Shopping List

If you've landed on this page, you might be planning for the arrival of your new puppy from Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles. We consider the following items as proactive investments to tackle some challenges inherent with a new puppy. We understand the abundance of "stuff" that one can accumulate with a new puppy, and we hope this list will give you a head start on getting organized and identifying helpful tools to create a solid foundation for adulthood. 

Dog Food
Choosing the right food to feed your new puppy is crucial to their overall health and well-being and something that should be done with careful thought and consideration. We are using Paw tree products. They offer multiple different proteins. Lots of natural products. We are feeding the puppies Chicken and Oatmeal before they go home. Order your order today. Here is a code for 20% off of your first order
​INTRO4U

Airline travel bag

This airline bag works great with most airlines. It provides the puppy some space like they want. Just click on the link to order. 

Books

One of the original manuals on Bernedoodles, Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles is listed as a choice breeder right under Swiss Ridge Bernedoodles, the creator of the breed!  This is a great book and offers valuable guidance on owning a Bernedoodle as well as a history of the breed.  Order your copy from Amazon today!  ​
An incredibly detailed book about Bernedoodles by the originator of the breed, Sherry Rupke. With her energy and enthusiasm for Bernedoodles, she captivates readers and easily explains the unique tendencies and characteristics of this special hybrid. We highly recommend picking up this book to learn more about the history behind Bernedoodles and the high standards Sherry has set forth for breeders. This book will surely answer most of your pressing questions. Order your copy here. 

Pet Insurance
We list Pet Insurance as a top "shopping" item because sometimes it goes by the wayside until an incident occurs. We highly recommend you cover your new puppy BEFORE they arrive. Many plans do not activate until the following month of purchase, please plan accordingly. 

Crate

There is a lot of wonderful material about crate training online. We encourage researching crate training as it needs to be approached in a certain way to make it a successful venture. ​
We're advocates of crate training. When integrated properly, crate-training is extremely effective for house-training and transitioning a puppy to their new home. We like the Midwest iCrate because of its quality, affordability, and the fact that it folds down easily for transport. The included divider panel allows you to use the same crate from puppy to adult. 

Exercise Pen
An Exercise Pen (X-Pen) is another great option for house-breaking. Helping to keep your pup safe and contained, X-Pens can be used in conjunction with a crate so pup can go in and out as they please. This can help alleviate some of the whining and crying that can occur as they adjust to the crate. 
Recommended X-Pens and Sizes 
​Midwest X-Pen 36 Inch for STANDARD ADULT SIZE 
​Midwest X-Pen 30 Inch for MINI & MICRO MINI ADULT SIZE 

Grooming
You pup will need regular brushing to maintain skin and coat health and to keep them looking good! Research the Line Brushing method for proper Doodle grooming. This will ensure you're brushing down to the undercoat where mats occur. We recommend quarterly professional grooming. 

Collar 
We are fans of Poochie Mama's products, especially their collars. Made in Hawaii, these are built to withstand surf and sand and clean up very easily. They are sturdy and well-constructed for the Doodle who loves to get dirty. 

Walking Harness
Walking harnesses make walks more enjoyable. There are many harness options available, but Pet Safe's Easy Walk Harness is a widely known and a solid choice as it discourages your dog from pulling on the leash. If working with a trainer, make sure to consult them prior to investing in a harness as they may have an alternative recommendation. 

Leash 

Durable and stylish, Kona Leashes is our new favorite. Our girl, Ruggles, is a "spokesdog" for them and naturally we had to try them out. They are secure, versatile, and best yet -  for every leash sold using the code "RUGGLES," they will donate 4lbs of dog food to no-kill animal shelters! To top that off, you save 10%. 
Recommendation:
  • 6 Foot Lead
  • Large Carabiner for STANDARDS
  • Small Carabiner for MINIS & MICRO MINIS
We strongly urge against retractable leashes as they can make control extremely difficult resulting in dangerous situations. 

Snuggle Puppy
The Snuggle Puppy uses a "real-feel" pulsing heartbeat that can offer comfort to puppies with separation anxiety. We often hear this is a favorite for many years to come. This is a must-have treasure and will help your pup acclimate to their new life. 

