One of the questions we get most is, “What should we buy before our puppy comes home?” So here’s our answer: the same food, gear, toys and chews we use with our own dogs and pups every day. Your pup will already know a lot of it, which makes the move to your home a little easier.
You don’t need everything on this list. If you only grab a few things before pickup day, start with the food, a crate, bowls, a collar and leash, and a couple of good chews.
We want to be up front with you: as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page. Anything earned here goes back into improving our program.
Your pup comes home eating this food, so keeping it the same makes the first weeks much easier on their tummy.
This is the food every one of our pups eats. Amazon’s Subscribe & Save option is the easiest way to never run out, and it matches the best price we’ve found.
Simple, easy to clean, and they don’t slide across the floor. We use these for food and water.
A handy fridge reminder of which people-foods are safe for dogs and which aren’t. Great for households with kids who love to share.
A probiotic we keep on hand for tummy support, especially during big changes like going to a new home. Comes as packets or chews.
A daily chewable vitamin with a little breath freshener built in. Our pups think it’s a treat.
Good to have in the cabinet for the occasional loose stool. Always check with your vet if it doesn’t clear up quickly.
A crate and a play area give your pup a place to rest and keep them safe when you can’t be watching.
The style of crate we use. It comes with a divider panel, so you can buy the size your pup will need as an adult and make it smaller while they’re little. The 42-inch fits most standard doodles; the 36-inch fits most minis. Other sizes are on the listing.
A roomy, sturdy play area that sets up in minutes indoors or out. Perfect for giving your pup space to play while staying put.
A raised bed that stays cool and is easy to wipe off. Holds up to chewing much better than a fluffy bed.
Dangling toys to bat, chew and chase. Great for keeping little ones busy in the playpen.
Consistency is everything in the first few weeks. These make it easier.
Leak-proof pads for the crate area or overnight. Handy during the first few weeks at home.
Hang these on the door you use to go outside. Pups learn quickly to ring the bell when they need to go.
A rake and pan set that makes yard cleanup quick and keeps your hands far away from the job.
Your pup will already have a head start. These help you keep the momentum going at home.
Dr. Ian Dunbar’s classic guide to positive, reward-based puppy raising. A great read before and after pickup day.
A clicker marks the exact moment your pup does something right. It’s a simple tool that speeds up training.
Step-by-step cards for the basics like sit, stay and come. Easy for the whole family to follow, kids included.
A comfortable collar, a sturdy leash and a harness for walks.
Padded handle, reflective stitching and a strong clip. Two in the pack, so you can keep one in the car.
Soft, adjustable and reflective for evening walks. Pick the size that fits your pup now; you’ll size up as they grow.
A front clip helps gently discourage pulling while your pup learns to walk on a leash.
Doodle coats need regular brushing, and those floppy ears need regular cleaning. Start early so your pup gets used to it.
The brushes and comb we use to keep doodle coats free of mats between grooming visits.
Sharp, sturdy and easy to hold. Short, regular trims are the easiest way to keep nails in check.
A 2-in-1 made for doodle coats that helps with tangles and leaves them soft.
Doodle ears trap moisture, so we clean them regularly to help prevent problems.
Quick and easy ear cleaning between baths. They slip right over your finger.
Doodles grow hair inside their ears. Ear powder and tweezers make it easy to keep the ear canal clear.
Chewing and sniffing are how puppies burn off energy. Rotating a few toys keeps things interesting.
Softer rubber made for puppy teeth. Fill it with a little food or peanut butter for a long-lasting treat.
Tennis balls with a squeak, gentler on teeth than regular tennis balls.
A soft, squeaky snuggle buddy. Our pups love to carry these around.
Hide treats under the sliders and let your pup work for them. Great on rainy days.
Scatter kibble in the folds and let your pup sniff it out. Slows down fast eaters too.
Spread on a little peanut butter or yogurt. Licking is calming, so these are great for bath time and nail trims.
Treats for training, and chews to save your shoes. Always supervise chew time.
A puppy-sized dental chew. A good little reward that also helps keep teeth clean.
Single-ingredient and irresistible. Break into tiny pieces for training.
A bone with a tasty filling. Once it’s licked clean, you can refill it.
Natural knuckle bones that last a while and keep teething pups happy.
Chicken, duck and sweet potato on a chewy stick. A favorite reward around here.
Just ask. We’re always happy to tell you what’s worked for us, whether it’s on this list or not.
We want to be up front with you: as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page. Anything earned here goes back into improving our program. Product prices and availability are set by Amazon and may change.
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