New Puppy Checklist: What to Buy Before Your Doodle Comes Home
Bringing a new puppy home is one of the best days a family can have. It also comes with a lot of questions, and the first one is usually, "What do we need to buy?" This new puppy checklist covers the basics I'd want every family to have ready before pickup day, so you feel prepared instead of rushed.
You don't need everything in the pet store. A few good basics, set up before your puppy arrives, will make that first week much calmer for everyone.
Your New Puppy Checklist: The Must-Haves
Start with these. If you only buy what's on this list, you'll be in good shape.
A crate. Pick one that fits your puppy's adult size and comes with a divider, so you can make the space smaller while they're little. Our puppies start kennel training here at home, so a crate will already feel familiar.
A crate pad or washable blanket. Accidents happen, so choose something you can toss in the washer.
Food and water bowls. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easy to clean and hard to chew.
Puppy food. Ask us what your puppy has been eating so you can start with the same food. If you want to switch later, do it slowly over a week or so, and check with your vet.
A collar or harness and a leash. A lightweight 4 to 6 foot leash is plenty for a small puppy. Add an ID tag with your phone number.
Potty supplies. Poop bags, an enzyme cleaner for accidents, and paper towels. Lots of paper towels.
Chew toys. Puppies chew, especially while teething. A few safe chew toys in different textures give them something better than your shoes.
Training treats. Small, soft treats work best for short training sessions.
Not sure what size crate to get? Our Mini Goldendoodle size guide can help you estimate how big your puppy will be as an adult.
Grooming Basics for a Doodle Coat
Doodle coats are low-shedding and often a good fit for allergy sufferers, but that soft, curly coat needs regular brushing so it doesn't mat. Starting early helps your puppy learn that grooming is a normal, calm part of life.
A slicker brush for everyday brushing
A metal comb to check for tangles close to the skin
A gentle puppy shampoo
Nail clippers or a nail grinder
A few towels just for the dog
Short, happy brushing sessions a few times a week are better than one long battle. Keep treats nearby and stop while your puppy is still relaxed.
It's also smart to find a groomer early, since many groomers book out weeks ahead. Ask when they like to see puppies for a first gentle visit.
Setting Up Your Home Before Pickup Day
Puppies explore with their mouths. Before your puppy comes home, get down on the floor and look at your house from their height. You'll be surprised what you find.
Pick a puppy zone. A baby gate or exercise pen in a busy room, like the kitchen or family room, keeps your puppy safe and still part of the family.
Put the crate where people are. Puppies settle better when they can hear and see you. Many families keep the crate in the bedroom for the first few nights.
Tuck away cords, shoes and small things. Anything on the floor is fair game.
Move cleaning products, medications and houseplants up high. If you're not sure whether a plant is safe for dogs, ask your vet.
Choose a potty spot outside. Taking your puppy to the same spot every time helps them learn faster.
Here in Northern California, fall and winter bring rain and muddy paws. A towel by the back door and an umbrella you can grab fast will make rainy-day potty trips a lot easier.
Nice to Have, But Not Urgent
These can wait until you know your puppy a little better:
Puzzle toys and lick mats for quiet time
A car seat cover or travel crate for car rides
A dog bed for outside the crate
A gate for the stairs
Fun extras like a raincoat or sweater (cute, but optional)
It's easy to overbuy before you meet your puppy. Some puppies love one certain toy and ignore the rest, so wait and see what yours enjoys.
Don't Forget the Non-Shopping Tasks
Some of the most important prep isn't something you buy.
Pick a vet and schedule a first wellness visit for soon after pickup.
Talk about house rules as a family. Is the puppy allowed on the couch? Who handles the morning potty trip? Deciding now keeps things consistent.
Choose a name. It sounds simple, but some families debate for weeks!
Plan a few quiet days at home. Your puppy will settle in best if the first days are calm, with lots of naps and short play sessions.
Get the kids ready. Little ones can help by sitting on the floor and letting the puppy come to them.
How Our Puppies Come Home Ready
Every Dainty Doodle is raised inside our home, not in a kennel or a guardian home. They grow up around kids, everyday household sounds and daily routines, so normal family life isn't a big surprise. We also start early potty, kennel and basic training at no extra charge, and we temperament test each puppy so they're matched to the right family.
And you're never on your own. We offer lifetime support, so whether a question pops up in week one or years down the road, you can reach out to us.
If you're just getting started, take a look at our upcoming litters and waitlist or read through our FAQ for answers to common questions.
Quick answers
When should I start buying puppy supplies?
About two to three weeks before pickup is a good time. That gives you room to set up the crate and puppy zone without a last-minute rush.
What size crate does a mini doodle need?
Buy a crate sized for your puppy's expected adult size and use a divider while they're small. Mini Goldendoodles are usually about 13 to 40 lbs full grown and Mini Bernedoodles about 15 to 50 lbs, so the right size depends on your puppy.
Do I need everything on this list before my puppy comes home?
No. The must-haves are a crate, bedding, bowls, food, a collar and leash, potty supplies and a few chew toys. The rest can wait until you get to know your puppy.
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