Go Home Day
Puppy Shopping List
This list may feel overwhelming at first, but please keep in mind that it is simply a general guideline. Not all items are required—rather, it’s a collection of things we’ve found to be especially helpful. You’re more than welcome to continue shopping after your puppy comes home. That said, being prepared in advance can make a big difference and help ensure a smoother transition into your home. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have or offer additional recommendations along the way.
Puppy Food
Our puppies are currently eating Diamond Puppy, which is available through Chewy, Amazon, and most feed stores, including Tractor Supply. If at all possible, we do recommend purchasing a bag of the food your puppy is already eating and keeping them on it for at least the first month. If you much prefer a different food, we will send a small bag of their current food home with you to help ease the transition, allowing you to gradually mix it with any new food over several days if you choose to switch. Adjusting to a new home can be stressful on its own, and an immediate food change may lead to digestive upset and make potty training more challenging. We also raise our puppies on daily probiotics and strongly encourage continuing them throughout your dog’s life to support intestinal health. This can be especially beneficial as they settle into their new home, and potentially new diet.
Food Bowls
Stainless steel dishes are a great choice, as they do not harbor bacteria, are easy to clean in the dishwasher, and are highly durable. We recommend selecting bowls with a rubber ring on the bottom, as they are less likely to tip over or slide around during mealtime. For puppies that eat too quickly or become bored, slow feeders or interactive feeding toys can be excellent alternatives, helping to promote mental stimulation and healthier eating habits. We do not recommend using raised dog dishes. Some studies suggest they may increase the risk of bloat, a serious condition that can affect Poodles and other deep chested breeds.
Collar & Leash
We will send your puppy home with a harness or collar and a leash to ensure safe travel. However, we understand that shopping for a new puppy is part of the fun! We recommend martingale collars for their safety and ease of training. They are more difficult for puppies to slip out of and provide added control during walks. At 8 weeks old, most mini to medium sized puppies wear a 6-10" collar, and medium to standard sized puppies wear a 8"–12" collar. Feel free to ask for measurements for your individual puppy to ensure the best fit. Don’t forget to create a personalized name tag and register your puppy’s microchip for added security.
Grooming Supplies
We begin introducing your puppy to regular grooming early on, so they go home comfortable with baths, blow-drying, brushing, nail trims, and ear cleaning. We recommend scheduling your puppy’s first professional groom at around 16 weeks of age, after their final set of puppy vaccinations. Doodles typically require professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, depending on coat type and your preferred style. Between grooming appointments, regular maintenance is essential. We suggest using a slicker brush, a comb, and a quality detangling spray to keep your puppy’s coat free of mats. When bathing at home, always follow shampoo with a conditioner, and be sure to thoroughly brush and blow-dry the coat afterward to prevent tangling. Pay close attention to areas where mats commonly form, including the armpits, around the collar or harness, behind the ears, and the tail. Don't forget to brush teeth, trim nails and clean ears regularly as well.
Crates, Gates and Pens
We recommend purchasing a large wire crate with a divider so it can “grow” with your puppy, eliminating the need for multiple crates. Our preferred sizes are a 36" crate for mini to medium-sized dogs and a 42" crate for medium to standard-sized dogs. Limiting your puppy’s access to the home can significantly reduce potty accidents and prevent unwanted chewing, while also helping protect your floors during the potty training stage. Baby gates and puppy pens are both useful tools and can be used individually or together, depending on your home layout and preferences. Establishing clear boundaries early on is an important part of the training process. At 8 weeks old, your puppy will need frequent potty breaks—typically every few hours throughout the day. If your schedule doesn’t allow for this, a puppy pen with a designated potty area or tray can be a practical alternative. We use the Little Wolves potty trays and have been very happy with them.
Toys, Chews and Treats
Interactive, durable, and mentally stimulating toys are essential for your puppy. They help reduce boredom and can greatly minimize destructive behaviors. Some of our favorites include Kongs filled with peanut butter, yogurt, or other dog-safe treats, bully sticks, snuffle mats, Chuckit toys, and interactive puzzle games filled with food or treats.
A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy.
Paperwork & Payment
At the time of pickup, your puppy will go home with complete, up-to-date medical records, a health guarantee, and microchip information. We will review all of the paperwork with you at that time and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Due to past payment issues, we are currently accepting cash only at pickup. We are unable to accept electronic payments or checks. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.
Traveling Home
Helpful Items to Bring:
- Seat cover, blankets, and/or towels
- Paper towels, baby wipes, and/or puppy pads
- Long leash (especially if you’ll be making multiple stops) and poop bags
- Crate and/or car seat
- Portable bowl and bottle of water (just in case)
- Toys and chews
- Name tag for safety
Things to Avoid:
- Walking your new puppy in high dog-traffic areas
- Feeding your puppy until you arrive home (unless absolutely necessary)
Driving
Most puppies do very well in the car and tend to settle quickly and fall asleep. For the first few rides, we often keep them in our lap, the passenger seat, or the floorboard, as these spots can feel more secure. A comfortable crate or car seat is also a great option, though some puppies may whine a bit more at first. Occasional upset stomachs can happen, so it’s best to be prepared for accidents along the way. If you need to make stops during your trip, be sure to carry your puppy from the vehicle to the grass for safety. With so many new sights, smells, and sounds, it’s easy for a young puppy to slip out of a collar or harness and potentially get lost or injured.
Flying
Similar to car travel, most puppies adjust well to flying and settle in fairly easily. The same general guidelines apply, but we highly recommend bringing a variety of toys (preferably without noise makers) and chews to keep your puppy calm and occupied—especially on longer flights. You will need a soft-sided travel crate for flying. We’re happy to provide measurements for your individual puppy to help you choose the right size. Placing puppy pads inside the carrier is also helpful, as they can be easily changed in the event of an accident.
Puppy Proofing
Think like you would for a toddler! Get down to your puppy’s level and look for potential hazards. Make sure electrical, cable, and phone cords are out of reach. Begin building the habit of keeping shoes, clothing, and household items—like dishes or remote controls—off low surfaces where curious puppies can easily access them. If you have children, encourage them to pick up stuffed animals and small toys, as these can quickly become chew toys or choking hazards. Move potentially toxic houseplants to higher surfaces that are safely out of reach, and ensure all household cleaners and hazardous materials are securely stored. Using baby gates or dog gates to block stairways and off-limits areas can be very helpful. When your puppy is not resting in their crate, they should be kept in a controlled, supervised area until they gradually earn more freedom. This is also a great time to establish clear routines and boundaries with everyone in the household. Decide where your puppy will sleep, eat, play, and go potty. We recommend that your puppy sleeps in a crate in an adult’s bedroom, so you can hear when they need to go out during the night—young children often sleep too deeply to notice. You may find it helpful to move the crate at bedtime or have two crates—one in the bedroom and one in a main living area or kitchen—so your puppy can rest comfortably near you during the day. In two-story homes, having a crate on each level can make daily routines even easier.