New Puppy Checklist: 19 Must-Have Items
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Gentle, affectionate, obedient—it’s hard not to fall head-over-heels for one of our fluffy Mini Goldendoodle puppies! Our Doodles are the sweetest bundles of joy.
They’re there for you from the moment you wake up until the time you’re ready to head off to sleep. They’re always ready to treat you to a round of sweet kisses and unconditional love, no questions asked!
So if you’ve decided to open your home and heart to a beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy from ClassyDoodles, congratulations! Your life will never be the same…and you’ll never want to go back!
Of course, with a new puppy comes a list of things to do like getting new puppy supplies.
Being prepared is the first step of being a responsible dog owner. Remember: your Doodle depends on you for its happiness and health so it’s important to be ready for their homecoming.
But…what does your Doodle need to be happy?
Well, this home kit blog is your best resource for your Mini Goldendoodle puppy. This blog explores all of the must-have puppy products we recommend to prepare your Doodle for its transition into your home.
Let’s take a look!
1. Crates
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Crates are an essential product for your Mini Goldendoodle. Although they look intimidating at first glance, crates give your beautiful puppy their personal space to lay down, sleep, and relax whenever they want.
Crates are also useful for house training. Your puppy won’t know where to take potty breaks so they may end up doing their business wherever they please.
Since puppies don’t like soiling their resting spots with urine or poop, using a crate trains your Doodle to hold their bladder while they’re inside.
There are plenty of styles and types of dog crates available but I highly recommend MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crates as a good start! They come with single or double doors and cater to your Doodle’s love for den-like spaces.
2. Royal Canin dry and wet food
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Royal Canin is high-quality food for puppies and dogs. I cannot recommend this brand enough for your Doodle!
Royal Canin has rich, nutritionally balanced ingredients to promote healthy growth and coat maintenance in young puppies.
Some of these nutritious ingredients include a blend of essential proteins like chicken, vitamins, and antioxidants to help boost your puppy’s immune system.
Royal Canin is so effective in keeping puppies healthy that most vets use the brand to treat sick dogs and even their own pets!
I’ve personally used Royal Canin dry food for years and it’s helped keep my dogs healthy and happy for years. I recommend using Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food for your Mini Goldendoodle. This specific dog food supports your Doodle’s growing body during this intense, high-energy period.
If you would rather go the wet-food route, I would opt for Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food. This dog food encourages a healthy appetite in your Doodle through its delicious, savory chunks! You can also try Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation Canned Dog Food if your Mini Goldendoodle is a picky eater!
3. High-calorie gel
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You may not know it but Doodle is going through an intense period of growth. Their bodies need constant nutrients and vitamins to be healthy.
Sometimes, plain dog food isn’t enough to support their growth spurt. That’s why I recommend a high-calorie gel.
This supplement increases caloric intake without adding anything extra to your puppy’s meals. It also promotes energy and overall health. Tasty and easy to digest, high-calorie gels act as an appetite stimulant for puppies.
This is so important during that first week home when your puppy’s appetite is all over the place from stress and excitement.
One small amount of a high-calorie gel will restore your Doodle’s love for eating!
I recommend using Tomlyn Nutri-Stat Gel High-Calorie Supplement for Cats & Dogs. This brand stimulates your Doodle’s appetite while also providing high-quality nutritional value. This includes important nutrients and electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
4. ClearlyLovedPets Playpen
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Puppies love personal space. That’s why dog crates are the top must-have item for your Mini Goldendoodle. However, dog crates aren’t the only option to give your puppy’s their own space.
ClearlyLovedPets are doggy playpens that give your Doodle puppy plenty of space to stretch, play, and roam around. These playpens come in various different sizes for your puppy’s comfort and happiness.
What I love about ClearlyLovedPets is its see-through design. This gives you the chance to watch your puppy as they play in their own space. These playpens are also easy to set up and clean if accidents happen (they always do!).
I highly recommend the 27″ Medium Lucidium Pen for your Mini Goldendoodle puppy. This playpen size is the perfect size for medium and small-sized puppies, giving your Doodle a place to nap and play every day!
