CRATE TRAINING ESSENTIALS
Establishes a safe sleeping space for your puppy and a great tool in potty training. A crate also keeps your puppy safe in times that you aren’t there to watch him or her. If you choose to go with a larger crate, we recommend getting one that has a divider. Their natural instinct is to keep their bed area
clean. Too much space too soon will cause them to have accidents in their crate.
I recommend a wire crate with a divider that will grow with your puppy. The 36” is a good size for mini-medium goldendoodles, 42” for large or standard size. If they get to where they can’t stand up
comfortably and have to hunch over it’s time for a larger crate. On my Amazon shopping list I have the 36 inch with the divider, but also listed the smaller 24 inch which is the size they would need as a puppy. That’s what I use for them at my house when we practice crate training. The 36 inch with the divider keeps you from buying 2.
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Mini/Medium Goldendoodles: 36” crate
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Standard/Large Goldendoodles: 42” crate
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Small Puppy Option: 24” crate (easier to move room-to-room)
Tip: Start with the 24" for flexibility, then use the 36" with a divider to save money long-term.
Link to Buy: 36” Crate with Divider: https://amzn.to/3JnBnu6
THE FIRST FEW NIGHTS
The first few nights home are always the hardest for your puppy. Just try to be patient and soothe them, keeping in mind that up until this point they have been surrounded by all of their siblings at bedtime. There will be some adjusting as they get used to all the new smells, sounds and sights of their new environment. You will begin to see that very soon your home becomes their home and they will love being a part of their new family. They will have already been introduced to a crate with us. We start out by leaving one in their area with the door open so they can go in when they want. Then at times I will put them in starting in groups and close the door a few minutes at a time. Towards the last week I will put them in individually but only for very small amounts of time. The crate should be thought of as their
safe space. It should be a pleasant place for them and also helps with potty training. Their bladder will not be able to hold it through the night yet when they come home so you will need to plan to take them at least once in the middle of the night, just set them in the grass or area outside that you want them to go, praise them-"good potty" and back in the crate until morning. Consistency is
key.
There will be crying that first night, possibly a few nights and it's hard. There's no way around it. Up until that point they have slept with multiple other puppies and have not been alone. Unfortunately it’s just
not something they can be prepared for. You can set the crate near you if you wish, also try putting a blanket or cover over the crate which sometimes helps calm them. The snuggle puppy is great with this
transition also. It won't be long though before your puppy learns their new routine and you become their family so hang in there those first few nights. :) Also you can try quiet classical music or soothing puppy music which you can find on youtube. I have played this for them many times during nap times and at night to help create a soothing, calming atmosphere. (on youtube just search “puppy calming music.”)
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COLLARS, HARNESSES & LEASHES
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Ensure two fingers fit between the collar and your puppy's neck
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Use a Nylon or Leather collar for daily wear
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Some people use a harness early on—this is optional and up to you
Note: Avoid retractable leashes during leash training. They encourage pulling and poor walking habits.
Shop Collars & Leashes: www.amazon.com/shop/upstategoldendoodles
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CHEW TOYS & TEETHING
Puppies love to chew—it helps with teething and keeps them occupied.
Recommended items:
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Nylabones
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Benebones
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Kongs
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Bully sticks (American made)
Links:
Best Bully Sticks: https://www.bestbullysticks.com/products/6-inch-thin-odor-free-bully-stick
Benebones: https://amzn.to/3Yz2t5G
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TOYS & MONTHLY BOXES
​TJ Maxx has always been my go to for toys or you may want to consider joining Bark Box or one of those subscriptions. Those were always fun when they were little. Of course my kids complained it
wasn't fair that they didn't get a new box of toys in the mail every month to which I explained this kept the dogs from chewing on the toys they already had. :)
​GROOMING TOOLS
Whether your puppy has a curly or wavy coat you will want to brush them between grooming appointments. You'll want a metal comb and a slicker brush. I use it for both Charlie and Ginger to
comb out any mats or even leaves or things from the yard that might get caught in their fur. Once your puppy finishes their vaccinations at 15 weeks you can schedule their first grooming appointment. They can get a sanitary groom even if they don’t necessarily need a cut.
Must-haves:
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Slicker Brush
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Metal Comb
Links:
This is a great brush, it’s called a slicker brush. I got this as a door prize at the Goldendoodle Education conference and I really love it so I asked for a discount to offer to customers.
- We Love Doodles Brush (15% Off Code: UPSTATE15): https://shop.welovedoodles.com/products/large-slicker-brush
Comb: https://amzn.to/3ZT6cMK
Puppy Shampoo: https://amzn.to/3H8byiW
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PUPPY WIPES & SANITARY CARE
Those furry little bottoms tend to get things stuck back there so wipe them after going potty to help them out. Once they start getting groomed you can ask for a sanitary groom and your groomer will trim that area which will help with this issue. They can't go to the groomer until at least 15 weeks after they finish their vaccinations.
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THE RIDE HOME
For the car ride home or vet visits, consider using a soft-sided travel carrier instead of a large wire crate--especially for those who will be traveling long distances. This is also nice to have at the vet. I think the wire crates are a bit overwhelming for their first car ride home so I don’t suggest using that. Here is a link to one I have used to fly pups and for long distance car rides.
Travel Carrier: https://amzn.to/2Y5ffjo
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POTTY TRAINING TOOLS
They potty pretty often, but the main time that you ALWAYS want to give them the opportunity to go
is immediately after removing them from the crate. I often don't even give them the chance to walk out on their own but carry them right to the backyard to go. After a few minutes of active play time, after naps...lots of other times too. Just remember that we humans have to help prevent accidents as much as possible. Don't give them too much access too soon and expect them to know they can't go there. Expand their areas little by little. I hope this helps some.
Must-haves:
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Poop bags
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Wet wipes
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Soft treats for positive reinforcement
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Paper towels for accidents
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Nature’s Miracle (for stain/odor control): https://amzn.to/2KwSF9F
Training tip: Take your puppy straight from the crate to the potty area. Expand their access in the house slowly.
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LOOSE STOOL & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT
It is very common, and normal for puppies to develop loose stool when transitioning to their new home. I highly recommend having a good probiotic on hand to help firm things up. I’ll send more info on how to use this in a different email. This is the best one. Many vets sell this in their offices but it will be more expensive. Here is the link: https://a.co/d/gdxGxHW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SNLfkB
Chewy: https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/dp/50029
You can also try:
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1 tbsp of canned pumpkin
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A small amount of cottage cheese or yogurt
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NUVET SUPPLEMENTS
It is my goal to keep our furry friends healthy for years to come. This supplement provides full-spectrum nutritional support that focuses on boosting your pet’s immune system and overall health. NuVet Labs are dedicated to offering products for pets that are safe, rich in nutrients and made to strengthen the immune system—helping your pet to live healthy and happy for years.
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Boosts immune system
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Strengthens overall health
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Made with nutrient-rich ingredients
Links:
NuVet Purchase: http://www.nuvet.com/154261
More Info: https://www.upstategoldendoodles.com/nuvet-labs
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Join our private Upstate Goldendoodles Family Facebook Group to get advice, see supply reviews, and connect with other families. Use the search function to find supply-related tips by keyword.
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