Puppy Timeline Overview

Reservation -> Selection at 6 weeks -> Go Home at 8 weeks

Pickup Day Checklist

Your puppy will go home with:

• Vet exam record + vaccine/deworming info

• Starter bag of Nutrisource puppy food

• Blanket that smells like littermates/mom

• Microchip registration information

• Leather collar

• Grooming guide

• Some favorites: toys, treats, poo bags, and a dental starter kit

Bring with you:

• Towel for the car ride

• Crate

• Leash

• Travel dishes if necessary

• Final payment
  

Vaccine & Vet

Your puppy will come home with:

• First round of DHPP vaccine

• Age-appropriate de-worming

You’ll need to:

• Schedule a vet appointment for when the puppy is 10-12 weeks of age.

• Continue DHPP boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old.

• Ask your vet about

  • Bordetella (kennel cough)

  • Rabies (required by law at ~16 weeks)

  • Flea/tick and heartworm prevention

Supplies We Recommend

A complete list is in your Welcome Packet & New Puppy Checklist but here go our favorites:

• Crate w/divider

• Slicker brush + metal comb

• Puzzle toys and enrichment feeders

• Kong toys

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Potty & Crate Training

Potty training tips:

• Take your puppy out immediately after waking, eating, and playing.

• Stick to a routine and consistent potty spot, also enter and exit the same door.

• Reward with treats and praise immediately after they go!

• Utilize your puppies crate when potty training.

• Never punish your puppy for an accident.

Crate training tips:

• Start with short crate sessions while you are home.

• Use the crate for naps, overnight, and when you can’t supervise.

• Never use the crate as punishment.

• Expect some whining at first!

More in depth potty training tips come in your take home folder.

Feeding & Nutrition

We use and recommend Nutrisource products. We send home a starter bag, please continue using the same food to avoid an upset stomach.

• Nutrisource can be found at Menards, Scheels, and local pet food stores.

• Keep your puppy on the “puppy formula” for 1 year, then transition to adult formula.

• Follow the feeding chart on the bag (or online here) for portion sizes.

• We feed the puppies 3x a day while they are in our care at 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm. You can adjust that based on your schedule.

Feeding tips:

• Consider feeding 3x per day until ~4-6 months old, then shift to 2x per day. If 3x a day is not possible, 2 larger meals will be fine.

• Fresh water should be available.

• Avoid switching food abruptly. Transition by mixing in a small amount of the new food with the old food, and gradually increasing over the course of 10 days.

Settling In & Sleep

It’s totally normal for your puppy to cry the first few nights. It’s a big transition. Tips for the first few days:

• Stick to a calm, quiet environment.

• Use the provided blanket for comfort.

• Be consistent — they’ll learn quickly what to expect.

• Use a Snuggle Puppy toy (with heartbeat & heating pad) at night.

• Don’t panic over accidents!

Settling In & Sleep

Your puppy’s coat will require regular upkeep to stay healthy and mat-free. You will receive a full Doodle Grooming Guide in your take home packet. Recommended grooming routine:

• Brush 3–4x/week with a slicker brush and comb

• Begin professional grooming at 16 weeks (just for a face/feet/sanitary trim and exposure)

• Full grooms every 6–8 weeks depending on coat type

• Bonus Tip: Get your puppy used to nail trims, brushing, and bath time from the beginning!

• You can try grooming at home, invest in a good pair of clippers and scissors! Try the Pupwell course or Youtube!