The First 48 Hours: Bringing Your Goldendoodle Puppy Home
The Quick Answer: The first two days with a new puppy are critical for bonding. To ensure a smooth transition, have a "safe zone" (crate and playpen) set up before you arrive. Expect some whining the first night, maintain a strict potty schedule every 2 hours, and keep the environment calm. The goal is to make the puppy feel safe, not overwhelmed.
The Essential Checklist
Before you pick up your puppy, you need the right gear. Don't wait until you are on the way home to stop at the store.
The Crate: We recommend a wire crate with a divider. It should be just big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around.
Food: Stick to the exact brand the breeder was using (Ironstone families will receive a sample bag). Switching food suddenly causes stomach upset.
The "Snuggle Puppy": This is a plush toy with a heartbeat. It is a lifesaver for the first few nights away from mom.
Enzymatic Cleaner: Accidents happen. You need a cleaner that breaks down the enzymes so the puppy doesn't smell it and mark the spot again.
A "Busy" Toy: We swear by the Classic Kong. Stuff it with a little peanut butter or plain yogurt and freeze it. It is the only thing that will keep a puppy quiet in their crate for 30 minutes while you take a shower.
The Car Ride Home
For many puppies, this is their first time in a car away from their littermates.
Bring a Helper: If possible, have someone else drive so you can sit in the back with the puppy.
Bring a Towel: Motion sickness is common. Keep a towel and wet wipes handy.
Keep it Calm: This isn't the time for loud music or stopping to show friends. Go straight home so the puppy can decompress.
The First Night Strategy
The first night is usually the hardest. Your puppy is used to sleeping in a "puppy pile" with warm bodies. Suddenly, they are alone.
Tire Them Out: Try to keep the puppy awake for 1-2 hours before bed. A tired puppy sleeps better.
Crate Placement: For the first week, place the crate right next to your bed. They need to smell and hear you to feel safe.
The Potty Alarm: You will likely need to wake up once or twice (around 2 AM and 5 AM). Take them out, keep it boring (no play), and put them right back in the crate.
Expect Whining: It is normal for them to cry for 10-15 minutes. Wait for a break in the whining before you go to them; otherwise, you teach them that Whining = Attention.
The "Two-Week Shutdown"
We advise all our families to follow a low-stress protocol for the first two weeks.
No Big Parties: Don't invite the whole neighborhood over on Day 1.
Limit Freedom: The puppy should not have free roam of the house. Keep them in their designated "safe zone" or on a leash attached to you.
Focus on Routine: Dogs thrive on predictability. Eat, potty, play, sleep—repeat.
Conclusion
Bringing a puppy home is exhausting but rewarding. By preparing your home and adjusting your expectations, you set the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted dog. Remember, the sleepless nights don't last forever!
Read More: Once your puppy settles in, the real work begins. Read our guide on [The Ironstone Temperament Standard] to understand how we breed for success, or check out our [Coat Guide] to prepare for grooming.