Dog Bed
Chances are you're envisioning your pup curled up in a cozy dog bed. This could happen, but sometimes your pup will prefer the feel of cool tile or hardwood floor beneath them. We do absolutely love Komfy K9 dog beds. They have a line that fits in crates or they have the beds for the floor. They are made of raft material so you can clean them. You take the cover off and throw it in the washing machine. These are the best we have found in 20 plus years. A discount code for your first order is RMB30. We've heard good things about training with raised dog beds, but not enough to tout a specific bed. 

Kong
A classic toy, Kongs are great entertainers and can be a welcome distraction, as well as teething aid. Fill them with almond butter for a tasty treat! They are virtually indestructible and should last your puppy into adulthood. 

Potty
Your puppy will not be fully vaccinated until 16 weeks of age and should not come into contact with other animals until that time. Sometimes it is not always practical to keep your new puppy indoors, and we simply advise that you use your best judgement. In urban settings, it is always advisable to keep an unvaccinated puppy indoors and for these scenarios we recommend puppy pads. There are some that say puppy pads are similar to carpet and can teach your puppy to eliminate on the rug. We have found that if used temporarily, in conjunction with crate training - the puppy will adapt to eliminating outside, as this is their natural inclination. The alternative to puppy pads, Fresh Patch, we have found to be odorous, attracting insects. For accidents, Nature's Miracle which will neutralize odor with enzymes.

Benebone 
Pups love this chew toy made of super-strong nylon and food-grade bacon, peanuts, and chicken. Using no chemicals or artificial flavors, the wishbone shaped Benebone appeals to pups and is great for teething. 

Bouncy Balls 

Fetch is a fantastic way to tire out your pup. Short bursts of energy on a grassy surface is optimal. We like these ChuckIt! Ulta Balls because they are the perfect size for little mouths and provide great bounce. 

Self-Grooming

At some point, self-grooming is a consideration with the majority of Doodle owners! One bad groom too many, or the overall cost ($90-130) of professional maintenance may lead to this decision. If your considering DIY grooming, here are some recommendations for tools and some practical guidelines and tips.

Clippers
You get what you pay for when it comes to clippers. Make sure you are investing in a quality product. For DIY clipping, we researched many brands and found hands-down the Andis Detachable Blade line is the best available. They cut through dog hair like a hot knife through butter!
Recommendation:: 
  • ​Andis UltraEdge AGC Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
  • Make sure to professionally sharpen regularly 
  • Comes with a #10 blade

Blades 
The #10 blade that comes standard with the Andis will shear your Doodle nearly naked. The higher in number of blade, the closer the shave. A #30 or #40 blade is considered pre-surgical and is used by veterinarians prepping for procedures. Groomers will use a variety of blades and it is more of a personal preference determined by the owner. 
Recommendation:
  • Do not buy ceramic blades 
  • Use the standard # 10 blade for sanitary areas (genitals, tummy, and anal region)
  • Use FC blades which indicate "Fine Cut." The blades without FC have more space between the teeth, which can catch skin
  • The # 7FC is a popular choice for groomers especially for summer cuts (not suitable for sanitary areas due to the teeth position)
  • The # 4FC is also a popular choice for longer styles and winter cuts

Guide Combs 
Comb attachments work great and can be a safe option for beginners and an alternative when you want to leave more hair on the dog's body. Although made by different manufacturers, the Wahl Stainless Steel Combs will clip on effortlessly to the Andis clipper and are highly-rated. 
Recommendation: 
  • The combs clip on best to a #30 or #40 blade (purchased separate)
  • They can work on the #10 blade or lower, but you will get a better result with a #30 or #40

Blade Coolant 

Use before, during, and after to disinfect, keep blade cool, and lubricate. In the opinion of some, it is better to use ceramic blades because they do not run as hot and do not require blade coolant. We have found ceramic blades to not be as sharp or effective. If you are using a handheld, electric tool, it will become warm - this should be expected and not unusual. 

Grooming Table 
To groom effectively and safely, you need to have your pet situated at your level. Being off the ground, pups are more likely to sit still as with the notion of elevated pet beds. We like this option from Go Pet Club. It folds up for easy storage as well as being sturdy.  
Recommendation:
36 Inch STANDARDS
30 Inch MINIS

Hair Dryer
Small, storable, powerful and reasonably-priced, the Go Pet Club Blow Dryer is a great option when it comes to drying your Doodle. If you've ever tried drying your pup with your hand blow dryer, this blow dryer is a game-changer. This powerful dryer will also blow out or loosen mats and make for easy-clipping. 

