Bringing home your Bernedoodle Puppy
Every Rosedale Bernedoodle puppy goes home with a complete package to give them the very best start in life:
Microchip identification (optional, available upon request)
Age-appropriate vaccinations to protect their health
Dewormed to ensure a clean start
Full veterinary exam & health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
A blanket with mom and littermates’ scent to ease the transition home
A small starter bag of food to keep your puppy on the same diet
Our written health guarantee for peace of mind
Outdoor potty training foundation, started before going home
Lifetime breeder support – guidance and advice whenever you need it
✨ Important Note:
All puppies are sold on a non-breeding contract. We may consider selling to approved, responsible breeders with an additional fee.
Puppy Essentials Checklist
Before bringing home your Bernedoodle puppy, make sure you have these items ready:
Crate – Recommended size: 42”L x 28”W x 30”H. We provide a blanket with Mama’s scent to help your puppy transition. (Amazon crates cost around $85.)
Food & Water Bowls – Choose glass or stainless steel (plastic can leach chemicals). Never use hose water.
Leash – A basic, durable leash for daily walks and training.
Collar or Harness – Puppies typically weigh 10–15 lbs at pickup; size small usually fits best. We prefer a full-body harness. Buy a few collars to try, and return what doesn’t work.
Toys – Chewy, squeaky toys are ideal for stimulation and teething relief.
Cleaning Supplies – Paper towels, wet wipes, and a disinfectant spray for accidents.
Food – See feeding guidelines below.
Feeding Your Bernedoodle Puppy
Puppies are fed Canadian Naturals Red Meat Blend kibble, rotating proteins (fish, lamb, pork) along with a probiotic. We avoid chicken due to allergy risks.
Recommended: grain-free until 6 months, then transition to grain-inclusive.
We provide a small starter bag of food for easy transition.
Soft stool (“soft serve”) is common during the first week from stress, too many treats, or overfeeding. It usually resolves as your puppy adjusts.
Most common allergies: chicken (#1) and grain (#2).
Puppies need LOTS of fresh, cold water — heavy stainless pans are ideal to prevent tipping.
We feed our puppies three times per day until they are ready to go to their new homes. Once your puppy is with you, please follow the feeding guidelines provided on your chosen dog food’s packaging for appropriate portion sizes.
It’s very important to keep your Bernedoodle on the lean side for healthy growth and joint development. Overweight puppies/dogs are more prone to health problems later in life, so always err on feeding slightly less rather than too much. A lean, well-conditioned Bernedoodle will grow stronger and live a healthier life.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is strongly recommended by both breeders and veterinarians, and we highly encourage every family to consider it. Insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring that if anything unexpected happens to your Bernedoodle puppy, you’ll have financial support for veterinary care.
There are many excellent providers to choose from, including Trupanion, Pets Plus Us, Fetch, and Costco. Each offers different plans and coverage levels, so we recommend doing your own research to find the best fit for your family and lifestyle.
For the best protection, please have your pet insurance active from the very first day you bring your Bernedoodle puppy home. This way your new companion is covered right from the start.
Health & Identification
Puppies are dewormed 3 times before going home.
Each receives their first vaccination, with records included.
Microchip identification (optional) can be implanted, with number recorded in the vet booklet.
Always keep a collar and ID tags on your puppy.
Training, Obedience & Socialization
It is strongly recommended that you enroll your Bernedoodle puppy in at least one level of obedience training. A well-mannered dog is not only a pleasure to live with, but also the responsibility of every owner.
Why Training Matters
Basic training builds confidence, strengthens the bond with your puppy, and creates good habits from the start.
Bernedoodles are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them quick learners when training is consistent and positive.
Even a single round of obedience classes can set the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior.
Training Resources
We begin early socialization and basic manners with your puppy before they go home, so many are already well-adjusted when they join their families.
There are excellent online resources, including YouTube tutorials with step-by-step guidance.
We personally recommend Baxter & Bella, an affordable online dog training program packed with expert lessons, live sessions, and practical tools for new puppy parents.
By investing in early training, you’ll help your Bernedoodle grow into a happy, well-behaved companion for years to come.
Potty Training Your Bernedoodle Puppy
At Rosedale Bernedoodles, we begin potty training with pine wood pellets and pea gravel, so your puppy already has a strong foundation before coming home.
Setting Up a “Poop Pit”:
For families with yards, we recommend creating a simple, designated potty area:
Build a 5 ft x 5 ft box using 2x8 lumber.
