Context
- Puppy: Mini goldendoodle (working name Tomo), arriving ~June 19, 2026 (8 weeks old)
- Momo leaves for Japan in July 2026, returns in August, back to school after Labor Day
- Workshop on property has heated kennel with shower - plan to crate train puppy there from night one
- Nick will sleep in workshop first 2 weeks for bonding/potty breaks
1. Two-Year Timeline (June 2026 - June 2028)
| Date | Puppy Age | Milestone | Max Alone Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 19, 2026 | 8 weeks | Pickup day! Workshop kennel begins | 2 hrs |
| July 2026 | 10-12 weeks | Momo in Japan, solo with puppy at work | 2-3 hrs |
| Aug 2026 | 14-16 weeks | Momo home, vaccinations complete | 3-4 hrs |
| Sept 2026 | 4-5 months | Momo back to school (after Labor Day), puppy to work | 4 hrs |
| Late Sept 2026 | ~4.5 months | Travel weekend - arrange care | 4 hrs |
| Dec 2026 | 6-7 months | Professional bootcamp (4-8 weeks) | – |
| Jan 2027 | 7-8 months | Return from bootcamp, reinforce training | 5 hrs |
| Mar 2027 | 10-11 months | Calming down, training solidifying | 5-6 hrs |
| June 2027 | 1 year | Young adult, reliable routines | 6-7 hrs |
| Dec 2027 | 1.5 years | Workshop kennel fully viable for full day | 6-8 hrs |
| June 2028 | 2 years | Fully adult | 8+ hrs |
2. Workshop Kennel Setup Checklist
Climate Control
- 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
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
Nick’s Sleep Setup (First 2 Weeks)
- Sleeping bag
- Cot or pad
- Pillow
- Alarm for potty breaks
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
| Period | Where Nick Sleeps | Potty Break Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | Workshop (sleeping bag) | Every 3-4 hours | Bond with puppy, immediate response |
| Weeks 3-4 | House | 1 middle-of-night return | Puppy adjusting to solo nights |
| Month 2 | House | Late evening check only | Puppy sleeps 5-6 hours |
| Month 3 | House | Morning only | Puppy sleeps 6-7 hours |
| Month 4+ | House | Morning check only | Puppy sleeps through night |
Tips:
- Set phone alarms for potty breaks
- Keep slip-on shoes and flashlight by bed
- 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
4. Weekly Schedule Templates
July 2026: Solo with Puppy (Momo in Japan)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Wake, immediate potty outside, feed breakfast |
| 5:45 AM | Short play/training session (10 min), then crate |
| 6:00-7:00 AM | Nick at exercise class (puppy crated in workshop) |
| 7:00 AM | Potty break, brief play |
| 7:30 AM | Crate for morning nap |
| 8:30 AM | Wake, potty, crate for drive to work |
| 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM | See Office Day Schedule below |
| 6:00 PM | Arrive home, potty, feed dinner, play session |
| 7:00 PM | Settle time / chew toy |
| 8:00 PM | Training session (10-15 min) |
| 9:00 PM | Final potty, to workshop kennel |
| 12:00-1:00 AM | Potty break (first month only) |
| 4:00 AM | Potty break (first 2 weeks only) |
August 2026: Momo Home (Weekdays)
Momo home from Japan - can help with puppy care while Nick is at work.
