Surviving Your First Week with a Labradoodle Puppy

Doodles of CT

Jul 20

5 min read

Bringing a Labradoodle home for the first time is an exciting moment filled with joy and anticipation. Yet, the first week can also be overwhelming as you and your new furry friend adjust to each other. Labradoodles are known for their friendly nature and intelligence, but they also require patience, structure, and care to settle in smoothly. This guide offers practical tips to help you navigate the initial days and build a strong foundation for a happy life together.

Prepare Your Home Before Arrival

Before your Labradoodle arrives, make sure your home is ready to welcome them safely and comfortably. This preparation reduces stress for both you and your puppy.

Create a designated space: Set up a quiet area with a bed, toys, and water. This will be your puppy’s safe zone where they can rest and feel secure.

It helps to have a pen to keep them in their safe zone. You need a space so you can safely walk away. Also, it is helpful to get them used to this space right away. You will be grateful for it as they get a few weeks older and more rambunctious.

Puppy-proof your home: Remove or secure items that could be harmful or tempting to chew, such as electrical cords, small objects, and toxic plants. Any time you can't keep an eye on your dog, they should be in the their safe zone.
Gather essential supplies: Have food, bowls, a collar, leash, grooming tools, and cleaning products ready. This ensures you can meet your puppy’s needs immediately.

Your breeder will let you know the food the dog has been eating and/or provide you with one week's supply of food. If you plan to change your puppy's food, have it ready to go so you can gradually transition them to prevent upset tummies.

Having these basics in place helps your Labradoodle feel welcome and reduces the chance of accidents or stress.

Establish a Routine Early

Labradoodles thrive on consistency. A clear daily routine helps your puppy understand what to expect and builds good habits.

Set feeding times: Feed your puppy at the same times each day to regulate digestion and potty breaks.
Schedule potty breaks: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Consistency helps with house training.
Plan play and rest periods: Labradoodles are energetic but also need downtime. Balance active play with quiet time to avoid overstimulation.

A predictable routine supports your puppy’s physical and emotional well-being, making the transition smoother.

Maybe it is the teacher in me...but I wrote out our new puppy's schedule of food, potty breaks, rest and play. It may seem like you're going over the top, but the day goes quickly and it will help with house training if you keep to a plan. Then once you learn your dog's language you will be able to read their cues and know when they need potty breaks or calm time.

Focus on Gentle Socialization

The first week is a critical time for socialization. Introduce your Labradoodle to new sights, sounds, and people gradually.

Invite calm visitors: Allow a few trusted people to meet your puppy in a controlled environment at a time.
Expose to household noises: Play everyday sounds like vacuum cleaners or doorbells at low volume to build tolerance.
Avoid overwhelming situations: Keep outings short and positive. Avoid crowded or noisy places until your puppy feels more confident.

Make sure you keep to your veterinarian's recommendations before your puppy meets other dogs outside of your home. They are still very vulnerable and without all their shots, can easily catch something from another friendly pup.

Positive social experiences during this period help your Labradoodle grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.

Start Basic Training Right Away

Labradoodles are intelligent and eager to learn, making early training rewarding for both of you.

Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play. This encourages your puppy to repeat those actions. Their kibble works as a great positive reinforcement. Grab a few pieces and use that to reward their good behavior. This way you don't have to worry about upset bellies.
Teach simple commands: Begin with "place, “sit,” “come,” "stay," and “leave it.” Keep sessions short and fun to maintain your puppy’s attention.
Set boundaries: Decide on house rules early, such as where your puppy can go and what they can chew. Consistency prevents confusion.

Training builds communication and trust, setting the stage for a lifelong partnership.

Manage Chewing and Teething

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and Labradoodles are no exception. Teething can lead to chewing on furniture or belongings.

Provide appropriate chew toys: Offer a variety of textures to soothe sore gums and keep your puppy occupied. Most items after a night in the freezer help too.
Redirect unwanted chewing: If your puppy starts chewing on something inappropriate, gently replace it with a toy. There are many opinions of trainers for how to do this so they don't think the toy is rewarding their chewing. Speak to your trainer or view some training videos so you reinforce the correct behavior.
Keep dangerous items out of reach: Store shoes, cables, and other tempting objects where your puppy cannot access them.

Handling chewing early prevents destructive habits and protects your belongings.

Monitor Health and Comfort

Your puppy’s health is a top priority during the first week.

Schedule a vet visit: Arrange a check-up within the first few days to ensure vaccinations and health checks are up to date. Check your breeder's contract so you don't void any health guarantees.
Watch for signs of stress or illness: Look for changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits. Early detection helps address issues quickly.
Maintain grooming routines: Labradoodles have curly coats that require regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.

Taking care of health and comfort helps your puppy settle in and thrive.

Build a Bond Through Play and Affection

The first week is a chance to start building a strong emotional connection.

Spend quality time together: Play games, cuddle, and talk to your puppy to create trust and affection.
Learn your puppy’s personality: Observe what activities and toys they enjoy most.
Be patient and calm: Your puppy may feel nervous or shy. Gentle handling and a calm voice reassure them.
Photograph your puppy: They grow SO fast. Try to take photos of them as they grow. The pictures from the first weeks will always be a cherished memory and once those stages and cute puppy chirps are gone, you won't be able to recreate them.

A loving bond makes training easier and enriches your life together.

Adjusting to a new Labradoodle takes effort, but the rewards are immense. By preparing your home, establishing routines, focusing on socialization and training, managing chewing, monitoring health, and building a bond, you set your puppy up for success. Enjoy these early days as the start of a joyful journey with your new companion. Remember, patience and consistency are your best tools for a smooth transition.

Start today by creating a cozy space for your Labradoodle and planning your daily schedule. Your puppy will thank you with love and loyalty for years to come.