Bringing a Labradoodle puppy home is an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. You might worry about forgetting important puppy essentials or not knowing how to keep your home safe.
We’re very familiar with these worries (and the solutions) at oodle pups.
A bit of prep is enough to get going. It can make everyone more relaxed, which can help your puppy adjust quickly and make those first days easier.
So let’s walk through how to prepare your home for a Labradoodle puppy. We’ll cover puppy-proofing, must-have supplies, and how to create a safe space.
Let’s start with the basics of preparing your home for a new Labradoodle.
Setting Up Your Home for a New Labradoodle Puppy
Getting your home ready before your puppy arrives can make things easier. It means less stress on day one and more time to bond.
Here’s what you need to do to puppy-proof your space properly.
Puppy-Proofing Essentials
Start by tucking away electrical cords or covering them with protective tubing. Then, pick up small items that a curious puppy might try to chew or swallow. Baby gates work brilliantly here for blocking off stairs and keeping your puppy in safe areas.
While you’re securing the floors, take a walk through each room and look for sharp furniture edges or low-hanging items. At the same time, check that cleaning supplies are stored in cupboards your curious puppy can’t open or reach.
See also: Home Advice Decadgarden: Home Advice: Transforming Your Space With Decadgarden
Safe Zones and Sleeping Spaces
Your puppy needs their own cosy spot to sleep and relax. You can set up a soft bed or crate in a quiet corner where they won’t be disturbed. Then, add a few comfort toys to help them feel secure, especially during those first nights away from their litter mates.
Keep in mind that puppies do better when they can see or hear you nearby, so don’t tuck them away completely.
Feeding and Toilet Setup
We recommend stainless steel food and water bowls because they’re simple to clean and stay hygienic. Place the bowls in a quiet feeding spot and ensure your puppy can drink fresh water at any time.
Next, put puppy pads close to the door you’ll use when taking them outside. This helps your puppy understand the route to their toilet spot right from the start. Always use the same spot so training is quicker and less confusing for them.
Health and Hygiene Checklist
Lastly, you’ll need to gather the supplies you’ll need to keep your puppy clean and healthy. Start with basic grooming tools like nail clippers and a soft brush suitable for curly coats. Australian Labradoodles need regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats, so you’ll be using these tools often.
You’ll also need gentle puppy shampoo to keep them smelling fresh. Speaking of smelling fresh, keep poo bags and a holder by the front door for easy access when you head out for walks. And for those inevitable accidents inside, store pet-safe cleaning supplies somewhere handy so you can clean up quickly.
Once your home is safe, it’s time to think about what your Labradoodle puppy will need when they arrive.
Puppy Checklist: Essentials for a Smooth First Week
The first week with your new puppy can set the tone for everything that follows. So you can save time and energy, if you’ve got the right supplies ready. Let’s break down what these essentials are.
Everyday Necessities
Start with an adjustable collar that can grow with your puppy and attach an ID tag with your contact details straight away. You’ll also need a comfortable leash for short walks and a car harness to keep them safe during trips. These basics protect your furry friend right from the start.
Health and Preventive Care
Book your first vet appointment before your puppy even arrives so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. During this visit, ask the vet to map out a vaccination schedule and chat about flea, tick, and parasite control options. Following these steps will make sure your puppy stays healthy while growing.
Labradoodles also have floppy ears (they’re adorable, we know), but those ears can trap moisture and lead to infections if you’re not careful. Your vet can teach you how to clean and examine their ears so issues are easier to treat.
Training Setup
With health matters sorted, you can focus on setting up for training success.
Start by creating a quiet focus area in your home where you can practice basic commands without distractions. Yes, we’re keeping training treats separate from regular food so your puppy knows when it’s learning time rather than dinner time.
We also highly suggest starting positive reinforcement from day one to reward good behavior. This means offering treats right after your puppy behaves well, so they understand what they did correctly. It’s more effective than punishment and builds trust between you.
Grooming Gear
Training and grooming go hand in hand because regular handling builds trust with your puppy. So add nail clippers for dogs to your shopping cart and a detangling brush that works well with curly coats. Australian Labradoodles actually need regular brushing to stop their soft fur from getting matted and tangled, which can be painful if left too long.
Emergency and Contact List
Finally, let’s talk about preparing for emergencies and getting extra support. The first thing you want to do is note your vet’s phone number and stick it on the fridge for easy access. Add your puppy’s breeder contact details as well in case you have questions about behaviour or health that only they can answer.
You might want to research local puppy school programmes and add their details to your list too. Early socialisation in these classes can help your Labradoodle grow confident and teach you how to manage common puppy challenges.
Raise a Happy Labradoodle
So, ready to take on this very exciting time with your new companion?
If you’ve done the preparation work, you’re ready to bring your Labradoodle puppy into a safe, loving home. The effort you’ve put in will pay off quickly.
Over the next few weeks, watch for signs that your puppy is settling in and feeling happy. A healthy appetite, playful energy, and affectionate behaviour all show your furry friend is doing well.
If you’re looking for a healthy, well-bred Labradoodle puppy to join your family, visit oodle pups to learn more about our available puppies. We’re here to support you through every stage of puppy ownership with advice and guidance.
