Before the Big Day

How to Prepare for a New Puppy

So, you've made up your mind and you're getting a Goldendoodle puppy! Who doesn't love getting booped by a tiny wet nose and pampered with unlimited snuggles? These little bundles of joy bring love into your life and quickly develop affection towards every member of your family. Of course, being a dog owner comes with major responsibilities, and it's best to be prepared before the big car ride home. Getting your home and family ready for a furry new member will not only help your puppy settle in, but makes it easier to raise your pup and is the start of a wonderful friendship.

Just like kids, puppies have their quirks about feeling happy and safe in their new home. And just like kids, they'll need some things and space of their own. Puppies require essentials such as bedding, toys, leashes, a crate, potties, and plenty of food and treats to be their happiest selves. As a new puppy owner, you should also be prepared to do some cleaning while your puppy learns the difference between right and wrong, so it's a good idea to have plenty of cleaning supplies around the house.

Pre-puppy preparation is a great way to get a head start on your pup, and includes buying essentials as well as taking a few simple lessons on puppy ownership. The more prepared you are to have a puppy, the easier the experience will be on everyone — especially on your new pup. Here are a few tips to consider before a fluffy ball of happiness tumbles their way into your home and your heart.

Being Mentally Prepared for a New Puppy

After the initial excitement and first few days, it's time to make your Goldendoodle puppy feel at home while preparing to train and discipline them into good habits. It's important to know that while dog ownership comes with infinite rewards, it takes effort and commitment similar to that of raising a child. After all, if dogs were so simple to own, they wouldn't be dogs — they'd be cats!

F1 Minature Goldendoodle Sitting Outside with Snow Covered Whiskers

What to Expect

Disclaimer: puppies will be puppies!

There will be no shortage of fun and love with a puppy in your home, but there will also be the occasional oopsy, uh-oh, and oh-no. Here are a few surprises you should expect:

Preparing Your Family for a New Puppy

Your new Goldendoodle puppy will have more than enough energy and love for every member of the family, so everyone should be on the same page as far as responsibilities go. Make sure to discuss the details with your family and set a few ground rules for everything to go as smoothly as possible.

Here's what you should discuss with your family:

Once you get that out of the way, it's time to decide on the vocabulary list you're going to use to train a Goldendoodle puppy. Dogs have a great memory and respond well to verbal commands — once they understand them. It's important for everyone in the family to use the same language and tone to get the idea across to your new pup, who will start picking up on the meaning as they associate certain words with actions. This privilege will also extend to anyone that takes part in raising your pup, such as walkers, nannies, friends and people on your daily routine. A simple trick to puppy training is writing down all the common words you'll say to your pup and putting the list on your fridge door or somewhere clearly visible.

F1 Minature Goldendoodle Sibblings Asleep by the Fire

How to Pet-Proof Your Home

If you don't pet-proof your home when introducing a new puppy, you're just asking for trouble. These simple precautions will save you money and a few hairs on your head from the stress of puppy-related accidents:

F1 Miniature Goldendoodle Puppy Playing in Puppy Den

Pre-Puppy Checklist

We're almost there! Just a few more things and you'll be as ready as ever for that little bundle of fluff! Our Pre-Puppy Checklist helps get your essentials in order and avoid rushed errands to the store so you can spend more quality time with your pup.

See Our Goldendoodle Favorites for Everything You Need on the New Puppy Shopping List, which Includes:

F1 Minature Goldendoodle Puppy Rolled Over with A Chew Toy in Their Mouth

Are You Ready for the Big Day?

We hope you're as excited to meet your new puppy as they are to meet you. Sure, puppies and dogs may seem like a handful at times, but the amount of joy, companionship and entertainment they offer will make any effort in raising them pale in comparison. As you get used to your new puppy, you'll fall into a rhythm of patience and care that becomes second nature and will see your pup grow into a beautiful and loyal dog. After all, a good dog is family first, and a pet second. Always remember that ABCs Puppy Zs will be on this journey with you and be sure to Reach Out if you have more questions about the Big Day!