Cavoodle Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need (Free PDF)

The waiting list was months long. You’ve chosen your breeder, seen photos of your puppy, maybe even visited them. Now it’s time to prepare for the day you finally bring your Cavoodle home.

Having everything ready before your puppy arrives makes those first days so much smoother. No emergency trips to the pet store, no scrambling to find supplies – just you and your new Cavoodle, settling in together.

This checklist covers exactly what you need – and what you don’t. As professional groomers who see 50+ Cavoodles every week, we know what actually matters versus what pet stores try to upsell you.

Download: Cavoodle Puppy Checklist (PDF)

Want a printable version? Our free 2-page checklist covers everything below, plus a day-by-day guide for your Cavoodle’s first two weeks. Print it, tick items off, and stick it on your fridge.

Download the Free Cavoodle Puppy Checklist (PDF)

Home Preparation Checklist

Start puppy-proofing 1-2 weeks before your Cavoodle arrives. Yes, they’re small and cute, but Cavoodle puppies are curious and can get into trouble fast.

Safety Check

• Remove toxic plants – Lilies, azaleas, tulips, daffodils, and ivy are all toxic to dogs
• Secure electrical cords – Puppies chew everything, and exposed cables are tempting
• Move chemicals out of reach – Cleaning products, medications, pesticides in a locked cupboard
• Check for small objects – Hair ties, children’s toys, loose screws can be swallowed
• Install baby gates – Block stairs and off-limit rooms until they’re older
• Designate a puppy zone – A safe area where they can be contained when unsupervised

Puppy Space Setup

• Choose crate or bed location – Quiet but not isolated, away from drafts
• Set up food and water station – Dedicated spot, easy to clean floor underneath
• Designate toilet training spot – Where you want them to go, inside or outside
• Prepare first-night sleeping area – Near your room for the first few nights helps with settling

Essential Supplies Checklist

Here’s what you actually need before pickup day – not the 50-item list some websites suggest.

Feeding

• Food and water bowls – Stainless steel is most hygienic and durable
• Puppy food – Same brand your breeder uses (ask them). You can transition later
• Treats – Small, soft training treats (you’ll use lots in the first weeks)

Containment

• Crate – Size 24″ (60cm) suits most Cavoodles. Wire crates with dividers are versatile
• Puppy pen or playpen – Optional but very useful for safe confinement
• Baby gates – If you have stairs or rooms to block off

Comfort

• Bed or bedding – Something washable (accidents will happen)
• Snuggle toy with heartbeat – Helps with first-night settling, mimics littermates
• Blanket – Take one to the breeder to pick up their scent

Walking & ID

• Adjustable collar – With ID tag showing your phone number
• Lightweight lead – 1.5-2 metres, not a heavy chain lead
• Poop bags and dispenser – You’ll go through more than you expect

Grooming

This is where many new Cavoodle owners don’t prepare properly – and pay for it later when their puppy develops mats.

• Slicker brush – The most important tool. Get one designed for fleece coats
• Steel comb – For mat detection and checking your brushwork
• Puppy shampoo – Soap-free, gentle formula
• Detangling spray – Makes brushing easier, prevents coat damage
• Grooming wipes – For face, paws, and quick clean-ups between baths
• Nail clippers – Puppy-sized, or ask your groomer to show you

We put together a Cavoodle Puppy Kit with all the grooming essentials selected by professional groomers. It’s designed specifically for Cavoodle coats – not generic dog brushes that don’t work on fleece.

Training & Play

• Training treats – Small, low-calorie, soft for quick delivery
• Treat pouch – Clips to your waist, makes training sessions easy
• Chew toys – Variety of textures (rope, rubber, plush)
• Interactive toys – Kongs, puzzle feeders, snuffle mats
• Pee pads – If you’re using indoor toilet training initially

What You Don’t Need Yet

Pet stores will try to sell you everything. Save your money on:

• Expensive designer beds – Puppies chew and have accidents. Get fancy later
• Multiple collars and leads – One adjustable set is enough to start
• Complicated grooming tools – Start with basics, add later as needed
• Large dog accessories – Cavoodles stay small, don’t buy for a dog they’ll never be
• Clothing – Cavoodles have good coats. Jumpers are cute but not necessary

Vet & Admin Checklist

Before You Pick Up Your Puppy

• Research and choose a local vet – Look for one experienced with small breeds or doodles
• Book your first vet appointment – Should be within 48-72 hours of bringing puppy home
• Research pet insurance – Best to organise before any health issues are documented
• Save emergency vet contact – Know where the nearest 24-hour vet is
• Register your details for microchip transfer – Breeder should provide this info

Questions to Ask Your Breeder

Get this information at pickup or before:

• What food is the puppy currently eating? (exact brand and formula)
• What’s their current feeding schedule?
• Are they crate trained? What’s their toilet training progress?
• Any health issues or concerns to know about?
• What vaccinations have they had? (get written records)
• What coat type are they developing? (fleece, wool, or hair)
• When is the breeder available for questions after pickup?

