Puppy Essentials
Preparing for a puppy can be very overwhelming, that's why we've put together a list of all our personal favorite puppy must-haves!
Crate
Choose a crate that gives your puppy just enough space to stand up, turn around, and stretch out comfortably. It’s best to buy a size they can grow into and adjust it as they get bigger. The Revol Crate includes a divider so you can shrink or expand the space as needed. It also looks nice in the home and feels more open and inviting than a traditional wire crate. It has a divider, an easy-to-clean tray, and a top hatch that makes it simple to comfort or reach your puppy. Setup and breakdown are incredibly quick and user-friendly.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, the Evolv Crate is a great choice. You can remove the top and even use it as a small play yard. We personally use both of these crates in our program, and our puppies are introduced to them starting at 5 weeks old.
Small is designed for dogs up to 30 lbs. This size works great for our Petite and Mini Goldendoodles.
Medium is designed for dogs up to 50 lbs. This size works great for our Mini and Medium Goldendoodles.
Intermediate is designed for larger dogs up to 70 lbs. This size works great for our Standard Goldendoodles.
Pantry
We start weaning our puppies onto BJ’s Raw Food, which is the foundation of their nutrition here. This raw blend is gentle on developing stomachs, incredibly nutrient-dense, and supports healthy digestion, brain development, and coat quality. Our puppies thrive on it, and it sets the tone for a strong, healthy start before they head home to you.
After Go-Home Day, if your lifestyle includes kibble or you’d like to add a high-quality dry option, we recommend Open Farm. Their formulas are responsibly sourced, fully balanced, and offer clean ingredients you can trust.
Important:
Please keep your puppy on the same diet you receive from us for at least the first month at home. Transitioning too soon can cause stomach upset. When you are ready to switch or add kibble, do a gradual transition over the course of 7–10 days.
And remember, never feed grain-free diets. Grain-free formulas have been linked to heart issues and are not recommended for growing puppies.
Why BJ’s Raw?
• High-quality, minimally processed ingredients
• Naturally supports digestion, brain development, and immune health
• Puppies eat smaller portions because raw provides superior nutrient absorption
• Fresh, consistent, and balanced — exactly what developing puppies need
Why We Like Open Farm (for kibble after 8 weeks)
• Humanely raised, ethically sourced ingredients
• Transparent sourcing and clean formulations
• A gentle option for slow, thoughtful transitions once your puppy settles in
Feeding Essentials:
Elevated dog feeders are a game changer! They’re stylish, functional, and help food travel smoothly from the mouth to the stomach — especially helpful for doodle breeds.
Slow feeders are a great way to prevent gulping, reduce the risk of choking or vomitting, and supports better digestion overall.
Snuffle mats are good for rainy days to get your pups energy out while working to find their food.
Airtight containers are also essential. They keep food fresh, lock out moisture and pests, and help maintain quality for longer.
Training
Training is one of the most important parts of raising a well-rounded dog, and it should begin the moment your puppy comes home. After they are fully vaccinated, we recommend enrolling in PetSmart’s group training classes, which are a great way to build basic skills, socialize your puppy, and learn alongside other owners. They offer sessions for puppy, beginner, intermediate, and advanced obedience.
Because food is such a strong motivator, using treats during training can make a huge difference. We personally love Pet Botanics and Pupford — both use simple, clean ingredients, and our dogs go absolutely crazy for them. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior and reinforcing positive habits.
A few other essentials that make early training easier include:
• A hands free treat pouch
• A long-line leash for recall practice
• A small training mat or designated “place” spot
Having the right tools, and starting early, sets your puppy up for success and keeps training positive for both of you.
Walk Gear + Accessories
Having the right walk gear makes outings smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for both you and your puppy. A good setup can also support your training and help build positive habits from day one.
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Collars: We personally love Lambwolf collars and leashes, as well as Merely Mavy.
Lambwolf code for $ off @ checkout: VINOVESPA10 Merely Mavy code for $ off @ checkout: VINOVESPA
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Harness: We recommend starting with a well-fitted, front AND back clip harness. It gives you better control without putting pressure on your puppy’s neck, and it encourages loose-leash walking from the start.
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Leash: A 4–6 ft standard leash is perfect for early training—long enough for comfort, short enough for structure. As your puppy grows, you can add a long-line leash to practice recall and give them more freedom in safe spaces.
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ID Tag & Microchip: Make sure your puppy’s collar has a clear, updated ID tag. Even though your puppy will be microchipped, visible identification is a simple extra layer of safety.
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Portable Water Bottle: For longer walks or hot days, a travel water bottle with a built-in bowl helps keep your puppy hydrated and prevents overheating.
We rep for a few different small businesses that sell bandanas and bows/bowties! Checkout the links to each and feel free to use our code for $ off at checkout.
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LOSBOWSNY on etsy for all the girly bows! Code: VINOVESPA15
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SHOPLUNAAS Code: VINOVESPA
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PUPLOVE Code: VINOANDVESPA
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THE DELUXE PUP Code: VINOVESPA
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BLUSH & FLUFF CO Code: vinovespa10
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HARPERMADE for human accessories with your dogs face!
Shirts, cups, blankets, etc. Code: VESPA10
Grooming + Cleaning
Keeping up with grooming from an early age helps your puppy stay healthy and comfortable—and makes vet and groomer visits much easier as they grow.
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We recommend CHI Puppy Shampoo. It’s gentle, smells great, and keeps their coat clean without stripping natural oils.
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Regular brushing prevents mats and keeps their coat soft. Pupwell grooming tools are our go-to. They glide through the coat, remove tangles, and make brushing quick and painless.
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A good detangler works wonders for those tough mats!
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Dental care is just as important as coat care. Start brushing your puppy’s teeth early using a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. This helps prevent tartar buildup and keeps their breath fresh.
Having cleaners on hand will save your life and your flooring. We love Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. spray for pet odor and stain remover.
Toys
We love high-quality, durable brands like KONG, Benebone, Nylabone, Fable, and Earth Rated.
Lambwolf is a favorite in our home because of their foraging and nosework designs, which keep puppies mentally engaged and encourage healthy problem-solving. Use code VINOVESPA10 @ checkout.
If you choose stuffed or plush toys, always supervise play - once your puppy starts pulling out fluff or tearing seams, switch it out for a harder chew to keep them safe.
We also recommend hollow dog bones (we use the empty ones from Best Bully Sticks on Amazon). Make sure they’re unfilled—no peanut butter or stuffing inside.
A variety of toy types and rotating them often helps keep your puppy excited, stimulated, and satisfied.
On The Go
Traveling with your puppy is much easier (and safer) when you have the right gear.
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Car Seat or Booster: A secure dog car seat or booster keeps your puppy safely in place and helps prevent car sickness by giving them a stable, elevated spot.
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Seat Belt Attachment: If you don’t use a car seat, a dog-specific seat belt attachment is a must. It clips into your car and attaches to your puppy’s harness to keep them safely restrained while you drive.
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Carrier: A comfortable, well-ventilated carrier is perfect for puppies that fly home with their new owners on the airplane. It gives your puppy a cozy, familiar space and reduces stress during travel.
