Teaching a puppy their name is one of the first things it will learn! It’s easy, fun, and it will help you train your puppy in the future.

Teaching a puppy their name—

1. Get a handful of small soft treats. We love pupford.

2. Make sure there are no distractions in the area.

3. Put the treat near your eye and say the dogs name in a happy tone.

4. As soon as your dog looks at you mark the behavior with “Yes!”

5. Give the puppy a treat + praise.

6. Wait for the dog to look away and say it’s name again. Reward with treats.

7. Repeat! Repeat! Have another family member try and add distractions!

It’s important to keep it a positive game. Give it a try!

It’s Easter season and every dog deserves an Easter Basket full of goodies! We've hunted down the best dog-approved goodies that will provide hours of fun on Easter Sunday.

Dog Cookies: Spoil your pup with the CUTEST dog cookies. Wufers makes them look so good that you’ll want to eat them!! They are healthy and safe ingredients for your dog. They even have a DIY cookie box that you can decorate the cookies. We had so much fun doing this with my kids. Watch it here.

Carrot Toy: Durable chew toy that has fun textures for your dog. It helps reduce anxiety and boredom and even helps clean their teeth.

Bunny: Saw this bunny and had to get it! I mean… every dog needs a stuffed animal to get in their basket.

Easter Bandana: You know how much we love Doodledoodanas! They have the cutest spring prints.

Poop Bag Holder: Classic poop bag that attaches perfectly to any leash.

Groov: The Groov has endless possibilities! It attaches to your puppy's wire crate to make crate training easy by encouraging licking and reducing stress. It can also be a frozen popsicle mold. We love making our own healthy dog treats to put in the mold.

As a Goldendoodle owner, you want to give your furry friend the best treats possible. When it comes to treats, you have two options: store-bought or homemade. Both have their own pros and cons, so it's important to weigh your options and decide which the best choice is for you and your Goldendoodle. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Store-Bought Treats

Store-bought treats are pre-packaged dog treats that you can purchase from a pet store, supermarket, or online retailer. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, including soft treats, crunchy treats, and everything in between. Many store-bought treats are formulated to meet specific dietary needs, such as low-calorie or grain-free options, and contain all the essential nutrients that your dog needs to thrive.

Store-bought treats offer convenience to pet owners, as they are readily available and easy to purchase. They also provide a wide variety of options, making it easy to find something that your dog will enjoy. However, there are some downsides to store-bought treats. They can be more expensive than homemade treats, especially if you opt for premium brands. Some store-bought treats also contain low-quality ingredients, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors that may not be the best for your dog's health. Additionally, when you buy store-bought treats, you have no control over the ingredients that are used, which means that you cannot choose treats that are free from specific allergens or preservatives.

Cons:

• Cost: Store-bought treats can be more expensive than homemade treats, especially if you choose premium brands.

• Quality Control: Some store-bought treats contain low-quality ingredients, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors that can be harmful to your dog.

• Lack of Control over Ingredients: When you buy store-bought treats, you have no control over the ingredients used, which means you can't choose treats that are free from specific allergens or preservatives.

• Overconsumption: Store-bought treats can be highly palatable, which means that dogs may overconsume them and gain weight.

• Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Some dogs may have allergies or dietary restrictions that require a special type of treat that cannot be found in stores.

 Pros:

• Convenience: Store-bought treats are easy to find and purchase. They can be found in pet stores, supermarkets, and online retailers, making them a convenient option for busy pet owners.

• Wide Variety: Store-bought treats come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, so you can find something that your dog will love.

• Nutritional Value: Many brands of store-bought treats are formulated to meet specific dietary needs and contain essential nutrients that your dog needs to thrive.

• Ready to Eat: Store-bought treats are usually ready to eat right out of the bag, which can be helpful if you're on-the-go.

• Long Shelf Life: Store-bought treats have a longer shelf life than homemade treats, which means that you can buy them in bulk and save money in the long run.

Homemade Treats

Homemade treats are dog treats that you can make in your own kitchen using a variety of ingredients. When you make your own treats, you have complete control over the ingredients that you use, which allows you to choose high-quality, nutritious ingredients that are safe and healthy for your dog. Homemade treats can be customized to suit your dog's individual tastes and dietary restrictions, making them a great option for dogs with food allergies or other dietary concerns.

