Puppy Care

🛁 Caring for Your Goldendoodle

Grooming Requirements Goldendoodles are famous for their "teddy bear" look, but that low-shedding coat requires maintenance!

  • Daily: We recommend "line brushing" your dog 2-3 times a week to prevent matting close to the skin.

  • Professional Grooming: Your puppy will need a professional groom (haircut) every 6 to 8 weeks.

  • The "Puppy Cut": Start taking your puppy to the groomer for a "bath and tidy" as soon as they are fully vaccinated (around 16 weeks) to get them used to the sounds and handling.

Nutrition & Feeding Your puppy will go home on a high-quality puppy kibble. We strongly recommend keeping them on this food for at least the first month to prevent tummy trouble during their transition. If you decide to switch brands, do so gradually over 7 days.

Exercise Goldendoodles are active, intelligent dogs! They make great jogging partners (once fully grown) and love hiking. However, because they are smart, they also need mental exercise. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and games of fetch are great ways to burn off that doodle energy.

General Puppy Care & Ownership

  • American Kennel Club (AKC) – Puppy Information

    • What it covers: A comprehensive hub for new owners covering potty training, socialization, and basic nutrition. Even though Goldendoodles are a hybrid, the AKC’s care guides are the gold standard for general canine husbandry.

    • Website Section to Link: AKC.org > Expert Advice > Puppy Information

  • American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Responsible Pet Ownership

    • What it covers: This is the leading body for veterinarians in the U.S. Their guide covers the lifetime commitment of owning a pet, financial responsibilities, and disease prevention.

    • Website Section to Link: AVMA.org > Resources > Pet Owners

Veterinary Health & Safety

  • Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Canine Health

    • What it covers: Cornell is one of the most respected veterinary schools in the world. They offer excellent, science-backed articles on vaccines, parasites, and common dog diseases without the "clickbait" found on commercial sites.

    • Website Section to Link: Vet.Cornell.edu > Departments > Riney Canine Health Center

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

    • What it covers: This is a critical resource for every puppy owner to bookmark. They provide a searchable list of toxic plants, foods, and household products.

    • Website Section to Link: ASPCA.org > Pet Care > Animal Poison Control

Behavior & Training

  • The Ohio State University – Indoor Pet Initiative

    • What it covers: This is a unique, highly respected resource focusing on the emotional health of pets. It offers fantastic guides on enrichment, reducing stress for puppies, and creating a happy home environment.

    • Website Section to Link: IndoorPet.OSU.edu > Dogs

  • Tufts University – Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

    • What it covers: Their "Petfun" and behavior sections often feature articles from board-certified veterinary behaviorists. It is an excellent source for understanding why puppies do what they do (nipping, chewing, etc.).

    • Website Section to Link: Vet.Tufts.edu > Center for Shelter Dogs (has great general behavior tips) or search their "Petfoodology" for nutrition facts.

Nutrition

  • World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) – Nutrition Toolkit

    • What it covers: With so much misinformation about dog food online, WSAVA provides a guide for owners on how to select a nutritious diet based on science, not marketing.

    • Website Section to Link: WSAVA.org > Global Nutrition Committee > Global Nutrition Guidelines

Disclaimer: The resources provided above are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult your licensed veterinarian for medical advice specific to your puppy.

A ‘New Puppy Shopping List’ will be provided prior to bringing home your new companion.