Puppy Training & Essentials
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Grain-Free Liver Treats (The "Secret Weapon")
Why I Use It: When teaching a new command, kibble isn't enough. We use these high-value treats for Charlie because he will do anything for them. It makes training much faster and more fun for him.
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Potty Training Communication Bells
Why I Use It: We wanted to give Charlie a way to "talk" to us. Instead of him barking or scratching the door, he rings these bells when he needs to go out. It has saved our rugs and our sanity!
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Precision Training Clickers
Why I Use It: Even though they are simple, these are essential. A clicker marks the exact second Charlie does something right. It removes the guesswork and helps him learn 50% faster.
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Resolve Urine Destroyer (The Cleanup Crew)
Why I Use It: Accidents happen during the first 48 hours. This spray doesn’t just mask the smell; it breaks down the enzymes so Charlie doesn't return to the same spot. It's an absolute must-have for puppy owners.
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Durable No Stuffing Tug Toy
Why Charlie Loves It: Doodles have a high play drive. As you can see from my photo, this toy is beat up because it’s his favorite way to burn off "puppy zoomie" energy. It’s held up better than any other tug we’ve tried.
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Wire Training Crate (with Divider)
Why I use it: This is the foundation of a calm home. It provides a secure "den" that speeds up potty training and gives Charlie a safe place to relax. The divider is key because it grows with the puppy, ensuring they always feel snug and secure without having enough room to have an accident.
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Lightweight House-Line (Handle-Free Training Lead)
Why I use it.. This is my "secret weapon" for indoor manners. By having Charlie drag a handle-free line, I can gently stop him from jumping or counter-surfing without having to chase him. It keeps me in control during the most critical stages of puppyhood while preventing the puppy from getting snagged on furniture.
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Multi-Texture Puppy Enrichment Toy Set
Why I use it.. Boredom is the leading cause of destructive chewing. I provide a variety of textures—from soft plush to durable rubber—to keep Charlie’s mind engaged and satisfy his natural urge to chew. Rotating these toys keeps them "new" and exciting, which helps prevent him from looking for trouble elsewhere in the house.
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KONG Easy Treat Cheese Paste
Why I use it.. This is the ultimate "high-value" reward for crate training and mental enrichment. I use it to stuff rubber toys for Charlie, which keeps him occupied and calm for long stretches while building a positive association with his quiet time.
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KONG Classic Rubber Puppy Toy
Why I use it.. Why I use it.. This is the gold standard for keeping a puppy busy and out of trouble. I stuff these with cheese or wet food and freeze them to give Charlie a "brain workout" that lasts for 30 minutes. It’s my go-to tool for preventing boredom and teaching a puppy to enjoy their quiet time in the crate.
Doodle health starts with science, not guesswork. This section highlights the preventative care and genetic screening that we consider non-negotiable for the Ironstone breeding program. Maintaining a Goldendoodle’s hygiene is a daily commitment to preventing common breed-specific issues like tear staining and ear infections.
Health, Genetics & Hygiene
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Embark Dog DNA & Health Kit
Why I Use It: We don't believe in guessing when it comes to genetics. We used this kit for Charlie to screen for over 250+ genetic health risks. It’s the same gold standard we use for our breeding program to ensure Ironstone puppies are as healthy as they are beautiful.
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Daily Hygiene Eye Wipes
Why I Use It: Goldendoodles are prone to "rusty" mucus buildup that can stain their coat and irritate their eyes. We use these daily on Charlie to keep his face clean, clear, and irritation-free.
Pro Tip: Wait until your puppy is calm or sleepy to wipe their eyes—it makes them associate grooming with relaxation rather than a struggle!
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Non-Slip Professional Grooming Mat
Grooming a Goldendoodle is a lifelong commitment, and that journey starts with making the puppy feel secure. I use this high-traction mat because it prevents 'puppy panic' on slippery surfaces. When Charlie or Phoebe feels their paws are locked in and stable, their heart rate stays down, and they can focus on the grooming session rather than trying to keep their balance. It turns any table into a professional grooming station and is a must-have for preventing joint strain during those long brushing sessions. here
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Professional Safety-Tip Grooming Scissors
Why I use it.. These are essential for keeping Charlie’s eyes clear and paws tidy between professional grooms. The rounded safety tips are a must for squirmy puppies, allowing me to trim delicate areas like the face and paw pads without any risk of accidental nips or pokes.
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Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush (Soft Tip)
Why I use it.. Goldendoodle coats require constant care, and this is the best tool for daily maintenance. The soft tips protect sensitive puppy skin from irritation, while the self-cleaning button allows me to clear the brush in seconds so I can focus on Charlie instead of the mess.
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Low-Noise Pet Nail Grinder
Why I use it.. Why I use it.. Clipping nails can be stressful for both the owner and the dog. I use this quiet grinder because it’s much safer than traditional clippers—it lets me gradually smooth Charlie's nails down without the risk of cutting the "quick." It results in smooth edges that won't scratch your floors or your skin.
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Cordless Professional Pet Trimmers
Why I use it.. Why I use it.. These are perfect for the "sanitary trim" and tidying up paw pads between full grooms. They are cordless and quiet, which is vital for keeping a puppy like Phoebe calm while I work. Having these on hand saves me trips to the groomer and keeps the dogs comfortable and clean.
Our Philosophy: "At Ironstone, we believe the best Goldendoodle is a healthy, engaged, and well-groomed one. Every item on this list has been physically tested by us and Charlie. We don't recommend 'trendy' gadgets—we recommend tools that solve the specific challenges of the Goldendoodle coat, temperament, and health profile. Our goal is to save you the trial-and-error we went through, ensuring your puppy has the best foundation from day one."
Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and 'eager to please,' but they require clear communication. This toolkit focuses on 'Positive Reinforcement' and marking behaviors. From high-value rewards to clear auditory signals, these are the exact tools we used to housebreak Charlie and establish his basic obedience in record time.