How to Raise Your First Puppy: The Labradoodle Edition

There’s nothing quite like the joy of picking up your first Labradoodle puppy. Their warm little body, soft curls, and bouncy energy are hard to resist. But when the reality of bringing a puppy home sets in (chewed shoes, whines at midnight, the “what now?” feeling), you might start to panic a little.

Don’t stress. You’re not doing it wrong. The early days are more about learning than getting everything right. Oodle Pups has helped many new puppy owners settle in with ease, offering tips, training guidance, and expert-backed resources to help you build a calm, happy start.

We know the early weeks can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created a simple guide that covers everything from crate training to early socialisation.

 Let’s make this start with your pup a happy one.

Puppy Prep That Pays Off

A Labradoodle puppy doesn’t come with a manual, but this checklist is the next best thing. Having the right items on hand helps you focus less on last-minute panic and more on bonding with your pup.

Essential Supplies:

• Crate with washable bedding

• Puppy pads and an enzymatic cleaner

• Stainless steel food and water bowls

• Collar, ID tag, and lead

• Teething toys (trust us, you’ll need them)

• Brush and puppy-safe shampoo for those luscious curls

• A pre-scheduled vet appointment

Puppy-Proof Your Home:

• Move cords, shoes, and small objects out of reach. Puppies love to chew and explore with their mouths, and these items can be both tempting and dangerous.

• Block stairwells or off-limits rooms. This keeps your Labradoodle safe from falls or getting into spaces where they could damage something or hurt themselves.

• Use baby gates to control where your puppy explores. Managing access to your home helps with toilet training, reduces anxiety, and makes it easier to supervise your pup.

It’s amazing how fast a curious Labradoodle can find trouble. Taking a few minutes now to prepare your space prevents a lot of stress later. These basics also give your puppy structure, which helps reduce anxiety in a new environment.

With your home prepped and essentials in place, the next step is helping your Labradoodle settle in, and that starts with crate training.

Crate Training & Early Routine 

Crate training might sound daunting, especially with all the conflicting advice out there. But when approached with patience, it becomes one of the best tools for raising a confident, well-adjusted Labradoodle.

Start by making the crate welcoming. Leave the door open, add a comfy mat, and toss in a toy that smells like you. Let your pup wander in and out without pressure. This helps them associate the space with calm.

Then, build your daily rhythm:

• Meals at set times

• Potty breaks immediately after eating, playing or waking

• Crate time after play to reinforce rest

This structure teaches your puppy what to expect and helps you predict toilet breaks with far fewer surprises. If they cry, check if they need something, but avoid using the crate as a timeout zone. Don’t make it feel like a punishment.

Once your Labradoodle starts feeling safe at home, it’s the perfect time to gently introduce them to the world beyond your front door. Let’s talk about socialising without the overwhelming sensation.

Socialising Without Stress

Socialising your Labradoodle is one of the best ways to shape their behaviour long-term, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many new owners think it means constant outings and dog parks. In reality, it starts small, right at home, and grows naturally with time and care.

Let’s know how.

Start slow, stay safe

Introduce your Labradoodle to new things gradually. Try letting them watch the bin truck, sniff a bicycle, or meet a calm dog one-on-one. Praise calm behaviour and keep sessions brief. One or two new experiences a day is more than enough.

When to begin?

Wait until your pup has had their initial vaccinations (usually 8 to 12 weeks) before heading into busy areas. Until then, stick with safe environments like your backyard or carry them during walks so they can observe the world from a secure place.

Every day, exposures count

Introduce common sights and sounds gently, like the vacuum running in another room, a man with a beard, a cyclist passing by, or the weekly bin collection. Maintain a comfortable distance and reward calm reactions with a treat or soft praise.

Playdates with purpose

Set up one-on-one meetings with calm, vaccinated dogs in quiet areas like your backyard. Watch body language. If you notice signs of discomfort such as a tucked tail, growling, or hiding, pause the interaction and try again another day.

Urban puppies need extra help

If you live in an apartment, start with low-stress activities like walking down a quiet hallway or watching foot traffic from the lobby. Gradually work up to lifts, scooters, and busier footpaths. Keep sessions short and upbeat.

When socialising is handled gently and with patience, your Labradoodle will learn to view the world as a place filled with curiosity instead of fear.

Growing with Your Labradoodle

As the days pass, routines begin to feel familiar. What once seemed like chaos starts to make sense. Your Labradoodle learns to trust you, and you learn just how much you’re capable of.

Don’t worry if you haven’t done everything perfectly. What matters most is the care, consistency, and love you’re showing each day. That’s what builds a truly lasting bond.

Stick with the habits you’re building now. Groom regularly, feed at consistent times, and make playtime and training part of your daily rhythm. Every small choice adds up in ways you might not notice at first, but your pup definitely will.

And if you need support along the way, we’re here. Visit Oodle Pups for more tips, recommended products, and guidance designed just for Labradoodle and other Oodle families.