King Bernedoodle Puppy Checklist: Everything to Have Ready Before Go-Home Day

If you have a King Bernedoodle puppy coming home soon — first of all, I'm so excited for you. These dogs are the Goldilocks of dogs. Not too big. Not too small. Just right. I want go-home day to feel as smooth and joyful as possible for your whole family.

This checklist is built around the King Bernedoodle's expected adult size of 25–35 pounds, so you're not buying things that are too small in three months or too big to ever be useful. And your puppy isn't arriving as a blank slate. Before they leave us, our puppies have started litter-box potty training, outdoor potty breaks, crate time, car rides, daily handling, gentle baths, and nail clips.

Every family gets our puppy go-home packet, and I'm always happy to answer questions after your puppy comes home. You're not figuring this out alone.

Your King Bernedoodle Puppy Supplies Checklist

You don't need every gadget out there. You need the right things.

Crate, Bed, and Potty Setup

Buy for adult size now. A crate around 30 inches long is a reasonable starting point for a 25–35 pound dog, but double-check the manufacturer's sizing chart for the crate you choose. Get one with a divider so you can make the space smaller while your puppy is young — just big enough to stand, turn around, and lie down. A too-big crate gives a puppy room to use one corner as a bathroom.

• Adult-size crate with a divider panel

• Comfortable crate-safe bedding

• Litter box or indoor potty setup if you want a bridge during the transition

• Enzyme cleaner for accidents — regular household sprays don't fully break down the odor, and your puppy's nose will find that spot again

Food, Bowls, and Everyday Essentials

Start with the exact food your puppy has already been eating. Changing food during an already-big transition week is a recipe for upset tummies. If you want to switch later, do it gradually. My guide to feeding a King Bernedoodle walks you through the details.

• The food your puppy has been eating (your go-home packet will specify)

• Food and water bowls

• A measuring cup or scoop to keep portions consistent

• Waste bags and cleanup supplies

Collar, Harness, Leash, and ID

A properly fitted collar or harness and a lightweight leash are must-haves from day one, even before your puppy is going on walks. Have an ID tag with your current phone number ready before you pick up your puppy, and make sure the microchip registration has your up-to-date contact information.

• Collar or harness sized for a young puppy (you'll size up as they grow)

• Lightweight leash

• ID tag with your current contact information

• Microchip registration confirmed with your details

Chews, Toys, and Grooming Tools

King Bernedoodles need daily brushing and a professional groom about every 2–4 months. It becomes routine quickly, and starting young makes everything easier. Beginning week three, we do a simple 10-step handling process daily with each puppy so they learn to be compliant with being touched. Your kids will thank you, your groomer and your Vet will thank you.

The two tools you need at home are a slicker brush and a metal comb. For the full routine, see my King Bernedoodle grooming guide, and for the products I like, check our favorite puppy products page.

• Slicker brush

• Metal comb

• Puppy-safe chew toys to redirect normal chewing

• Toys for supervised play and enrichment

Puppy-Proof Your Home Before Your Puppy Arrives

Create a Safe Puppy Zone

Don't give your puppy the run of the house right away. A puppy with too much freedom gets into trouble and gets overwhelmed. Pick one easy-to-supervise area and use your crate, baby gates, and your own presence to keep things contained. Decide before go-home day where your puppy will sleep, eat, and go potty, so you're not making those calls at 11 p.m. on the first night.

Your puppy has already had a start on crate training with us. Build on it consistently and it pays off fast. My King Bernedoodle puppy training guide is a great next step.

Remove Common Household Hazards

Get down on your hands and knees and look at your home from puppy level. Before your puppy arrives, take care of:

• Electrical cords and loose strings within reach

• Cleaning products and medications in low or accessible cabinets

• Chocolate, grapes, onions, and any accessible trash

• Small objects that could be swallowed — kids' toys, hair ties, coins

• Houseplants that may be toxic if chewed

Plan for the First Ride and First Night

Depending on where you live, you might pick up your puppy from our home in South Jordan, fly into the Salt Lake City airport and meet me there, or use a flight nanny who flies in-cabin with your puppy to your local airport — I'm happy to recommend a few. However your puppy arrives, have your car ready: crate or carrier secured, a blanket, and a plan for the drive.

The first night is usually the hardest. Your puppy may cry, and that's normal. Keep the crate close, stick to a calm routine, take them out for potty breaks, and remember that consistency matters more than perfection. For what to expect as your puppy settles in, see my guide to the first year with a King Bernedoodle.

Book the Vet Visit and Plan Safe Socialization

Schedule the Next Vet Appointment Before Go-Home Day

This is SO IMPORTANT — don't wait until your puppy is home to book it. We deworm every two weeks starting at 3 weeks old, and our vet gives first vaccinations at around 6 weeks. Your puppy will need their next shots at around 9–10 weeks while living with you, and vet schedules fill up. Bring your go-home packet and health records to that appointment.

Keep Socialization Safe Until Vaccines Are Complete

Until your puppy has had all their shots, including rabies:

• No dog parks

• No walks

• No paws on the floor at the vet or anywhere other dogs frequent

You can still socialize your puppy — and you should. Carry them or use a stroller to take them to new places, let calm, healthy people visit, and introduce new sounds and surfaces at home. The goal is a puppy who grows up knowing the world is safe, people are kind, dogs are friendly, and they can do hard things.

You don't have to have everything perfect. Reach out anytime with questions. And if you're still planning, browse our upcoming King Bernedoodle litters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate should I buy for a King Bernedoodle puppy?

Buy for adult size — typically 25–35 pounds for a King Bernedoodle. A crate around 30 inches long is a reasonable starting point, but verify against the manufacturer's sizing chart. Most important: use a divider so you can make the space smaller while your puppy is young.

What should I buy before bringing home a new puppy?

An adult-size crate with a divider, bedding, bowls, the food your puppy has been eating, a collar or harness, a lightweight leash, an ID tag, confirmed microchip registration, a slicker brush, a metal comb, puppy-safe chews, enzyme cleaner, and any puppy-proofing supplies your home needs.

When should I schedule my King Bernedoodle puppy's first vet appointment?

Before your puppy comes home. Our puppies get their first vaccinations at around 6 weeks, and the next shots are due around 9–10 weeks — right when your puppy will be with you. Call as soon as you know your go-home date, and bring your puppy's health records.

Follow along on Instagram @wonderful_world_doodles to see our current puppies.