Making your own treats can be a fun and rewarding activity for both you and your dog, and it allows you to bond with your pet while providing them with a tasty and nutritious snack. There are many different recipes and ideas available online or in pet care books that can help you create homemade treats that are both delicious and healthy for your dog. While making your own treats can be time-consuming and may require more effort than buying pre-made treats, the benefits of knowing exactly what your dog is eating and tailoring the ingredients to their needs can be well worth it.

Cons:

• Time-consuming: Making treats at home can be a time-consuming process, particularly if you are making them from scratch.

• Limited shelf life: Homemade treats typically have a shorter shelf life than store-bought treats, so you may need to make them more frequently.

• Lack of variety: Homemade treats may be limited by the ingredients you have on hand, which could mean a lack of variety for your pet.

• Inconsistent results: Homemade treats may not always turn out the way you want them to, particularly if you are experimenting with new recipes.

• Food safety: If you are not careful with food safety practices, homemade treats could pose a risk of foodborne illness for your dog. It's important to follow safe food handling procedures and store the treats properly.

Pros:

• Customization: With homemade treats, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. You can tailor the treats to your dog's taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

•   Quality control: You know exactly what is going into the treats, and can ensure they are made with high-quality, nutritious ingredients.

• Cost-effective: Homemade treats can be less expensive than store-bought treats, particularly if you buy ingredients in bulk or use leftovers from your own meals.

• Freshness: Homemade treats are made fresh and do not contain preservatives, which can be beneficial for your dog's health.

• Bonding experience: Making treats for your dog can be a fun bonding experience, allowing you to spend quality time together and show your pet how much you care.

In conclusion, both store-bought and homemade treats have their benefits and drawbacks when it comes to treating your Goldendoodle. Store-bought treats offer convenience, a variety of options, and nutritional value, but can be expensive and have questionable ingredients. Homemade treats are cost-effective, customizable, and offer quality control, but can be time-consuming and limited in variety.

At AltPet.net, we understand the importance of choosing the right treats for your Goldendoodle, and we offer a wide range of options to help you make the best choice for your pet. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade treats, you can be sure that your Goldendoodle will love that treats.

The choice between store-bought and homemade treats ultimately depends on your personal preferences and your dog's dietary needs. If you're looking for convenience and a wide variety of options, store-bought treats may be the best choice for you. However, if you're concerned about the quality of ingredients and want to customize your dog's treats to suit their specific needs, homemade treats may be the way to go.

Regardless of which option you choose, always make sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that the treats are safe and nutritious for your dog. Also, remember to give treats in moderation to avoid overfeeding and to maintain your dog's overall health and well-being. With a little bit of research and effort, you can provide your Goldendoodle with delicious and nutritious treats that will make them wag their tail with joy!

Socializing a puppy safely is an important part of the process of raising a happy, healthy, and well-balanced dog. Lets go over why socializing is important, when to start, and how to do it correctly.

Why Socialize Your Puppy?

“Your dog’s brain is most capable of processing and accepting new experiences between 3 and 14 weeks old.”

During a puppy’s first three months of life, they will experience a socialization period that will permanently shape their personality. Gently and carefully exposing them to people, places, sounds, and situations makes a great difference in the dog they will become.

When to socialize your puppy?

When you get a puppy from a responsible breeder, the socialization process should start before you even bring your dog home. Gentle handling by a breeder in the first several weeks of your puppy’s life is helpful in the development of a friendly, confident, and well balanced dog. Breeders can do so much to begin the socialization process. Here at MLF we do Neurological Training, Scent Training, sound training, and so much more to ensure the puppy is off to a good start.

As soon as you bring your puppy home you should continue socializing.

How to SOCIALIZE your puppy?

Introduce puppy to new environments, sounds, and people

It is crucial that your puppy is socialized safely with people (young and elderly), sounds, places, vehicles, animals, and other environments. Some fun socializing ideas include: go to a friends house, listen to our sound training playlist, go for a drive, meet a young and old person, and someone in a wheelchair. Think of it as fun game! Here’s a checklist that we send home with our puppy families.

Keep it brief and fun

It’s important to keep outings and socializing brief and fun! Give your puppy plenty of treats and positive reinforcement for good behavior. The best way to socialize a puppy is to avoid frightening experiences as your puppy learns what’s normal and safe. Puppies’ minds are very impressionable, especially during the puppy socialization period. Bad experiences can make as much of an impact as good ones. An encounter with an aggressive dog, for instance, could leave your puppy with a phobia of other dogs that can be very difficult to overcome.

