Favorite Products & Supplies for Your New Doodle Puppy - See Links Below for Items We Use and Recommend.
Containment & Comfort:
Crate (Midwest 2-Door Wire Crate or Diggs Evolve for a safer, sturdier option)
Bolster crate mat
Donut calming bed (can be used in the crate or outside of it)
Pet gate(s) to restrict off-limit rooms or stairwell
Puppy playpen/x-pen with washable liner and an artificial turf potty & tray if you will be leaving puppy home for longer periods.
Potty Training:
Enzyme cleaner for accidents (Scout’s Honor or Kin & Kind)
Disposable pee pads for the drive home (not for the crate or playpen as they will be chewed up)
Washable pee pads for the playpen floor (if using one)
Walking Gear:
Harness with leash (size XXS for the one on our site)
Long-line leash (15 ft) for training or tethering
Seatbelt restraint for the car
Toys:
Durable chew toys (West Paw or Kong brands)
Chuck-It balls (safer and cleaner than tennis balls)
Bowls:
Stainless steel (food-grade) food bowl & water bowl
Stainless steel (not plastic) container for food, or leave in its own bag. Do not use a plastic container for kibble.
First Aid Kit:
Vetericyn Skin & Wound (All purpose Spray)
Vetericyn Ear Cleaning Rinse & thin round cotton pads to gently clean ears
Styptic powder (blood clotting powder for nail trims or nicks)
Vetericyn Foam Care Shampoo (to wash small wounds)
Dental finger wipes
For Food see the Feeding Recommendations Page
For Grooming products see the Favorite Grooming Products Page
Recommended Reading
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The Art of Raising a Puppy
The Monks of New Skete raise German Shepherd puppies and give valuable insight into the minds of dogs.
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The Forever Dog
Canine longevity and health is more than just genetics. This is a must-read with surprising new science to help your canine companion live younger, healthier and longer.
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The Puppy Primer
Packed with positive reinforcement and emphasizing realistic expectations. This is a helpful, quick read for new puppy families.
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Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School
Online Puppy School - A fantastic resource of training tips and tricks to access from home. Use code BLUESKYE for a 25% discount off their lifetime membership. This is a one time membership purchase that gives you access to online podcasts, videos and training. Best to purchase before your puppy comes home so you can use their tips to be puppy ready.
Containment & Comfort
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Best Friends by Sheri Original Donut Calming Bed
These work great for young puppies in their wire crate at night time or in a larger size in a living area.
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Midwest 2-Door Wire Crate 30"
This size will work for all our puppies for at least the first 6 months. Manufacturer says up to 35 lbs but I would recommend adult size of 30 lbs max.
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Diggs Evolv Dog Crate
Safe and attractive. Made with diamond mesh that prevents pinching, and free from phthalates and heavy metals. Rounded corners mean no sharp edges inside or out. Lightweight so you can move it from room to room or into the car.
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Collapsible Travel Crate
You only need this if you will be traveling a lot with your puppy (soccer games, grandparents house etc.), staying in hotels/campers etc. It is very light weight, easy to collapse and portable.
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Crate bed for 30" Wire Crate
Fits the wire crate and has a bolster to protect paws from slipping through the wire openings at the bottom.
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Puppy Playpen
FXW AuraSpace Pro Acrylic & Wire Mesh Indoor Dog Playpen 24” high. Clear acrylic prevents climbing, increases visibility and protects walls. Wire adds strength and ventilation.
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Play Pen
Dog Playpen w/Door, 16 Panel, 25.6in H - Strong Plastic, Non-Slip and No-Climb.
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Portable Playpen for Puppies
An easy and safe pop up playpen. For traveling with puppies.
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Washable Play Pen Mat
Washable mat fits inside Portable Playpen on this site.
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Kuranda Elevated Cot
Indoor/outdoor chew-proof raised cot. These are the ones we have in our puppy areas and in our home. Naturally cool in Summer, add a soft pad in Winter. Great for a patio, deck or balcony.
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Pet Gate
Essential pet gate to block off-limit areas and keep pups and kids safe.
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Washable pads
Washable pee pads can be placed under a crate, inside a playpen, on the sofa or backseat of a car, or anywhere you need floors or furniture protected from accidents.
