We’ve put together a list of our favorite products for Bernedoodles owners (and all doodles owners, really) with the hope that you will be prepared and have everything you need in advance for your Beloved Bernedoodle! You can click on any of the images to be taken to the product to learn more or purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, which we then go and spend on more Amazon stuff for our dogs and puppies! 😂
NAP & SLEEP TIME
The Snuggle Puppy is such a great tool to have when you’re bringing home your puppy. It stays warm and simulates the sound of mom’s heartbeat! The Snuggle Puppy can make those first couple of weeks transitioning into a new home a lot easier for you and your new family member. I recommend that you sleep with it for a couple of nights before you give it to your puppy so that it can have your scent. 🙂 Click on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
Or click here for the Snuggle Puppy on Amazon.
We can’t recommend enough the benefits of crate training. We’ve including a couple of links with a comprehensive explanation on our “Puppyhood and Training” page. We love this affordable crate on Amazon because it grows with your puppy. There’s divider panel you can use while he or she is small. Move or take out the panel as your pup grows! For medium-sized Bernedoodles, please get the 36″ one; for standard- sized Bernedoodles, please get the 48″ one. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
By the time you pick up your Beloved Bernedoodle, he or she will have been litter box trained for at least four weeks. This means he or she has learned to keep a puppy/exercise/play pen of about 10′ or 12′ x 5′ clean and dry by going potty in their potty tray. (They may need a day or two to used to their new home/space.) We use potty trays as seen below, filled with pine pellets. We scoop out the powder (which the pellets become when they become wet) and poop with a kitty litter scooper. We DO NOT train on pee pads. Pee pads look and feel like area rugs, entrance rugs, and carpets, and can cause training confusion. Not only that, puppies can chew them up, causing a mess, and if they swallow the pieces, it can cause an intestinal obstructions. Click here on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
Petco, PetSmart, and Tractor Feed and Supply stores (such as Theresa’s or Kahoot’s) will have different options for litter for the potty trays such as recycled paper or alfalfa. Our Beloved Bernedoodles are used to going on Pine Pellet Litter. I would recommend sticking to this because they’re used to it, and puppies are very scent oriented/driven. Yes, you will need a big bag like this. 🙂 When the puppies poop or pee, you scoop it out with a kitty litter scooper. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
Durable, sturdy, and folds down flat when not in use, this Exercise Pen is where you’d put your puppy when you are unable to watch him or her like a hawk during those critical potty training weeks. (Don’t buy the cheaper wiry ones. Your puppy will find a way to escape in no time — believe me!) You’ll put the potty tray/litter box inside along with toys and his or her bed. This pen is especially helpful at night up to 12 weeks, or until they can show you that they can hold their pee in their crate for 8 hours.
Puppy Culture recommends to keep the puppy’s crate inside the pen, but with the crate door open so he or she can come in and out to sleep and to potty before you transition to full crate training, usually after your puppy is 12 weeks old. (I will say that many of my forever homes choose to go directly into crate training without the exercise pen setup/method. It’s totally up to you, of course!) Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
Many of my forever homes ask me for Dog Bed recommendations. Honestly, you can find a great and affordable one at Home Goods, Ross, or Marshall’s. Just make sure it looks durable with strong seams and always keep an eye on the bed to make sure your puppy hasn’t chewed a hole and is getting at the stuffing inside. My Beloved Bernedoodles seem to LOVE dog beds with raised sides, like this one from Amazon. Click here or on the photo below to view or to purchase:
GROOMING
Your Beloved Bernedoodle will be used to having his or her nails trimmed with clippers, then buffed with a puppy nail dremel, weekly. It’s recommended to keep that up so they’re used to it for the groomer and so you don’t get scratched by sharp puppy nails. We recommend these Dog Nail Trimmers with Safety Guard:
Here is the Puppy Nail Dremel that we use to then smooth and buff the puppies’ nails after we clip them. Clipping shortens them, but the dremel smooths them so they don’t scratch. Click here (or the photo below) to view it on Amazon or to purchase.
For regular brushing (we recommend every other day or weekly at least), this Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is awesome because the bristles have soft ends for sensitive skin, and then the bristles retract so you can collect the hair easily to dispose of it. Click here or on the photo below to view or to purchase.