Nick’s Morning (before work):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Wake, potty, feed breakfast |
| 5:45 AM | Play/training (10 min), then crate |
| 6:00-7:00 AM | Nick at exercise class (puppy crated) |
| 7:00 AM | Potty break, hand off to Momo |
| 8:30 AM | Nick leaves for work |
Momo’s Responsibilities (while Nick at work):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Take over from Nick, brief play |
| 8:00 AM | Enforced nap (crate) |
| 10:00 AM | Potty break, brief play |
| 11:00 AM | Enforced nap (crate) |
| 12:00 PM | Potty, feed lunch, play |
| 1:00 PM | Enforced nap (crate) |
| 3:00 PM | Potty break, training session (10 min) |
| 4:00 PM | Settle time with chew toy |
| 5:00 PM | Enforced nap (crate) |
Nick’s Evening (after work):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 PM | Arrive home, potty, feed dinner |
| 6:30 PM | Play session / yard time |
| 7:30 PM | Settle time |
| 8:00 PM | Training session (10-15 min) |
| 9:00 PM | Final potty, to workshop kennel |
September 2026: Momo Back to School
After Labor Day, Momo returns to school. Puppy will need to come to office again until old enough to stay home (likely around 6-7 months when can hold it 5-6 hours). Follow the Office Day Schedule below.
Office Day Schedule
Use this schedule when bringing puppy to work (July solo period, September onwards until ~6 months old).
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Arrive office, potty, settle in exercise pen |
| 10:30 AM | Potty break |
| 11:30 AM | Potty break, short walk/sniff (5-10 min) |
| 12:00 PM | Feed lunch, crate for enforced nap |
| 2:00 PM | Potty break, brief play (10 min) |
| 3:30 PM | Potty break |
| 5:00 PM | Potty break, pack up |
| 5:30 PM | Leave office, potty before car |
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 Schedule (Shared Responsibilities)
Saturday:
| Time | Who | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Nick | Wake, potty, feed breakfast |
| 7:30 AM | Nick | Morning walk/exercise |
| 8:30 AM | – | Puppy socialization class (when enrolled) |
| 10:00 AM | Momo | Brushing/grooming practice (10-15 min) |
| 11:00 AM | – | Enforced nap |
| 12:00 PM | Nick | Potty, feed lunch |
| 1:00 PM | – | Outing: pet store, cafe, park (socialization) |
| 3:00 PM | – | Enforced nap |
| 4:00 PM | Momo | Play session, training practice |
| 6:00 PM | Nick | Potty, feed dinner |
| 7:00 PM | – | Family time / settle |
| 9:00 PM | Nick | Final potty, to workshop kennel |
Sunday:
| Time | Who | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Momo | Wake, potty, feed breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | Nick | Longer walk/hike (age-appropriate) |
| 10:00 AM | Nick | Bath day (workshop shower) |
| 11:00 AM | – | Enforced nap |
| 12:00 PM | Momo | Potty, feed lunch |
| 1:00 PM | – | Quiet day / recovery from bath |
| 3:00 PM | – | Enforced nap |
| 5:00 PM | Momo | Training session, nail/ear handling practice |
| 6:00 PM | Nick | Potty, feed dinner |
| 7:00 PM | – | Prep for week ahead |
| 9:00 PM | Nick | Final potty, to workshop kennel |
Weekend Tasks Checklist
- Puppy socialization class (Saturday morning)
- One outing for socialization (store, cafe, park)
- Bath (Sunday - workshop shower)
- Full brushing session
- Nail trim or grinder practice
- Ear check and cleaning
- Car ride practice
- New surface/sound exposure
- Extended training session
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 (Early August 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-September 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 (December 2026)
- 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
By 1 Year (June 2027)
- All commands proofed with distractions
- Off-leash recall in safe, enclosed areas
- Reliable house manners
- 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. Professional Bootcamp (January-February 2027)
Target: 8-9 months old - well into the teenage phase when professional intervention is most valuable.
Why January 2027?