Chunkers (Thinning Scissors)
Invest in a quality set of sharp "chunkers" for a softer, fuller look. They are forgiving scissors and as a novice, use them on the head, face, legs, and tail. We recommend scissoring these parts vs clipping them as it gives the dog more symmetry. Fuller legs that follow and accentuate their natural shape and curve are more attractive. Keep the tail feathered and full. We like the ​Sharf Gold Touch Pet Shears.

Scissors 
You'll want a pair of sharp scissors to trim the hair embedded in the pads of the feet as well as around the ears. We like a close trim around the ears because it makes them look more puppy-like. Just make sure you cut evenly and not too close to the ear! As you become well-versed with the clippers, you may want to use them on the foot pads - but practice first. 

Pin Brush 
The Chris Christensen pin brush is a great finishing brush to put the fluff in fluffy!  Also useful to remove mats and tangles - you'll want to make sure your pup is completely brushed out and mat-free prior to approaching them with the clippers. 

Detangler 
Although Doodle hair is generally low-to-non-shedding, it grows similar to human hair and requires more maintenance than other canines. As it grows, without regular brushing, hair will mat and require work to detangle. These aids will assist in unraveling any mats you may encounter when prepping hair for clipping.   

Nail Clippers
Clipping your puppy's nails can be a daunting task. We recommend using trimmers sparingly and in conjunction with a nail grinder. You can easily remove too much nail and cause bleeding, so use them with caution. These nail trimmers from Safari are very sharp and precise. 

Nail Grinder
A nail grinder to shape nails and reduce the sharp edge created when trimming occurs. Especially beneficial when you have hardwood floors. We like the Dremel Pet Nail Grooming Tool. With the trusted Dremel name, this tool provides a safer way to file down long nails. 

Instructions

Watch Sue Pratt take you step-by-step through grooming a Labradoodle. The pet trim on this Labradoodle is designed to be practical and easily maintained for the owners. 
© 2019 Rocky Mtn Bernedoodles
All rights reserved

​Site created by Andrea Hamilton

Shopping List

If you've landed on this page, you might be planning for the arrival of your new puppy from Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles. We consider the following items as proactive investments to tackle some challenges inherent with a new puppy. We understand the abundance of "stuff" that one can accumulate with a new puppy, and we hope this list will give you a head start on getting organized and identifying helpful tools to create a solid foundation for adulthood. 

Dog Food
Choosing the right food to feed your new puppy is crucial to their overall health and well-being and something that should be done with careful thought and consideration. We are using Paw tree products. They offer multiple different proteins. Lots of natural products. We are feeding the puppies Chicken and Oatmeal before they go home. Order your order today. Here is a code for 20% off of your first order
​INTRO4U

Airline travel bag

This airline bag works great with most airlines. It provides the puppy some space like they want. Just click on the link to order. 

Books

One of the original manuals on Bernedoodles, Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles is listed as a choice breeder right under Swiss Ridge Bernedoodles, the creator of the breed!  This is a great book and offers valuable guidance on owning a Bernedoodle as well as a history of the breed.  Order your copy from Amazon today!  ​
An incredibly detailed book about Bernedoodles by the originator of the breed, Sherry Rupke. With her energy and enthusiasm for Bernedoodles, she captivates readers and easily explains the unique tendencies and characteristics of this special hybrid. We highly recommend picking up this book to learn more about the history behind Bernedoodles and the high standards Sherry has set forth for breeders. This book will surely answer most of your pressing questions. Order your copy here. 

Pet Insurance
We list Pet Insurance as a top "shopping" item because sometimes it goes by the wayside until an incident occurs. We highly recommend you cover your new puppy BEFORE they arrive. Many plans do not activate until the following month of purchase, please plan accordingly. 

Crate

There is a lot of wonderful material about crate training online. We encourage researching crate training as it needs to be approached in a certain way to make it a successful venture. ​
We're advocates of crate training. When integrated properly, crate-training is extremely effective for house-training and transitioning a puppy to their new home. We like the Midwest iCrate because of its quality, affordability, and the fact that it folds down easily for transport. The included divider panel allows you to use the same crate from puppy to adult. 

