A hybrid of miniature poodles and golden retrievers, mini goldendoodles are gentle and affectionate dogs that make great family pets. They also work as therapy and service dogs.

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but it comes with major responsibilities. This puppy guide will help you prepare for your furry family member by covering the basics of feeding, grooming, training, and health care.

Choosing the Right Breeder

Bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is a big responsibility, so it’s important to choose the right breeder. Responsible breeders will provide health clearances for their puppies and take care to screen potential new owners to make sure they’re a good fit.

It’s also a good idea to visit the breeder in person, where you can see how they care for their dogs and puppies. Look for a clean facility and friendly, knowledgeable staff that prioritizes the welfare of their pups.

Once you’ve found a breeder you trust, choose the puppy that best matches your lifestyle. For example, if you have kids, consider choosing a puppy that’s less active so they won’t overexert themselves or run away. Also, consider your living space and whether it’s dog-proofed, making sure to remove any hazards and securely secure electrical cords.

Choosing the Right Pup

As you spend time with potential puppies, observe how they interact with family members and other dogs. This will give you a good idea of their temperaments and personalities. You should also take note of their physical traits and grooming needs.

Goldendoodles can have straight, wavy, or curly coats and come in a wide range of colors. Choose a pup whose color and coat type best matches your family’s lifestyle.

Finally, be sure to consider your budget and the initial expenses and ongoing costs of caring for a puppy. Check online directories and breed clubs to find reputable Goldendoodle breeders who adhere to ethical breeding standards. This will ensure that you get a healthy and happy dog for life. You may also want to ask for personal referrals from other Goldendoodle owners or veterinarians.

Bringing Your Pup Home

Getting your home ready for a puppy is a big job. Start by getting on the floor at your puppy’s eye level and look around for anything that could be a chew toy or a danger. Move anything that you don’t want your pup to chew into a higher, out of reach area.

Establish a daily routine and schedule for your Goldendoodle, including potty/nap times, meal times, playtime, and puppy training sessions. These puppies love to work and with consistent obedience training from an early age they excel at many tasks. They are also amiable with children and can strike up friendships in record time. They may be prone to separation anxiety, but this can be managed with early socialization and exposure to diverse situations.

Training Your Pup

Goldendoodles are highly obedient and eager to please. This makes them easy to train, and they excel in basic obedience training, as well as therapy and service dog work.

Establish a daily schedule that includes puppy mealtime, potty breaks, playtime and nap times. Consistently following this routine will help your pup develop good habits and feel more comfortable in their new home.

A well-trained puppy is a calm, happy puppy. A rambunctious, untrained puppy can quickly become a nuisance to the entire household. By training your Goldendoodle from a young age, you can prevent behavior problems that may lead to resentment and anxiety later in life. Your efforts will also make for a dog that is better behaved around family, friends and guests. This will help to keep everyone in the house happier and more relaxed.

Health Care

Goldendoodles are obedient dogs and respond well to obedience training. They’re also athletic and quick learners, meaning they can excel in activities like agility.

They need regular exercise to keep physically and mentally stimulated. Typically, Goldendoodles require an hour or so of physical activity each day, such as brisk walks, jogging, fetch, or interactive games.

Puppies need to be groomed on a regular basis, which helps reduce shedding and keeps their skin healthy. It’s important to start introducing them to grooming tools and routines early on, as it will help them feel less stressed during the process as they get older. They’ll also need regular nail trims and ear cleanings, which will prevent infection.