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What You Need Before Bringing Your Bernedoodle Puppy Home

Bringing home a puppy is much easier when the basics are ready before pickup day. This is the practical list we recommend to OAP families for feeding, crate training, grooming, safety, travel and the first weeks at home.

You do not need to buy everything on this page. Some items are true essentials, while others are products we like because they can make puppy life easier. Always choose the correct size for your puppy and supervise toys, chews and equipment.

OAP feeding standard: Feed puppies 3 meals per day until 6 months old. The amount is individualized to the puppy and food.

BEFORE YOUR PUPPY COMES HOME — START WITH THESE

Pet Insurance: Planning for the Unexpected

We encourage our puppy families to explore pet insurance before bringing their new companion home. It’s worth planning ahead for unexpected veterinary expenses and choosing coverage that fits your family’s needs and budget.

Trupanion is one option to consider. Review the policy’s coverage, deductible, waiting periods, and exclusions directly with the insurer before enrolling. Trupanion’s terms and availability vary by location.

Families are welcome to choose their preferred insurance provider. Pet insurance is separate from O’Hearon’s Amazing Puppies’ two-year health guarantee.

ACTIVATE GO HOME OFFER

Feeding & Treats

High-quality puppy food recommended by O’Hearon’s Amazing Puppies

Food

Choose a high-quality puppy food that supports healthy growth, digestion, skin, and coat development. Keeping your puppy on a consistent diet during the transition home can also help reduce stomach upset.

SHOP PRODUCT

Small training treats for Bernedoodle puppies

Training Treats

Small, soft training treats are perfect for rewarding good behavior without filling your puppy up too quickly. Choose treats your puppy loves and keep pieces tiny during frequent training sessions.

Slow feeder bowl for Bernedoodle puppies

Slow Feeder

A slow feeder helps puppies who tend to eat too quickly by encouraging them to take their time. It can also turn mealtime into a little extra mental enrichment.

- Canine probiotic supplement for puppy digestive support

Probiotic

A quality canine probiotic can help support healthy digestion, especially during changes in food, environment, routine, or stress. Use a product made specifically for dogs and follow the manufacturer or veterinarian’s directions.

Stainless steel water bowl for puppies

Bowls

A sturdy stainless steel or easy-to-clean water bowl is ideal for everyday use. Fresh water should always be available, and bowls should be cleaned regularly.

Crates, Beds & Home Setup

Wire puppy crate for safe sleep and crate training

Crate

A properly sized crate gives your puppy a safe place to rest, sleep, and learn independence. A crate with a divider is especially useful because it can grow with your puppy.

Comfortable washable dog bed for Bernedoodle puppies

Bed

A comfortable dog bed gives your puppy a designated place to settle outside the crate. Washable covers are especially helpful during the puppy stage.

Absorbent puppy pads for potty training

Puppy Pads

Puppy pads can be useful for temporary indoor potty management, apartment living, travel, or emergencies. If your long-term goal is outdoor potty training, use them strategically so they do not become confusing.

Soft washable crate mat for puppies

Crate Mat

A washable crate mat adds comfort without creating too much bulk. Choose one that is durable, easy to clean, and sized to fit the crate properly.

Cooling mat for Bernedoodles

Cooling Mat

A cooling mat gives your puppy a comfortable place to relax during warm weather or after play. It can be especially helpful for Bernedoodles, who may get warm under their thicker coats. Choose a durable, pet-safe mat and always make sure your puppy still has access to fresh water and a cool indoor space.

Indoor puppy safety gate

Puppy Gate

A simple way to create safe boundaries in your home while your puppy is learning routines and house rules

Indoor puppy playpen for safe supervised play

Exercise Pen

A playpen gives your puppy a safe, controlled space for play, rest, and short periods of independence. It is especially helpful during potty training and while your puppy is still learning household boundaries.

- Pet-safe enzymatic cleaner for puppy accidents

Enzyme Cleaner

An enzymatic cleaner helps break down the odor-causing residue left behind after potty accidents. This is important because lingering smells can encourage puppies to return to the same spot.

Walking, Safety & Travel

Adjustable puppy harness for walks and training

Harness

A comfortable, properly fitted harness can make walks and outings easier while your puppy is learning leash manners. Look for one that allows natural movement and does not rub behind the legs.

