Bringing Your Doodle Home

Bringing Your Doodle Home

From car ride to first night, here’s how to set up your home and routine for a smooth transition.

What should I bring on pickup day?
  • Crate or travel carrier with comfy bedding.
  • Leash, harness/collar, and ID tag.
  • Waste bags, water, and collapsible bowl.
  • Towel (for accidents or car sickness).
  • Small bag of the same food they’ve been eating.
How do I handle the first car ride home?

Keep it calm and safe:

  • Use a secured crate or seat-belted harness.
  • Drive smoothly and avoid loud music.
  • Expect possible accidents or motion sickness — bring wipes and a towel.
Where should my doodle sleep the first night?

Most new doodles settle best in a crate near your bed. This provides comfort, reassurance, and helps with potty training. Use a soft blanket, safe toy, and consider a white-noise machine to reduce whining.

How do I set a routine right away?
  • Potty schedule: immediately after waking, eating, and playing.
  • Meal times: stick to consistent times.
  • Quiet rest: balance play with naps to avoid overtired zoomies.
  • Training: start with name recognition and short 1–2 min sessions.
What do I need to puppy-proof my home?
  • Secure cords, shoes, and household chemicals.
  • Use baby gates to block unsafe areas.
  • Provide chew-approved toys to redirect biting.
How do I introduce my doodle to other pets?
  • Start with neutral spaces (yard, park).
  • Keep initial greetings short and calm.
  • Always supervise early interactions until trust builds.
What’s the best way to bond in the first week?
  • Hand-feed part of meals for trust.
  • Practice short training games daily.
  • Gentle grooming and brushing while rewarding calm behavior.
  • Lots of positive exposure (different rooms, surfaces, sounds).
When should I book the first vet visit?

Within 7–10 days of bringing your doodle home. Bring vaccination records, microchip info, and note any concerns you’ve seen (stool, appetite, behavior).

Welcome Home – What to Expect the First Day

  • 1. Welcome Home – What to Expect the First Day

    • Talk about the excitement (and nerves) of bringing a doodle puppy or rescue home.

    • Mention their sensitive nature—doodles are often smart, playful, and can be anxious in new environments.

    • Set realistic expectations (accidents, whining, exploring).

    2. Puppy-Proofing Your Home

    • Remove hazards (wires, toxic plants, small objects).

    • Create a safe space (crate, pen, or cozy corner).

    • Provide chew toys to protect shoes and furniture.

    3. Essential Supplies Checklist

    • Crate or bed

    • Food & water bowls

    • Puppy food (or the diet recommended by the breeder/shelter)

    • Leash, collar, and ID tags

    • Grooming tools (brush, slicker, shampoo) – important since doodles need regular coat care

    • Enrichment toys and chew toys

4. Introducing Your Doodle to Their New Home

  • Keep the environment calm and quiet.

  • Let them explore slowly.

  • Avoid overwhelming them with too many people on day one.

5. Routine and Training Basics

  • Feeding schedule

  • Potty training tips

  • Crate training (doodles respond well to structure and positive reinforcement)

  • Socialization ideas (safe introductions to people, sounds, and other dogs)

6. Bonding with Your Doodle

  • Spend time on short training sessions (doodles are intelligent and love learning).

  • Gentle playtime and walks.

  • Establish trust with positive reinforcement, never punishment.

7. Health & Grooming Needs

  • Vet visit within the first week.

  • Vaccination and deworming schedules.

  • Start brushing early so they get used to grooming (important for doodles’ coats).

  • Teeth, ears, and nail care.

8. The First Night

  • Expect some whining or restlessness.

  • Place their crate near you so they don’t feel abandoned.

  • Comfort items like a blanket from the breeder/shelter help.

Bringing Home Your Doodle Essentials Checklist

Congratulations on welcoming a Doodle dog into your family!
Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare for your pup’s first days at home.

Essentials to Have Ready:

  • Crate or comfortable dog bed

  • Food and water bowls (preferably non-slip)

  • High-quality puppy or dog food (as recommended by breeder/vet)

  • Collar with ID tags and leash

  • Harness (especially useful for doodles’ comfort)

  • Grooming tools: slicker brush, comb, dog shampoo

  • Puppy pads or designated potty supplies

  • Chew toys and puzzle toys to keep them entertained

  • Training treats for positive reinforcement

  • Waste bags and scoop for cleanup

  • Veterinarian contact info and first appointment scheduled

  • Blanket or toy with familiar scent (from breeder/shelter)