he/she comes home. Give only what the breeder is giving, even if it isn't the best quality. Lots of info about food and feeding in The Food Group, please join us! 

[EJ & Dante]

Some of our favorites: isle of dogs tearless puppy shampoo, viva la dog spa pink potion conditioner, Chris christenson pin brush, ice on ice spray on detangler, andis steel poodle comb, conair pro round tip shears- 5 inch, koodella dog nail clippers, Firm up pumpkin (great for digestive issues or loose stools) snuggle puppy, noodle necktie (from Etsy).
. We feed fromm puppy gold and it works great for us. Don't don't change food for a few weeks after your puppy comes home.
If you need more information on anything, just let me know!

Edie & Dante

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

In addition to the Food Group, join the "Puppy Madness" group here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/puppymadness

There will be lots of support and answers for what you will be going through.

Also I highly recommend the snuggle puppy. It is a stuffed animal with a heartbeat for those first few weeks in a crate by himself. They have them on Amazon but I think that most Petsmart sell them now as well. They come in different colors and styles.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Congratulations!  Will be looking for homecoming photos of your sweet little puppy.  You are in for a fun summer - enjoy each and every moment!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Congrats!!  Can't wait to see pictures!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Congratulations! I'd suggest a Snuggle Puppy. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

Crate size depends on how big your pup ends up to be! (Parents' size can help here) But for now, a 24 inch travel crate will work well for a puppy. Nylabones or kongs are good--no RAWHIDE EVER! For now you can use diluted human baby shampoo--1/3 shampoo to 2/3 water.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Let me add a suggestion to the Snuggle Puppy idea. We took our Snuggle Puppy with us to the puppy meet and greet (which happened a couple weeks before pick up day) and left it with the breeder. She let mom and the puppies snuggle with it for a bit so it smelled and tasted like family when we brought our doodle home.

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

That was a really good idea!  We did the same kind of thing with a baby blanket - just rubbed it all over her siblings and mom.   The Snuggle Puppy was probably the BEST thing I got for Zoey.  She maybe whined for 20 min that first night in her crate, but then settled right down.  I kept the heat on for a month, but the heartbeat stayed on for the first 5 mos. It still holds a cherished spot in the crate. 

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

All three of our doodles had Snuggle Puppies. None made it past a couple of months, though - those ears and nose are too easy to chew off! The "carcasses" are stored safely away in the garage.

[Stephanie T.]

Thank you so much for all the replies, everyone! It looks like I will definitely be investing in a snuggle puppy! :)

[Wendy and Myla]

When we first got our Myla, her favourite toy was a small water bottle filled with gravel.  She loved the noise and took it everywhere!  When we first picked her up from the breeder, we camped on the way back and she had a big stick that we gave her at a park we stopped at and she played with that forever - she still loves chewing on sticks!  We found that a soft Nylabone was the best to give her when we had to divert her from nipping us.  She loved it!  We did have a crate for her but it didn't last long - she ended up on our bed very quickly.  What we have found works for us is having two "doggy toy boxes".  Myla is five years old now and we still change up her toy boxes.  We have a few different toys in each basket and we change it up about every two weeks.  It's fun watching her when we put out the new toy box!  You will get lots of ideas if you join the different groups  - right now I would recommend "Puppy Madness" and "Food Group" and then whatever interests you - maybe the "Grooming Group" after  you get your puppy.  I remember reading every single post on DK when I was waiting for my Myla - so much to learn!  This is such a stressful time for you and also exciting!  Learn all you can now - this site is very truthful about everything you will need to know about owning a beautiful puppy!  Have fun!