We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Doodle-friendly products for you! We aren’t partnered with any businesses, these are just products that we’ve tried and loved. Most can be found either at your local pet store and on Amazon or Chewy.com. Happy shopping!
Wire Kennel
Nearly all of our pups have a wire kennel - we love that they are lightweight and easy to move around, store, and even travel with (those that don’t have a wire crate have a hard-sided crate). Most wire kennels come with a divider panel that allows the kennel to be customized to your pup’s size as they grow (see our training section for more information on why it’s important to have the right sized kennel for your pup). If you’re looking to provide a little bit more of a “den-like ambiance” for your pup, a fabric cover is a great option to make your kennel as versatile as possible. Two doors not only make it easier to find places to tuck the kennel but helps when it comes to cleaning the kennel if your pup has had an accident.
Elevated Cot
No joke, an elevated cot can be an absolute game-changer. Not only do most pups love them, but they’re also great for training (see ‘place’ in our training resource page!). We use them indoors and out! They allow your pup to remain cool in the summer (all that airflow beneath them) and warm in the winter because it keeps them off the cold floor. They’re easy to clean and maintain and are sturdy for how lightweight they are. We keep our largest one outside because multiple dogs will inevitably curl up together to enjoy the sunshine.
Slip Lead
You can really never have too many slip leads. We keep them handy all over the house and in the car. They’re great for training as well as emergencies (hence keeping them in the car - they don’t attach to a collar so you can use it for a stray or your neighbor’s dog who slipped their collar). You can purchase them in different lengths and sizes, and the coolest part? With a little bit of practice, it can be used as a Gentle Leader type of transition lead during leash training!
Kong
Kongs can be worth their weight in GOLD. They are perfect for teething puppies to play with (once they are older, transition them to the red standard Kong appropriate to their size), and you can get pretty creative with what you fill them with. You could go with the classic peanut butter, or you could stuff it with treats, frozen fruit, kibble, or even pumpkin or cottage cheese. Freezing them makes enrichment last longer and feels good on achy gums. Pro tip - use an egg carton to help them stay upright and keep them from filling if you decide to pop them in the freezer!
Puppy Teething Bones
Teething puppies and teething babies have one thing in common - the more teething toys, the better. This little starter kit is great for easing some of those aches while giving your pup some playtime. Giving puppies dedicated toys to chew on helps curb the “chewing on furniture” behavior, so they’re great to keep on hand. You can transition to age-appropriate (and size-appropriate!) chew toys as they get older.
Freezer Teethers
These teethers are great for the days when your pup is really feeling sore - you soak the whole bone and cloth and pop it in the freezer for a bit before offering it to your pup to gnaw on and relieve sore gums during playtime.
Breath Right Balls & Chuck It!
We have a bulldog who loves playing with any ball she can get her paws on, so we tried these out and it turns out they’re perfect for Doodle pups, too! They are easy for little mouths to grasp and light weight enough to carry when they’re just learning to play fetch.
We also love the original Chuck It! launcher! It’s perfect for playing fetch and avoiding slobbery tennis balls. The launchers come in a number of sizes and length which is perfect for your dog.
Flirt Pole
Several of our puppies’ families have reached out to tell us that they have LOVED using a flirt pole with their puppy! Flirt poles are a great way to help your pup get some exercise and train in a small space or contained area, and increase communication, as well as acting as an outlet for your Doodle’s prey drive (which they do have although it is very manageable - remember that Poodles Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Irish Setters are all bred as hunting/sporting dogs!). Here are some tips for incorporating a flirt pole into your training and playtime.
Burrow Toys
There is a good chance you’ll be sent home with one of these little tiny toys, but did you know it is part of a larger toy? We love burrow/hide and seek toys for a lot of reasons! The small toys are the perfect size for Doodle puppies to carry around (and standard, full-grown Doodles, too if you ask our pack!) and hiding them in their little burrow with treats and other toys can provide perfect enrichment for your pup. They come in all shapes, sizes, and themes - from animals to aliens to food! And you can buy the refills for pretty cheap too (usually $5-8!)
Dog Travel Bag
Traveling with your pup can be the best thing in the world - but only if you’re organized. This bag proved to be the perfect thing for a cross-country road trip. In addition to collapsible water and food dishes (with a little mat!) and zip containers for food and treats, there are plenty of pockets and space for all the essentials: waste bags, treats, toys, blankets/towels, and maybe even a bed! It’s so much easier grabbing one bag with all of your pup’s things at the end of the day than it is to dig out various items. This is the larger dog size (perfect if you have multiple dogs), but there are smaller sizes as well.
Resolve Stain Remover
It’s inevitable. Puppies have accidents and this stuff WORKS. Whether they’ve had an accident, thrown up, or whatever, Resolve has proven to be the best at getting stains out of just about everything! It’s also great at getting kid-related stains out of everything, too!
Safety Glow Collar
These glow collars are a great safety tool to have on hand. They help your pup stay visible on evening/dusky walks and while playing in the back yard (and they come in multiple colors, which is great if you have multiple pups running around in the back yard!). This brand allows you to cut the collar to fit, so no worries about ordering the wrong size!
Puppy Gate
Baby (puppy!) gates are a LIFESAVER when it comes to puppies. We love this one because it is sturdy, easy to open and close, and keeps our pups safe (no puppies underfoot or getting into things they shouldn’t makes puppyhood a lot easier). It’s also great for separating your pup from other dogs or cats while they’re adjusting to their new home.