Challenge them

Once your puppy is fully vaccinated and cleared by the vet you can now move outside of their comfort zone and expand the amount of new experiences it will have. Take them to dog friendly stores, over to a friend’s house for a doggy playdate, on different streets in the neighborhood, etc.

Safely exposing your puppy to all the world has to offer will set them up for a successful happy life. Begin today and start going down our “Puppy Socialization Guide”. Happy socializing!

Christmas is around the corner and we have rounded up some of our favorite dog finds!!

Saranoni Pet Blanket- If you’ve been following us, you know how much we love Saranoni!! We own several blankets and even send home a small scented blanket with each of our puppies. They just recently launched their new plush pet blanket. We guarantee your pup will love it! Do yourself a favor and get a matching one for you too!

Pupford Treats- ONLY 3 ingredients! These treats are the perfect size for training or to top on kibble. We have tried other treat companies and some are too big, messy, and filled with junk. With Pupford treats, you know exactly what you’re giving your pup. The bag will last a long time as there are over 475 treats.

Benebone- I’m pretty sure we are Benebone’s biggest fan! We buy one for each of our puppies for when they go to their forever homes. This bone will keep them busy for hours because they are SO durable and last weeks. Our dogs go wild over the bacon and chicken flavors.

Pupwell Grooming Kit- Doodles need regular brushing, it is essential to their health and well-being! The Basic Grooming Kit will keep your dog clean, fluffy, and mat-free! Included is a slicker brush, de-mating comb, fine tooth comb, and metal comb. Want to save time and money at the groomers? Pupwell also offers an Ultimate Grooming Kit. Use code MLF to get 10% off.

Henry Clean- Nothing is worse than a stinky dog. This product will keep your dog smelling fresh 24/7. They have 3 scents and we can’t decide what one is our favorite. They smell THAT good!

Airtag Holder- This is absolutely brilliant and so important for your dogs safety! Get this Holder and Apple Airtag and you’ll never have to worry about loosing your dog. Watch this video to see how it works.

Holiday Bandanas- Keep your dog looking stylish all holiday season with a Christmas Forest Bandana or a FaLaLa Bohemian bandana. The Love Paw has us swooning over their holiday prints.

Furbo Camera- Are you curious what your dog does all day? With this camera you can know! Added bonus- you can talk to them through it and give them treats!

Shampoo- Helps so much with itching and keeps your dogs coat shiny and soft.

Poop Bags- Tired of struggling to grab a poop bag on walks? Meet DIGGS first-ever no-tear poop bag roll. When we say these are a game changer, we’re not kidding! Plus these make a great stocking stuffer. Use code MLF10 to save!

Lick Mat- Lick Mats have SOO many benefits. They reduce anxiety, help mental simulation, improve digestion, and a great way to keep your dog busy. They are dishwasher and freezer safe!

Paw Wax- This stuff protects your dogs paws from being dry and cracking. It is magic and the reviews are amazing!

Toy Organizer- Dog toys end up everywhere in our house so having a designated bin is the best thing to keep an organized house.

Training is an essential part of owning a dog. We teamed up with professional dog trainers at Cornerstone Dog Training to talk about all things dog training!

why is it important to train your dog?

Dog training is so vital to a dog and owner relationship. Boundaries make relationships thrive, and also help meet expectations. Dog training helps families and dogs live in a harmonious home.

What is your experience with training doodles?

“Doodle” breeds are on the rise, and we train a lot of them. In fact, a lot of our trainers are doodle owners themselves. It is no secret that certain breeds have been bred to do certain tasks. Golden retrievers, for example, were bred to hunt and retrieve. Poodles, were bred to be water wicking sport dogs. Both have amazing qualities, when bred together we see a variety of traits pull from both. One common trait we see pulling from the doodle gene pool is their eagerness to please. Sometimes, when a dog is eager to please, and they don’t understand the expectations, that’s where we see the anxiety because the rules aren’t clear. If your dog does have that anxiety, have no fear, dogs are survivors and once the boundaries are set, that anxiety fades.

What age should you start training?

The moment you get your dog home! Training is a lifestyle. There are many things you can do when your dog or puppy joins the family. We designed a program that helps you from day one get a dog of any age get through the first two weeks. As for professional training for puppies we recommend starting at 12 weeks old, there is a lot of patience and practice that goes into puppy training.