Also, for more tips on how to care for your Beloved Bernedoodle’s hair, be sure to check out our “Doodle Hair Care” page!
It’s happens to the best of us… We get busy, and then we get behind on regular brushing, so we may discover mats on our doodle behind their ears or on their neck or the haunches. The Safari Pet Detangling Comb works well to break through stubborn mats. In conjunction with a little coconut oil, the mats will often come right out! Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
This tear-free Puppy Shampoo smells amazing and is extra gentle, paraben free, and pH balanced. It will clean your puppy without drying out the skin. This is the one I use for the puppies. I have it on auto-ship haha! In order to keep your puppy used to bathing, I recommend giving him or her a bath with warm water every other week, even if it’s just a face, feet, and fanny bath. 🙂 Click here or on the photo below to check it out or to purchase:
When your pup is older, Cowboy Magic Detangler & Shine is terrific to have on hand to stay ahead of mats and tangles in your sweet pup’s coat. Check out the many reviews — doodle owners swear by this detangler, and I do, too! Click on here the photo below to learn more or to buy:
For shampooing when your pup is an adult, GloCoat Conditioning Shampoo is an amaaaaaazing dog shampoo. It removes tangles, controls static, and conditions. It’s probably the best shampoo for doodle owners! Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
The Shelandy Pet Dryer is the BEST. With more than 10,000 positive reviews on Amazon, it’s an absolute game changer in getting your doodle dry after an at-home bath. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
I always keep Vet’s Best Ear Relief on hand. It’s a two-part system that we use regularly, and I really believe it is what has helped us to keep ear infections at bay. I love the natural ingredients! The wash soothes irritated, itchy ears, and is made with tea tree oil, witch hazel, and chamomile. The drying cream keeps dog ears free of excess moisture, controls odor, and is made with calendula and clove oil. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
I absolutely love this Portable Dog Paw Cleaner. Let’s face it, when your Bernedoodle has been running in the grass, dirt, or mud in your backyard or at the park, sometimes you simply do not want to do a full bath. Instead, just add a little water and doggy shampoo into the Mud Buster Dog Paw Cleaner, dip each paw in and dry them off. Bada-bing! You have a clean-footed pup that won’t track grime into your house. I’m telling you, this thing is a game changer. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
TRAINING & SAFETY
From the research, we believe that Puppy Culture’s early neurological stimulation (ENS) and socialization protocols are so critical for the first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life. This time period is key in shaping your puppy’s temperament, intelligence, problem solving, resilience, and likelihood to accept new situations, people, and objects without fear or avoidance. We do many of the recommendations that PC calls for in the first eight weeks that your Beloved Bernedoodle is here with us, and we highly recommend that you continue the program at home. The DVD set teaches you everything you need to know. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
Recommended Reading: Here are the two books I recommend for getting prepared for your puppy’s arrival and for great training tips: Puppy Brain by Kerry Nichols https://amzn.to/3WLZmca and The Dog Training Revolution by Zak George https://amzn.to/4or71bO
Training Treats – I’m going to let you in on a little secret: In the first six months or so of your pup’s life, his or her own kibble will work great as training rewards — and you already know that the kibble won’t upset his or her tummy. However, when your pup transitions to needing a more high value treats (because he or she stops responding with excitement to the kibble as treats) these treats are great because they are grain free and chicken free, and only ONE ingredient, so they’re easy on the tummy. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
When your pup is an adult, Crazy Dog Train Me Treats are my favorite because they are small, very low-calorie, and dogs love them! My dogs will jump in circles for these! Get the three-pack because when you are doing a lot of training in in the first year, you’ll need them! They come out to about $6 per bag when you buy in bulk. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
