🐾 Just Brought Home a Doodle? Here’s What to Do Next!

🐾 Just Brought Home a Doodle? Here’s What to Do Next!

Bringing home a Stay Golden Doodle puppy is an exciting (and adorable!) milestone—but it also comes with a few important to-dos. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pup parent, this guide will walk you through the most important steps to take after bringing your new furry friend home.

1. 🏡 Prepare a Safe, Puppy-Proof Space

Your puppy’s first environment should be calm, contained, and safe. Designate a quiet area of your home with easy-to-clean flooring where your pup can rest, play, and adjust.

Must-haves:

• Puppy playpen or crate

• Soft bedding

• Food and water bowls

• Safe chew toys

• Baby gates (to block off no-puppy zones)

Why it matters: Puppies are curious explorers. Setting boundaries from the start keeps them safe and prevents unwanted behaviors (like chewing your favorite shoes).

2. 🐶 Start Basic Training Right Away

Yes, even at 8–10 weeks old, your puppy is ready to start learning!

First things first:

• Name recognition: Call their name and reward with praise or a treat.

• Potty training: Set a schedule and reward successes right away.

• Crate training: Help them feel safe and secure in their crate—never use it as punishment.

• “Sit” command: Start simple, and build from there.

Pro tip: Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes), fun, and frequent.

3. 🛒 Stock Up on Essentials

Having the right products from the start makes your life—and your pup’s—so much easier.

Top recommended puppy products:

• High-quality puppy food: Choose vet-recommended brands suitable for doodle breeds.

• Collar + leash or harness: Get your puppy used to walking gear early.

• ID tag + microchip: In case they wander.

• Grooming tools: Doodles need regular brushing to avoid mats—start young!

• Teething toys: To save your furniture during the chewing phase.

• Enzymatic cleaner: For the inevitable potty accidents.

4. 📅 Schedule Your First Vet Visit

Your Stay Golden Doodle comes with early vaccinations, but it’s essential to:

• Establish care with a local vet

• Continue the vaccine schedule

• Get flea, tick, and heartworm prevention going

• Discuss when to spay/neuter

Bonus: Take a stool sample along to check for parasites.

5. 🐕 Socialize, Socialize, Socialize

The socialization window is short (8–16 weeks), but vital. Gently expose your puppy to:

• New people and children

• Other vaccinated dogs

• Everyday sounds (doorbells, vacuums, etc.)

• Car rides, vet visits, pet stores

Why it matters: A well-socialized Doodle is confident, friendly, and easier to train in the long run.

6. 💛 Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency. Set a daily rhythm for:

• Potty breaks

• Meals

• Nap time

• Play and training sessions

• Evening wind-down time

Tip: The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn what’s expected.

7. ✂️ Start a Grooming Routine Early

Doodles are known for their low-shedding coats—but they do require regular upkeep. Begin brushing and gentle bathing early so your puppy gets used to the process.

Essentials:

• Pin brush or slicker brush

• Puppy shampoo (gentle, tear-free)

• Nail trimmers

• Ear cleaning wipes (optional, but helpful)

Optional: Schedule a “puppy intro” groom with a professional groomer to get them used to clippers and dryers.

Final Thoughts

Your Stay Golden Doodle is more than just a pet—they’re family. Setting up good habits early will build a bond of trust, love, and fun that lasts a lifetime. If you have any questions about training, feeding, or products, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help our puppy families!

Need recommendations on our favorite training tools or food brands? Drop us a message—we’ve tested a lot and love sharing what works best for Doodles.

Would you like this turned into a downloadable checklist or emailed as a follow-up to new puppy families? I can create that too.