How to Prepare Your Home for a New Australian Labradoodle Puppy
About two weeks before pickup, start preparing your home with a clear checklist: buy a crate, set up a designated puppy zone, puppy-proof one room at a time, stock the same food your breeder is feeding, line up a vet, trainer, and groomer, and plan how the first 72 hours will run. Australian Labradoodle puppies from a reputable home-raised breeder arrive at 9 weeks old already familiar with household sounds, basic handling, and crate introduction, which makes the transition easier than with most breeds. Your job is to keep that momentum going with a calm, predictable, safe environment from the moment they step through the door. At Bestland Australian Labradoodles in Rome, GA, every puppy goes home with our Signature Bestland Puppy Layette, current Life’s Abundance food, vaccinations, microchip, and breeder support so the first weeks at home are as smooth as possible.
The 2-Week Countdown Checklist
Two weeks before pickup, work through this list in order:
14 days out:
- Confirm pickup date and logistics with your breeder
- Buy crate, food and water bowls, and the same puppy food the breeder is using (Bestland uses Life’s Abundance)
- Buy collar, leash, ID tag, and chew toys
- Book the first vet wellness visit (within 3 to 5 days of pickup)
10 days out:
- Puppy-proof main living areas
- Set up the puppy zone with crate, bed, water bowl
- Identify a puppy training class and reserve a spot
- Research and select a local groomer
7 days out:
- Stock cleaning supplies (enzymatic cleaner for accidents)
- Buy slicker brush and metal comb for grooming
- Confirm any travel arrangements for pickup day
3 days out:
- Wash all dog bedding and arrange the sleep area
- Stock soft training treats (small, low-calorie)
- Print emergency vet numbers and post on the fridge
1 day out:
- Confirm pickup time with the breeder
- Clear your calendar for the first 72 hours
- Prepare a quiet pickup-day kit (towel, collar, leash, water)
Prepare home for Australian Labradoodle
Puppy-Proofing Your Home: Room-by-Room
Puppy-proofing is like preparing a home for a curious toddler with sharp teeth. Get down to puppy eye level in each room and look for hazards.
Living areas:
- Move electrical cords behind furniture or use cord protectors
- Pick up shoes, remotes, kids’ toys, and anything chewable
- Remove or relocate toxic houseplants (lilies, pothos, sago palm, philodendron)
- Block fireplaces with a screen
- Secure trash cans with locking lids
Kitchen:
- Install childproof latches on cabinets containing cleaners, medications, or food
- Move trash to a closed pantry or use a dog-proof can
- Keep dishwasher closed (puppies will lick dirty plates)
- Store grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, and garlic out of reach
Bedrooms:
- Block off bedrooms initially until your puppy understands house rules
- Pick up clothing, socks, and shoes from the floor
- Move medications and toiletries to high shelves
- Tuck phone and laptop cables out of reach
Bathrooms:
- Keep toilet lids closed (cleaning chemicals are dangerous)
- Move tampon and trash bins to a closed cabinet
- Lock up shampoo, soap, and razors
Outdoors:
- Check fence perimeter for holes, gaps, or loose boards
- Remove toxic plants (azalea, oleander, foxglove, yew)
- Pick up sharp tools and store fertilizers and pesticides
- Block access to pools, ponds, and septic areas until the puppy is leash-trained
Setting Up the Puppy Zone
Your puppy needs a defined area, especially during the first weeks. This is where they will rest, play under supervision, and start crate training.
A good puppy zone includes:
– A wire crate appropriately sized for the puppy’s adult size (medium 36″ or large 42″ for most Australian Labradoodles)
– A soft, washable bed inside the crate
– A water bowl placed outside the crate
– A few rotating chew toys (KONG, Nylabone, and soft squeakers)
– A baby gate or exercise pen to define the space
– Easy-to-clean flooring (hardwood, tile, vinyl) or a washable rug
Set the zone in a high-traffic area of your home, like the kitchen or family room. Puppies are social and do not do well isolated in a laundry room or basement. Being part of family life is exactly what built the calm temperament you brought home in the first place. For more on why this matters, see our guide on home-raised vs. kennel-raised puppies.
The first place your puppy spends time in your home should be calm, central, and warm. They are leaving their mom and littermates for the first time; your job is to be the soft landing.
Essential Supplies to Buy Before Pickup
A practical shopping list, organized by category. You can also browse curated supplies through our own Georgia Doodle Shop if you want products vetted by our family.
