Puppy Planning Guide

Context

  • Puppy: Mini goldendoodle (working name Piko), arriving September 2026 (8 weeks old). Placeholder pickup date Sep 15, 2026 (born ~July 21); exact date TBD until breeder confirms.
  • Breeder: Homestead Doodles LLC (parents: Lulu & Theodore, litter LM-326)
  • ⚠️ First-2-weeks coverage TBD: Momo is already back in school (started Sep 2) by the time the puppy comes home, so there is no “home with Momo” phase. Daytime coverage for the critical first ~2 weeks still needs to be worked out (Nick time off? puppy to office from day one?).
  • Puppy goes to office with Nick on weekdays from pickup; Momo can help evenings and weekends
  • Night sleeping: crate in Momo’s room from night one. Puppy is still crate-trained (its “den” goes where it sleeps), but sleeps near family to encourage Momo↔Piko bonding and avoid isolation stress. Balance: keep the crate routine consistent so the puppy is equally comfortable in it anywhere.
  • Overnight potty (first ~2 weeks): shared — Nick takes weeknights so Momo can sleep for school; Momo takes weekends.
  • When Momo leaves for college (~2028), Piko likely moves to Nick’s room at night. Because the crate routine is kept consistent, this is just a location change for the same den.
  • Workshop on property has a heated kennel with shower — used for daytime crating, grooming, eventual full-day use as the dog matures, and night sleeping when Nick travels (a familiar safe spot when no one’s home to do night breaks).
  • Doggy door → self-service potty (goal): the workshop kennel has a doggy door to a secure outdoor run. Once Piko is reliably house-trained and mature enough (~6+ months, after full immunity), the goal is she can let herself out for bathroom breaks — extending alone time and easing the scheduled-break / office-commute dependency. Introduce it only after solid house-training, and only with the run confirmed fully secure (fencing, no escape or predator risk).

1. Two-Year Timeline (September 2026 - July 2028)

DatePuppy AgeMilestoneMax Alone Time
Sep 15, 20268 weeksPickup day! Crate in Momo’s room (night); workshop kennel for daytime. Puppy to office weekdays.2 hrs
Oct 202612 weeksSettling in, second round of vaccines2-3 hrs
Nov 20264 monthsVaccinations complete, socialization window closing.3-4 hrs
Jan 20276 monthsAdolescence beginning4-5 hrs
Spring 2027~9-12 monthsAdolescent push: advanced/proofing class + private sessions, reinforce with Momo5 hrs
July 20271 yearCalming down, training solidifying5-6 hrs
Sep 202714 monthsYoung adult, reliable routines6-7 hrs
Mar 202820 monthsWorkshop kennel + doggy door fully viable for full day (self-service potty)6-8 hrs
July 20282 yearsFully adult8+ hrs
Fall 2028~2 yearsMomo leaves for college — Piko likely moves to Nick’s room at night; workshop used for travel nights8+ hrs

2. Crate & Kennel Setup Checklist

Two locations: the night crate in Momo’s room (bonding) and the workshop kennel for daytime crating, grooming, and eventual full-day use.

Climate Control (Workshop Kennel)

  • Heating system (maintain 65-75F)
  • Space heater (backup)
  • Thermometer for monitoring

Crate & Containment

  • Crate (appropriately sized, divider for growth)
  • Exercise pen (for larger play area)
  • Baby gate if needed

Doggy Door & Outdoor Run (Self-Service Potty)

  • Doggy door sized for adult Piko (19-24 lbs); lockable for when it should stay closed
  • Outdoor run fully fenced — no gaps, dig-out points, or climb-overs
  • Run checked for escape routes and predator access (secure top if needed)
  • Safe footing + shade/shelter in the run
  • Plan to introduce only after reliable house-training and full immunity (~18 weeks)
  • Doggy-door training treats on hand (teach the flap step by step)

Essentials

  • Water bowl (non-tip, heavy base)
  • Food bowl
  • Potty pads (indoor backup)
  • Designated outdoor potty spot near door

Monitoring

  • Baby monitor or camera (WiFi enabled)
  • Phone charger

Night Crate Setup (Momo’s Room)

