Your Puppy Starter Kit
It’s time to get ready - your new puppy is almost home, and we couldn’t be more excited for you! To help make the transition smooth and comfortable, we’ve put together a thoughtfully curated Puppy Starter Kit.
This kit includes essential items your puppy is already familiar with, designed to ease adjustment and provide a comforting sense of continuity as they settle into your home. It’s our way of saying thank you and giving you a head start on a successful beginning together.
Order Grooming Supplies
Your puppy will meet you freshly groomed and ready to impress! To keep them looking and feeling their best, we recommend scheduling their first light bath and trim about three weeks after coming home, followed by a full grooming session every six to eight weeks.
If you’d like to handle grooming yourself, we’ve compiled a list of trusted products that we personally use on our own Goldendoodles. These tools and products make at-home grooming easier and more effective. Click the link below to explore and order the items we love and recommend!
Order Dog Crates
Crate training is one of the most effective tools for housebreaking - and we’ve already done the hard part for you! Your puppy will come home with a strong foundation, having been gently introduced to crate time and gradually conditioned to rest comfortably. While a little adjustment is normal in a new environment, most of our puppies are sleeping through the night within their first week home.
If you’re flying in or opting for personal air delivery, your puppy will also be trained to an airline-approved soft-sided travel crate in the ten days leading up to the flight.
Below, you’ll find links to our most recommended crates - including soft-sided airline carriers, durable plastic crates for car travel, and adjustable wire crates for home use. We’ve included sizing details and dimensions for your puppy’s stage and size.
Vaccinations
A copy of your puppy’s litter health chart will be texted to you, allowing you to pre-schedule upcoming vet appointments according to the recommended dates.
Please note that our vaccination schedule is thoughtfully spaced out for optimal health and minimal risk. While many veterinary offices routinely administer multiple vaccines in a single visit—and may recommend Lepto and Corona vaccines—we encourage you to follow our conservative approach based on years of experience and research.
Administering multiple vaccines at once has been linked to serious health complications such as autoimmune disorders, neurological issues, chronic ear infections, skin problems, coat loss, and even long-term organ damage. In particular, the Lepto and Corona vaccines have been associated with severe adverse reactions, including hospitalization and irreversible conditions.
By following the schedule we provide, you help ensure your puppy’s immune system develops safely and effectively.
Important Note:
Full protection against Parvovirus is achieved one week after your puppy receives the 12-week Parvo booster. Until then, it’s fine to attend puppy classes in clean, controlled environments—but please avoid dog parks, pet stores, and other public areas where unknown dogs may have been.
Flea/Tick Prevention
And Lawn Care
We take your puppy’s long-term health seriously, which is why we caution against the use of chemical-based flea/tick preventatives and lawn treatments. Products such as oral or topical medications, flea collars, medicated shampoos, and chemically treated lawns have been linked to serious health risks, including seizures, neurological damage, skin disorders, and even cancer.
Please note:
Use of or exposure to these chemical treatments will void your puppy’s health warranty.
We highly recommend using Wondercide, an all-natural alternative that we’ve found to be both safe and effective. Their yard and pet sprays kill fleas and ticks at all life stages and help repel future pests—without harming your puppy.
To learn more about the risks of chemical treatments and see the natural products we trust, visit the Supplies dropdown menu on our website.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and can pose serious health risks to your puppy. To protect them, it’s important to administer heartworm prevention on a monthly basis during non-freezing months when mosquitos are active.
When selecting a product, ask your veterinarian for a heartworm medication that does not contain combined flea and tick treatment, as these added ingredients can cause adverse reactions.
Some puppies may experience digestive upset, such as diarrhea or stomach sensitivity, after dosing. If this occurs, consult your vet about trying a different brand until you find one your puppy tolerates well.
Feeding Your Puppy
Your puppy is currently eating Life’s Abundance All Life Stages dog food. This premium wholistic formula offers balanced nutrition with a moderate protein level—ideal for supporting steady growth and healthy joint development, without the rapid growth or loose stools often caused by higher-protein puppy foods. Stable digestion is especially important during the housebreaking process.
After your puppy is chosen, you’ll receive an email invitation from Life’s Abundance that gives you access to discounted wholesale pricing. Simply open the email, follow the link to set up your account, and you’ll be able to order food whenever needed.
To determine how much to feed:
Weigh your puppy weekly.
Refer to the feeding chart on the back of the Life’s Abundance bag to find the correct portion for their weight.
Divide that daily amount into three meals.
Around 6–7 months, you can shift to two meals per day—morning and evening.
Puppies may feel stressed during the first few days home and may hesitate to eat. If this happens:
Use a non-tip food bowl placed inside their crate to help create a quiet space.
If needed, mix in a small spoonful of the canned food (provided) and add a bit of warm water to soften the kibble.
Most puppies resume normal eating once they settle into their new environment.
Order Vitamins
Your puppy has been started on NuVet Plus vitamins to support a strong immune system and promote healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat. We recommend the powdered form for easy mixing into your puppy’s meals during early development. As your puppy grows, the tablet version becomes a favorite treat—thanks to its natural liver flavor that most dogs love!
While NuVet vitamins are not required to maintain your Okefeild Acres health warranty, they are highly recommended as a supplement for lifelong wellness.
To order, visit the NuVet website and enter order code 21317 at checkout.
Your Puppy’s First Week
To help your puppy transition smoothly, we’ve used the “umbilical method”—a proven approach where your puppy stays leashed to you during the day. This method helps prevent potty accidents, discourages chewing on inappropriate items, and teaches redirection using gentle guidance. It also establishes positive associations with hands, which are used only for affection and reward.
As your puppy becomes consistent with potty training and begins ringing the potty bell to go outside, the need for constant leashing will gradually lessen, and eventually no longer be needed.
To support your continued success, we’ve provided a helpful collection of YouTube training videos under the “Training Videos” dropdown menu on our website. These walk you through the exact methods we’ve started your puppy on, helping you reinforce their learning with confidence and consistency.
Be sure to watch the video below for tips on how to create a successful first week at home!
Puppy Care
Thank you for choosing to welcome one of our Teddybear Goldendoodle puppies into your life! This is such an exciting time, and we’re here to help ensure a smooth, joyful transition for both you and your new puppy.
Over the years, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions and created an e-book to guide you through every stage regarding health, training and grooming. We invite you to read over these tips as you prepare to bring your new companion home!