Exercise Pen
An Exercise Pen (X-Pen) is another great option for house-breaking. Helping to keep your pup safe and contained, X-Pens can be used in conjunction with a crate so pup can go in and out as they please. This can help alleviate some of the whining and crying that can occur as they adjust to the crate. 
Recommended X-Pens and Sizes 
​Midwest X-Pen 36 Inch for STANDARD ADULT SIZE 
​Midwest X-Pen 30 Inch for MINI & MICRO MINI ADULT SIZE 

Grooming
You pup will need regular brushing to maintain skin and coat health and to keep them looking good! Research the Line Brushing method for proper Doodle grooming. This will ensure you're brushing down to the undercoat where mats occur. We recommend quarterly professional grooming. 

Collar 
We are fans of Poochie Mama's products, especially their collars. Made in Hawaii, these are built to withstand surf and sand and clean up very easily. They are sturdy and well-constructed for the Doodle who loves to get dirty. 

Walking Harness
Walking harnesses make walks more enjoyable. There are many harness options available, but Pet Safe's Easy Walk Harness is a widely known and a solid choice as it discourages your dog from pulling on the leash. If working with a trainer, make sure to consult them prior to investing in a harness as they may have an alternative recommendation. 

Leash 

Durable and stylish, Kona Leashes is our new favorite. Our girl, Ruggles, is a "spokesdog" for them and naturally we had to try them out. They are secure, versatile, and best yet -  for every leash sold using the code "RUGGLES," they will donate 4lbs of dog food to no-kill animal shelters! To top that off, you save 10%. 
Recommendation:
  • 6 Foot Lead
  • Large Carabiner for STANDARDS
  • Small Carabiner for MINIS & MICRO MINIS
We strongly urge against retractable leashes as they can make control extremely difficult resulting in dangerous situations. 

Snuggle Puppy
The Snuggle Puppy uses a "real-feel" pulsing heartbeat that can offer comfort to puppies with separation anxiety. We often hear this is a favorite for many years to come. This is a must-have treasure and will help your pup acclimate to their new life. 

Dog Bed
Chances are you're envisioning your pup curled up in a cozy dog bed. This could happen, but sometimes your pup will prefer the feel of cool tile or hardwood floor beneath them. We do absolutely love Komfy K9 dog beds. They have a line that fits in crates or they have the beds for the floor. They are made of raft material so you can clean them. You take the cover off and throw it in the washing machine. These are the best we have found in 20 plus years. A discount code for your first order is RMB30. We've heard good things about training with raised dog beds, but not enough to tout a specific bed. 

Kong
A classic toy, Kongs are great entertainers and can be a welcome distraction, as well as teething aid. Fill them with almond butter for a tasty treat! They are virtually indestructible and should last your puppy into adulthood. 

Potty
Your puppy will not be fully vaccinated until 16 weeks of age and should not come into contact with other animals until that time. Sometimes it is not always practical to keep your new puppy indoors, and we simply advise that you use your best judgement. In urban settings, it is always advisable to keep an unvaccinated puppy indoors and for these scenarios we recommend puppy pads. There are some that say puppy pads are similar to carpet and can teach your puppy to eliminate on the rug. We have found that if used temporarily, in conjunction with crate training - the puppy will adapt to eliminating outside, as this is their natural inclination. The alternative to puppy pads, Fresh Patch, we have found to be odorous, attracting insects. For accidents, Nature's Miracle which will neutralize odor with enzymes.

Benebone 
Pups love this chew toy made of super-strong nylon and food-grade bacon, peanuts, and chicken. Using no chemicals or artificial flavors, the wishbone shaped Benebone appeals to pups and is great for teething. 

Bouncy Balls 

Fetch is a fantastic way to tire out your pup. Short bursts of energy on a grassy surface is optimal. We like these ChuckIt! Ulta Balls because they are the perfect size for little mouths and provide great bounce. 

Self-Grooming

At some point, self-grooming is a consideration with the majority of Doodle owners! One bad groom too many, or the overall cost ($90-130) of professional maintenance may lead to this decision. If your considering DIY grooming, here are some recommendations for tools and some practical guidelines and tips.