  • Crate sized for the puppy (divider for growth)
  • Comfortable crate bedding + blanket with home/littermate scent
  • WiFi camera angled on the crate (watch from Nick’s room)
  • Night-potty kit by the door: slip-on shoes, flashlight, leash, treats, poop bags
  • Phone alarms set (Nick weeknights, Momo weekends) for 12am + 4am breaks
  • Enzyme cleaner + paper towels nearby for accidents

Enrichment

  • Chew toys (variety of textures)
  • Kong (multiple sizes)
  • Snuffle mat
  • Puppy-safe plush toy

Grooming Station (Workshop Shower)

  • Non-slip mat for shower floor
  • Handheld sprayer attachment
  • Puppy shampoo (oatmeal-based, gentle)
  • Conditioner (for doodle coat)
  • Towels (microfiber, quick-dry)
  • Slicker brush
  • Metal comb (for dematting)
  • Nail clippers or grinder
  • Styptic powder (for nail accidents)
  • Ear cleaner
  • Cotton balls
  • Treat jar (for positive association)
  • Blow dryer (low heat, pet-safe)

Cleaning & Safety

  • Enzyme cleaner (Nature’s Miracle)
  • Paper towels / rags
  • Trash can with lid
  • All cables secured/hidden
  • No chewable hazards at puppy level
  • Toxic items removed

3. Night Crating Transition Schedule

The puppy sleeps in its crate in Momo’s room throughout — this is the bonding setup, not a phase to “graduate” out of. What changes over time is the potty-break frequency as the puppy can hold it longer. Overnight breaks are shared: Nick weeknights, Momo weekends.

Long-term: keep the crate routine identical so the den travels well. When Momo leaves for college (~2028), the crate moves to Nick’s room. When Nick travels, the puppy sleeps in the workshop kennel — a familiar safe spot for nights when no one’s home to do breaks.

PeriodPuppy SleepsNight PottyNotes
Weeks 1-2Crate in Momo’s room12am + 4am (Nick weeknights / Momo weekends)Bonding; puppy not isolated; immediate response
Weeks 3-4Crate in Momo’s room1 middle-of-night breakPuppy adjusting; stretch the interval
Month 2Crate in Momo’s roomLate evening check onlyPuppy sleeps 5-6 hours
Month 3Crate in Momo’s roomMorning onlyPuppy sleeps 6-7 hours
Month 4+Crate in Momo’s roomMorning check onlyPuppy sleeps through night

Tips:

  • Set phone alarms for potty breaks (whoever’s on duty that night)
  • Keep the night-potty kit (slip-on shoes, flashlight, leash) by Momo’s door
  • Carry puppy out (don’t let them walk and sniff)
  • Minimal interaction - potty only, then back to crate
  • Praise for going potty, then quiet return to sleep
  • Keep the crate routine identical every night so Piko sees it as his safe den

4. Daily Schedule

Key principle: Same core schedule every day, regardless of who’s caring for the puppy. Consistency is critical for puppies. Puppy goes to the office with Nick on weekdays from pickup (Sep 15). ⚠️ Daytime coverage for the first ~2 weeks is still TBD — Momo is already in school by the time the puppy arrives.

Core Daily Schedule (September 15 - December 31)

TimeActivityNotes
5:30 AM☀️ Wake, potty, breakfastCarry outside immediately
5:45 AM🎾 Play/training (10 min)Short, positive session
6:00 AM🏠 Crate for Nick’s exercise1 hour crate time
7:00 AM🚽 Potty breakQuick potty, brief play
7:15 AM😴 Crate nap75 min enforced nap
8:30 AM🚗 Commute (if office day)Weekdays from pickup
9:00 AM🚽 Potty break
9:15 AM🎾 Play/socialization15 min
9:30 AM😴 Enforced nap90 min
11:00 AM🚽 Potty break
11:15 AM🎾 Play session15 min
12:00 PM🍽️ Lunch + potty30 min
12:30 PM😴 Enforced nap2 hours
2:30 PM🚽 Potty break
2:45 PM🎓 Training session15 min
3:00 PM😴 Enforced nap90 min
4:30 PM🚽 Potty break
4:45 PM🎾 Play / yard time45 min
5:30 PM😴 Settle time30 min
6:00 PM🍽️ Dinner + potty30 min
6:30 PM🎾 Evening play30 min
7:00 PM😴 Settle time30 min
7:30 PM✨ Daily brush + eye wipe10 min grooming
8:00 PM🎓 Training session15 min
9:00 PM🌙 Final potty, to crate (Momo’s room)

Night Potty Schedule (First 2 Weeks: September 15 - September 29)

Shared duty: Nick weeknights, Momo weekends. Crate stays in Momo’s room.