SHOP PRODUCT

Fi GPS dog collar for puppy location and activity tracking

Fi Collar

The Fi GPS collar provides an added layer of safety by allowing you to monitor your dog’s location and receive escape alerts. We especially value GPS tracking for guardian dogs, but it should always be used in addition to secure containment, a microchip, and an ID tag.

Collapsible travel water bowl for puppies

Travel Water Bowl

A collapsible or portable water bowl is perfect for walks, road trips, puppy classes, and travel days. Keeping fresh water available is especially important during warm weather and longer outings.

Dog waste bags for puppy cleanup

Poop Bags

A basic everyday essential for walks, outings, and keeping cleanup quick and easy.

Lightweight leash for Bernedoodle puppy training

Leash

A standard 6-foot leash is a great everyday choice for walks, potty trips, and basic training. It gives your puppy enough freedom to explore while still keeping them safely connected to you.

Pet microchip for permanent identification

Microchip

Microchip Identification

A microchip provides permanent identification to help reunite lost pets with their families. Each chip contains a unique identification number that veterinarians and animal shelters can scan to locate the owner's registered contact information. Microchips do not provide GPS tracking, so keeping your registration information current is essential. We recommend microchipping every puppy for an added layer of lifelong protection.

Personalized dog ID tag for puppy safety

ID Tag

An ID tag with your current phone number gives someone a quick way to contact you if your puppy is ever separated from you. Keep the information updated whenever your contact details change.

Adjustable collar for Bernedoodle puppies

Collar

A lightweight, properly fitted collar is useful for everyday identification. Check the fit frequently as your puppy grows.

Dog car safety restraint for puppy travel

Car Restraint

A secure car restraint or travel crate helps keep your puppy safer while riding in a vehicle. Proper restraint also reduces distractions for the driver.

Air Tag for Bernedoodles

Dog AirTag

An AirTag in a secure collar holder offers an additional way to help locate your dog through Apple’s Find My network. Location updates depend on nearby compatible devices. Use alongside a registered microchip and ID tag.

Grooming, Training & Care

Baxter & Bella online puppy training program for new puppy families

BAXTER & Bella

Baxter & Bella is an online puppy-training program that gives families step-by-step guidance for raising and training a puppy at home. It can be especially helpful for first-time puppy owners who want structured lessons on crate training, potty training, basic manners, socialization, leash skills, and building a strong foundation from the beginning.

Gentle puppy shampoo for Bernedoodle grooming

Shampoo

Choose a gentle, dog-safe shampoo that cleans without stripping the natural oils from your puppy’s skin and coat. A mild formula is especially helpful for puppies with sensitive skin.

Puppy toothbrush for routine dental care

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Starting dental care early helps your puppy become comfortable with having their mouth handled. Use a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for pets.

Stuffable dog toy for treats and enrichment

Stuffable Enrichment Toy

Great for crate time, teething, and keeping puppies busy with treats or food inside.

Slicker brush for Bernedoodle coat care

Slicker Brush

A long-pin slicker brush is one of the most important grooming tools for a Bernedoodle. It helps remove loose hair, tangles, and early mats before they become harder to manage.

Dog detangling spray for Bernedoodle coat care

Detangling Spray

A dog-safe detangling spray helps loosen tangles and makes regular brushing easier. Use as directed with a slicker brush and metal comb to keep your Bernedoodle’s coat manageable between grooming appointments.

Dog training clicker for positive reinforcement

Training Clicker & Treat Bag

A clicker can make training clearer by marking the exact moment your puppy does the right thing. It works especially well when paired with small treats and short, positive sessions.

Interactive puzzle feeder for dogs

Puzzle Feeder

Helps slow down mealtime while giving your puppy a little mental enrichment at the same time.

Metal grooming comb for Bernedoodle coats

Metal Comb

A stainless steel comb is the best way to check whether brushing has reached all the way through the coat. After brushing, the comb should glide smoothly from the skin to the ends without catching.

Dog nail trimming tool for puppy grooming

Nail Tool

Regular nail care helps keep your puppy comfortable and supports healthy movement. Clippers or a nail grinder can both work well, especially when introduced gradually and positively.

Puppy-safe chew toys for play and teething

Chew Toys

Puppies need safe outlets for chewing, teething, play, and mental enrichment. Keep a variety of puppy-safe toys and chews available so you can redirect unwanted chewing toward appropriate options.

GPS tracking is an additional safety layer and does not replace secure containment, a registered microchip, a collar with a legible ID tag, or responsible supervision.

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