Dogs, at about 5 months (22 weeks) start to really grasp concepts. This is where the training gets really good. They are able to hold commands longer, with more distractions at greater distances.

online training program options

Kennel & Potty Training

Designed to train your dog from the moment they come home. This challenge trains them to be potty and crate trained in just 14 days!

Learn More

Puppy Training Course

Designed for puppies 8-22 Weeks. This 8 week course comes with step-by-step instructional videos, training book, and puppy package. This gives you and your puppy a foundation to build on. Use code MLF20 for 20% off.

Learn More

Chaos to Calm Course

At 5 months your puppy is ready for advanced training. This Online Program is 8 weeks and will help you navigate as your puppy is older. $700 off will be applied at checkout.

Learn more

in-person training programs

One-on-one

Meet with a personal dog trainer every week for a personal training session. This is a 10 week program that will take you through all of the commands, on a field trip, and through to puppy graduation.

Mention MLF in person for $200 off

801-837-6524

Board and Train

Don’t have time to do the initial work of training? This option is for you! Let the professionals take over.

Mention MLF in person for $200 off

801-837-6524

What types of things will a puppy learn from your program? 

The biggest thing that we teach is Focus. Focus kills chaos. We put that focus to work! Focus allows us to teach place (sitting on a pillow), sit, lay down, socialization, heel, and to wait at the door. By teaching these things with focus, that means we can ask the dogs to do these things for long periods of time, no matter what the distraction. Puppies have a lower mental celling than older dogs, so we really push learning to focus and adding in the distractions, distances and durations during our advanced course.

Why should people choose cornerstone as their dog trainer?

At Cornerstone Dog Training, we are here to serve you. We have put countless hours of effort, thought and heart into our program. We recognize that there are a lot of trainers out there, what we offer is guaranteed results and satisfaction. Nothing makes us happier than an “underdog” story, a good dog that seemed unmanageable, but in the end, both owner and dog were in harmony. We encourage you to consider training and hope you can see how it can bless your life.

MLF puppy families + followers get a discount!

So excited that Cornerstone is giving all of our families a special discount!!
For online puppy training use code MLF20 for 20% off. For puppies over the age of 5 months we reccomend the Chaos to Calm Course a $700 discount will be applied at checkoutf!

For in-person training: Mention MLF for $200 OFF!

What is included when you get a puppy a puppy from us? TLC Dog Food, Saranoni Scent Patch, Training treats, Benebone, Cow toy (resemble the farm they grew up on), Vaccination records + health certificate, and go home instructions. As a cherry on top, we offer a 2 year health guarantee and lifetime support!!

Is your dog’s birthday right around the corner? Our furry friends birthdays are worth celebrating!! Here’s a list of some fun gifts and treats they will enjoy.

Classy Bandana & Bows

Have your dog look in style on their birthday with some fun apparel. Cabbie (one of our previous puppies) has a discount. Use code: Cabbie15!

Dog Pad

Give the gift of comfort with this orthopedic dog pad that is made with high-quality memory foam. Both the cover and liner are fully removable and washable. This pad goes perfectly inside the Diggs crate too. We were able to snag a discount code for you! Use code MLF10 to save.

Homemade Cake

If you’re looking for a homemade treat for your pup’s birthday, check out this bone shaped cake mold + cake mix for $20! They have several different cake mixes to pick from: peanut butter, banana, pumpkin, and red velvet. Your dog will go wild over it.

Dog Ice Cream

Another fun treat your pup will love is ice cream! Puppy Scoops is an ice cream mix that you just add water to and freeze.

Birthday Toys

You can never go wrong with getting new toys! This fun birthday themed toy set is is only $14.99.

New Collar & Leashes

Having a birthday is always a great time to upgrade the collar and leashes.

Henry Spray

NOTHING is worse than a smelly dog! Henry Spray keeps your dog smelling fresh and clean 24/7. They have a few scents and we’re not exaggerating when we say they smell AMAZING.

Shoutout to all the dog moms out there!! It’s time to show our love and appreciation for all they do. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Mother’s Day, or just because, we’ve got some fun ideas for you.