TimeActivityNotes
12:00 AM🌙 Night pottyNick (weeknights) / Momo (weekends)
4:00 AM🌙 Night pottyNick (weeknights) / Momo (weekends)

Commute Blocks (Office Days)

Add these to the schedule when puppy goes to office:

PeriodWhenCommute Times
From pickup (Sep 15)Weekdays8:30 AM + 5:30 PM

Tips for Office Days:

  • Potty every 1.5-2 hours for young puppies (under 4 months)
  • Can extend to every 2-3 hours as puppy ages
  • Frozen Kong = quiet time during meetings
  • Enforce at least one nap mid-day (crate in quiet spot)
  • Keep exercise pen away from high-traffic areas
  • Bring backup potty pads for emergencies

Weekend Additions

Saturday:

TimeActivity
8:00 AM🐕 Puppy socialization class
9:00 AM✂️ Full brushing session (20 min)
1:00 PM🌍 Socialization outing (pet store, cafe, park)

Sunday:

TimeActivity
10:00 AM🛁 Bath day (workshop shower)
11:00 AM💅 Nail trim + ear cleaning (every 2 weeks)

Weekend Tasks Checklist

  • Puppy socialization class (Saturday 8:00 AM)
  • Full brushing session (Saturday 9:00 AM)
  • One outing for socialization (Saturday 1:00 PM)
  • Bath (Sunday 10:00 AM - workshop shower)
  • Nail trim or grinder practice (every 2 weeks)
  • Ear check and cleaning (every 2 weeks)
  • Car ride practice
  • New surface/sound exposure

5. Office Setup Checklist

Containment

  • Exercise pen (tall enough - 36"+)
  • Crate for naps (fits in/near pen)
  • Tarp or mat under pen (floor protection)

Potty

  • Potty pads (backup for accidents)
  • Identify outdoor potty spot near entrance
  • Poop bags
  • Enzyme cleaner

Comfort

  • Water bowl (non-tip)
  • Towel or bed for pen
  • Blanket with home scent

Enrichment

  • Chew toys (2-3 rotation)
  • Kong (stuffed, frozen for longer occupation)
  • Snuffle mat
  • Lick mat

Training

  • High-value treats (small, soft)
  • Treat pouch
  • Clicker (optional)

Emergency

  • Paper towels
  • Extra potty pads
  • Backup leash
  • Vet contact info posted

6. Training Milestones Checklist

By 12 Weeks (Mid-October 2026)

  • Name recognition (looks at you when called)
  • Sit (using lure)
  • Crate = positive association (goes in willingly)
  • Potty on cue started (“go potty” command)
  • Handling: ears touched calmly
  • Handling: paws touched calmly
  • Handling: mouth opened calmly
  • Collar/harness wearing
  • Leash attached (not walking yet)

By 16 Weeks (Mid-November 2026)

  • Sit on verbal cue only
  • Down (lure or verbal)
  • Come when called (short distance, 5-10 ft)
  • Loose leash walking intro
  • Wait at doors
  • Drop it / Leave it started
  • Socialization goal: 100 different people
  • Socialization goal: 50 different dogs
  • Exposure: various surfaces (grass, gravel, metal, tile)
  • Exposure: various sounds (traffic, vacuum, doorbell)
  • Exposure: various environments (stores, parking lots, parks)

By 6 Months (Late January 2027)

  • Sit, Down with 10-second stay
  • Come from 20 feet away
  • Loose leash walking (80% success)
  • Crate calmly for 4+ hours
  • Place command (go to bed/mat)
  • Settle on cue
  • Polite greetings (no jumping)
  • Leave it with food on floor
  • House-trained reliably (prerequisite for doggy door)
  • Doggy-door training started — use the flap on cue (once house-trained + full immunity)

By 1 Year (July 2027)

  • All commands proofed with distractions
  • Off-leash recall in safe, enclosed areas
  • Reliable house manners
  • Uses the doggy door to self-serve potty breaks (supervised → unsupervised)
  • Can be left alone 6-7 hours
  • Walks nicely past other dogs
  • Comfortable at cafes/restaurants
  • Reliable car travel
  • Grooming: tolerates full body handling

7. Family Training Plan — Training With Momo

We train Piko ourselves, as a family, with Momo as a co-handler — using group classes and private/in-home sessions to support our own daily work, not a board-and-train bootcamp.