Fill it with pine pellets or pea gravel (4 bags of pellets, around $7/bag, from most farm supply stores).
Scoop out solids regularly to keep it clean.
Because your Bernedoodle puppy is already accustomed to pellets and pea gravel, they’ll naturally continue to use this area. The biggest benefit is keeping your yard free of scattered waste.
Apartment & Condo Living
If you live in a townhouse or condo, use a rubber boot mat with a raised edge on your balcony, filled with pellets. This provides a contained, hygienic potty spot for your puppy.
Pro Tips
Rain & weather: Cover pellet areas, as rain causes them to break down quickly. Pea gravel is a longer-lasting option.
Transitioning: Over time, you can mix in bark mulch if desired.
Consistency: Guide your puppy to the same spot every time to reinforce good habits.
With consistency and a designated potty area, most families find Bernedoodle housebreaking to be smooth and stress-free.
Exercise Guidelines for Your Bernedoodle Puppy
Your Bernedoodle puppy is encouraged to enjoy plenty of free outdoor time. Regular, supervised play in a safe, dog-friendly area is essential for building healthy muscles, developing coordination, and supporting mental stimulation.
Safe Exercise Practices
Choose activities that match your puppy’s age, growth stage, and individual abilities.
Bernedoodles thrive on outdoor exercise and need daily movement to stay happy, balanced, and physically fit.
A fenced yard is ideal, providing both safety and convenience for supervised playtime.
What to Avoid
To protect developing bones and joints during the first year:
Do not force exercise such as jogging, long-distance running, or intense rough play.
Limit stair use as much as possible.
Avoid jumping from couches, beds, or vehicles — high-impact landings can cause injury in growing puppies.
By focusing on gentle, age-appropriate activity, your Bernedoodle puppy will grow into a healthy, strong, and well-balanced adult dog.
Spay & Neuter Recommendations for Your Bernedoodle Puppy
We highly recommend spaying or neutering your Bernedoodle puppy when the time is right. Altered dogs are often calmer, easier to train, and less likely to roam — making them safer, healthier, and happier companions.
Why Spay or Neuter?
Helps reduce unwanted behaviors such as roaming and marking
May make your Bernedoodle more focused and trainable
Can lower risks of certain health issues later in life
Supports responsible pet ownership by preventing unplanned litters
When Should It Be Done?
There is a wide range of opinions on the best age for spaying or neutering, and it may vary depending on your puppy’s size, health, and lifestyle. We strongly recommend that you:
Research credible sources on spay/neuter timing
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best plan for your individual Bernedoodle
Every puppy is different, and your vet will help guide you to the safest and healthiest timing.
Vaccination Schedule & Safety for Your Bernedoodle Puppy
Your Bernedoodle puppy will have received their first set of vaccinations before going home, and you’ll be provided with complete veterinary records.
Puppy Vaccination Timeline
First vaccination: Completed before adoption
Second vaccination: 4 weeks after the first dose
Third vaccination: 4 weeks after the second (typically around 16–17 weeks of age)
Safety Precautions
Until your Bernedoodle has completed all three rounds of vaccines, they are not fully protected against serious contagious diseases such as parvovirus and distemper.
To keep your puppy safe during this period:
Avoid high-risk public areas such as pet stores, dog parks, rest stops, and veterinary office floors (where sick animals may have been).
Limit socialization to safe, controlled environments with healthy, vaccinated dogs.
A Note for Families
We understand you’ll be eager to show off your new puppy, but protecting their health in these early weeks is critical. With patience and caution, your Bernedoodle will soon be fully immunized and ready to explore the world safely.
Safe Treats & Teething Relief for Your Bernedoodle Puppy
Teething can be a challenging stage, but with the right chew options, your Bernedoodle puppy can stay comfortable and entertained.
Recommended Teething Options
Frozen carrots – A healthy, affordable option that soothes sore gums while giving your puppy something safe to nibble on.
Large raw bones – Excellent for teething relief and mental stimulation. Be sure the bone is at least twice the size of your puppy’s head to prevent choking hazards.
Important Tips
Always use raw bones — never cooked, as cooked bones can splinter and cause injury.
Source bones from butcher shops, which often carry fresh, safe options.
If a bone becomes messy, simply wash it, place it in a Ziploc bag, and refreeze for continued use.
By offering safe, natural chew items, you’ll help your Bernedoodle puppy through teething while protecting your furniture and giving them a positive outlet for their chewing instincts.