5. Wee Wee pads
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When your puppy is potty training, chances are they’re going to have one or two little accidents here and there in your home (maybe more!). Pee pads are your life savior in these moments.
These pads are absorbent so if your puppy pees, there’s no mess! It keeps your floors clean as your Doodle learns where they’re supposed to go on potty breaks.
One of my favorite brands to buy is the Wee Wee Pads. These pads contain quilted pockets and gel for full absorption of your puppy’s pee.
Wee Wee Pads are available for purchase on Amazon so feel free to check them out!
6. Cozy Blankets
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Like most puppies, Doodles are also sensitive to the cold. A cozy blanket is the best item to give them that extra comfort and security they need as they grow accustomed to their new home.
For boys, I recommend the Super Soft Fluffy Premium Pet Blanket that’s available on Amazon. This blanket has an adorable elephant pattern and is easy to clean.
And for girls, I recommend the Fluffy Premium Fleece Pet Blanket. Soft and machine washable, this blanket is the best item to use for your Doodle’s comfort!
7. Heartbeat pillow
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During their first week home with you, your Doodle is learning the ins and outs of their new environment. They may feel curious, anxious, and even scared to be away from their mom and siblings.
Your puppy may whine or cry the first few nights home, but don’t worry. You don’t have to face sleepless nights comforting your Doodle.
The Heartbeat pillow comforts your puppy in a way no blanket or toy ever could! It’s a must-have product for every new puppy parent.
This pillow works by mimicking their mother’s heartbeat, providing them the intimacy they want at night. This stops them from whining and feeling lonely at night.
The best heartbeat pillow is the All for Paws Puppy Heartbeat Pillow. This brand’s pillows are fluffy, machine washable, and easy to clean. It’s available on Amazon for purchase.
8. Puppy bed
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Even your Mini Goldendoodle needs to sleep after a day of fun! While their crate or your couch can be a great place for naps, it doesn’t replace a soft, cozy space to snuggle in.
That’s where puppy beds come in!
Puppy beds come in many different shapes, sizes, and designs. The best puppy beds support your puppy’s head and body while they’re snoozing away.
One of my favorite puppy beds is the NANDOG PET Gear Crown for Dogs and Cats. Made with soft and cuddly fabric material, this bed has a unique crown design to pamper your Doodle the way they deserve!
It’s available to purchase on Amazon.
9. Bowls
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Your choices for a good dog bowl are endless. There are plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic bowls of different shapes and sizes to choose from.
So which one is the right one for your puppy?
Well, your little Doodle deserves a bowl that meets their eating needs. That’s why I recommend Bella Bowls as the perfect dog bowl for your puppy!
This brand makes award-winning pet bowls that are stylish and bacteria-resistant. These bowls are also easy to wash, do not skid or spill, and are recommended by vets.
I also love the overall pawprint design on these bowls. They’re very cute and fit the playful, sweet nature of the Mini Goldendoodle.
10. Toys
Chewy toys
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All puppies need physical exercise—I know it, you know it! But they also need mental exercise to push them to use their brain. This may sound weird but chewing is a mental activity for most puppies.
It requires a lot of their focus and keeps them busy if they’re bored. It also alleviates their pain from teething. Unfortunately, your furniture might suffer the worst of your Doodle’s chewing habits.
Chew toys are great ways to build your dog’s brainpower and relieve their teething pain!
For mental stimulation, I would go for a KONG toy. Kong toys test your Doodle’s intelligence and help establish their playing behavior.
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All you would need to do is fill the KONG toy with a yummy treat and watch them figure out how to get the treat out! This toy is available for purchase on Chewy.
You can also choose the KONG Puppy Goodie Bone Dog Toy. This toy is made with a soft, rubber material that is gentle on your puppy’s gums as they chew on it.
And like a regular kong toy, you can fill it with your Doodle’s favorite snacks to keep them entertained for a few hours. This toy is also on Chewy.
