Puppy Planning Guide

Context

• Puppy: Mini goldendoodle (working name Piko), arriving ~October 4, 2026 (8 weeks old)
• Breeder: Homestead Doodles LLC (parents: Lulu & Theodore)
• Momo will be back in school when puppy arrives - can help evenings and weekends
• Puppy goes to office with Nick on weekdays from day one
• 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 (October 2026 - October 2028)

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

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. 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 office on weekdays from day one (Momo already in school).

Core Daily Schedule (October 4 - January 31)

Night Potty Schedule (First 2 Weeks: October 4 - October 18)

After October 18, puppy should sleep through the night (5:30 AM wakeup).

Commute Blocks (Office Days)

Add these to the schedule when puppy goes to office:

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:

Sunday:

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 (Late November 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 (Late January 2027)

• 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 March 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

By 1 Year (October 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 (May-June 2027)

Target: 8-10 months old - entering the teenage phase when professional intervention is most valuable.

Why May 2027?

• Teenage phase (6-18 months) = boundary testing, regression, defiance
• Puppy has foundation skills from first 6+ months
• Professional trainers can proof commands under distraction
• Returns with reliable behaviors before the hardest adolescent months
• Good spring weather for outdoor training

Program Options (Seattle Area)

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-June 2027):

Decision Timeline

• December 2026: Research programs, visit facilities
• January 2027: Book program, confirm dates for May
• May 1, 2027: Drop off at bootcamp
• Saturdays during bootcamp: Visit puppy, get trainer updates
• June 12, 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

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

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

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

Feeding Schedule

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