Puppy Preparation
Being a puppy parent is a wonderful thing and our desire is to help you be prepared as possible before your new puppy joins your family!
PUPPY PREPARATION SHOPPING LIST
This shopping list is simply a guide for what you might need. Keep your dog’s size (both now and in the future) in mind as you purchase supplies, but feel free to choose colors and styles that fit your preferences! We are not suggesting that all of these items are absolutely necessary, but want to give you ideas of the tools we’ve found to be helpful in our own families and with our own puppies.
Other dog lovers, please feel free to use this Puppy Shopping List to see what items may be helpful for your current pet.
Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This simply means that at no additional cost to you, we might earn commissions if you click through and purchase. We only recommend products that we would use for ourselves.
Eating
TLC Dog Food
We start your puppy off on TLC, an excellent all natural chow to keep puppy growing and keep his little GI stable during all the new transitions he is about to encounter. You will receive a small sample of this kibble for your pooch on his going home day. TLC is a whole life chow that provides live probiotic cultures. TLC gives you a cute little bag, measuring food scoop, poop bags with holder and a lot of other fun stuff. TLC is only available by ordering online through the distributor, but they make it easy with free shipping and automatic delivery. Click below to get $5 off your order!
Paw Tree Dog Food
We LOVE this dog food and have had tremendous success with our dogs that have sensitive tummies or are sensitive to chicken/have chicken allergies. They also have chicken dog food if your dog is fine with that but we highly recommend the other options!
You can shop under “My Recommendations” for products we have used; but you can also shop the entire line under “Shop Dogs” as well!
Grain Free Dog Food
Are you looking for a grain free alternative for your pups? This premium, grain-free food is formulated for all life stages, from puppyhood all the way through the senior years. Packed with nourishing, high-quality ingredients, this delicious food is perfectly balanced with all of the proteins, omega-3s, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients dogs need to thrive … without the grains. You can set up an autoship with various sizing options to fit your needs best!
Small/Medium Breed Dog Food
If your puppy is struggling at all with a sensitivity to the the TLC Food brand or other puppy chow you have tried, we want to give you another alternative for your puppy! Made for small and medium breeds, this premium kibble is made with the finest ingredients. You can set up an autoship with various sizing options to fit your needs best!
Pet Bowl
Made of high-quality stainless steel, this set of two AmazonBasics dog bowls makes a great choice for your pet. The bowls offer a healthier alternative to plastic, don’t hold odors, and help make mealtimes less messy. The wide no-tip bowls hold up to 38 ounces each—perfect for dry kibble, wet food, treats, or fresh water. They are scratch and rust resistant! Best of all? They can easily go in the dishwasher!
Slow Feed Dog Bowl
You may feel that your puppy races to eat their food! These fun bowls seems to help and fix that problem. These dog bowls naturally improve digestion by allowing dogs to forage for their food through the fun patterns and mazes. Fun Feeder Slo-Bowls won’t slip or slide & are made with food-safe materials that are BPA, PVC & Phthalate free.
Elevated Dog Bowl
Keep your pup from digging in their water dish, and provide a more healthy way for your dog to eat! This adjustable design will grow with your pup and provide years of safe feeding.
Mess-Free Water Bowl
Have a sloppy drinker? Just when you thought a Doodle couldn’t make a mess, they get a drink of water and it looks like a seal emerged from your kitchen! You may want to consider this drinking bowl designed to limit how wet your pooch gets.
Snuffle Mat
Does your pup need cerebral engagement or seem bored? This is an excellent way to slowly feed a puppy that may eat too quickly and also wear out their brain. Try feeding each morning from this mat. The activity of hunting for food wears down the brain, but also enhances their sniffing ability!
Protection
Nuvet Plus
Purchase your first supply of NuVet Plus. We have been adding NuVet to your pup’s kibble every day to insure he gets all the nutrients he needs. NuVet is part of your guarantee to insure you do all you can as well to keep puppy healthy. While we are using powder right now due to supplying a full litter, you can order the wafers.
For your convenience, you may order directly from the manufacturer. You can also save an additional 15% and assure you never run out of NuVet by choosing the “AutoShip” option at check out. There will be a 3 day supply of this supplement which will come home with your puppy. NuVet is included as an important part of most reputable breeder’s contracts. Please review your contract for further details.
Flea & Tick Collar
For flea and tick protection, Seresto kills and repels fleas and ticks for 8 continuous months in one easy-to-use, non-greasy, odorless collar. Quickly kills fleas within 24 hours of initial application and reinfesting fleas within 2 hours. The Seresto collar is water-resistantand remains effective following a shampoo treatment, swimming or after exposure to rain or sunlight.
Probios Digestive Powder
We highly recommend this probiotic powder! We recommend using this for the first 2 weeks upon home going. And, anytime pup seems to eat something that might not agree or if you have a day of loose stool, simply use this for 3 to 5 days to help build back healthy intestinal flora.
Doodle Ear Cleaner
Keep that Doodle ear canal clean and free from yeast and gunky build-up! These products are great for maintenance. Make this a part of your weekly care to prevent ear infections.
