Everything you need to feel calm, prepared, and ready — all in one place. No PDFs, no searching through emails. Just clear, honest guidance from someone who genuinely cares.
I'm Shanelle, and I've been breeding Moodles and Cavoodles on the Gold Coast for over 13 years. Every puppy that leaves my home has been loved, socialised, and cared for like my own — and that doesn't stop at handover day.
This guide covers everything you need to know for the first few weeks at home. I've kept it honest and practical — the same things I'd tell a close friend. Read through it when you have a quiet moment, bookmark it on your phone, and come back to it whenever you need a reminder.
And if you ever have a question — big or small — please just reach out. I'd rather hear from you than have you worry alone. That's what I'm here for.
💬 Message Me on WhatsAppThe first night is the hardest — for your puppy and for you. They've just left their mum and littermates for the first time, so some crying and restlessness is completely normal. It doesn't mean something is wrong. It means they're adjusting.
Before your puppy comes home, set up a small, contained area — a playpen or a sectioned-off room works well. This becomes their safe base and makes toilet training much easier.
Something soft and enclosed. A crate with the door open gives them a den-like space they can retreat to.
A warm (not hot) wheat bag under a blanket mimics the warmth of their littermates. Refresh it before bed.
A clock wrapped in a blanket near their bed can soothe them — the rhythm resembles a heartbeat.
A small soft toy or a piece of clothing with your scent can help them feel safe and settled.
Some puppies settle within a night or two. Others take a week. If crying is persistent beyond the first week, or if your puppy shows signs of distress during the day (destructive behaviour, inability to settle), reach out to me. We can work through it together.
Puppies thrive on routine. Here's a simple structure to aim for from day one:
Puppies sleep 16–18 hours a day. Don't feel guilty about letting them nap — it's essential for their development. An overtired puppy is a grumpy, hard-to-train puppy.
Your puppy has been raised on Purina Pro Plan Puppy from weaning. It's a premium, nutritionally complete food that supports healthy growth, coat condition, and digestion. Please don't switch foods in the first few weeks — their tummies are still adjusting to the new environment.
Follow the feeding guide on the Pro Plan packaging based on your puppy's current weight. As a general guide, most Moodle puppies eat approximately 40–60g per meal at 8 weeks. Adjust as they grow — if you can feel (but not see) their ribs, they're at a healthy weight.
Wait until your puppy has settled in (at least 2–3 weeks), then transition gradually:
75% current food + 25% new food
50% current food + 50% new food
25% current food + 75% new food
100% new food. Monitor stool consistency throughout.
Onion, garlic, leeks, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, avocado, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), cooked bones, and alcohol. These are toxic to dogs — even in small amounts.
Toilet training is all about consistency and timing — not punishment. Your puppy doesn't have full bladder control yet, so accidents will happen. That's normal. What matters is setting them up to succeed as often as possible.
Waking up from any sleep · Finishing a meal · A play session · Any time they sniff the floor and circle
Pick one phrase — "go toilet", "outside", "wees" — and use it every single time. Say it calmly as they're going. They'll connect the word to the action within a few weeks.
The moment they finish, give calm, warm praise — "good girl/boy!" A small treat works well too. Timing is everything — praise within 2 seconds of the behaviour.
Clean up with an enzyme-based cleaner (like Biozet or Nature's Miracle) to remove the scent. Don't scold — they won't understand it, and it can make them anxious about toileting in front of you.
If you're in an apartment or don't have easy outdoor access, use a grass patch or pee pad in a consistent spot on the balcony or laundry. The same rules apply — consistent spot, consistent command, consistent praise. It just takes a little longer to transition them outdoors later.
| Age | Vaccination | Worming | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | C3 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus) | Milbemax or Drontal | ✓ Done by Breeder |
| 10–12 weeks | C5 (C3 + Bordetella + Parainfluenza) | Repeat worming | Your Vet |
| 14–16 weeks | Final puppy booster (if required) | Repeat worming | Your Vet |
| 6 months | — | Monthly worming continues | Your Vet |
| 12 months+ | Annual booster | Quarterly worming (adult) | Your Vet |
Expect chewing on everything. Provide appropriate chew toys — rubber Kongs, bully sticks, and frozen treats work well. This phase passes.
A common condition in small breeds where the kneecap occasionally slips. Signs include a momentary skip or hop. Mild cases are managed conservatively — your vet will assess at each check-up.
Moodles can be prone to tear staining and ear infections due to their floppy ears. Clean ears monthly and wipe around the eyes with a damp cloth regularly.
Both parents have been DNA health tested. Your puppy's health certificate and parent test results are included in your handover pack.
I include 2 months of free pet insurance with every puppy through Knose. This covers your puppy during the critical first weeks at home when unexpected vet visits are most likely. Please activate it as soon as possible — cover starts from the activation date, not the handover date.
Look for an email from Knose Pet Insurance. Check your spam folder if you can't find it.
Follow the link in the email to activate your free 2-month cover. Takes less than 2 minutes.
Familiarise yourself with what's covered. After 2 months, you can choose to continue or cancel.
Insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, and cover only starts from activation. The sooner you activate, the sooner your puppy is protected. If you have any trouble finding the email, message me and I'll help you sort it out.
Moodles have a low-shedding coat that grows continuously — which means regular grooming is essential, not optional. The good news is that with the right routine, it's manageable and most Moodles genuinely enjoy being groomed once they're used to it.
2–3 times per week minimum. Daily during the puppy-to-adult coat transition (around 6–12 months). Use a slicker brush followed by a metal comb.
First groom at 12–14 weeks (after second vaccination). Every 6–8 weeks after that. Find a groomer who's experienced with Doodle coats.
Every 3–4 weeks, or as needed. Use a gentle puppy shampoo. Always brush before bathing — wet mats are much harder to remove.
Check and clean monthly. Moodles can get hair growing inside the ear canal — your groomer can remove this. Signs of infection: smell, discharge, or head shaking.
Handle your puppy's paws, ears, and mouth every day from day one. Make it a positive experience with treats and praise. Puppies who are comfortable being handled become dogs who are easy to groom — and much easier for the vet to examine.
Moodles are one of the most trainable breeds I've worked with. They're smart, eager to please, and genuinely love learning. The key is starting early, keeping it positive, and being consistent. Here are the trainers and resources I personally recommend:
Gold Coast based. Excellent puppy school and one-on-one sessions. Highly recommended for first-time puppy owners. Visit Website →
Online and in-person training. Great for busy families. Their puppy foundation course is excellent. Visit Website →
If you're interested in training your Moodle as a therapy or emotional support dog, these specialists can guide you through the process. Visit Website →
Convenient, affordable, and widely available. A great option if you want something local and flexible. Use code OODLES10 for a discount. Visit Website →
Your puppy has been microchipped before leaving us. The chip number is on your Vet Health Certificate. You are legally required to transfer the registration into your name — here's how:
Use the microchip number from your Vet Health Certificate to find your puppy's record.
Complete the transfer form with your details. A small fee applies. Done — you're now the registered owner.
Here's everything you need to have ready before your puppy comes home. You don't need to buy everything at once — start with the essentials and build from there.
I know it can feel like a lot. But I promise — you're more prepared than you think. And I'm always just a message away. Whether it's a question about feeding, a behaviour you're not sure about, or just needing some reassurance at 11pm — please reach out. That's what I'm here for.
If you're loving your experience, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a review. It helps other families find us and means the world to me.
Your puppy is going to bring so much joy, chaos, and love into your home. You've chosen a well-bred, well-loved puppy — and you've done the reading. You're going to be a brilliant puppy parent.
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