Bringing a Golden Doodle puppy into the world is a journey filled with love, dedication, and a touch of magic. At Desert Ridge Doodles, we take pride in ensuring that every step of this process focuses on the health, happiness, and well-being of our puppies for their future families. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of raising a Golden Doodle puppy, from birth to adoption.

The Beginning: Preparing for a New Litter

The journey begins long before the puppies arrive. Careful planning goes into selecting parent dogs with excellent temperaments, health clearances, and desirable traits. Once a pairing is decided, the expectant dam receives top-notch care, including proper nutrition and supplements, regular vet visits, and a comfortable, stress-free environment.

The Waiting Game

Between when the mother and father are bred and the birth of their litter, there’s a 9 week span of time where we’re just waiting. These 9 weeks can feel like a lifetime, but we do our best to make it the best 9 weeks for the parents to be! Lots of outings, treats, snuggle time, and cleaning the whelping box in preparation for birth.

The Birth: Welcoming the Puppies

Golden Doodle puppies are born in a quiet and cozy space designed to ensure the dam’s comfort and the puppies’ safety. From the moment they’re born, the puppies are monitored closely to ensure they’re nursing well and thriving. It’s a heartwarming and awe-inspiring moment to witness their first breaths and tiny movements. My favorite part is seeing how loving and caring our dam’s are from the first moments of life.

The First Few Weeks: Building a Strong Foundation

During the first few weeks, the puppies are entirely dependent on their mother. We focus on:

Nutrition: Ensuring the mother has everything she needs to provide for her puppies.
Health Checks: Regular monitoring of the puppies’ weight and development.
Environment: Keeping the whelping area clean, warm, and secure.

This is also when early neurological stimulation (ENS) begins, which involves gentle handling exercises to promote resilience and adaptability as they grow.

Socialization: Exploring the World

Around three weeks of age, the puppies begin to open their eyes and ears, marking the start of their exploration phase. This is a critical time for socialization, and we introduce them to various sights, sounds, and textures to ensure they grow into well-adjusted dogs.

Some activities include:

Gentle interactions with people of all ages.
Exposure to common household noises like vacuums and televisions.
Playtime with age-appropriate toys to stimulate their senses.

Health and Wellness: Setting the Stage for a Healthy Life

Each puppy undergoes regular health checks to ensure they’re growing strong. They receive their first vaccinations, deworming treatments, and a thorough vet examination. Proper care during these early stages lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good health.

Training Basics: Setting Puppies Up for Success

Training starts early at Desert Ridge Doodles. We introduce the puppies to:

Crate Training: Teaching them to view their crate as a safe and cozy space.
Potty Training: Establishing good habits with a consistent routine.
Basic Commands: Familiarizing them with simple cues like “sit” and “come.”

This early training helps make the transition to their new homes smoother for both the puppies and their families.

Matching Puppies with Families

One of the most exciting parts of the journey is matching each puppy with the perfect family. We take the time to understand each family’s needs, lifestyle, and preferences to ensure a great fit. Personality assessments help us determine which puppy will thrive in which environment.

Adoption Day: The Beginning of a New Chapter

Adoption day is bittersweet but filled with joy. Each puppy leaves our care with a personalized care package, including:

Health records and vaccination details.
A familiar blanket to ease the transition.
A puppy go-home pack with a starter bag of dog food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, collar & leash.
Tips and resources for the new owners.

We also remain available to provide guidance and support to our adoptive families as they adjust to life with their new furry friend.

A Lifelong Bond

The journey doesn’t end at adoption—it’s just the beginning. Golden Doodles bring endless love, joy, and companionship to their families, and we’re proud to play a part in that special bond.

Raising a Golden Doodle puppy is a labor of love that we cherish at Desert Ridge Doodles. From their first moments to the day they meet their forever family, every step is guided by our commitment to producing healthy, happy puppies. If you’re ready to start your own journey with a Golden Doodle, we’d love to help you find your perfect match!

The Journey of a Desert Ridge Doodle Puppy: From Birth to Adoption