What to Buy Before Your Labradoodle Puppy Comes Home

The weeks before your puppy comes home are exciting, and a little overwhelming if you've never done this before. Getting everything ready ahead of time means you can spend those first days enjoying your puppy instead of running to the store. Here's my complete list, based on what our families actually use.

What comes home from Doodle's Kennel

Before you shop, here's what you'll already have. Every puppy goes home with:

• Vaccination records and a vet health exam
• A puppy starter pack
• A blanket that carries its littermates' scent
• Our written health guarantee
• Lifetime breeder support. Call or text us any time.

I'll also tell you exactly what food your puppy has been eating so you can keep it the same.

Sleeping and safe space

• A crate. Get one with a divider so you can make it smaller while your puppy is young and expand it as it grows. A crate that's too big makes potty training harder. For a Mini, a medium crate with a divider usually works. For a Standard, go larger.
• Crate bedding. Something washable. Put the littermate blanket in the crate the first night.
• A playpen or baby gates. A safe area for when you can't watch your puppy every second, like while you cook or work.

Food and water

• The same food your puppy is eating now. Changing food suddenly can upset a puppy's stomach. If you want to switch later, mix it in slowly over a week or two.
• Food and water bowls. Stainless steel or ceramic are easy to clean.
• A measuring cup, so you feed consistent portions.
• Small, soft training treats.

Walking and ID

• A lightweight collar or harness. Puppies grow fast, so an adjustable one is best. Many families like a harness for walks and a collar for tags.
• A 6-foot leash. Skip retractable leashes while you're training.
• An ID tag with your phone number.
• Microchip registration. Ask your vet about microchipping if it hasn't been done, and register it with your contact information.

Potty training supplies

• Enzyme cleaner. Regular cleaners don't remove the smell, and puppies return to spots that smell like a bathroom. An enzyme cleaner does.
• Puppy pads, if you'll need an indoor backup.
• Poop bags.
• Paper towels, and lots of them.

My full method is in How to potty train a Labradoodle puppy.

Grooming tools

Australian Labradoodle coats are low-shedding, which means they keep growing and need regular care. Start handling your puppy's coat, paws and ears early so grooming becomes normal.

• A slicker brush
• A metal comb to find tangles the brush misses
• Gentle puppy shampoo
• Nail clippers or a grinder
• Ear cleaner recommended by your vet
• A puppy toothbrush and dog toothpaste

See my Labradoodle grooming guide for how often to groom and what to expect at the first appointment.

Toys and chewing

Puppies chew. It's how they explore and how they relieve teething pain. Give them good things to chew so they leave your shoes alone.

• Puppy-safe chew toys in a couple of textures
• A food puzzle or treat-stuffable toy for mental exercise
• A soft toy or two for cuddling
• Frozen chews or a damp, frozen washcloth to soothe teething gums

Rotate toys every few days so they stay interesting.

Puppy-proofing your home

Get down at puppy height and look around. Before your puppy arrives:

• Tuck away electrical cords and phone chargers
• Put shoes, socks and kids' toys out of reach
• Secure trash cans
• Move toxic plants and cleaning products up high
• Block off stairs and pools
• Check your fence for gaps if you have a yard

Appointments to book ahead

• Your veterinarian. Schedule a visit within the first few days to continue the vaccine series and set up parasite prevention.
• A groomer. Good groomers in the Houston area book up. A short "puppy intro" visit early on helps.
• Puppy class. Ask your vet when your puppy's vaccines will be far enough along for group classes.

For the drive home

• A crate or a helper to hold your puppy
• A towel or two
• A collar and leash
• A small bag with wipes and poop bags

Keep the ride calm and quiet. Here's how to handle the rest: Your Labradoodle puppy's first week home.

A realistic budget

Most families spend a few hundred dollars getting set up, depending on the crate and products they choose. Plan for food, vet visits, grooming and training after that. I go through all of it in How much does an Australian Labradoodle cost in Houston?

Questions before pickup?

Call or text me at 281-923-9266. No question is too small. If you're still choosing your puppy, see who's ready on Available Litters or start with our puppy application.