Day-Before-Pickup Checklist

The day before you collect your Cavoodle:

• Final puppy-proof check – Walk through at puppy height, look for hazards
• Prepare car for transport – Carrier secured, or someone to hold puppy
• Pack for pickup:
  • Carrier or secure box
  • Old towel (to bring breeder scent home)
  • Treats for the journey
  • Poop bags (accidents happen)
  • Paper towels
  • Water and bowl
• Set up puppy zone – Bed, water, toys ready to go
• Clear your schedule – Take time off work for the first 2-3 days if possible

First Week Checklist

A quick overview of what to focus on in week one:

Day 1 (Arrival Day)

• Keep things calm and quiet
• Show puppy their toilet spot immediately
• Let them explore at their own pace
• Don’t overwhelm with visitors
• Expect crying at bedtime – stay calm, be patient
• Keep breeder’s scent item in their sleeping area

Days 2-3

• Establish feeding schedule (3-4 meals for puppies)
• Begin toilet training routine
• Start positive crate training (short periods)
• Attend vet check-up
• Begin gentle handling (touch paws, ears, mouth)

Days 4-7

• Continue toilet training consistency
• Introduce grooming tools (let them sniff, treat generously)
• Start 2-3 minute brushing sessions
• Begin name recognition training
• Expose to normal household sounds

For the complete day-by-day guide, read our First Week with Your Cavoodle Puppy article.

Grooming Checklist by Age

Cavoodle grooming isn’t optional – their coats need regular care or they’ll mat painfully. Here’s what to focus on at each stage:

Age	Grooming Focus	Professional Groom
8-12 weeks	Handle daily, 2-3 min brushing, introduce tools	Not yet
12-16 weeks	5+ min brushing, practice bath routine	First groom (puppy intro)
4-6 months	Daily brushing essential, coat changing	Every 6-8 weeks
6+ months	Established routine, full body brushing	Every 6-8 weeks ongoing

The biggest mistake: Waiting too long for the first professional groom. Book at 12-16 weeks – this introduction sets them up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming. Read more in our Cavoodle Grooming Guide.

Key Dates to Remember

Milestone	When	Action
First vet visit	48-72 hours after pickup	Health check, vaccination plan
Second vaccination	10-12 weeks	Confirm exact timing with vet
First professional groom	12-16 weeks	Book in advance – popular slots fill up
Puppy school	After second vaccination	Research classes in your area now
Desexing (if doing)	4-6 months	Discuss timing with vet
Adult food transition	10-12 months	Gradual switch over 7-10 days

Budget Planning

Wondering what this all costs? Here’s a realistic breakdown for Australia (2026):

One-Time Costs

Item	Estimated Cost
Puppy purchase	$4,500 – $7,000
Essential supplies	$300 – $500
Grooming kit	$50 – $100
Crate and bedding	$80 – $150
First vet visit	$80 – $150
Microchip transfer	$30 – $50
Total setup	$500 – $950 (excluding puppy)

Ongoing Monthly Costs

Item	Monthly Cost
Quality food	$60 – $120
Professional grooming	$80 – $120 (average across year)
Pet insurance	$40 – $80
Treats and toys	$20 – $40
Flea/tick/worming	$20 – $30
Total monthly	$220 – $390

Note: These are estimates. Costs vary by location, product choices, and whether you groom at home or use professionals exclusively.

Printable Checklist Download

Want all this in a print-friendly format? Our free Cavoodle Puppy Checklist PDF includes:

• Home prep checklist with tick boxes
• Complete supplies list
• Questions for your breeder
• Day-by-day guide for weeks 1-2
• Grooming introduction timeline
• Critical dates and milestones

Get the Free Cavoodle Puppy Checklist PDF

Get Everything in One Kit

Don’t want to source everything separately? Our Cavoodle Puppy Kit contains all the grooming essentials on this checklist – selected by professional groomers specifically for Cavoodle coats.

The kit includes a fleece-safe slicker brush, steel comb, puppy shampoo, detangling spray, and grooming guide – everything you need to start your home grooming routine properly.

Learn more about the Cavoodle Puppy Kit

Related Resources

Preparing for your Cavoodle? These guides will help:

• How to Prepare for a Cavoodle Puppy – Our complete preparation guide
• First Week with Your Cavoodle Puppy – Day-by-day survival guide
• Cavoodle Toilet Training Guide – Complete training method
• Cavoodle Grooming Guide – Everything about coat care
• Cavoodle Feeding Guide – What to feed and how much

Visit our Cavoodle Learning Centre for more resources.