Preparing for your Fancy Doodle Farm puppy

Bringing a new Golden Aussiedoodle puppy home is an exciting time! At Fancy Doodle Farm, we've prepared this comprehensive checklist to help make your puppy's transition smooth, successful, and filled with joy. From essential supplies to setting up a loving environment, we're here to guide our families every step of the way. Get ready to welcome your new best friend!

Home setup & containment

Ensuring your puppy has a safe and secure space is crucial for their well-being. We recommend having these items ready before their arrival to help them feel secure and prevent accidents.

  • Crate (with divider): Provides a den-like space for sleep and training. Find on Amazon
  • Exercise Pen (X-Pen): Offers a larger, contained area for supervised play. Find on Amazon
  • Baby Gates (optional): Great for restricting access to certain areas of your home. Find on Amazon

Potty training & comfort

Successful potty training starts with the right tools, and a comfortable space helps your puppy feel at home. Prepare for these essentials to support their early learning and ensure cozy naps.

Potty Training Essentials:

  • Puppy Pads: For emergency use or during initial training. Find on Amazon
  • Potty Grate / Tray System: An alternative for indoor potty solutions. Find on Amazon
  • Enzyme Cleaner: Indispensable for cleaning up accidents effectively. Find on Amazon

Comfort & Transition:

  • Fleece Blankets (washable): Perfect for bedding, easy to clean. Find on Amazon
  • Washable Dog Bed: A soft, clean place for your puppy to rest. Find on Amazon
  • Snuggle / Heartbeat Toy: Helps soothe puppies by mimicking a littermate's heartbeat. Find on Amazon

Food & grooming essentials

Proper nutrition and early grooming habits are vital for your Golden Aussiedoodle's health and happiness. Stock up on these items to keep them well-fed and their beautiful coat maintained.

Food & Feeding:

  • Food Bowl (stainless steel or ceramic): Hygienic and easy to clean. Find on Amazon
  • Water Bowl (heavy base / non-spill): Prevents messes. Find on Amazon
  • Slow Feeder Bowl: Encourages slower eating for better digestion. Find on Amazon
  • Measuring Scoop: For accurate portion control. Find on Amazon
  • Current Food Your Puppy Is On: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy – Salmon (Sensitive Stomach & Skin). We strongly recommend staying on this food initially to avoid stomach upset. Find on Amazon

Grooming & Coat Care (Required for Doodles):

  • Puppy Slicker Brush: Essential for preventing mats in doodle coats. Find on Amazon
  • Metal Comb (Greyhound-Style): Helps detangle and check for mats. Find on Amazon
  • Puppy Wipes: For quick clean-ups between baths. Find on Amazon
  • Detangling Spray (dog-safe): Aids in brushing through tangles. Find on Amazon
  • Nail Clippers or Nail Grinder: For regular nail maintenance. Find on Amazon

Remember, Multigenerational Golden Aussiedoodles require regular brushing and routine professional grooming (typically every 6–8 weeks) as part of their ongoing health and well-being.

Training, play & safety

Engage your puppy's mind and body with appropriate toys and training tools, and prioritize their safety from day one. These items are key for healthy development and peace of mind.

Training, Play & Walking:

  • Puppy-Safe Chew Toys: Redirect chewing instincts positively. Find on Amazon
  • Soft Plush Toys: For comfort and gentle play. Find on Amazon
  • High-Value Training Treats (soft): Perfect for positive reinforcement. Find on Amazon
  • Lightweight Leash: For early leash training. Find on Amazon
  • Puppy Harness (adjustable): Safer and more comfortable than a collar for walks. Find on Amazon

Safety & Identification:

  • Breakaway Collar with Bell: For initial indoor identification and awareness. Find on Amazon
  • ID Tag: Essential for your puppy's safety and identification. Find on Amazon
  • Car Safety Harness or Travel Crate (recommended): For secure and safe travel. Find on Amazon

A friendly reminder: Bringing home a puppy is a long-term commitment. In addition to food and routine veterinary care, grooming, training, and enrichment represent ongoing time and financial responsibilities. We’re always here to support our Fancy Doodle Farm families.

Creating a calm home environment

Beyond supplies, the environment you create for your Fancy Doodle Farm puppy is paramount. A calm, predictable setting helps them adapt, feel secure, and thrive in their new home. Remember, puppies thrive when they know where they belong and what to expect.

  • Keep the first few days quiet and low-stress: Limit visitors and excitement early on to allow your puppy to acclimate.
  • Give your puppy a designated safe space: A crate or pen where they can rest undisturbed.
  • Avoid overwhelming your puppy with too much freedom too soon: Gradual introduction to the home prevents accidents and promotes security.
  • Consistent daily routine: A predictable schedule reduces anxiety and supports potty training with regular feeding times, frequent potty breaks (after waking, eating, and play), scheduled nap times (puppies need a lot of sleep), and short, positive play and training sessions.
  • Gentle structure & supervision: Supervise closely when out of their crate/pen, use baby gates, redirect unwanted behaviors calmly, and avoid free roaming until potty training is established.
  • Positive socialization (at your puppy’s pace): Introduce new sounds, surfaces, and experiences gradually, allow observation before interaction, focus on positive experiences, and avoid dog parks/high-traffic areas until fully vaccinated.

Top tips for a happy start

The first few days and weeks set the foundation for a lifetime of companionship with your Fancy Doodle Farm puppy. Follow these tips to ensure an easy and happy beginning for everyone!

  • 1. Keep the first days calm and simple: A quieter environment helps your puppy settle in, learn their new routine, and build trust with their immediate family.
  • 2. Stick to a consistent routine: Predictability helps reduce anxiety and speeds up potty training. Consistent feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and naps are key.
  • 3. Use a crate or pen for structure: These provide a safe, cozy space for rest and help prevent accidents. Freedom should be earned gradually.
  • 4. Potty breaks often (more than you think!): Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after eating/drinking, after playtime, and after naps. Praise calmly for success – consistency is key.
  • 5. Prioritize rest and sleep: Puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep daily. Overtired puppies can be nippy, so scheduled naps are vital.
  • 6. Keep training short and positive: Focus on name recognition, coming when called, and positive leash exposure. A few minutes at a time makes a big difference.
  • 7. Start grooming habits early: Gentle brushing, handling paws, and touching ears from day one helps set your puppy up for lifelong positive grooming experiences, especially important for doodle coats.