I get asked all the time what my favorite no-pull harness solution is. I’ve tried several of them, and the PetSafe Easy Walk No Pull Dog Harness works best for my dogs and me. Some of the reviews say that the buckles rubbed on their dogs elbow or underarm skin. I have NEVER had a problem with this, but I don’t leave the harness on my dogs all day. I put it on to take them on a walk, and I take it off as soon as our walk is over. I had one get ruined because I left it on one of my dogs for a couple of hours and she was bored and chewed through it. I learned my lesson haha! Check the multiple product images for the chart that helps you find the best fit. I find that the M/L is the best size for most doodles who not in the XL category. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
Potty bells are a great way to train your pup to tell you when he or she needs to be let out. In the review section of the Amazon product page, other buyers share some good tips. This two-pack of potty bells is one of the best deals on Amazon. It’s high quality and has nearly 40,000 reviews! Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
Keep your Beloved Bernedoodle safe during car rides with the Safety Lead Vehicle Seatbelt for Dogs. This is a twin pack and very highly rated by more than 4,000 reviewers on Amazon. Clicks into almost any seatbelt receiver in any vehicle, and there are six different colors to choose from. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
FEEDING
I’ve researched a lot of different brands of Puppy Food and gleaned feedback from dozens of other breeders. Puppies can have sensitive stomachs and chicken seems to be a common allergen for Bernedoodles, so I definitely wanted to avoid that. I was looking at fancier brands, but kept seeing “Purina Pro Plan” over and over again in the Bernedoodle Facebook groups, my breeder groups, and other Doodle groups. I switched my puppies to it and haven’t looked back. I buy the lamb and rice formula. In store, you can usually only find the 6 lb. bag which does not last long, but Amazon has the 34 lb. bag. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
Note: I fed my adult dogs Whole Hearted brand’s Beef and Rice for several years, but recently switched them to “Instinct Raw Boost.” It’s more expensive but has quality ingredients. Daisy started getting a sensitive stomach to Whole Hearted and turning her nose up to it, so I did some research and talked to the manager at Unleashed and he is a big fan of brands like Instinct and Acana. The dogs are doing very well on Instinct!
Magical Dinner Dust really is magical! Sometimes dogs may not seem as interested in their food as they once were before. Changing their food means risking upset stomach and diarrhea. Really, I think they just need a small change to bring interest back to their food. Instead of adding wet food or other expensive toppers, which, again, can cause upset stomach and diarrhea, I just sprinkle a little Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust onto my dogs’ food—and they love it! A little goes along way! This is another item I have on auto-ship. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
In the first year of your puppy’s life when he or she is being dewormed or could be treated by your vet with antibiotics, it’s important to restore that good bacteria in the intestines, which is necessary for digestive health and the immune system. Probios is a great, powder-form probiotic for pets that you can easily sprinkle onto your Beloved Bernedoodles’ food. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
There’s no pretty way to say this, but unpredictable poop can sometimes accompany the first year of a puppy’s life. It’s always best to avoid chicken with Bernedoodles and to take a fecal sample to your vet if you have a concern about parasites or protozoa like Giardia or Coccidia, but oftentimes it simply an adjustment to food and vaccines or needing extra fiber. Pumpkin pureé is great to have on hand, but I have found that it will spoil faster than I can use it. That’s why Native Pet’s Pumpkin Powder is so awesome. You only have to use as much as you need per serving, and you just add water! Organic and air-dried. Along with probiotics, this is my go-to for consistent, firm stools for my dogs and puppies. Click here to learn more or to purchase, or click on the photo below:
I discovered Zesty Paws Allergy & Immunity Bites recently, and now I give two to each of my dogs every day. It’s a treat that they enjoy and one that I know is packed with great ingredients such as colostrum, flaxseed, Astragalus root, and probiotics, to protect gut health and against seasonal allergies with histamine blockers. Click here to check it out.
The Slobber Stopper water dish is a game changer and a must have. I’ve gotten tons of great feedback about it from my forever homes. Oftentimes doodle’s “beards” get wet and drippy after they drink water. This awesome water dish solves the problem. Learn more by clicking here or on the image below:
Pups tend to scarf down their food too fast, and a Slow Feed Food Bowl is a great solution! These three bowls by Outward Hound are my favorite. I like to have several different kinds on hand to switch it up and keep it challenging.