First Aid Kit
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Vetericyn Skin & Wound Care Spray
A topical spray for any skin irritations. Vet recommended and good to have on hand.
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Vetericyn Plus Ear Rinse
For routine ear cleaning
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Zymox Otic Solution
Both a cleaner and treatment for when dirty ears need a little extra help.
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Nutri Vet Bandage
A self-adhering bandage for those minor injuries. Infused with bitter so they aren’t tempted to take it off.
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Miracle Care Kiwi Stop Styptic Powder
Essential powder if you are trimming your dogs nails yourself. Stops bleeding quickly.
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Vetericyn Foam Care Shampoo
A medicated shampoo to safely clean minor cuts and scrapes.
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Dental Finger Wipes
Easy teeth cleaning finger wipes. Removes plaque and tartar. Fresh apple & mint.
Leashes & Collars
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Puppy Harness with Leash
Safer than a collar, adjustable for a good fit and a front ring for leash walking. Size XXS fits most of our puppies at 8 weeks of age. They grow out of these quickly.
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Seatbelt Restraint
Keep your puppy or dog safe in the car with a seatbelt restraint attached to their harness. Keeps them safely inside when you open the door.
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Long Line Leash
A long line leash (15 feet or longer) is an essential tool for training off leash activities, extended stay etc. This biothane material is all weather safe and easy to clean.
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Older Puppy & Adult Harness
ShawnCo Essential Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Vest with 3 Leash Clips. No Choke, Reflective, Adjustable and Padded, for Easy Walking and Training
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Ultra Light Collar
Wilder dog makes an ultralight collar in fun patterns and colors, great for older puppies and adult dogs.
Nice To Have
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Artificial Turf Dog Potty
The puppies have several of the XL versions in their puppy area. A smaller version is great for traveling and/or in their play pen at home. Can also be used on a balcony or inside an apartment for those first months.
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Adaptil Travel Spray
Provides comfort during travel, vet visits and any stressful situation. A clear, odorless spray that imitates mom’s pheromones. Great for their dog crate, airline carrier, playpen, car rides etc.
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K9 Water Bottle for Dogs
Stainless steel travel water bottle. The cap is also a cup for your pup to easily drink from.
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Scout's Honor
For safe cleanup of pet messes and misses.
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Day Bag
For daily dog walks, long hikes or weekend outings. Keeps your treats, poop bags, water and keys easily accessible.
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Stainless Steel Slow Bowl
The unique flower-shaped design helps to slow down your dog’s eating. Made from food-grade stainless steel so it’s safe and easy to clean. Dishwasher safe and rust-resistant. Dog bowls should be washed regularly, so buy a two pack to swap out.
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Porch Potty
The Porch Potty is a grass potty in a wicker style frame for a balcony or patio. It is designed for those living in high-rise apartments condominiums or anywhere without convenient access to a yard. A water source is not required.
Toys
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West Paw Dog Toy
We love the West Paw Toys. This one is a lot of fun when you have two pups playing together.
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West Paw Drifty Bone
Safe, durable dog toys for puppies and extreme chewers
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West Paw Soft Toy for Puppies
West Paw makes some very sturdy soft/stuffed toys. Great for puppies.
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Kong Wubba
Another hit with the puppy pack. Kong is known for having durable dog toys.
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Chuck It Balls
Safer and more sanitary than a tennis ball. They have larger sizes as your puppy grows.
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Freezable Puppy Toy
Great for soothing and numbing gums of teething puppies
Interactive Toys - Great for indoor rainy days or after spay/neuter when activity is limited but you still want to tire the out.
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Snuffle Mat
Feeding mat. Excellent for nose work. Sprinkle their kibble pieces in between the layers and have them “work” for their food.
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Outward Hound Dog Puzzle
Outward Hound Interactive Treat Puzzle. Can make it simple or more complicated as they figure it out.
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Hide A Squirrel
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel. When the activity ends, just pop the squirrels back in for the next time. Read the reviews on Amazon, this toy is a hit!
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KONG Teething Stick
KONG Puppy Teething Stick - Soft Teething Stick for Growing Puppies. You can add your own puppy safe (no xylitol) peanut butter in the grooves and freeze it.
Some of these are Amazon Associate links and I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using these links.