What To Expect On The First 30 Days With Your New Doodle Puppy

Bringing home a new Doodle puppy, whether it’s a Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle, or another lovable mix, is an exciting and life-changing experience. Those first 30 days are full of cuddles, surprises, and learning curves for both you and your pup.

To help you feel confident and prepared, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during your first month together.

Week 1: Welcome Home

What to Expect:

• Your puppy may be shy or overwhelmed at first, this is completely normal.

• Potty accidents will happen. Don’t worry!

• You’ll start bonding and creating trust.

To-Do List:

• Set up a safe, cozy space for your puppy (crate or playpen).

• Start a consistent potty routine.

• Introduce basic commands like “sit” and “come.”

• Schedule a vet visit for a wellness check.

Pro Tip: Keep things calm. Avoid overwhelming your pup with too many visitors or new experiences right away.

Week 2: Settling In

What to Expect:

• Your pup is getting used to your routines and home.

• Teething may begin, expect some nipping and chewing.

• Sleep schedules may still be irregular.

To-Do List:

• Begin crate training for short intervals.

• Continue reinforcing potty habits.

• Introduce chew toys to ease teething discomfort.

• Practice gentle socialization (new sounds, textures, short car rides).

Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes), positive, and consistent.

Week 3: Building Confidence

What to Expect:

• Your Doodle will start showing more personality.

• Energy levels will increase.

• They’ll be testing boundaries (and your patience!).

To-Do List:

• Enroll in a puppy training class or start online sessions.

• Teach more commands: “down,” “leave it,” “stay.”

• Increase social exposure, other pets, friendly people, safe environments.

Pro Tip: Redirect unwanted behavior rather than punish. Reward calm, appropriate behavior often.

Week 4: Forming Habits

What to Expect:

• Your puppy is learning your routine.

• Potty training should be improving (but not perfect yet).

• You’re developing a deeper bond.

To-Do List:

• Keep a consistent feeding, potty, and play schedule.

• Reinforce commands and leash manners.

• Begin short walks and outdoor exploration if vaccinations allow.

Pro Tip: Consistency now sets the tone for lifelong behavior. Don’t ease up on the structure yet!

Final Thoughts:

The first 30 days with your new Doodle puppy are all about patience, consistency, and love. There will be moments of frustration, but there will also be endless tail wags, silly zoomies, and sweet snuggles.

Stay calm, stick to routines, and soak up the joy of puppyhood, you’re building the foundation for a well-adjusted and happy dog for years to come.