Starting Your New Friendship Off on the Right Paw
Bringing Home Your Mini Bernedoodle or Mini Goldendoodle
Congratulations! You’re about to welcome a new furry family member into your home. At Royal Doodles of Florida, we believe the first few weeks set the foundation for a lifetime of love, trust, and adventure. Here’s our complete guide to help you and your puppy start off on the right paw.
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- Preparing Your Home Before Go-Home Day
Your puppy has been raised in a loving guardian home with early socialization, but everything will still feel new.
• Puppy-proof your space: Tuck away cords, secure trash cans, and remove small items they might swallow.
• Set up their “safe zone”: A cozy crate or playpen in a quiet area with their new bed, toys, and a blanket that smells like mom and littermates.
• Stock up on essentials:
◦ High-quality puppy food (we send a small bag of what they’re used to eating)
◦ Crate, leash, harness, toys, and chew items
◦ Puppy pads (for the first week or two)
◦ Grooming tools (slicker brush, comb, and ear cleaner)
- Preparing Your Home Before Go-Home Day
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- The First 24–48 Hours: Keep It Calm
The ride home and first night can be overwhelming.
• Keep the first day quiet — limit visitors and excitement.
• Follow the same feeding and potty schedule they had with us.
• Expect some whining the first night. Place the crate near your bed and offer gentle reassurance. Many families use a heating pad (on low, wrapped safely) or a ticking clock for comfort.
• Celebrate every potty success outdoors with treats and praise!
- The First 24–48 Hours: Keep It Calm
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- House Training & Routine (The #1 Priority)
Consistency is everything with Doodles.
• Take them out every 1–2 hours, plus after meals, naps, and play.
• Use the same door and command (“Let’s go potty!”) every time.
• Never punish accidents — just clean with an enzymatic cleaner and try again.
• Most of our puppies are already started on potty training, so with patience you’ll see quick progress.
- House Training & Routine (The #1 Priority)
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- Crate Training & Sleep
Crate training gives your puppy a secure “den” and helps with potty training.
• Make the crate positive: feed meals inside and add safe chews.
• Never use the crate as punishment.
• Mini Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles do best with 2-3 small meals a day until ~6 months old.
- Crate Training & Sleep
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- Socialization & Training Basics
Our puppies leave us well-socialized, but continue the good work:
• Introduce them gently to new people, sounds, and friendly vaccinated dogs.
• Start short, fun training sessions (5–10 minutes) with sit, come, and their name using positive reinforcement (treats + praise).
• Doodles are smart and people-pleasing — they learn fast when training feels like play!
- Socialization & Training Basics
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- Grooming & Health Care
• Coat care: Brush several times a week to prevent matting (especially around ears, armpits, and sanitary areas).
• Ears: Check and gently clean weekly — Doodles’ floppy ears love moisture.
• Vet visit: Schedule a wellness check within the first week. Bring all records we provided.
• Continue the food transition slowly over 7–10 days to avoid tummy upset.
- Grooming & Health Care
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- Building a Lifelong Bond
The best thing you can do is simply be present. Play, cuddle, go on short walks, and let your puppy be part of family life. Mini Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles thrive on companionship and quickly become your shadow and best friend.
At Royal Doodles, our support doesn’t end at go-home day. We’re always here for questions about training, grooming, health, or just to see how your puppy is growing!
Ready to meet your perfect match?
Browse our current and upcoming litters or fill out an adoption application today. We can’t wait to help you start this beautiful friendship.
— Kate & the Royal Doodles Family
Florida’s Trusted Ethical Doodle Breeder
407-361-2701 | kate@royaldoodlesofflorida.com
- Building a Lifelong Bond