The Must Haves – Puppy Supply List!

The Must Haves – Puppy Supply List!

 

Recommended Puppy Supplies Checklist

We’ve been raising dogs for the past 15 years so needless to say, we’ve also purchased a lot of puppy supplies!

Some have helped to make our lives easier and our house run smoother… while others were a huge waste of money.

Hopefully this page will help you to save some money and time as well!

The Right Tools!

Can Make Life With Your Dog

100% Easier!

I’ve ALREADY done all the research for you!!

All these Products qualify for Amazon Prime – Free 2-day shipping!


Me at Petsmart picking out dog food

Me at Petsmart but TODAY I do all my shopping online! Easier and much better prices!

IN-PAGE NAVIGATION LINKS:


THE DOG GONE SMART – MICROFIBER DOG RUGS!

SOGGY DOGGY RUG - DOORMAT FOR DOGS

Keep the Mud out of your House!

Believe it or not, this is one of my Holy Grail Puppy Products!

I’ve purchased every size of these rugs and they all work great in the house but can also be used in a truck bed or dog crate!

Here in the Great Northwest we get a lot of RAIN and MUD so these rugs have been really helpful with our 5 adult dogs and countless puppies over the years and helped to save my floors and my sanity!

Brewski and Chewie on their Soggy Doggy RugBuy your Soggy Dog Rugs on Amazon!

Buy your Soggy Dog Rugs on Chewy.com!

Any size will be work for your Doodles and they are a worthy investment!

Check both websites for the best prices!


dogfood_logoI’d never insist you feed your Dreamydoodle a specific brand of Dog Food…  I only ask that you feed them a high-quality food and recommend a few!

Which one you choose is up to you…

Puppy SuppliesLife’s Abundance – Dog Food

Life’s Abundance – All Life StagesThis food was a game changer for my dogs at one point when I couldn’t find a food that all my dogs would eat – consistently.

When you get a puppy from Dreamydoodles we give you 1 weeks worth of their puppy food but recommend you also either have their food at home or you’ve ordered it and it’s on the way when you bring them home.

Life Abundance is Only Available at MyPuppyFood.com

ORDER YOUR DREAMYDOODLE PUPPY’S FOOD TODAY!

Buy your Lifes Abundance Food on MyPuppyFood.com


Purina Pro Plan- Puppy Formula

Another high-quality dog food formula I recommend would be Purina Pro PlanShredded Formulas and yes, it has to be one of their “Shredded formulas” (according to my dogs taste buds)

  • The shredded formulas have a regular shaped kibble but mixed with these tender shreds of dehydrated meat that my dogs and puppies absolutely love.
  • DHA – omega-rich fish oil for brain and vision development.
  • Antioxidants for puppy’s developing immune system
  • Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to help build strong teeth and bones.
  • High-quality protein as the #1 ingredient for healthy muscles.

 

CANIDAE – All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey & Lamb Formula!

  • Canidae – All Life Stages formula is unique because it includes four different meat proteins – chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish meals for a nutritionally dense and yummy formula dogs enjoy.
  • Includes HealthPLUS Solutions, a trio of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and omega-6.
  • No corn, wheat, or soy.
  • Veterinarian-formulated specifically for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
  • Buy on Chewy – CANIDAE All-Life Stages Dry Dog Food

My #1 Recommended Puppy Treat!!

Beef Gullet Sticks!

100% digestible, all-natural alternative to rawhides and great for teething puppies but can also help to keep a bored, anxious or training puppy preoccupied!!

These are stretched and baked cow esophagus (throats), and each piece is approximately 6″ long and varying thickness.

You can either buy SIX Bully Sticks at Petsmart for $32 bucks!!!  Or FIFTY Gullet Sticks @ Chewy.com or Amazon Prime for the same price!

And Yes, I do recommend buying FIFTY of them for your teething puppies!!!

Just Don’t overdo it!  1-2 a day!

*For adult dogs, the gullet sticks will usually be gone in only a few crunches so, bully sticks or real bones are better for adults – Check out the Best Bully Sticks on Amazon!

COMPARE PRICES ON CHEWY AND AMAZON! 


Antlers for DogsAntlers for Dogs

Puppies and Adult Dogs both LOVE Antlers and Don’t worry your puppy CAN chew an antler no problems!

Antlers are a much harder chew but they never seem to hurt the puppy’s teeth and while they are not cheap – they LAST FOREVER!! Like months!

COMPARE PRICES ON CHEWY AND AMAZON!


Greenies Puppy Teenie Dental Dog Treats 

I’ve always loved Greenies but they never recommended them for puppies… well now they have Puppy Greenies! 50% softer than Original Greenies! Veterinarian-recommended dental treats.