Treat Maker: Perfect gift for the dog mom that loves being in the kitchen.
Dog Mom Hat: Fun everyday hat that goes great with anything.
Paw Print Necklace: A necklace to carry your fur baby close.
Pupwell Grooming Kit: Grooming your own dog creates such an amazing bond AND saves you $$. Use code: MLF10 to get a free waterproof apron + free Shipping. Add the apron to cart and it will be taken off at checkout.
Dog Slippers: Cozy slippers for the dog mom that loves being at home.
Dog Mom Stacked Beaded Bracelets: Make a statement with these stacked bracelets.
Cozy Sweatshirt: For the dog mom that loves being comfy.
Mug: Every dog mom needs a mug with their dog on it.. am I right?
Livin that Dog Mom Life T-Shirt: There is nothing like that Dog Mom Life so why not get her a T-shirt.
Customized Bandana’s: Make her melt by giving her a customized “Mama’s girl” or “Mama’s boy” bandana.
Dog Mom Essential Bag: Classy for the dark parks or running errands.

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and we have just the treat for you and your doodle to enjoy! It has 5 ingredients and is SO easy.

Ingredients:

1 Banana
1 Apple
1 Handful of Spinach
1 Cup Water
1/2 Plain Greek Yogurt

Directions:

Blend all together, pour it in the molds, and then place the molds in freezer. Once frozen serve to dog and ENJOY!

Cheers!! Tag us on instagram if you make them!

Check out more of our recipes here.

It’s always so fun and exciting bringing home a new puppy!! To make sure that your puppy receives the best puppy training possible, take some time to learn about those common mistakes that other owners have made. Knowing what NOT to do beforehand can save you so much frustration and time.

#1 Not starting training early on. Training should start the day you bring your puppy home. Start with the basic commands (sit, stay come) and find teaching opportunities. You can also look into a puppy trainer or puppy training classes for further help.

#2 Choosing not to crate train. In our experience, crate training is one of the most valuable assets in puppy training! It provides a safe place for them and also gives you a little break when you have to run errands or when you can’t monitor them. Make the crate a POSITIVE experience and give them a treat each time they go in! 

#3 Not socializing your puppy. Once your puppy comes home start socializing them with different sounds and people. Wait until they are ALL up to date on vaccines before introducing them with high traffic dog places. Introduce your pup slowly to new situations and keep it a positive experience. Teaching them to learn about the world at an early age is key to raising a well-balanced adult dog. 

#4 Not establishing a routine. Create a schedule and stick to it! Puppies love consistency and thrive when on a routine. Not been consistent to a schedule can lead to potty accidents and behaviors such as increased barking or nipping. Create a schedule early on so you can avoid the unnecessary stress.

Christmas is around the corner and we have rounded up some of our favorite finds!

The GoodPup Grooming Kit- A dog grooming kit that includes everything you need to groom your dog from home. The kit comes with step by step video demonstrations. This will save you trips to the groomer! If you use code MLF15 you will receive a free apron.

Henry Clean- Keep your dog smelling fresh 24/7. They just released 2 new scents and we can’t decide what one is our favorite. They smell SOOO good. Use code MLF20 to save!

Dog Macroons- A yummy and fancy treat for your pup! Perfect for stocking stuffer.

Holiday Bandana- Keep your dog looking stylish all holiday season. We love these bandanas because they snap instead of tie.

Dog Bed-Classy and comfortable dog bed that looks good in any room.

Leash- Love the look of this leash. You can’t beat Target!

Toy Organizer- Dog toys end up everywhere in our house so having a designated bin is the best thing.

Furbo Camera- So fun being able to spy on your dog when you aren’t home.

Best Bully Sticks- These sticks are a safe alternative to rawhide and will keep your pup busy for hours.

Poop Bags & Flashlight- Picking up poop in the dark is not fun. This bag carrier attaches to the leash and has a flashlight attached.

Triangle Tug- A toy for a fun game of Tug-of-war.

Dog Brush- If you have a doodle this brush is a must. It helps prevent matting.

Waste Dispenser- Stylish dispenser that can attach to anything.

Pup Culture Holder + Apple Airtag- This is absolutely brilliant! Never have to worry about loosing your dog. Watch this video to see how it works.

Paw Wax- This stuff protects your dogs paws from being dry and cracking. It is magic and the reviews are amazing!

Benebone- We are Benebone’s biggest fan! We buy one for each of our puppies for when they go to their forever home. This bone will keep them busy for hours.

Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is a procedure we do that helps puppies with their nose awareness and confidence. It enhances their ability to identify and react to scents. Similar to Early Neurological Stimulation, ESI is introduced at days 3-16 of a puppies life and is very benefical for their development.

