PUPPY HOME SETUP & SUPPLIES

Essentials to have before puppy comes home:

    •    Crate (large, sturdy; divider panel is helpful as they grow)

    •    Comfortable dog bed (washable)-not to be placed in the crate.

    •    Baby gates (to limit access and protect joints)

    •    Food & water bowls (heavy or non-slip)

    •    Puppy-safe chew toys (variety of textures- rope toys should ALWAYS be monitored at play and NEVER left alone with a dog)

    •    Plush toy or heartbeat-style comfort toy

    •    Enzyme cleaner (for accidents)

    •    Trash can with lid (puppies explore with mouths)

🍽️ Food & Feeding

    •    Diamond Naturals (Large breed puppy Lamb and Rice-BMD + med&standard doodles) (Small & Medium breed puppy chicken & rice- CKCS + Mini doodles) Chewy.com or Rural King

    •    Measuring cup (portion control matters)

    •    Treats for training (I recommend using his/her kibble) avoid the extra calories

    •    Food storage container (airtight)

🦴 Training & Behavior

    •    Flat collar (adjustable)

    •    Harness (front-clip recommended)

    •    6-foot leash

    •    ID tag (with your phone number)

    •    Puppy training treats (I recommend using his/her kibble)

    •    Clicker (optional)

Training priorities:

    •    Leash manners (they get strong fast!)

    •    Sit, down, stay

    •    Calm greetings (no jumping)

    •    Gentle mouthing control

🧼 Grooming & Care

    •    Slicker brush + metal comb

    •    Undercoat rake (important for Bernese coats)

    •    Puppy shampoo + conditioner (South Barks Blueberry Facial pet shampoo + conditioner + cologne) Amazon

    •    Nail clippers or grinder

    •    Toothbrush & dog toothpaste

    •    Towels (they love mud and snow) microfiber

🩺 Health & Safety

    •    Vet appointment scheduled

    •    Vaccination & deworming plan

    •    Flea/tick prevention (optional till you see them)

    •    Heartworm prevention

    •    Microchip

    •    Puppy-proofing (cords, shoes, plants)

🚗 Travel & Outdoors

    •    Car safety harness or crate

    •    Poop bags

    •    Portable water bowl

    •    Weather-appropriate gear

    •    Cooling mat (Bernese overheat easily)

    •    Winter coat optional—they usually love the cold!

🐾 First Week Checklist

    •    Keep routines calm and predictable

    •    Start crate training gently (he/she has currently been crated over night and some during the day)

    •    Begin name recognition

    •    Short, positive socialization experiences (only with dogs you personally know are vaccinated)

    •    Take lots of photos (they grow FAST)