If you want to opt for a regular chew toy, go for BENSEAO’s Puppy Teething Chew Toys. These toys are a godsend with teething puppies.
Your Doodle will love playing with different chew toys in the collection, including rope toys, balls, and teethers. This brand also makes chew toys from safe, high-quality materials that are perfect for Mini Goldendoodles.
Squishy toys
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While all Mini Goldendoodles are known for their loving, kind personalities, they share a natural prey drive with every canine on the planet.
Engage your Doodle’s prey drive with a squishy toy! Squishy toys usually make a squeaky noise when pressed or chewed on. This entertains your puppy and keeps them busy.
Most squishy toys come in various shapes and sizes. For Mini Goldendoodles, it’s really important you find a toy that is the right size for them.
I highly recommend MewaJump Store’s Plush Dog Toys. They’re not just cute—they’re also made with non-toxic, soft, and durable materials for long-lasting fun!
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Another toy to try out is ENIBON’s Squeaky Dog Toys. The toy comes with 12 chew toys of vibrant colors and interesting shapes to keep your Doodle happy.
You can also go for KOL Store’s Dog Plush Toys Dog Chew Toys. These toys are made with high-quality materials that help puppies clean their teeth while chewing. It also has a lightweight design, which is easy to throw for a game of fetch!
11. Puppy collar & leash
Finding the perfect collar and leash for your beautiful Doodle can be impossible. There are lists upon lists of different styles, patterns, and colors to choose from…and that’s very overwhelming for first-time puppy parents!
Since collars are so personal, I’ve always liked them to match my puppy’s personality or attitude. That’s why my favorite brand for collars is The Foggy Dog.
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Their ivory velvet collars are eye-catching and plush so your Doodle commands attention from anyone who meets them. This product is very durable and can be worn on a regular basis.
I also recommend QQPETS’s adjustable dog collars. These are made with strong polyester to help them last longer.
You can also adjust the collar’s length to accommodate your Doodle’s growth. I absolutely love the cute animal print designs since it fits with the outgoing nature of the Mini Goldendoodle.
For leashes, I would opt for ladoogo’s Heavy Duty Dog Leashes. The brand recently updated its product to include a foam handle, preventing rope burns and rashes.
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It’s also 5 feet in length to give your Doodle enough space to sniff, explore, and do their business without wandering off.
12. Poop bags
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Poop bags are another essential item for every puppy parent. As a pet owner, you’re responsible for picking up after your puppy’s messes during walks.
Poop bags allow you to grab and dispose of your Doodle’s poop without making a bigger mess.
My favorite brand is the Earth Rated Store’s Dog Poop Bags. These bags are extra thick and leak-proof so you don’t have to worry about getting your puppy’s little accident on you!
They’re also lavender-scented, which blocks the stench from becoming too much. Perfect for a stress-free walk!
13. Dog wipes
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Your Mini Goldendoodle is a playful, fun-loving little pooch! Sometimes, that translates to dirty paws or a messy tushie.
Dog wipes help you clean up your furry friend after any situation or reason. Most brands have a gentle formula that keeps your Doodle’s fur soft and clean without causing irritation.
One of the best brands for dog wipes is the Earth Rated Store’s Earth Rated Dog Wipes. I mean it when I say they’re the best dog wipes you can use for your Doodle.
They’re unscented so they won’t leave a weird smell or residue on your puppy’s fur. Their aloe and shea butter formula keeps your Doodle’s fur fresh and soft.
This brand is also very eco-friendly so you’ll also be helping out the environment when you clean your puppy!
14. Puppy shampoo
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Your Doodle has beautiful, lustrous wavy locks that make them look like a little teddy bear! However, your puppy can’t maintain its gorgeous fur without the right puppy shampoo.
TropiClean Hypo-Allergenic Puppy & Kitten Shampoo is the perfect shampoo for Mini Goldendoodle. Rich and pH balanced, this puppy shampoo cleanses your Doodle’s fur and skin without stripping away its essential oils.
The shampoo also has a delicious coconut scent that leaves your furry friend smelling and looking amazing! TropiClean’s puppy shampoo is available for purchase on Chewy.