During this curriculum, we expose them to a different scent each day. As we do this, we hold the puppy close to us, and let them smell each item. After this we then chart their reaction on their neonatal care chart. The reaction is considered to be positive when the puppy shows interest in the scent, moving his/her nose towards it. A negative reaction is recorded when the puppy tries to move away from the scent. If a puppy is neither interested or uninterested in the scent, this is considered a neutral reaction.

What are the benefits?

This procedure creates a more aware and alert dog, which in return makes an even better companion, service, and therapy dog. Many times with therapy and early service dog training, the dog’s scent abilities are a characteristic that is required. Studies have shown that stimulating puppies scent ability early on has been proven to dramatically increase their scent ability later in life. 

Here are a few examples of how dogs can help through their scent abilities—

• Nearly half of children with autism tend to run away or go missing. Many dogs are trained to follow the scent and can locate the child.

• Diabetic alert dogs are trained to detect low or high blood sugar levels by the smells in the air.

• Some dogs can even let an elderly person know that the stove has been left on, or even a gas leak.

Naturally some dogs have more of natural nose instinct compared to others. By doing this training and recording their reactions it helps us match the right pup with the right individual need.

You can read more about ESI or watch a short video at Avidog's website.

Sniffle Mat | Benebone | Suction Tug of War | Puzzle | Treat Feeder | Slow Feeder Bowl

Feeling guilty because you don’t have time to play with your dog? Or is it too hot to go hiking?

Here in Utah we are experiencing high heat and bad air quality with the fires so our dogs have been cooped up. Here is a list of mentally stimulating dog toys/activities to try! They should keep your pup occupied for a while!

Summer is here and so are the hot temperatures!! It’s important to keep our loyal companions in mind, especially when the weather gets hot and unbearable. Don’t sweat it — we’ve got what you need to help your dog stay cool and comfy.

1. Provide plenty of cold water. Whether you’re taking your dog on a hike or just playing in the back yard, it’s important to have cold water available and accessible. The Yeti dog bowl holds 64 oz and has a double coated wall that helps keep the water cool. If you’re not wanting to fill up the dog bowl frequently then you should get a dog water fountain. It holds 2.8 liters!!

2. Play in the water. If you are wanting to play in a pool, sprinkler, or even a lake we have the items for you.

Dog Skipping Stones | Dog Pool | Turtle Toy | Flying Squirrel | Sprinkler | Flamingo Toy

3. Give a summer hair cut. A doodle can benefit from having a summer cut. We love the teddy bear hair cut but during the summer months we ask for it a little shorter around the muzzle. Avoid shaving if possible to protect your dogs skin.

4. Make a strawberry pupsicle.

Ingredients:
5 strawberries
1/4 cup of plain greek yogurt
4 tbs water
1 tsp coconut oil

Directions:

1. Remove stalks off of strawberries
2. Put strawberries, greek yogurt, water, and oil into blender
3. Pour mixture into molds and freeze for 1-2 hours. We use the Groov for molds.

Make more of our dog friendly summer treats here!

5. Avoid the asphalt. Check the pavement for heat before taking your dog on a walk. Place your hand or bare foot on the surface for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you to keep your hand or foot on it then it is too hot for your them.

As breeders and dog lovers we are always trying to find products that our dogs will enjoy as well as products that will make our lives easier as dog owners. We complied a list that we LOVE, as well as some that other dog enthusiast recommended. We were able to snag some discount codes for you!

Dog Tested and Owner Approved Products

Ruff Swag Dog Trainer

Use code: MLF10 for a discount online and in-person training.

Diggs Revol Crate

Discount automatically applied at checkout.

Wild One Poop Bags

Besties Dog Tags

Use code: MLF15 for 15% off your purchase

Dog Water Bottle

Treat Maker

Bottle Attachment To Clean Paws

Outward Hound Life Jacket

Wobble Wag Giggle Ball

Poop Scoopers in Utah

Henry Dog Spray

Licking Mat

Are you getting ready to travel with your puppy on an airplane? Are you wondering what you need to know beforehand and what to bring? Traveling alone might seem overwhelming as is. That is why we are giving you a step by step guide on airline requirements, what products to bring and tips on flying with a puppy. 

How to fly with a puppy on an airplane

1. Do research on your airline + see what the requirements are.

Below are common airlines and their current requirements: 

Delta - Must be 8 weeks old.

American Airlines - Dogs must be 8 weeks old when traveling within the U.S. & Puerto Rico. 