COMPARE PRICES ON CHEWY AND AMAZON!


 

SmartBones – SmartSticks – Peanut Butter

SmartSticks chews are rawhide-free, made with real chicken, and vegetables! They provide your puppy with needed chewing exercises. SmartBones are 99.2% digestible, which is even higher than premium dog foods (85% digestibility)!

COMPARE PRICES ON CHEWY AND AMAZON!


Raw Dog Food & Meal Toppers

POOCHIE POWDER

The wildly popular Organic Dog Food Multivitamin Supplement “Poochie Powder”! The company owner put her own Dreamydoodle pup “Hugo” on the bag!

Hugo the Poochie Powder StarPoochie powder is a RAW Superfood Powder with Essential Vitamins, Minerals, Wild Blueberries, Parsley, Antioxidants, and much more.

Just add a scoop to their kibble with some warm water, mix it up and chow it down.

Buy Poochie Power on Amazon Prime!


Stella and Chewys Chicken Meal Toppers for DogsSTELLA AND CHEWIES – MEAL TOPPERS

Another yummy meal topper is Stella and Chewy’s – A raw dehydrated chicken meal topper mixed in with their kibble and warm water.
Top your puppy’s meals with Whole pieces of Freeze Dried Chicken! They also sell dehydrated chicken patties.

Buy Stella and Chewy’s on Chewy.com!


Honest Kitchen Raw Dehydrated Chicken food for dogs

Honest Kitchen – Raw Food

Another great option is the Honest Kitchen Raw dehydrated dog food! You just mix it in warm water and add it to your dog’s kibble or feed it alone. 

A 10 lb box makes 40 lbs of dog food! Even my pickiest dogs lick the bowl clean!

Buy Honest Kitchen Free Range Chicken Formula on Chewy.com!


Dog Food Bowls

Stainless steel is the #1 choice of vets. Stainless steel bowls are easy to clean and sanitize as they dont harbor bacteria like plastic can and they can’t be chewed up by teething puppies either.

Our Pets Durapet Stainless Steel Bowl, 4 Cup s, 6.9″X6.9″ X2.5″

  • Prevents mess at feeding time
  • No slipping or tipping

Compare Prices on Chewy and Amazon!

 


training_logo

CRATES, BABY GATES, AND PUPPY PENS

Why Your Puppy Needs a Crate!!

✔ Separation Anxiety is the #1 reason puppies and dogs are relinquished to the pound or rehomed.

✔  Crates keep puppies safe when you can’t supervise them.

✔ Crate training teaches puppies how to self-soothe! – being left alone simply isn’t natural for puppies or adult dogs. The natural instinct of a puppy is to stay close to its pack members or family members not only for safety reasons but for basic survival.  I believe they wanna be with us because they love us, but either way, this instinct to stay close seems to be very STRONG, especially, for puppies. 

  Puppies can hold it twice as long in the crate at night if they’re on a strict potty, sleeping, and feeding schedule!

✔  CHECK OUT OUR CRATE TRAINING SCHEDULES!

 


 
Crate Training Schedules

Crate Training Schedule Example – Click to Enlarge

MORE CRATE TRAINING POSTS:

 


crate_logo

I recommend the Midwest iCrate or the Midwest Life Stages Crate

A larger size crate can be purchased and used from Puppy to Adulthood as long as you use the wire divider to make it smaller for crate training.

The same crate can be used from Puppy to Adulthood by using the divider

This is an example of how much space a dog or puppy needs in the crate! No More! No Less!

The Perfect Crate Size for Potty Training?

Crate Training Rule #1!

Crate Training is basically a training trick!

We’re using the dog’s natural instincts to help us potty train them.

The Dog’s natural instinct is….. NOT TO GO POTTY WHERE THEY SLEEP OR EAT!

Possibly the biggest mistake people make when buying a crate is to buy one too large, thinking they’re doing their dogs a favor by buying them extra room.

Ok, so how big does it need to be? Your dog needs to be able to sit up straight without banging their head on the ceiling, be able to turn around, and lay down on their side with their paws outstretched without being cramped.

How Long Can A Puppy Hold It in the Crate?

If you put them on a strict feeding/drinking and sleeping schedule it will give you more control over when they need to go.

Crate training becomes a whole lot easier if you follow these instructions!


