Getting your home ready for an Oodle puppy is all about three things: safety, comfort, and having the essentials in place before they arrive. These areas are especially important with Oodles because they are intelligent, curious dogs that learn quickly and love to investigate their surroundings. And fortunately, none of it is complicated once you know what to look for.
We breed multi-generational Labradoodles at https://www.oodlepups.com.au. From what we’ve seen, families who prepare before pickup day usually have a smoother transition when their puppy arrives. This guide walks you through exactly what to do so your new puppy comes home to a space that’s ready for them.
Let’s get into it.
What Makes Oodle Puppies Different to Prepare For
Oodles are intelligent dogs that often need regular mental stimulation and training to stay engaged. Without enough activity, play, and interaction, they can become bored and find their own ways to entertain themselves. Daily walks, training sessions, and puzzle toys can help provide the mental and physical stimulation they need.
Their coats are another difference to prepare for. Most Oodles need brushing several times a week to prevent mats, along with professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. Getting them used to brushing from a young age can make grooming much easier as they grow.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Puppy-proofing your home means preparing both the inside of your house and your outdoor areas, as each presents different risks for an Oodle puppy. Inside, their curiosity can quickly get them into trouble, while outside, their size and jumping ability can make unsafe areas easier to access. We’ll cover what to look out for in each area below.
Inside the House
Very little is off limits to a curious Oodle. They’ll sniff, chew, and investigate almost anything they can reach. That’s why you should secure power cords, store cleaning products safely, and remove anything within chewing distance before they come home (that includes your favourite shoes too).
And don’t be surprised if your puppy also decides your home office is the best place to hang out while you work. Baby gates are a simple way to keep them out of rooms you’d rather keep off limits while they’re still learning the house rules.
It’s not just floor-level hazards you need to think about. These dogs can often reach benches and tables as they grow, so keep food, medications, and other potential hazards well out of reach.
The Backyard and Outdoor Areas
Your backyard needs the same attention as the inside of your home before your puppy arrives. After all, it can be just as full of hazards, and an adventurous Oodle won’t take long to find them. The best place to begin is the fence line.
Check for gaps, loose panels, or low sections they could squeeze through or jump over. A gap that looks too small is often still worth testing to them.
Once you’ve checked the fence, walk around the yard and look for other hazards. Remove any toxic plants, garden chemicals, and standing water before your puppy has a chance to investigate them. Like most puppies, young Oodles explore the world with their mouths, so even something that seems harmless can become a health risk.
Also make sure there’s a shaded area and fresh water available outside. During warmer months, these give your puppy a place to cool down after playing and help make outdoor time more comfortable.
What to Buy Before the Puppy Comes Home
The first day with your new puppy is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re missing the basics. Having a few important items ready beforehand means you can focus on helping them settle in rather than scrambling for supplies.
Here’s a simple new puppy checklist to get you started:
- Crate with soft bedding or a comfortable bed
- Food and water bowls
- The puppy food your breeder recommends
- Collar, ID tag, and lead
- Car harness or travel crate for the trip home
- Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
- A small selection of chew toys and enrichment toys
- Baby gate (if needed)
- Your local vet’s and council’s contact details saved in your phone
You don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials, then add more toys, bedding, or accessories as you get to know your new dog’s personality and preferences.
Setting Up a Sleep and Rest Space
One of the most common things we see with new puppies is that they struggle to settle at night in the first few days. Without a space that feels like their own, they may whine, pace, or wake frequently, which can make the first week harder for everyone.
A crate is one of the easiest ways to create that sense of security. It gives your pup a safe, predictable space where they can relax, which is exactly what they need when everything else around them is unfamiliar. The setup is just as important as the crate itself, because the right environment helps your puppy feel secure from the start.
Place it somewhere quiet but not isolated, like a corner of the bedroom or living area. Adding a worn piece of your clothing can also help, as your scent is one of the few familiar things in a brand-new environment.
Once the space is set up, help your pup build a positive association with it. Start with short periods during the day so they get comfortable being inside before the first night. With consistency, many pups gradually settle into a crate routine over the first few weeks.
The First 24 Hours at Home
The first 24 hours at home are often the most important for how well a puppy settles in. A calm arrival makes everything that follows easier. And with Oodles especially, too much too soon can leave them overwhelmed before they’ve had a chance to find their feet.
The best way to help your new dog settle in is to keep the first hour simple. When they first come home, show them their water bowl, crate, and toilet spot before anything else. From there, let them wander and take in the rest of the house at their own pace. Once they’ve had a chance to get their bearings, bring in the rest of the family.
Keep playtime short too. We know it’s tempting to spend hours playing with a new pup, but young dogs tire quickly, and an overtired dog can be much harder to settle.
After they’ve had time to find their feet at home, book a vet check-up for later that week. The appointment is a good opportunity to confirm their health, discuss vaccinations, and get advice on toilet training and what to expect over the coming weeks.
Introducing Your Oodle Puppy to Family and Other Pets
First introductions set the tone for how your puppy behaves around your family for weeks afterwards, so taking them slowly rather than all at once tends to pay off. A calm, gradual approach builds trust, while rushing tends to leave a young dog feeling unsettled before they’ve had a chance to take it all in.
That’s especially true with kids, who naturally want to scoop a new pup up straight away. To help your new arrival feel comfortable, have children sit on the floor and let them approach in their own time. Short, calm interactions like this early on build more confidence than one big, overwhelming welcome ever could.
Introducing your dog to resident pets takes a little more planning. Any existing dog should be fully vaccinated before your new pup comes home, and where that first meeting happens is worth thinking about too. RSPCA Australia recommends neutral ground outside rather than inside the home for the first meeting, as it helps both dogs feel more comfortable from the start.
Cats and smaller pets often need more time than dogs. So give them somewhere to retreat to and let them set the pace themselves. Rushing introductions can create stress for both animals, whereas a slower, more patient one usually leads to a smoother adjustment.
Now You’re Ready to Bring Your New Puppy Home
You’ve done the work. Now the good part starts. The weeks ahead will bring plenty of new experiences, and the groundwork you’ve put in means less troubleshooting and more time enjoying your new pup.
From here, focus on the basics: a complete and balanced diet, regular vet check-ups, and reward-based training. These three things alone will set your new dog up well for the weeks ahead. Puppy school is also worth looking into once your pup is fully vaccinated. It helps with basic training and socialising around other dogs.
For more puppy care advice or to find out about available Oodle puppies, get in touch with Oodle Pups. We’re here to help make the whole experience as fun as possible for you and your new pup.
