Puppy Resources

Everything you need to know to prepare for and care for your new puppy

Find Your Perfect Breed

Each of our breeds has unique characteristics and traits. Learn about each one to find the perfect fit for your family and lifestyle.

Poodle

Poodle

Highly Intelligent Hypoallergenic Athletic

Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, making them highly trainable and eager to please. They come in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) and are known for their curly, low-shedding coats that are ideal for allergy sufferers.

Temperament: Alert, intelligent, loyal, and active
Energy Level: High - requires daily exercise and mental stimulation
Good For: Active families, those with allergies, first-time dog owners
Grooming: Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks; daily brushing recommended
Goldendoodle

Goldendoodle

Friendly Great with Kids Low-Shedding

A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, Goldendoodles combine the best of both breeds. They're known for their friendly, affectionate nature and make excellent family pets. Their teddy bear appearance and loving personality have made them one of the most popular doodle breeds.

Temperament: Friendly, gentle, social, and eager to please
Energy Level: Moderate to high - enjoys walks, playtime, and swimming
Good For: Families with children, therapy work, first-time owners
Grooming: Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks; regular brushing to prevent matting
Bernedoodle

Bernedoodle

Loyal Gentle Giant Playful

A cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, Bernedoodles are known for their striking tri-color coats and gentle, loyal personalities. They tend to be more laid-back than some other doodle breeds while still being playful and fun-loving.

Temperament: Loyal, goofy, affectionate, and sometimes stubborn
Energy Level: Moderate - enjoys activity but also loves to cuddle
Good For: Families wanting a loyal companion, those with space for a larger dog
Grooming: Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks; regular brushing essential for their wavy/curly coats
Cavapoo

Cavapoo

Compact Size Affectionate Adaptable

A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, Cavapoos are small, adorable companions perfect for those wanting a smaller doodle. They're known for their sweet, gentle nature and adaptability to different living situations, including apartments.

Temperament: Sweet, gentle, social, and loving
Energy Level: Low to moderate - happy with walks and indoor play
Good For: Apartments, seniors, families with gentle children, first-time owners
Grooming: Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks; regular brushing for their soft coats
Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Family Favorite Devoted Versatile

Golden Retrievers are one of America's most beloved breeds for good reason. They're intelligent, friendly, and devoted family companions. Known for their beautiful golden coats and gentle mouths, they excel in many roles from family pet to therapy dog to service animal.

Temperament: Friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and kind
Energy Level: High - needs regular exercise, loves swimming and fetch
Good For: Active families, homes with children, those wanting a devoted companion
Grooming: Regular brushing (2-3 times per week); moderate shedding year-round with heavier seasonal shedding

What Comes Home With Your Puppy

When you pick up your new family member, they won't come empty-handed! Here's everything that goes home with your puppy.

Bag of Food

Your puppy will come home with a bag of Kirkland (Costco) puppy food - the same food they've been eating. This helps with the transition and prevents tummy upset.

Comfort Blanket

A blanket that smells like their littermates and mama. This familiar scent helps comfort your puppy during their first nights in their new home.

Toy

A toy that your puppy has been playing with. Having something familiar helps ease the transition to their new environment.

Puppy Profile

You'll receive your puppy's profile and individual information via text or email. This includes their personality traits, preferences, and any special notes about your specific puppy.

Vet Records

Complete veterinary records including vaccinations, deworming schedule, and health check information. You'll need these for your first vet visit.

Puppy Supply Checklist

Be prepared before bringing your puppy home! Here's everything you'll need.

Crate & Sleeping

Important: All of our puppies are crate trained and sleep in wire metal crates. They're already comfortable with crate time!

  • Wire Metal Crate
    Size appropriate for your puppy's expected adult size. Get one with a divider to adjust as they grow.
  • Crate Pad or Bed
    Washable padding for comfort inside the crate
  • Crate Cover (Optional)
    Helps create a den-like environment and can reduce anxiety

Food & Water

  • Kirkland Puppy Food (Costco)
    This is what our puppies eat - we recommend continuing with this food
  • Food & Water Bowls
    Stainless steel or ceramic recommended; avoid plastic
  • Treat Pouch
    For training sessions
  • Training Treats
    Small, soft treats that can be given quickly during training

Grooming

  • Puppy Shampoo
    Choose a gentle, tearless formula specifically for puppies
  • Slicker Brush
    Essential for doodle coats to prevent matting
  • Metal Comb
    For working through tangles and checking for mats
  • Nail Clippers or Grinder
    Start handling paws early so they're comfortable with nail trims

Safety & Containment

  • Collar with ID Tag
    Include your phone number and address
  • Leash (6 ft)
    Standard length for walks and training
  • Exercise Pen (X-Pen)
    Creates a safe play area when you can't directly supervise
  • Baby Gates
    Block off areas of your home as needed

Potty Training

  • Enzyme Cleaner
    Essential for cleaning accidents - removes odors that attract repeat incidents
  • Potty Pads (Optional)
    For apartment living or bad weather backup
  • Poop Bags
    Biodegradable options are great for the environment

Toys & Enrichment

  • Chew Toys
    KONG, Nylabone, or other durable options for teething
  • Plush Toys
    Soft toys for comfort and play
  • Puzzle Toys
    Mental stimulation to prevent boredom
  • Rope Toys
    Great for gentle tug games and dental health

The First Days Home

What to expect and how to help your puppy adjust to their new home.