Ear Wipes Cleaner
Keep that Doodle ear canal clean and free from yeast and gunky build-up! These products are great for maintenance. Make this a part of your weekly care to prevent ear infections.
Ear Solution
Keep that Doodle ear canal clean and free from yeast and gunky build-up! These products are great for maintenance. Make this a part of your weekly care to prevent ear infections.
Toothpaste/Toothbrush
Happy Mouth! Remove plaque, food debris and remains efficiently and with less struggle. Works great to ensure proper dental hygiene for your pet.
Dental Kit
Happy Mouth! Remove plaque, food debris and remains efficiently and with less struggle. Works great to ensure proper dental hygiene for your pet.
Bedding
Dog Crates
Crates are valuable tools for your puppy in the early months. They provide better consistency making it through the night, a safe place for your puppy when you have to leave for up to 3-4 hours, and a haven for your puppy to rest/play if household gets crazy! We recommend metal crates, which enable the puppy to see all around!
Purchase a crate large enough for your dog when he is 75% to 100% full grown.
- Mini doodle –24” or 30”
- Medium doodle – 36”
- Standard doodle – 42” or 48’
Mini Size Crate
Medium Size Crate
Standard Size Crate
Crate Cooling Mats
Those summer months can get awfully hot for our doodle friends! Consider purchasing one of these mats to put inside (or outside) their cart in order to keep your furry friend cool in the warmer months.
Mini Size Cooling Mat
Medium Cooling Mat
Standard Size Cooling Mat
Play Pen
We have had several clients need a space where their pups can safely play unsupervised and this has been recommended by many as a helpful pen in their living room, kitchen, or even bedroom. It has a door where the puppy can walk in and out. Our trainers do recommend feeding your puppy in this pen, so they learn to like it at a young age.
Floor Pads
These have been used by our clients in your puppy’s play pen, to protect your furniture, or to protect your floor. It is waterproof, washes great, and has many size options that can fit your family and household needs. Choose the size that is best for you!
Crate Pad
It is helpful to have a comfortable pad for your puppy’s crate that also can be put in the car or other places in your home, if desired. This choice comes in many different colors and sizes!
Elevated Mat
Our dogs love to lounge on elevated mats. Even our pups choose these mats for sleeping.
Exercise
Collar
We do provide a collar for your puppy when they go home with you! However, if you are desiring another type, size, or color- this may be a good option for your family. For growing puppies, you may need to replace the sizing. The general rule for dog collars is that they should be snug with enough room to fit two fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar.
Harness
A dog harness helps with control and safety issues. A harness can give you more control with your dog when you are out and about. You will want to find one that has an adjustable neck and chest so that it is easy to put on and off. Suitable for occasions like daily walking, outdoor, training, and more.
Walk Your Dog with Love Harness
A few Crossfield Doodles families have recommended this particular dog harness as well! This dog harness is chafe-free, easy to put on, and simple to use. It stops your dog from pulling and prevents heavy rings, sliders, and sharp areas from chafing your dog.
Leash
This Leash is crafted in a strong rope structure with neoprene handle to offer more control for pet owners. You will love the comfortable and easy-to-grab neoprene handle!
Water Bottle
In the warm weather, it is important to make sure your pup is always hydrated. When on walks or during park adventures, this option has a built-in cup for your pup and a handle for easy carrying for you!
Treats
Chewing
Playing
Intelligence Toys
Dogs are very playful and intelligent animals. Channel their energy and curiosity into something positive by using intelligence toys that will give them a reward and keep them busy for a long time! There are varying levels you can choose for your doodle.
Kong Toys
The Kong is the gold standard of dog toys and has become the staple for dogs around the world for over forty years. There are many variations of these toys that have proven to be great choices for our doodles and their families!
Plush Toys
Doodles, especially puppies, tend to be active and need toys to play with. Purchase cute, soft and cuddly plush toys that are made with an extra layer of material to make them extra tough. These are perfect for a game of fetch or great as a comfort toy for your furry friend.
Fetching Toys
Fetch. Retrieve. Repeat. All day, and with the glow balls–all night too! Yep, you N-E-E-D these!
Bathing
Shampoo, Conditioner, and Spray
Here are a few favorites from our Crossfield Doodle families for bathing! It may be helpful to stock up on at least a shampoo and spray for your doodle!
Grooming
Neatbot Pro Pet Grooming Kit & Vacuum
Neabot P1 Pro is an all-in-one grooming tool kit that is simple to use, effective and affordable. It provides 5 Proven Grooming Tools and collects 99% of pet hair with the vacuum built-in.
Grooming Kit
Quality dog clippers are great for trimming thick doodle hair. Allows for multiple grooming sessions with your pet before needing a recharge. Provide snag-free cutting, our high-carbon blades remain sharp for smooth grooming that creates a pleasant experience for your pet.
Scissors
These scissors are especially helpful for the sensitive areas, such as eyes, paws, face, nose and the ears. These dog grooming scissor comes with a comfortable TPR handle and extra finger rests ensure ergonomic grip and are comfortable to use during long combing sessions.
