Puppy-Proofing and Essential Supplies

Your Goldendoodle puppy will be home soon! Before that adorable bundle of fluff arrives, you'll need to prepare your home and gather essential supplies. Think of this as baby-proofing, but for a curious, teething puppy who can reach higher than you think.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

General Safety Measures

• Secure electrical cords and outlets

• Remove toxic plants (especially dangerous: lilies, azaleas, sago palms)

• Lock up cleaning supplies and medications

• Remove small objects that could be choking hazards

• Install baby gates to block off-limits areas

• Secure trash cans with lids

Kitchen Safety Never leave accessible:

• Chocolate, coffee, or caffeine

• Grapes and raisins

• Onions and garlic

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

• Alcohol

• Macadamia nuts

• Avocados

• Apple cores, cherry pits, peach pits (contain cyanide)

Outdoor Spaces

• Check fence for escape routes

• Remove toxic plants from yard

• Secure pools and ponds

• Store gardening chemicals safely

• Pick up small toys or tools

• Create a designated potty area

  
  

Essential Supplies Checklist

Crate and Confinement

• Crate: At least 42" for Standard Goldendoodles, adjustable divider for puppies

• Exercise pen: For supervised playtime

• Baby gates: To block stairs or certain rooms

Food and Water

• High-quality large-breed puppy food: Ask your breeder what they're currently feeding

• Stainless steel or ceramic bowls: Easy to clean, won't harbor bacteria

• Treat pouch: For training sessions

Bedding and Comfort

• Washable crate mat or towels: Skip the fluffy bed initially (puppies love to pee on fluffy things!)

• Safe toys: Rubber bones, puzzle feeders, plush squeaky toys

• Frozen teething aids: Wet washcloths formed into rings and frozen work great

Grooming Supplies

• Slicker brush: For daily brushing

• Metal comb: To work through tangles

• Puppy-safe shampoo

• Nail clippers or grinder

• Ear cleaning solution

• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste

• High velocity blower. Reasonably priced on Amazon.

Cleaning Essentials

• Nature's Miracle enzyme cleaner: Your best friend for accidents

• Paper towels: Lots of them

• Bleach: For sanitizing

• Carpet cleaner: Because accidents will happen

Training Supplies

• 6-foot leash: For walks and training

• Collar with ID tag: With your phone number

• Small training treats: High-value rewards

• Clicker (optional): For clicker training

Health and Safety

• First aid kit: Gauze, antiseptic, tweezers, emergency vet number

• Puppy-safe toys: Ensure no small parts that can be swallowed

Setting Up Your Space

Create a Puppy Zone Choose an area that's:

• Easy to clean (tile or hardwood over carpet)

• Away from main traffic but not isolated

• Close enough to hear the puppy

• Contains the crate, water bowl, and toy basket

Bedroom Setup For the first few weeks, keep the crate in your bedroom. Your puppy will feel more secure near you and you'll hear when they need a nighttime bathroom break.

The First Night Essentials

Have ready:

• Something with the breeder's scent or littermates' scent

• An old t-shirt with your scent

• A ticking clock (mimics heartbeat)

• Patience—the first few nights may be rough!

What NOT to Buy (Yet)

• Expensive dog bed (wait until they're past the chewing phase)

• Too many toys at once (rotate to keep things interesting)

• Retractable leash (not ideal for training)