Day 1

Arrival Day

  • Keep things calm and quiet - resist the urge to invite everyone over to meet the puppy
  • Show your puppy their potty spot immediately upon arrival
  • Let them explore their designated area at their own pace
  • Introduce their crate with the door open and their blanket inside
  • Offer small meals to avoid upset stomach from travel stress
  • Expect some whining at bedtime - this is normal! The comfort blanket with littermate scent helps
Days 2-3

Settling In

  • Establish a consistent routine for feeding, potty breaks, play, and sleep
  • Take your puppy out to potty: first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after play, and before bed
  • Start introducing family members one at a time
  • Begin using their name positively (never for scolding)
  • Practice short crate sessions during the day with treats
  • Puppy-proof your home - get down to their level and look for hazards
Week 1

Building Routine

  • Schedule your first vet visit (bring the health records we provided)
  • Continue consistent potty training - celebrate successes!
  • Start basic training: sit, name recognition, and "look at me"
  • Handle paws, ears, and mouth daily to prepare for grooming and vet visits
  • Begin supervised introductions to other family pets (if applicable)
  • Limit visitors to prevent overwhelming your puppy
Weeks 2-4

Growing Confidence

  • Your puppy should be settling into the routine
  • Continue positive reinforcement training
  • Begin gentle socialization to new sounds, surfaces, and experiences
  • Watch for teething and provide appropriate chew toys
  • Start leaving for short periods to prevent separation anxiety
  • Consider puppy kindergarten classes after vaccinations are complete

The "3-3-3 Rule"

It takes approximately:

  • 3 days for your puppy to decompress from the transition
  • 3 weeks to start learning your routine
  • 3 months to feel fully at home and show their true personality

Be patient - adjustment takes time!

Puppy Training Tips

Early training is essential for a well-behaved adult dog. It's much easier to prevent bad habits than to fix them later!

Common Puppy Behaviors to Address Early

Catching these behaviors early makes training much easier:

Nipping & Mouthing

Puppies explore with their mouths, but nipping must be redirected. When your puppy nips, say "ouch" and redirect to a toy. If they continue, calmly end playtime. Consistency is key!

Chewing

Puppies chew - especially when teething. Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and remove access to items you don't want destroyed. If you catch them chewing something inappropriate, redirect to an approved toy.

Jumping Up

While cute as a puppy, jumping becomes problematic in adult dogs. Ignore jumping (turn away) and only give attention when all four paws are on the floor.

Barking

Some barking is normal, but excessive barking should be addressed. Identify triggers, don't reward barking with attention, and teach a "quiet" command.

Essential Training Tips

Keep Sessions Short

Puppies have short attention spans. Train for 5-10 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Use High-Value Treats

Small, soft, smelly treats work best. Your puppy should be excited to work for them!

Be Consistent

Everyone in the household should use the same commands and rules.

End on a Win

Always finish training with something your puppy does well to keep it positive.

Patience is Key

Puppies don't generalize well at first. Practice commands in different locations.

Never Punish

Positive reinforcement builds trust. Punishment creates fear and damages your bond.

Food & Nutrition

What We Feed

All of our puppies are raised on Kirkland Signature Puppy Food from Costco. This is a high-quality, affordable option that our puppies thrive on.

We send your puppy home with a bag of this food to help with the transition. We recommend continuing with this food, but if you choose to switch, please do so gradually (see below).

Feeding Schedule

8-12 Weeks: 3-4 meals per day
3-6 Months: 3 meals per day
6-12 Months: 2 meals per day
Adult: 1-2 meals per day

Follow the feeding guidelines on your food bag based on your puppy's weight and adjust as needed. Your vet can help determine the right amount.

How to Switch Foods Safely

Switching your puppy's food too quickly can cause digestive upset. Always transition gradually over 7-10 days:

Days 1-2
75% Old
25% New
Days 3-4
50% Old
50% New
Days 5-6
25%
75% New
Days 7+
100% New Food

If your puppy has loose stools, slow down the transition. Some puppies need up to 2 weeks to adjust.

Feeding Tips

  • Feed at consistent times each day
  • Pick up uneaten food after 15-20 minutes
  • Always provide fresh water
  • Avoid feeding immediately before or after vigorous exercise
  • Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories
  • Transition to adult food around 12 months (ask your vet)

Have Questions?

We're here to help you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions about your puppy!

Contact Us