Alaskan Airlines - Must be at least 8 weeks old. 

Southwest - Must be at least 8 weeks old. 

 Note: Airlines won’t transport animals that are violent, sick, or in physical distress. A responsible breeder should take the puppy to the vet prior to flying to get a detailed checkup and certificate.

2.     List your pet on your itinerary & pay fee

 All airlines have different pet fees. They vary between $125-200 per pet. You typically have to all the airline to get the puppy added to your ticket.

 3.     Bring/purchase items for the flight

·      Puppy carrier— You will want to purchase a carrier that will be able to go under the seat in front of you. Any standard approved airline carrier will work just fine based on the size of your puppy. The recommended dimensions for soft-sided carriers are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high. 

·      Leash & Collar— Use code MLF to save!

·      Puppy pads.  Put a pee pad inside the carrier in case the puppy goes to the bathroom. Always pack extra’s so you can replace them once they are dirty!! Just a reminder-do not take your new puppy into a designated dog area.

·      Puppy toy—  To help keep them entertained for the duration of the fight.

·      Scented blanket—MLF sends home every pup with scented blanket. 

·      Bag of Food— 2 hours prior to the flight we cut off all food and water to prevent accidents. In case the flight is delayed or you have a layover we recommend having some food on hand.

·      Collapsible bowl— Useful and convenient!

Flying with a puppy FAQ’s

How long should you wait to give your dog food or water before a flight? 

Wait around 2-3 hours prior to the flight. Depending on the duration of the flight you can give the puppy little ice cubes or a little water during the flight. Feed and give the puppy plenty of food and water when you get to your destination. 

 What can I do if my puppy gets anxious on the plane?  

Open up the carrier and let your pup see you, try petting it to calm it down.  The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Toy really helps provide comfort while traveling.  This toy is designed to provide comfort and helps relieve anxiety. The puppy comes with a pulsing heartbeat and a heat pack for an extra source of comfort.

Where do I take my dog to go to the bathroom at the airport? Is there a designated area? 

Don’t take your brand new puppy to a designated potty area. Bring a puppy pad and lay it down in a restroom or secluded area and let them go potty. 

 Can you get a puppy out of its carrier when you are on the plane? 

 It depends on the airline and flight attendants. Most of our puppy families have been able to get the puppy out of the carrier and comfort and hold it!

 What happens if my dog poops during the flight?

If your dog poops during the flight take the puppy and the carrier inside the plane bathroom. Grab the poop with a papertowl and flush it down the toilet. Throw away the pee pad in the garbage can and replace it with a new one! Easy Peasy!

Ear infections are one of the most common problems that are seen in dogs.  This is commonly seen in certain breeds who have floppy ears—doodles being one of them.  “Luckily, ear infections are easily treated and prevented” says TeAnna at Ruffledale Pet Resort and Spa who sees ear infections regulary. In this article we’ll cover causes of ear infections, symptoms, and treatment.

Causes Of Ear Infections In Doodles

There can be many causes that can contribute to a dog ear infection. Most commonly they are caused by moisture, yeast, allergies, bacteria, hormonal imbalances, inner-ear hair growth, ear mites, shape of the ears, swimming, and injury or foreign bodies. 

Many Goldendoodles have ear infections due to the structure of the ear. The long, hairy ears often prevent sufficient air flow inside the ear. These warm, damp and dark areas under the ear flaps can trap dirt and ear wax, which makes it easy for bacteria to spread.

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms

• Shaking head often

• Odor coming from ears

• Constant scratching of the ear, itchiness

• Swelling, or ear flaps filling with fluid

• Redness in the ear

• Discharge inside the ear (yellow, brown, black, or bloody)

• Crusty or irritated ears

• Pain and soreness

Preventing Ear Infections in Your Goldendoodle

The best way to prevent ear infections is to clean them. Below are a few simple steps on how to clean your doodle’s ear:

1. Get Ear Cleaner from the pet store or your vet.  This ear cleaner contains an antifungal and antibacterial ingredient to help prevent your Goldendoodle from developing an ear infection.

2. Grab a handful of cotton balls. These will be used to gently wipe out any ear cleaner from your dog’s ears. 

3. Use the cleaner and squirt into your Goldendoodle’s ear canal. As soon as you put the ear cleaner in your dog’s ear, they will want to shake this out.  You will want to hold on to their ear flap to prevent them from shaking everything right out.