Momo as Co-Handler

Momo (16) is a real co-trainer, not just a helper. An older, calm, confident kid can teach the harder behaviors — stationing, leave-it, heel, recall — not just sit/down. Kids who train the dog take more responsibility, more pride, and bond more closely with it.

  • Positive reinforcement is the right method for a teen handler: no physical strength, no precise correction timing, no risk of escalating into conflict. Safe to hand Momo the leash and treat pouch.
  • Momo’s training time = evenings + weekends (she’s in school all day). That’s exactly when group classes meet and when home sessions fit.
  • Momo owns specific behaviors so Piko sees her as a leader, not just a playmate (e.g., she runs recall + leave-it + a trick of her choosing).

The Layered Approach

  1. At-home daily practice from day one (week 8+) — name, sit, recall, crate, potty, handling. This is the bulk of training and it’s free. See the daily schedule (Section 4) and milestones (Section 6).
  2. Group puppy class, whole family attends — for proofing under distraction and dog-dog socialization. Momo handles in class. Enroll once second vaccines are in (~12 weeks).
  3. A few private / in-home sessions as needed — trainer coaches us and Momo on specific issues, then we maintain it.
  4. Optional “day training” if puppy-to-office logistics get hard — trainer trains during the day, then teaches us the handoff. Keeps Piko home at night and keeps us skilled.

Class & Trainer Options (Seattle Area — Positive Reinforcement)

OptionFormatNotes
Seattle Humane – Dog Training CenterGroupScience-based, affordable, family-friendly
Seattle PuppyWorksGroup + day training + privateSocialization focus; curriculum per puppy
Paws 4 TrainingGroup puppy programsForce-free, dedicated puppy track
Got Sit Dog TrainingIn-home → group“Kindergarten → university” progression; good for a teen co-handler
Sharp Dogs SeattlePrivate + group (+ B&T if ever needed)Positive-only
Dog’s Day Out / Karma Dog TrainingGroup + private/in-home100% positive

Adolescent Push (Spring 2027, ~9-12 months)

The teenage phase (6-18 months) is boundary-testing and regression. We lean in at home:

  • Enroll in an advanced / proofing group class (Spring 2027) for distraction work
  • Add private sessions for any specific issues that crop up
  • Momo and Nick split daily reinforcement; everyone holds the line on the same cues
  • Good spring weather = more outdoor proofing (recall, loose-leash in real environments)

Daily Reinforcement (Ongoing)

TimeActivity
MorningPractice 2-3 commands (5 min) — Momo or Nick
Before mealsSit + wait (reinforce impulse control)
WalksLoose-leash techniques
EveningTraining session, 10-15 min (rotate who leads)
WeeklyReview all commands as a family, note any regression

Consistency Rules (Everyone)

The one thing that makes family training work — or fail. Mixed signals confuse the puppy.

  • Same cue words for every behavior (write them down; post on the fridge)
  • Same rules (furniture, jumping, begging) — no exceptions from any person
  • Short sessions (10-15 min) — puppies and busy teens both do better
  • Positive reinforcement only — reward what you want, redirect what you don’t
  • Momo, Nick, and anyone helping use the same hand signals

Decision Timeline

  • At pickup (~Sep 2026): Start at-home training day one; agree the shared cue list as a family
  • ~12 weeks (after 2nd vaccines): Enroll + start a puppy group class (whole family, Momo handling)
  • Fall/Winter 2026: Finish foundation class; book private session(s) for any sticky issues
  • Spring 2027 (~9-12 months): Advanced / adolescent proofing class for the teenage phase
  • Ongoing: Daily reinforcement, weekly family review

8. Grooming Schedule

Mini goldendoodles require regular grooming to prevent matting. The workshop shower makes home grooming convenient - use it weekly!