Waterproof Pads
We use these waterproof pads in our whelping box and our puppy pens because they make life SO much easier. They are large enough that you only need one or two for a puppy pen, cleaning is a breeze (toss them in the washer!), and they aren’t bulky like other waterproof pads. They are also great for folding up and putting in a kennel while crate and potty training.
Buffalo Horns
We include one of these horns in your puppy’s go-home backpack, but it’s always good to have a couple on hand as backup, especially if you have other pups in the house. Hollowed out horns are also great for stuffing with peanut butter as an extra-special treat. Like with any chew toy, always keep an eye on your pup while they play with them!
Pellet Litter
We use pellet bedding to litter train all of our pups before they go to their forever homes and it makes a HUGE difference! If you decide to continue with litter training, you can pick up pellet bedding at any farm store for about $6-8 per bag (which lasts a LONG time). It absorbs any odors, is easy to keep clean. Spread it in a shallow litter box that your pup is able to get to easily and you’re good to go!
Whimzees Chews
Puppies chew. A lot. Whimzees come in all shapes and sizes (the alligator ones are super cute) and are great for helping keep your pup’s teeth and gums healthy. The puppy size are soft enough for teething pups, and the smaller sizes are perfect for your pup when they are full grown.
Play Pen
A play pen is a great tool for training as well as for safety. Creating a safe space for your pup to hang out in (this one connects to their kennel, building them their own little yard!) while you’re out or when they need some space to calm down or play.
Ear Wipes
Doodles, like other drop-eared dogs, can be prone to ear infections if their ears aren’t properly cared for. These wipes are great for cleaning out your pup’s ears easily without the hassle and mess of drops. Keeping your pup’s ears free of dust, wax, debris, and loose hairs will help keep them happy and healthy.
Multipurpose Pet Wipes
Pet wipes make a huge difference in a pinch! Muddy paws, dusty coats, quick spruce up between baths… no problem! We also like keeping a pack in the car for adventures, too. We also love Burt’s Bees’ pet shampoos and conditioners - they are incredibly gentle and great for keeping your doodle’s coat clean and healthy. Remember to never use human shampoo/soap on a dog as it can dry out their skin and coat significantly.
Potty Bells
We include a set of potty bells in our go-home kits we send home with each Live + Love Doodle, but once your pup has mastered the potty bells, it is helpful to have a secondary set if you have multiple doors you use to take them out, or if your home is large enough that you might not hear the initial set. Check our training page for some tips on using the potty bells!
Microfiber Towels
Call us crazy, but microfiber towels are a game-changer when it comes to any dog! Use these to dry your pup off after a bath or walk in the rain, and stash some in the car for post-adventure clean-up, and it makes a huge difference compared to regular towels. They dry your pup’s coat faster and more gently, which is crucial when your Doodle has a longer coat (avoiding excess friction helps you avoid tangles and mats that make both you and your pup miserable- just squeeze their curls gently instead of rubbing them down).
Groov Crate Training Toy
This little toy helps your pup feel more comfortable and confident during crate training by providing a fun distraction that encourages licking, which in turn helps reduce stress. Spread the toy’s grooves with peanut butter, yogurt, or pumpkin and pop it in the freezer before affixing it to their crate for an easy way to keep them occupied and providing a positive association to time in their crate.
Pantry Pack Doggy Waste Bags
A pantry pack of doggy waste bags makes ALL the difference when you live in an apartment or take your pup for walks every day. Grab one, and you’re good to go! You can also find small rolls to bring on your walks with you, but we like the pantry packs to keep by the front door with leashes as a reminder to bring one with you. This brand is durable, too - we’ve never had any leaks! You can buy them scented or unscented, as well.
Wilderdog Harness
Our social media person, Meg, has a certified Big Dog (a 75 pound Black Mouth Cur who is built like a tank) and has tested all sorts of harnesses over the years and this one is by far the best. With 2 D-ring attachment points (on the chest and back) and a sturdy handle, it’s great for adventures like hikes and swimming, traveling, and your everyday walks. And by sturdy, we mean sturdy! Meg once pulled her pup out of the deep end of the pool when he fell in by just using the handle!! It comes in smaller sizes, perfect for your Doodle buddy!
Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Toy
The biggest challenge in bringing a puppy home can often be the first few nights when they miss their mama and siblings the most - this toy with an internal warmer and a “heartbeat” can help mitigate some of that separation anxiety. Puppies love something to snuggle with as they fall asleep and this is the perfect size to tuck in their kennel at night or any time during kennel training!
Himalayan Chews
These lactose-free chews are made from yak’s milk that has been cured, making them a great product for dogs who love to chew. We recommend using a chew accessory like this to keep your pet from swallowing the small end piece left when they’ve enjoyed the rest of their treat (and bonus, you can soak the remaining piece in water for a bit and microwave it to make a fun puffed snack for your pup! No product goes to waste). Like with all chew toys, only allow your pup to play with this chew under your supervision.
Grooming Comb
These types of combs have what feels like a million different names, but the two most common names are a greyhound comb or a line comb. Whatever you call it, this is one of the two main grooming tools you’ll need to keep your pup mat free and looking good! This comb helps you to detangle what your slicker brush missed as it is able to get through the undercoat and down to the skin.
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush helps you to remove loose undercoat hair, gets rid of mats, debris, and tangles, and can be used to fluff up your Doodle’s coat. We recommend using a smaller brush like this one due to your Doodles’ smaller frame.
Poop Bag Holder
These are probably the simplest items on our list, but man, do we love these little poop bag holders! Clip them to your pup’s leash to hold used poop bags by the knot to keep them out of your hands and out of the way while you are out on a walk or hike. The mini carabiner makes it easy to fasten to any leash or harness.