Clippers
You get what you pay for when it comes to clippers. Make sure you are investing in a quality product. For DIY clipping, we researched many brands and found hands-down the Andis Detachable Blade line is the best available. They cut through dog hair like a hot knife through butter!
Recommendation:: 
  • ​Andis UltraEdge AGC Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
  • Make sure to professionally sharpen regularly 
  • Comes with a #10 blade

Blades 
The #10 blade that comes standard with the Andis will shear your Doodle nearly naked. The higher in number of blade, the closer the shave. A #30 or #40 blade is considered pre-surgical and is used by veterinarians prepping for procedures. Groomers will use a variety of blades and it is more of a personal preference determined by the owner. 
Recommendation:
  • Do not buy ceramic blades 
  • Use the standard # 10 blade for sanitary areas (genitals, tummy, and anal region)
  • Use FC blades which indicate "Fine Cut." The blades without FC have more space between the teeth, which can catch skin
  • The # 7FC is a popular choice for groomers especially for summer cuts (not suitable for sanitary areas due to the teeth position)
  • The # 4FC is also a popular choice for longer styles and winter cuts

Guide Combs 
Comb attachments work great and can be a safe option for beginners and an alternative when you want to leave more hair on the dog's body. Although made by different manufacturers, the Wahl Stainless Steel Combs will clip on effortlessly to the Andis clipper and are highly-rated. 
Recommendation: 
  • The combs clip on best to a #30 or #40 blade (purchased separate)
  • They can work on the #10 blade or lower, but you will get a better result with a #30 or #40

Blade Coolant 

Use before, during, and after to disinfect, keep blade cool, and lubricate. In the opinion of some, it is better to use ceramic blades because they do not run as hot and do not require blade coolant. We have found ceramic blades to not be as sharp or effective. If you are using a handheld, electric tool, it will become warm - this should be expected and not unusual. 

Grooming Table 
To groom effectively and safely, you need to have your pet situated at your level. Being off the ground, pups are more likely to sit still as with the notion of elevated pet beds. We like this option from Go Pet Club. It folds up for easy storage as well as being sturdy.  
Recommendation:
36 Inch STANDARDS
30 Inch MINIS

Hair Dryer
Small, storable, powerful and reasonably-priced, the Go Pet Club Blow Dryer is a great option when it comes to drying your Doodle. If you've ever tried drying your pup with your hand blow dryer, this blow dryer is a game-changer. This powerful dryer will also blow out or loosen mats and make for easy-clipping. 

Chunkers (Thinning Scissors)
Invest in a quality set of sharp "chunkers" for a softer, fuller look. They are forgiving scissors and as a novice, use them on the head, face, legs, and tail. We recommend scissoring these parts vs clipping them as it gives the dog more symmetry. Fuller legs that follow and accentuate their natural shape and curve are more attractive. Keep the tail feathered and full. We like the ​Sharf Gold Touch Pet Shears.

Scissors 
You'll want a pair of sharp scissors to trim the hair embedded in the pads of the feet as well as around the ears. We like a close trim around the ears because it makes them look more puppy-like. Just make sure you cut evenly and not too close to the ear! As you become well-versed with the clippers, you may want to use them on the foot pads - but practice first. 

Pin Brush 
The Chris Christensen pin brush is a great finishing brush to put the fluff in fluffy!  Also useful to remove mats and tangles - you'll want to make sure your pup is completely brushed out and mat-free prior to approaching them with the clippers. 

Detangler 
Although Doodle hair is generally low-to-non-shedding, it grows similar to human hair and requires more maintenance than other canines. As it grows, without regular brushing, hair will mat and require work to detangle. These aids will assist in unraveling any mats you may encounter when prepping hair for clipping.   

Nail Clippers
Clipping your puppy's nails can be a daunting task. We recommend using trimmers sparingly and in conjunction with a nail grinder. You can easily remove too much nail and cause bleeding, so use them with caution. These nail trimmers from Safari are very sharp and precise. 

Nail Grinder
A nail grinder to shape nails and reduce the sharp edge created when trimming occurs. Especially beneficial when you have hardwood floors. We like the Dremel Pet Nail Grooming Tool. With the trusted Dremel name, this tool provides a safer way to file down long nails. 

Instructions

Watch Sue Pratt take you step-by-step through grooming a Labradoodle. The pet trim on this Labradoodle is designed to be practical and easily maintained for the owners.