Our Favorite Go-To Resources for Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle Training
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Books & Guides We Trust for Raising Great Dogs
Books by the Monks of New Skete and Marc Goldberg– These books mirror my philosophy when it comes to our relationship with dogs. They’re more than just how-to books about raising and training dogs. They give us the foundational knowledge necessary for training by understanding how dogs think.
The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves– If you’ve ever wondered how your puppy perceives its world and what immense changes it’s going through in only a year, I recommend this book for you. Written in an easy-to-understand language, it recounts the first year in the life of the author’s new pup.
Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs– A fascinating book to understand the way dogs think that will not only make your relationship better but will also make training (and living with your dog) easier.
When Pigs Fly– This book is written by the founder of the Puppy Culture program we raise our pups with and is an excellent resource to continue raising your pup with the same philosophy we started them on.
Madcap University’s online course– From the people who brought us Puppy Culture! I cannot recommend this resource enough! This online pre-recorded course focuses on what to do when you bring home your puppy.
Puppy training DVD– This training DVD is a great way for the whole family to begin the process of training.
Zen Dog Training– My kids and I have gone through Lola’s course (when she still lived nearby) and I was thoroughly impressed by her knowledge of dogs and her expertise in training (she does basic obedience as well as service dog training), while at the same time being incredibly easy to work with. Lola doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all attitude when it comes to training. She looks at each dog as an individual, this way her training can be easily tailored to their needs. She is a perennial student, constantly learning to improve her program which I think is a necessary part of any endeavor. Although she has moved back to Arkansas, Lola offers virtual classes as well. Check out Lola’s videos on her FB page!
Our Favorite Tools to Make Life Easier and More Enjoyable with Your New Best Friend
Dog crate– We recommend a wire crate for ventilation and portability. They’re usually foldable and easy to clean. Puppies also tend to chew on plastic crates (ask me how I know!) To make it more den-like for your pup (also to keep out draft) you could cover part of it with something that the puppy cannot pull inside the crate (I have heard of a pup that got strangled this way!) For travel, you can’t get safer than a Gunner kennel. This won’t only keep your pup safe in a bad crash, but will also support a great American company.
Puppy playpen– Playpens are great for containing your new puppy when you are unable to watch them. The 40-inch height is ideal because puppies cannot climb out. I recommend putting the pup’s crate inside a pen as well, and leaving the crate door open, at least initially. Be sure to place the crate where your puppy can’t climb on top of it to use it as a step for escaping the pen.
Leash– You’ll probably have multiple leashes at any given time, as one tends to misplace them every now and then. Even if you’re more organized than I am, it never hurts to have an extra in case one breaks or gets chewed up. I like to have both 4-foot and 6-foot leashes, depending on where we go (the shorter ones are easier in high-traffic areas, like a vet office.) Here’s one that’s handmade in Colorado and we REALLY like it for its unique capabilities. (I recommend the small breed multipurpose for young puppies. I love the hands-free option for having your pup tethered to you around the house to keep them close and safe while still being able to explore.)
A slip lead is a simple, effective tool for training puppies and teaching leash manners early on. This is an all-in-one leash and collar. Unlike a regular leash and collar, a slip lead provides gentle correction and immediate feedback, helping puppies learn not to pull. It’s quick to put on, offers more control when positioned high on the neck, and encourages calm, loose-leash walking.
Benefits of a slip lead for puppies:
Built-in feedback: Gently tightens when the puppy pulls, loosens when they stop
Easy to use: No clips or buckles, just slip it on and go
Great for training: Encourages calm behavior and good leash habits
Better control: High neck placement makes redirection easier
Collar-free option: Ideal for growing puppies or short sessions
Used correctly, a slip lead can help set your puppy up for leash success. Make sure to use the “P for Perfect” method for correct setup (loop shaped like a “P” for left-side walking). Remember to always supervise and never leave it on while crated.
Whichever leash you choose, I recommend the lightest one for a young pup.
Collar– Martingale-style collars for puppies are great because they offer gentle correction without choking. Similar to slip leads, they tighten around the pup’s neck every time they pull and release when they stop pulling, discouraging the behavior. I recommend one with a buckle for easier on-and-off. Because puppies grow quickly, these collars are great because as adjust as the puppy grows. (You can check with me about the size of your puppy’s neck before you purchase a collar.)
Dog bed– This dog bed is soft, supportive, and comfortable. Puppies like the sides because it makes them feel comfortable. I recommend one that can be easily cleaned. It’s an added bonus if you can throw it in the washing machine!
Snuggle puppy– This softy stuffed puppy has a battery-operated heartbeat. This helps puppies adjust to their new environment by making them feel like they are not alone in the crate.
Potty stations– These potty stations for the home are a great alternative when you need to leave your pup alone in their pen without supervision, live in an apartment and can’t easily go outside or the weather is too bad. I definitely recommend supervising the pup with it at first to make sure they won’t try to destroy it and praise them when they use it, just like you would outside.
Real turf delivered– Along the same lines as the potty station, but with real grass. This company will deliver a fresh patch of new grass to you periodically, wherever you live. You can use it on your patio, balcony, or even indoors.
Pee pads– These are handy to have for car rides, or in the pup’s pen (just outside their crate) to set them up for success and the new owners for less frustration. Use this holder if your pup tends to rip them up. You can also use these heavy-duty, washable ones.
Wi-fi indoor smart home camera with night vision– These cameras are great (and very affordable) to keep an eye on your pup while you’re not around. You can monitor them from your phone wherever you are, and can even grant access to multiple people to do the same. It has night vision, so your puppy is always visible to you. You can even talk to them from afar to calm them down with your voice.
Stroller– If your puppy hasn’t completed their full round of vaccinations yet but you’re eager to safely introduce them to the world (as we recommend), a stroller like this is a wonderful solution. It allows for early socialization without exposing your pup to high-risk environments. We use one ourselves. It’s easy to handle, and our puppies absolutely love the cozy ride and the chance to take in new sights, smells, and sounds while staying protected.
BringFido– Want to go on a vacation AND take your pet with you? With BringFido, you can find pet-friendly vacation spots as well as restaurants, activities, events, etc. worldwide.