*NOTE: The first one (smaller and teal-colored) can be used for puppies. The pattern is not as intricate as the others so your puppy won’t get frustrated. The other two (orange and purple) are to be used after the puppy turns six months old. Click here or on the photos below to learn more or to buy:
This Snuffle Mat is a great way to SLOW down your puppy’s or dog’s mealtime. It’s my go-to for enrichment and mental stimulation. I timed my puppies’ breakfast with a regular bowl and they were done in less than a minute. With a snuffle mat, it takes them 10-13 minutes to finish a meal. Click here to view or on the photo below:
Nothin’ to Hide Beef Twists are my GO-TO treats to keep the puppies happy and entertained when I have to put them in the crate for vet visits and puppy pick up day. They LOVE them, they’re highly digestible — a much better and safer alternative to raw hide — gluten free, low calorie, and high protein. Get the beef flavor and not the chicken flavored ones as Bernedoodles tend to have sensitive stomachs to chicken and chicken-flavored products. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
Of course your slow feed bowl needs to be kept clean. I recommend washing them at least a couple of times a week with water, a little dish soap, and some white vinegar. This scrubby sponge get those hard-to-reach places in the slow feed bowl. The dog bone shape helps you and other family member differentiate it between your regular household sponge, and it’s nearly half the price of the Scrub Daddy dog edition. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
TOYS
This Crawling Crab is so fun for puppies with it’s lights and sounds. There are different speeds to it and volume control. It’s also powered by charging rather than batteries, which is SO nice. The movement is great to keep your puppy busy for a bit, and it great for desensitization with lights, movement, and sound. Our Beloved Bernedoodle puppies seem to love it whenever we introduce the crab between weeks 6 and 8. Click here for the link.
The Hide-A-Squirrel toys is one of my dogs’ favorites. Be sure to supervise your pup whenever they’re playing with soft toys to make sure they are not breaking them open and eating stuffing or fabric. Regularly check soft toys to make sure there aren’t any holes or tears. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
Meet Consuela the Cactus! This toy is designed to be destroyed (“rip in reveal”), with a smaller squeaker inside to surprise your pup and make for long lasting playtimes. Our puppies love this toy, and it’s bouncy, squeaky, and non-toxic! Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
What on earth is a Himalayan Yak Chew, you ask? Himalayan Yak Chews are a type of dog treat that are great for chewers who need to be kept occupied. They’re odorless (unlike a bully stick), and they’re made from 100% from yak milk with no artificial ingredients and chemicals. This brand is organic, contains no preservatives, and gives you a nice assortment. Yak Chews would be what I consider a high-value, enrichment treat exclusively for times in the crate to keep them happy, relaxed, and occupied.Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
Please do your rotator cuff a favor by investing it a ChuckIt Ball Launcher. Many Bernedoodles love to chase a ball. And if yours doesn’t at first, you’ll be surprised at what could be a sudden interest that he or she takes in fetching. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase it:
This Hide-And-Seek Puzzle Plush toy is so adorable, fun, and interactive! It provides mental stimulation and enrichment, and keeps your pup occupied. I have the tortilla chips one for the puppies. This one is the Potato Chips, and it’s on my list to purchase because the chips are bigger in this one than in the one I have, AND you can hide treats in two of the chips. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase.
This Treat Dispensing Toy is super durable (one reviewer said they’ve had it for two years and it’s barely starting to show wear on the edges) can improve your dog’s intelligence by building problem solving skills. Not to mention, it keeps you Beloved Bernedoodle entertained for a bit! Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
I have to admit, I haven’t tried the Ultra-Durable Pineapple for strong chewers yet, but it is all the rage on the Bernedoodle Owners pages on Facebook. Highly rated on Amazon, the first version sold out. Not only does it keep them occupied, but it also is supposed to be great for keeping teeth clean. Click here or on the photo below to see what other dog owners have to say about it or to purchase it for your pup:
Bullibones are awesome for strong chewers! They come highly recommended by many dogs owners with aggressive chewers — just check out the reviews! These bones are a great way to get energy out and keep teeth clean! This would be what I consider a high-value, enrichment treat exclusively for times in the crate to keep them happy, relaxed, and occupied. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
This y-shaped bone by Benebone is one of our dogs’ FAVORITE toys. We have several, and they’ve lasted for a long time. Made with real food ingredients, this chew toy is shaped to allow your Beloved Bernedoodle to grip it well. Be sure to order the large size and the bacon or peanut butter, rather than the chicken. Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to buy:
The Large Kong Wobbler is one of the most highly recommended enrichment toys on the Canine Enrichment Facebook page. It challenges your pup and slows down fast eaters. Best of all, it comes apart so it’s easy to clean in the dishwasher! Click here or on the photo below to learn more or to purchase:
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Beloved Bernedoodles 