4. Once the ear canal has the solution in it, place a cotton ball at the opening of your Goldendoodle’s ear. 

5. Gently massage the base of the ear.  This is helping break up any waxy and debris that is in your Goldendoodle’s ear. 

6. Gently use the cotton ball to wipe away any excessive ear cleaning that is coming out of your Goldendoodle’s ear. 

7. Continue this process a few times until there is no more brown waxy debris on the cotton balls.

8. After your Goldendoodle’s ears are clean, you can let them shake their ears.  This will help get any extra cleaner out of their ears. 

Do I Need to Go to the Vet for an Ear Infection?

Speak with your vet for proper advice for your dog. For mild ear infections it can often be treated by over the counter cleaning solution.

Shop what we have in our cabinet drawer:

Enzymatic Solution | Ear Wipes | Ear Cleaner | Cotton Balls

Teaching a puppy to learn about the world at an early age is very important in creating a well-balanced adult dog. Have you ever thought why some dogs are so calm around loud environments, while others look anxious and stressed?

If you think about it, we live in a world full of loud, new and unusual sounds. All of these sounds our dogs will encounter—from noises inside the home (such as the vacuum or dishwasher); to environments such as the dog parks (birds chirping or dogs barking); and the outside world (traffic, storms, fireworks). Teaching a puppy to be comfortable with all sorts of sounds is key to having a well balanced and behaved dog.

Research has shown that socializing and character development can start right when the puppy is born. Here at Matthews Legacy Farm (MLF) we have spent years researching to ensure our Goldendoodles are off to a great start and ready to adapt to new sounds and situations they will encounter with their forever families.

Did you know that puppies are born blind and deaf?

Puppies are born with both their eyes and ears sealed shut. For their first two weeks of life, newborn pups experience the world entirely through touch and smell. We start Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction at day 3 of age so they know human touch is a positive and safe experience. During the third week their eyes and ears open, giving tiny pups a whole new way to experience life. At this time is when we start sound training.

What is sound training?

Sound training is designed to help dogs get used to different noises that they will encounter. Here at MLF we start sound training and conditioning right when the puppies are 3 weeks of age up until they go to their forever families. Sounds on our Spotify playlist include: farm animals, baby cries, barking dogs, fireworks, grooming, kids playing, city traffic, vacuum cleaners, dish washer running, and many more.

As breeders, we highly suggest continuing sound training once the puppies go to their new homes so they can continue to get used to different sounds that they will encounter. Below is a video of one of our families that has continued the sound training. Meko and Milo are not anxious or stressed around the vacuum. Talk about AMAZING!

Is it too late to sound train my dog?

It is not too late to get your dog familiar with sounds! Sound Proof Puppy Training can help older dogs with existing fears such as fireworks, groomers, etc. Owners can help desensitize their dog to sounds and noise that they are frightened of and create a positive experience by offering praise or a treat during the training session. Visit our Spotify playlist for a variety of different sounds to help your adult dog.

Testimonials on how sound training has benefited our dogs and owners

“We are so happy to have found such experienced and knowledgable breeders. Meko and Milo do not budge when they hear the vacuum and can sleep through a storm. When they har our niece or nephew cry, they don’t run away; instead, they are very comforting. Even when we are on walks, they notice cars going by and might turn to see what it is, but they never seem anxious or nervous. It gives us peace of mind knowing our boys aren’t scared at every single noise they hear.” — Meko & Milo

“Sound training has been very beneficial for our puppy, Davis, and our family. Davis is a confident pup and is curious instead of being fearful in new surroundings and sounds. Sound training has been a huge benefit for our family especially because we live in a busy city with many loud sounds.” — Marina Kananova & Doodle Davis

“When we brought Tucker home, we had a 9 hour road trip to get back. I was nervous how he would do on the road, especially with road noises and busy rest stops. Seriously nothing phased this guy! Semi trucks, honking horns, barking dogs... nothing upset or even startled him. For the next few weeks being home with Tucker, I noticed how calm he was around other loud noises that normally startle my other dogs such as the blender, dishwasher, or vacuum. I also realized because he was so calm around noises, he was able to sleep anywhere easily during the day, which made crate training so much easier.”—Sarah Sheppard

“Maui does not react to anything such as the vacuum or the construction that’s been going on in our basement. Both pups for New Years weren’t jumpy during fireworks.” —Danielle Kuresa