- Keeps puppy home for winter break holidays! (Dec 19 - Jan 4)
- Teenage phase (6-18 months) = boundary testing, regression, defiance
- Puppy has foundation skills from first 7 months
- Professional trainers can proof commands under distraction
- Returns with reliable behaviors before the hardest adolescent months
- Avoids holiday scheduling conflicts at training facilities
Program Options (Seattle Area)
| Program | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milo’s Puppy Boot Camp | 4 weeks | $2,795 | Basic commands, potty training |
| Milo’s “Master’s” | 6 weeks | $3,695 | Extended training |
| Milo’s “PHD” | 8 weeks | $4,495 | Most popular, comprehensive |
| Koru K9 | 3 weeks | TBD | 24/7 immersion, real-world training |
| Nitro K-9 | Varies | TBD | One dog at a time, exclusive focus |
Pre-Bootcamp Checklist
Before sending puppy to bootcamp, ensure:
- All vaccinations current
- Spay/neuter discussion with vet (timing may affect training)
- Flea/tick/heartworm prevention current
- Basic commands started (sit, down, come, crate)
- Comfortable being handled by strangers
- No major health issues
- Research program thoroughly (visit facility, meet trainers)
- Understand their training methods (positive reinforcement preferred)
- Book well in advance (popular programs fill up)
What to Expect
During bootcamp:
- Regular updates (photos/videos) from trainers
- Puppy learns commands with high reliability
- Exposure to various distractions and environments
- Structured schedule reinforces good habits
After bootcamp:
- Transfer session with trainers (learn their methods/commands)
- Expect 2-4 week adjustment period at home
- Must maintain consistency with trained commands
- Practice daily to reinforce learning
- Follow trainer’s maintenance plan exactly
Post-Bootcamp Schedule Adjustment
After returning from bootcamp (mid-February 2027):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Practice 2-3 commands from bootcamp (5 min) |
| Before meals | Sit + wait (reinforce impulse control) |
| Walks | Use trained loose-leash techniques |
| Evening | Training session using bootcamp methods (10-15 min) |
| Weekly | Review all commands, note any regression |
Decision Timeline
- October 2026: Research programs, visit facilities
- November 2026: Book program, confirm dates for January
- December 2026: Enjoy holidays with puppy!
- January 5, 2027: Drop off at bootcamp
- Saturdays during bootcamp: Visit puppy, get trainer updates
- February 14, 2027: Pick up, transfer session
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
| Age | Goal |
|---|---|
| 8-10 weeks | Handle paws, ears, mouth daily - treats only, no actual grooming |
| 10-12 weeks | Introduce brush (soft), nail file, blow dryer sound |
| 12-16 weeks | First puppy grooming appointment (face, feet, sanitary only) |
| 4-6 months | First full bath at home in workshop shower |
| 6-8 months | Adult coat coming in - increase brushing frequency |
| 8+ months | Establish 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
| Age | Vaccines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | DHPP #1, Bordetella | Usually done by breeder |
| 11-12 weeks | DHPP #2, Leptospirosis #1 | Your vet |
| 15-16 weeks | DHPP #3, Lepto #2, Rabies | Full immunity 2 weeks after |
| 1 year | DHPP, Rabies, Lepto boosters | Annual 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.
Recommended Add-ons
- Microchip (if not done by breeder)
- Flea/tick prevention (monthly)
- Heartworm prevention (monthly)
- Pet insurance (enroll before any issues arise)
Regular Vet Visits
| When | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 48 hours after pickup | Initial exam, establish records |
| Puppy series | 11-12 weeks, 15-16 weeks for vaccines |
| 6 months | Spay/neuter discussion, dental check |
| 1 year | Annual wellness, vaccines, bloodwork |
| Annually | Wellness 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
| Contact | Phone |
|---|---|
| Primary Vet | _________________ |
| Emergency Vet | _________________ |
| Poison Control | (888) 426-4435 |
| Trusted Pet Sitter | _________________ |
Feeding Schedule
| Meal | Time | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 5:30 AM | _____ cups |
| Lunch | 12:00 PM | _____ cups |
| Dinner | 6:00 PM | _____ cups |
Transition to 2 meals/day around 6 months
Key Rules
- Potty first - always outside immediately upon waking/uncrating
- Enforce naps - puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep
- Nothing in life is free - sit before meals, going outside, etc.
- Redirect, don’t punish - replace bad behavior with good
- Consistency is everything - same rules, same words, every time