Daily (7:30 PM) - 10 min

  • ✨ Quick brush check for tangles
  • Eye wipe (tear stains)
  • Paw check after walks
  • First month: Extra handling practice (paws, ears, mouth) at 7:00 PM

Mid-Week (Wednesday, 7:00 PM) - 15 min

  • ✂️ Extra brush check (doodle coats mat easily)
  • Check behind ears, armpits, collar area

Saturday (9:00 AM) - 20 min

  • ✂️ Full brushing session
  • Ear check (look for redness, smell)
  • Teeth brushing (work up to daily)

Sunday (10:00 AM) - Bath Day

  • 🛁 Full bath in workshop shower
  • Blow dry completely (prevent hot spots)
  • Deep brushing/dematting
  • Face trim around eyes (as needed)

Every 2 Weeks (Sunday, 11:00 AM after bath)

  • 💅 Nail trim or grind
  • Ear cleaning (if needed)
  • Sanitary trim (as needed)

Every 6-8 Weeks

  • Professional grooming OR full home groom:
    • Full body clip (once adult coat comes in, ~6-8 months)
    • Sanitary clip
    • Paw pad trim
    • Face/ears shaping

Grooming Milestones

AgeGoal
8-10 weeksHandle paws, ears, mouth daily - treats only, no actual grooming
10-12 weeksIntroduce brush (soft), nail file, blow dryer sound
12-16 weeksFirst puppy grooming appointment (face, feet, sanitary only)
4-6 monthsFirst full bath at home in workshop shower
6-8 monthsAdult coat coming in - increase brushing frequency
8+ monthsEstablish regular 6-8 week professional groom schedule

Pro Tips

  • Always brush BEFORE bath (wet mats get tighter)
  • Use conditioner - doodle coats tangle easily
  • Dry completely to prevent skin issues
  • Make grooming positive: treats, praise, short sessions
  • If matted: work from ends toward skin, never pull

9. Vet & Health Care

First 48 Hours

Schedule vet appointment BEFORE pickup - puppy needs exam within 48 hours of coming home. This:

  • Validates breeder health guarantee
  • Establishes baseline health record
  • Catches any issues early
  • Gets you set up with your vet

Vaccination Schedule

AgeVaccinesNotes
8 weeksDHPP #1, BordetellaUsually done by breeder
11-12 weeksDHPP #2, Leptospirosis #1Your vet
15-16 weeksDHPP #3, Lepto #2, RabiesFull immunity 2 weeks after
1 yearDHPP, Rabies, Lepto boostersAnnual thereafter

Note: No dog parks, pet stores on floor, or unknown dogs until 2 weeks after final DHPP (~18 weeks). Carry puppy in public places before then.

  • Microchip (if not done by breeder)
  • Flea/tick prevention (monthly)
  • Heartworm prevention (monthly)
  • Pet insurance (enroll before any issues arise)

Regular Vet Visits

WhenPurpose
48 hours after pickupInitial exam, establish records
Puppy series11-12 weeks, 15-16 weeks for vaccines
6 monthsSpay/neuter discussion, dental check
1 yearAnnual wellness, vaccines, bloodwork
AnnuallyWellness exam, vaccines, parasite check

Warning Signs - Call Vet Immediately

  • Not eating for 24+ hours
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more than once)
  • Lethargy, not playing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swollen abdomen
  • Limping or crying in pain
  • Blood in stool or urine

10. Quick Reference

Emergency Contacts

ContactPhone
Primary Vet_________________
Emergency Vet_________________
Poison Control(888) 426-4435
Trusted Pet Sitter_________________

Feeding Schedule

MealTimeAmount
Breakfast5:30 AM_____ cups
Lunch12:00 PM_____ cups
Dinner6:00 PM_____ cups

Transition to 2 meals/day around 6 months

Key Rules

  1. Potty first - always outside immediately upon waking/uncrating
  2. Enforce naps - puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep
  3. Nothing in life is free - sit before meals, going outside, etc.
  4. Redirect, don’t punish - replace bad behavior with good
  5. Consistency is everything - same rules, same words, every time