THE CRATE SIZES I RECOMMEND

FOR OUR MINI-SIZE PUPPY

The 24-inch Midwest iCrate

Dimensions: (24″L x 18″W x 19″H comes w/wire divider)

 

FOR OUR MOYEN SIZE PUPPY OR MINI ADULT

 The 30-inch Midwest iCrate

Dimensions: ( 30″L x 19″W x 21″H comes w/wire divider)  AMAZON PRIME

 
  • FOR OUR MOYEN PUPPY’S AND MOYEN ADULTS

The 36-inch Midwest iCrate Pet Crate

Dimensions: (36″L x 23″W x 25″H comes w/wire dividerAMAZON PRIME

 
  • LARGE ADULT – STANDARD SIZE

The 42-inch Midwest iCrate Pet Crate

Dimensions: ( 42″L x 28″W x 30″H – comes w/wire divider) AMAZON PRIME

 

Setting Your Crate up!

You want your puppy to be able to see what’s going on in their new house and not to feel isolated so keep the crate wherever you’re spending the most time during the day and you can also move it to the side of your bed (in arm’s reach) at night. This helps keep the puppy much calmer, especially during the first couple of nights of crate training.

Some people will also put a cover over their metal crates to give their puppy a more den-like “feeling”.

If your puppy goes potty on the crate mat, just remove it.

 


Letting your puppy train you!

It only takes a few days for Puppies to start relaxing and go to sleep without whining or crying first… but this happens only if YOU CAN STAY CONSISTENT and if you don’t let them out before the magic happens! 

If you let a puppy out of the crate when they’re crying… they’ll continue to cry every time you put them in because now they’ve figured out what works and how to get you to obey their commands. Just make sure there’s a break in their crying before you let them out and then YOU’LL be training THEM instead of them training you!

  • Start Crate training in the daytime when you don’t need to sleep and get some headphones!

When we’re crate training we give them a chew toy or a stuffed animal. Nothing else. We also remove beds or blankets if they start using them as potty pads! You can give them back once your puppy is potty trained.


Travel Crates

Petmate Sky Kennel for Pets for dogs 25 to 30-Pounds

Dimensions: 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches

Wanna Make Potty Training Even Easier?

INSTALL A DOGGY DOOR AND NEVER worry again about letting your puppy out in time. Total freedom for everyone involved! Puppies can learn to use doggy doors VERY quickly too!!


xpens

Work During the Day?

Xpen Puppy Pen Setup with Tarp - Bringing Puppy HomeFor people who can’t take a puppy out of the crate every 2-3 hours, I recommend an xpen setup – an enclosure with access to a litter box or potty area at least until they’re old enough to hold it for a full 8-hour work day.

You can use either baby gates to block off a room or an x-pen with a crate inside.  I like to put a plastic tarp (as seen in these pictures) under the x-pen. You can either use a puppy potty box, doggy lawn, cloth pads, newspaper, or potty pads. There are artificial grass and real grass patch options nowadays too.


X-Pen for puppies

Pet Enclosures and Puppy Grass Pads

Pet Supplies New Puppy Pet LawnsPetSafe Pet Loo Portable Indoor/Outdoor Dog Potty, Alternative to Puppy Pads, 3 Size Options for Small to Large Breeds

I’ve never used grass patches in an xpen but they do sound nice if cared for properly I think they could actually work out pretty well for a short period while you’re potty training your puppy to go outside but personally, I wouldn’t want to depend on these for a long-term solution. 

THIS ONE HAD THE BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS


WHAT ABOUT POTTY PADS? 

Young puppies love to chew up commercial-made puppy pads which will cause a huge mess and that defeats the purpose, plus buying these every week can get very spendy and bad for the environment.

So, if you absolutely must use potty pads then I HIGHLY recommend you use the cloth pads aka incontinence pads instead. You can get these for extremely cheap online at medical suppliers or on Amazon.  I get the 33 x 36-inch pads and the 23 x 36 size!!
The bigger ones are perfect for the x.pen setups.  I personally use these in my bedroom. If you’ve been here then you’ve probably seen them.

Buy these Cloth Pads on Amazon!


WHAT YOU NEED FOR AN X-PEN SETUP

Blog post: Crate and X-Pen Setups – Click Here!


TARPS – TO PROTECT YOUR FLOOR!

I use these under the x-pens – Poly Tarp 8′ x 10′ – Durable, Water Resistant

Buy Poly Tarps on Amazon!

Litter Boxes for Puppies

These pans are BIGGER than most Litter Boxes for Cats.

  • A great alternative for working families, or apartment living.
 Puppy Go Here – Litter Box on Amazon!

Puppy Litter – Paper Pellets

  • About this item
  • Dog Litter with Odor Control Paper from So Phresh
  • Made with 95% post-consumer paper
  • Absorbent and moisture locking
  • 99% dust-free
  • Made in the USA

Buy So Phresh Dog Litter with Odor Control Paper, 18 LBS on Amazon!


