Preparing Your Home for a Puppy: Checklist & Essentials

Bringing home an Australian Labradoodle puppy is an exciting milestone. These intelligent, affectionate dogs quickly become part of the family, and preparing your home in advance will help ensure a smooth, stress-free transition for both you and your puppy.

To help you feel confident and ready, we’ve put together a practical checklist of essentials and simple steps to prepare your home before your puppy arrives.

1. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Just like toddlers, puppies are curious and love to explore with their mouths. Before your puppy comes home, take time to walk through your house at puppy level.

Key things to check:

• Secure electrical cords and cables

• Remove small objects that could be chewed or swallowed

• Keep cleaning products, medications and household chemicals out of reach

• Secure bins and food cupboards

• Block off stairs or restricted areas using baby gates

  
  

Creating a safe environment early on helps prevent accidents and sets boundaries from day one.

2. Create a Calm, Comfortable Puppy Space

Your puppy will need a quiet area where they can rest, feel safe and settle in. This space becomes especially important during the first few weeks.

Essentials for your puppy’s space:

• A comfortable bed or crate

• Soft blankets (we provide you with a blanket that holds the mother's scent)

• A few age-appropriate toys

• Access to fresh water

  
  

Crate training can be a wonderful tool for Australian Labradoodles when introduced positively, providing a secure “den” for rest and sleep.

3. Stock Up on Puppy Essentials

Having everything ready before your puppy arrives allows you to focus on bonding rather than last-minute shopping.

Your puppy essentials checklist:

• High-quality puppy food (we recommend sticking to Gentle initially, which we provide to you when you collect your pup)

• Food and water bowls

• Collar, harness and lead

• Identification tag

• Grooming tools (slicker brush, comb, puppy-safe shampoo)

• Puppy training pads

• Safe chew toys and enrichment toys

  
  

Australian Labradoodles benefit greatly from mental stimulation, so puzzle toys and interactive games are excellent additions.

4. Prepare for Training & Routine

Consistency is key with puppies, especially intelligent breeds like the Australian Labradoodle.

Before your puppy arrives:

• Decide where your puppy will sleep

• Establish feeding times

• Plan toilet-training routines

• Agree on household rules (so everyone is consistent)

  
  

Starting with structure from day one helps your puppy feel secure and makes training more successful.

5. Introduce Family Members & Other Pets Carefully

If you have children or other pets, preparing them in advance is just as important.

• Teach children how to gently handle and respect the puppy

• Set clear rules about feeding, play and rest time

• Introduce other pets gradually and under supervision

  
  

Calm, positive introductions build confidence and encourage healthy relationships from the start.

6. Book Your Vet & Research Groomers

Australian Labradoodles require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and mat-free.

Before bringing your puppy home:

• Register with a local vet

• Schedule vaccination and health check appointments

• Research a professional groomer experienced with Labradoodle coats. *Note that you should wait until they're 6 months old to give your pup their first haircut to maintain their gorgeous coat.

  
  

Early, positive grooming experiences help your puppy grow into a relaxed, confident adult dog.

7. Be Ready for the Adjustment Period

The first few days can be overwhelming for a puppy leaving their litter. Expect some crying, disrupted sleep and moments of uncertainty; this is completely normal.

Patience, routine and gentle reassurance go a long way. Your puppy will settle more quickly when they feel safe, loved and understood.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home in advance sets the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted Australian Labradoodle. With the right environment, supplies and mindset, you’ll be able to focus on what truly matters: building a lifelong bond with your new companion.

If you ever have questions during your puppy journey, we’re always here to support our families every step of the way.