Feeding:
- Stainless steel food and water bowls (avoid plastic)
- 2 to 3 weeks of the same puppy food the breeder is feeding (Bestland feeds Life’s Abundance, a premium all-natural formula with no chicken or poultry by-products, no artificial colors or preservatives, and no corn, wheat, or soy)
- Small, soft training treats
- Food storage container with a tight lid
Sleeping and containment:
- Wire crate with divider
- Soft crate bed or pad (washable)
- Exercise pen or baby gates
- Optional: snuggle puppy or warm bed companion
Walking and ID:
- Adjustable collar (puppies grow fast)
- 4 to 6 foot standard leash (skip retractable leashes early on)
- ID tag with your phone number
- Properly fitted harness for walks
Grooming:
- Slicker brush
- Stainless steel metal comb
- Dog-specific shampoo and conditioner (gentle, sensitive skin formula)
- Nail clippers or grinder
- Ear cleaning solution
- Dental chews or toothbrush and dog toothpaste
Toys and enrichment:
- 2 to 3 hard rubber chew toys (KONG works well stuffed with frozen peanut butter)
- 1 to 2 soft toys for comfort
- A snuffle mat or treat-dispensing puzzle
- Avoid rawhide and small parts that can be swallowed
Cleanup:
- Enzymatic cleaner (Nature’s Miracle, Skout’s Honor, or similar)
- Paper towels and washable rags
- Poop bags for outdoor cleanup
Choosing a Vet, Trainer, and Groomer Before Day One
Lining up these three before your puppy arrives saves you stress later.
Veterinarian. Ask for recommendations from your breeder, neighbors, or local Australian Labradoodle groups. Schedule your first wellness visit within 3 to 5 days of pickup. Bring all the paperwork your breeder provides, including vaccination and deworming records.
Trainer. Positive reinforcement is the only training approach that fits this breed’s sensitive, intuitive temperament. Look for trainers certified by the CCPDT or KPA, and avoid anyone using shock collars, prong collars, or harsh corrections. Many trainers offer puppy socialization classes starting at 12 weeks.
Groomer. Australian Labradoodles need professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks for life. Find a groomer who knows how to handle fleece and wool coats (some general groomers shave doodles too short or do not understand the coat). Schedule the first visit at around 12 to 14 weeks for a “puppy intro” appointment, just bath, brush, and nail trim.
The First 72 Hours: What to Expect
The first three days are about settling, not training. Keep the energy low and the schedule predictable.
Day 1. Bring the puppy home and head straight to the puppy zone. Offer water and a small meal. Let them explore on their own without crowding. Take them to their designated potty spot every 30 to 60 minutes. Keep visitors limited.
Day 2. Stick to the breeder’s feeding schedule (typically 3 to 4 small meals a day). Begin name recognition with treats. Continue frequent potty breaks. Start short, gentle crate sessions during the day.
Day 3. Establish a clearer daily rhythm. Take a short, on-leash walk in your yard or driveway only (no public spaces until vaccinations are complete around 16 weeks). Start very basic name and recall games. Schedule the first vet visit.
The first 72 hours set the tone. Expect some whining, accidents, and exhaustion. All normal.
Sleep Setup and the First Night
The first night is usually the hardest. Your puppy is away from their mom and littermates for the first time and will likely cry, whine, or bark. Plan for it.
What works:
– Place the crate in your bedroom for the first 2 to 4 weeks. This keeps the puppy from feeling isolated and lets you hear when they need a potty break overnight.
– Bring the blanket or comfort item from the breeder that smells like mom and littermates. This is one of the most important transition tools.
– Skip food and water for 2 hours before bedtime to reduce overnight accidents.
– Plan for 1 to 2 overnight potty breaks for the first 2 weeks. Take the puppy out calmly, no play, then back to the crate.
– Resist the temptation to bring the puppy into your bed. It is much harder to undo later than to start with a clear sleeping arrangement.
By week 2 or 3, most puppies sleep through the night.
Establishing Routines From Day One
Australian Labradoodles thrive on predictable routines. From day one, set up a daily rhythm your family can stick to:
- Wake up and potty break (immediately upon waking)
- Breakfast
- Outdoor potty and short play (15 to 20 minutes)
- Mid-morning nap in the crate
- Late morning training session (5 to 10 minutes, basic name and sit)
- Lunch
- Outdoor potty and play
- Afternoon nap
- Late afternoon training
- Dinner
- Evening family time (calm engagement)
- Last potty break before bed
Puppies need a lot of sleep, typically 18 to 20 hours per day for the first few months. If your puppy seems hyper or nippy, they may actually be overtired. Crate naps fix this.
What Bestland Puppies Come With on Pickup Day
Every Bestland Australian Labradoodle goes home with our Signature Bestland Puppy Layette:
– The puppy with collar, leash, and ID tag
– Microchip already implanted and registered
– Up-to-date vaccinations and deworming
– A starter bag of Life’s Abundance puppy food
– A blanket or toy that smells like mom and littermates
– A puppy packet with vaccination records, vet documents, contracts, and care instructions
– ALCA pedigree paperwork
– Access to a private Facebook support group with other Bestland families
– Lifetime breeder support via phone, text, and email, plus ongoing training seminars
You can review the full pickup process in our guide on the Australian Labradoodle adoption process, and our adoption process page walks through everything from application to pickup day. Our FAQ page also has quick answers to the most common pre-pickup questions.
Ready Your Home for a Bestland Puppy
📞 Call or text 770-709-8497 if you have questions about preparing your home, our pickup process, or what to expect in the first weeks. With 15 years of breeding experience and ALCA-aligned standards, we serve families across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and nearby areas. Domestic delivery is available to major U.S. airports for families farther out. You can browse our current and upcoming litters anytime.