Poochie Bells for training dogsPOOCHIE BELLS

A lot of our families use Poochie Bells with GREAT success!

Teaching them how to notify you when they have to “go potty” is HALF the battle.


Recommended Puppy Gates

IF YOU HAVE A PUPPY – YOU’LL WANT SOME PUPPY GATES!!

Extra Tall Carson Dog Gate

Extra-Tall Walk-Thru Gate

Once I found the extra tall gates!  I was SOLD FOR LIFE! But believe me, I wasted SO bunch of money on some crappy gates first. Hopefully, this list will help to save you money!

AMAZON LINKS:  

They come with one extender piece but you can buy extra extensions if you need it for the wider hallways or doors. 

Carlson 0930PW Extra-Wide Walk-Thru Gate (SHORTER ONE)

Carlson Extra-Wide Walk-Thru Gate

Or they have extra wide options as well.

AMAZON LINK: Carlson Extra Wide Pet Gate Size: 36 x 29 inches

Buy it on Amazon!


Best Cleaning Supplies for Pet Owners

Here is a video of ME showing you how to use The Mopnado

The Mopnado is HEAVEN SENT!!!

If you own a dog, you need the Queen of Mops!

I got this mop on Amazon (as usual) and it comes with 2 Microfiber Mop Heads and 1 scrub brush and an awesome and sturdy spin bucket.

Well worth the price!

Buy The Mopnado Mop on Amazon!


Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray

Rocco & Roxie – ELIMINATES STAINS, ODORS, AND RESIDUE If it’s gross, it’s gone. Not just the stain, but the stink. From stinky yellow pet urine and feces to vomit and other organic spills, our professional strength formula tackles them all.

More Stain Removers that work on Potty Accidents


*Recommended Dog Beds (that I’ve used)

DON’T BUY A FANCY EXPENSIVE DOG BED UNTIL THEY GET PAST THE PUPPY STAGE

I like these beds because they are cute AND cheap so if they chew it up, just buy another one without spending a bunch of money.

DOG BEDS FOR THE CRATERabbit-bed-2

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MidwestQuiet Time Bolster Pet Bed, Fleece

These fit perfectly in a Midwest ct a standard-size pillow works too

 

If you really want to spoil your new puppy these donut beds are the way to go!

Dogs LOVE these beds!!!!! I’ve purchased this one Multiple times!

 


ORTHOPEDIC XL MEMORY FOAM DOG BEDS (FITS A 48 INCH CRATE):

If you want an extra large or waterproof bed for the deck – I got this one and my dogs LOVED it plus 3 of them could fit on it at the same time!!

Heavy Duty XL – Waterproof – Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed with Denim cover + Free Bonus Case, Fit 48″X30″ CrateAMAZON PRIME

 


PUPPIES LOVE BLANKIES <3

Puppies love to cuddle up with a super soft blanket! I purchased these on Amazon for years. Highly Recommended.
They have a couple of different prints! I’ve linked the best deals.

Bedtime Originals Jungle Buddies Velour Sherpa Blanket Bedtime Originals – Jungle Buddies Velour Sherpa Blanket
Lambs & Ivy – Little Woodland Forest Animals Blanket, Pink/White

Road Trip Puppy Tools!


Seatbelt Connectors for Dogs

For a much safer road trip.

Cute picture but obviously not practical… But you can get individual seat belt connectors for your dog on Amazon.

You just click one side onto your Dog’s HARNESS OR COLLAR and the other side goes into your seat belt connector.


Extra Stable Dog or Puppy Car Seat for Small to Medium-Sized Dogs – Reinforced Walls and 3 Belts – Waterproof – Will work for Front or Back Seat

Best Car Seats for Dogs List on Amazon


Recommended Collars and Leashes

Basically, these come down to personal preference so anything that works will do just fine when it comes to these two tools but here are some good places to start! 

Do NOT use a Retractable Dog Leash. Dangerous and also limit the control of your puppy or dog, defeating the purpose.

A standard 6-foot nylon leash works great!


 grooming_logo

 

Grooming Your Doodle

Shower Hose for Grooming DogsRinse Ace 3-Way Shower Sprayer Dog Grooming Tool, 8-ft hose

Best Pet Shampoos and Conditioners


Chris Christensen Long Pin Slicker BrushBRUSHING YOUR LABRADOODLE

The Chris Christensen Long Pin Slicker Brush

This brush is considered the absolute best by every groomer and Doodle breeder/owner I’ve ever asked. The cost may deter you, especially when other slicker brushes are so much cheaper, but every part of this brush is designed to make grooming comfortable for you and your dog.