Slicker Brush
This amazing brush has rounded corners that will not catch fur. The stainless steel extra long pins on this brush penetrate deep into the coat. These hundreds of pins close together work at separating hairs, which de-mats your dog as you brush. This brush is especially effective for medium to large dogs with long thick or double coated hair.
Grooming Comb
This tool is used to remove any of those hidden mats the slicker couldn’t reach. The comb is dual-sided with coarse, fine teeth and is an essential tool for finishing and fluffing coats. It’s perfect for finishing your dog and making sure they’re 100% clear and free of tangles.
Dematting Comb with Grooming Rake
We recommend these as necessary tools! Easily and painlessly cut through mats under ear flaps, at elbows and knees, and around the tail. Using these on a weekly basis will nearly eradicate mats and make your groomer happy!
Dematting Comb
We recommend these as necessary tools! Easily and painlessly cut through mats under ear flaps, at elbows and knees, and around the tail. Using these on a weekly basis will nearly eradicate mats and make your groomer happy!
Grooming Arm & Haunch Holder
For those of you interested in doing some home-grooming either full time or in-between professional grooming, this arm and haunch holder is an excellent purchase. Attach to a table top (folding table or rimmed counter top), adjust to your height and voilà, you are a groomer!
Cleaning
Oh, Pooh!
This may be a different kind of a”cleaning” but having a product that helps you with that constant puppy clean up is KEY! You bet we use lots of poop bags around here! This is the best brand, large enough for standards; quality enough to make sure you have a clean pick-up. Affordable. Auto-ship it, and forget it!
Spot and Stain Vacuum
Bringing home a puppy? You should also consider bringing home a product for quick clean-up! Pair this with a spray cleaner as well.
Spot and Stain Cleaner
Spot & Stain formula is made for portable carpet cleaners. This powerful formula tackles tough pet messes that happen on your carpet and upholstery.
Stain Destroyer
Oxy stain destroyer formula starts working on contact to mobilize, lift, and penetrate the stain at the source to remove stains in 30 seconds.
Mud Buster
We recommend using a small or medium size mud buster (the large tends to tip over easily). Keep this my your back door or wherever dogs come in for easy clean up!
Gorilla Dog Mat
Put this by the door you come in and it absorbs SOO much. When dogs come in I have them sit for their paw bath, then place their foot on that mat. Great for kids and any other living beings that don’t take their boots off upon entry, and washes super easily!
Pet Dry Towel
We love these for a quick wipe of the paws! Beats using 10 wipes every time.
Traveling
Pet Car Seat Cover
This rugged pet seat cover is made from 4 layers of fabrics: The first is a thick water-resistant oxford fabric, providing a firm grip for your pet. The second is a cotton layer to keep the cover soft. The third layer is durable polyester, preventing any moisture, water, stains, or dirt from getting to your car seat. The final layer is a PVC non-slip soft rubber that grips to even the smoothest leather seat. Only takes two seconds to unbuckle to remove to shake off sand and dirt or for back seat passengers of the human variety; You can just use wet cloth wipe down, or hand wash, even vacuum it because it is so thick and won’t be sucked into vacuum. Saving time, labor and dollar from car cleaning.
Car Booster Seat
You want your doodle to adjust to car rides, but it also important that they learn good car behavior, including no jumping around and distracting the driver (or even the kiddos!) This car seat straps to your car’s seat (front or back) and it has a central strap that attaches to your dog’s collar or vest so they can’t jump out. Our puppy can look around and stay secure.
Pet Travel Water Bottle
Quickly provide fresh water for your thirsty pups without a dog bowl. This Dog Water Bottle is great for walking and travelling with your doodle. Increase the shape of the leaf, just flip the silicone leaf water bowl, open the bottle lid, gently squeeze the dog water bottle and your pet can drink clean water, leak-proof hermetic.
Seatbelt
Keep your paws on the wheel! This seat belt is hands down the easiest way to make sure you can focus on driving with your pet. Pair with a harness to free your mind that pooch is fine!
Reading
Books
Read articles and books about becoming a puppy owner. If you are replacing a recently lost familiar friend with a new puppy, you may be surprised (or may have forgotten) just how different the worlds of puppy and adult dogs are! Read-up and get ready to have your world rocked with the excitement that a puppy brings!
Send to us
Send to Us/Bring to Us
If you would like to send us/bring with you a blanket/toy at 6 week picks, we will make sure it’s placed in the box for litter scent and ready for you upon home going. We won’t return it to you clean (you’re welcome!) but it will remind your pup of their siblings and provide comfort during first weeks at home.
Monthly Box
Bark Box
BarkBox is a monthly subscription of original toys and healthy treats tailored to your dog. Our in-house team designs every toy and we partner with American farms to select the best all-natural treats and chews. Every box is created around a fun theme, so each month is a new adventure. BarkBox is more than just a box—it’s a celebration of you and your dog (from people who are just as dog-crazy as you).