Puppy Essentials: Your Goldendoodle’s First-Week Checklist

A safe rest space

Kennel: Choose a crate large enough to stand, turn and lie down, with a divider if needed. Begin with voluntary entries and rewards—not a shut door and a frightened puppy.

A washable place to land

Dog bed: A soft bed makes a cozy supervised nap spot. Delay loose bedding in a crate if your puppy shreds it, swallows fabric or toilets on it.

Food and water, without the wobble

Dog Bowls: Sturdy, non-tip bowls make measured meals easier. Wash them regularly and keep fresh drinking water available.

Less mess under the bowls

Dog Food Mat: A washable mat protects floors and catches spills. Remove it if your puppy starts chewing off pieces.

Puppy-safe bath basics

Shampoo: Choose a gentle shampoo labeled for puppies; rinse thoroughly and keep it away from eyes and ears.

Coat care that fits your puppy

Shampoo & Conditioner: The original guide’s go-to shampoo-and-conditioner combination is linked here. Follow the labels, rinse well, and ask your groomer what suits your puppy’s skin and coat.

Everyday identification and practice

Leash & Collar: Choose a properly fitted collar and a light leash. Supervise early practice and remove the collar before crating to prevent snagging.

Comfortable, supported walks

Harness: A well-fitted harness can reduce pressure on the neck. Check fit as your puppy grows, watch for rubbing, and reward a few relaxed steps at a time.

Your mat-prevention team

Brush & Comb: Use a slicker brush and metal comb gently through the coat to the skin. Brush 3–5 times a week as a starting routine; dense coats may need more frequent care.

Outer-ear cleanup—not infection treatment

Dog Ear Wipes: Use only as directed on the accessible outer ear, without pushing into the canal. Redness, odor, pain or discharge calls for a vet; wipes cannot promise infection prevention.

A safe way to say “chew this”

Teething Toy: Offer age- and size-appropriate rubber toys, supervise, and discard damaged pieces. Teach calm handling and redirection instead of punishing normal teething.

An original-list item we no longer recommend by default

Antler Dog Chew: The original link is retained for transparency, not as a puppy safety endorsement. Antlers and other very hard chews can break teeth or cause digestive injury. Ask your vet for a safer, appropriately flexible alternative.

Historic antler listing — not a puppy recommendation

A tiny daily habit with big value

Toothbrush: Introduce a soft pet toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste in short, rewarded steps. Chew toys do not replace toothbrushing.

A calmer, drier finish

Dog Blow Dryer: The original guide recommends a dog dryer to speed drying and fluff the coat. Introduce sound and airflow gradually, avoid heat, eyes and ears, and never leave a puppy unattended.