The Chris Christensen Long Pin Slicker Brush

Cheaper Slicker Brushes

You need a good slicker brush so if you can’t buy one of the Christenson brushes. Get one of these:


Andis Steel Grooming CombAndie Steel Grooming Comb

Andis Steel Grooming Comb – My “seek and destroy” tool, I glide this through their coat with the long pinned Andis comb to find any hidden mats.

 

 


Dematting Comb!

When grooming a Doodle or Poodles the most common mistake is brushing over the top of the coat only and not from root to tip. Another mistake is washing them at home but not brushing them out completely afterward. Water tightens any mats that they have so it’s important to comb them and blow dry them if possible.

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You can use something like the Tropiclean D-Mat Spray to help brush them out while reviving their coats, restoring elasticity, and leaving hair with a healthy shine. 

 

This is not a pic of an abused Goldendoodle off the street… nope, this is a Goldendoodle who hasn’t been combed properly maybe for a few months, it doesn’t take long to get bad.

 


EAR AND NAIL CARE FOR DOODLES

Epiotic Ear Cleaner for Dogs


WANNA LEARN TO GROOM YOUR DOODLE YOURSELF?

Invest in a nice set of Clipper’s like the Andis Super 2-Speed AG Clipper w/#10 Blade and learn, this will save you hundreds of dollars a year just get prepared for some funny haircuts.


Labradoodle Grooming Video

Grooming clippers used in the video: Wahl Professional 2 Speed Corded Clipper Kit

READ MORE ABOUT: Grooming the Labradoodle, Goldendoodle & Aussiedoodle

 


Mini-Naturals-Peanut-Butter-new_lgPUPPY TRAINING TREATS


Recommended Puppy Chews and Toys

Try to stay away from rawhide & go for the natural bones if possible… Never feed cooked bones to your dogs or puppies. Some RAW bones are OK.

Suitable Natural Bones found at the supermarket would be:

  • Chicken thighs
  • Chicken carcass
  • Turkey wings
  • Duck Necks
  • Chicken Feet

 Chuckit! Indoor BallAussiedoodle Kula at 12 wks old with his Chuckit Roller BallChuckit! – Indoor Balls

Best Dog present ever.. these balls are These toys are BIG & STURDY and last FOREVER and I’ve purchased them many times!

They also make the Chuckit! Indoor Roller and with the Indoor Launcher as well!

Buy The Chuckit Indoor Ball on Amazon!


The Kong AirdogKONG SqueakAir Ball and Rope Toy

The KONG AirDog Squeakair Ball w/ Rope combines two classic dog toys” the tennis ball and the squeaker toy, plus a strong rope” to create the perfect fetch toy.


Dewormer – Keeping Your Puppy Parasite Free

Safe-Guard (Fenbendazole) is an over-the-counter medication that comes with 3 powder packets that you sprinkle over their  food. This is the same drug Vets will perscribe you if you took them into the clinic so save yourself some money and just buy it online or at the Pet Store.

Treatment for Worms is 1 pack a day for 3 days in a row, every 3-6 months. Each box includes 3 packets.

Buy Safe-Guard On Amazon – BASED ON YOUR DOGS WEIGHT.


4 Most Common Worms Dogs Get Info Graphic - Roundworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms and HookwormsMore About Dog Parasites and Giardia 

Safe-Guard covers the 4 most common intestinal parasites plus Giardia which is a common intestinal disease especially for young puppies because they dont have any immunities to it yet. Adult dogs will eventually gain some Immunity to it and it doesn’t effect them as bad but that also tells us how common it is!

Some common places they may contract parasites are dog parks, the groomers, the Vet clinic floors and their grass areas, beaches, camping grounds, pet stores, or drinking out of contaminated rain puddles. Basically anywhere where an infected dog could of gone potty.

But… Don’t keep them home…just deworm them regularly.

Also, Intestinal Parasites don’t always cause really noticeable symptoms in dogs (unless it’s really bad) so don’t wait to treat them when they show symptoms instead you should deworm them with Safe-guard every 3 months to keep them healthy.


Health Supplements for Dogs:

Nuvet Vitamins with a Labradoodle Dreamydoodles Northwest Washington State

I use Nuvet Plus as a daily vitamin which strengthens their immune systems and helps them with their overall development and health and then I’ll use salmon oil which is rich in Omega 3 for their coat, joint and brain health and if they’re having intestinal issues or taking a course of antibiotics then I’ll also use Fortiflora which is a Probiotic or the Nutramax Proviable – Probiotics and these can be used short-term but if your dog has reoccurring intestinal issues you can use these long-term too.

Read our Post on The Best Toys for Doodles!

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