15. Puppy towel
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After your Doodle gets a good scrub and wash, it’s time to fluff them up with a towel! It’s true that you can use any kind of towel to dry your puppy but if you want to maintain their cute, teddy bear looks, I recommend using a puppy towel.
A puppy towel is designed for a puppy’s fur so it can quickly absorb excess water and moisture. I recommend using the Bone Dry Embroidered Bone Microfiber Dog Bath Towel for the ultimate puppy drying experience.
This product is very absorbent and durable, which makes it easy to dry your Doodle faster. It can also be used to protect your furniture and comfort your puppy during car rides.
16. Puppy hairbrush
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Daily grooming is a big step in keeping your Mini Goldendoodle in tip-top shape. When you groom your puppy’s fur every day, you prevent mats and knots from forming in their fur.
A good hairbrush for puppies ensures that your Doodle is always looking their best! But not all puppy hairbrushes were created equal.
Out of all the hairbrushes sold online and in pet stores, I love the Wet Brush Store’s Pet Brush, 2-in-1 Detangler the most.
As a detangler, this product frees your puppy’s hair on one side and combs out loose hairs on the other. It contains soft bristles that are flexible and comfortable for painless hair brushing.
This is the perfect hairbrush for your Mini Goldendoodle. I guarantee they’ll love being brushed daily with it!
17. Puppy toothbrush
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Dental care is an essential part of your Doodle’s hygiene routine. By paying attention to your puppy’s dental health, you help keep their teeth pearly white and prevent dental diseases.
A good item to get you started on your puppy’s dental care journey is EZ Dog Dental Care Kit, which includes a finger brush, toothbrush, and toothpaste for puppies.
The finger brush and toothbrush are safe and durable. The toothbrush is flexible and can clean the hard-to-reach areas in your Doodle’s mouth.
The toothpaste is mint-flavored and contains no added sugars so it’s safe for your fur-baby to swallow!
18. Puppy toy basket
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No matter what side of the bed they wake up on, your Doodle is always ready for some playtime. It’s in their nature—Mini Goldendoodles are well-known for their energetic, outgoing personalities!
Unfortunately, this also means you’ll have toys and other puppy items thrown around your house. If you’re the kind of person who loves being organized, there’s one item that can save you all the stress: a puppy toy basket.
Just place your puppy toy basket in one corner of your living room (or wherever you want) and you’ll have the best place to put your Doodle’s toys.
One of the best baskets I’ve owned is Geyecete’s Dog Storage Basket. It’s made with a soft woven rope that’s safe for you and your puppy to touch.
It’s also strong enough to hold all of your puppy’s favorite toys in one spot. This product is available to purchase on Amazon.
19. Pet Insurance
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Part of being a responsible dog owner is taking your puppy to the vet for their vaccinations and physical exam.
However, I know that this may cost more than a dime, especially if your puppy is sick. Pet insurance protects you from racking up vet bills as your Doodle receives medical care.
One of the best pet insurances is Trupanion. Depending on your location, Trupanion has different coverage options to best suit your puppy’s needs.
If you live in Florida, you choose a percentage of coverage you would like for your Doodle. Your monthly premium will be based on that percentage along. No deductibles and new illnesses and injuries are covered only.
Another plus? Since my fur-family is covered by Trupanion, the insurance coverage is extended to all of the puppies at ClassyDoodles.
This means your puppy receives coverage for a specific number of days, depending on the state you live in.
To activate the offer, make sure to contact Trupanion and provide the promo code in your Welcome package to them.
A new puppy is a gift but when that puppy is a Mini Goldendoodle, it is a sweet blessing in disguise. Your Mini Goldendoodle is your new best friend for life. Make sure you’re ready to welcome them into a happy life with you by being prepared.
You don’t need to buy every single item on this home kit but having the essentials like a doggy bowl, a leash, collar, toys, puppy shampoo, and a toothbrush can ensure your puppy has an easy transition to your home.
I hope this list helps you make the right choices for your beautiful little Doodle!