Shoutout to all the dog moms out there!! It’s time to show our love and appreciation for all they do. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Mother’s Day, or just because, we’ve got some fun ideas for you.

Treat Maker: Perfect gift for the dog mom that loves being in the kitchen.
Dog Mom Hat: Fun everyday hat that goes great with anything.
Paw Print Necklace: A necklace to carry your fur baby close.
Pupwell Grooming Kit: Grooming your own dog creates such an amazing bond AND saves you $$. Use code: MLF10 to get a free waterproof apron + free Shipping. Add the apron to cart and it will be taken off at checkout.
Dog Slippers: Cozy slippers for the dog mom that loves being at home.
Dog Mom Stacked Beaded Bracelets: Make a statement with these stacked bracelets.
Cozy Sweatshirt: For the dog mom that loves being comfy.
Mug: Every dog mom needs a mug with their dog on it.. am I right?
Livin that Dog Mom Life T-Shirt: There is nothing like that Dog Mom Life so why not get her a T-shirt.
Customized Bandana’s: Make her melt by giving her a customized “Mama’s girl” or “Mama’s boy” bandana.
Dog Mom Essential Bag: Classy for the dark parks or running errands.

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and we have just the treat for you and your doodle to enjoy! It has 5 ingredients and is SO easy.

Ingredients:

1 Banana
1 Apple
1 Handful of Spinach
1 Cup Water
1/2 Plain Greek Yogurt

Directions:

Blend all together, pour it in the molds, and then place the molds in freezer. Once frozen serve to dog and ENJOY!

Cheers!! Tag us on instagram if you make them!

Check out more of our recipes here.

It’s always so fun and exciting bringing home a new puppy!! To make sure that your puppy receives the best puppy training possible, take some time to learn about those common mistakes that other owners have made. Knowing what NOT to do beforehand can save you so much frustration and time.

#1 Not starting training early on. Training should start the day you bring your puppy home. Start with the basic commands (sit, stay come) and find teaching opportunities. You can also look into a puppy trainer or puppy training classes for further help.

#2 Choosing not to crate train. In our experience, crate training is one of the most valuable assets in puppy training! It provides a safe place for them and also gives you a little break when you have to run errands or when you can’t monitor them. Make the crate a POSITIVE experience and give them a treat each time they go in! 

#3 Not socializing your puppy. Once your puppy comes home start socializing them with different sounds and people. Wait until they are ALL up to date on vaccines before introducing them with high traffic dog places. Introduce your pup slowly to new situations and keep it a positive experience. Teaching them to learn about the world at an early age is key to raising a well-balanced adult dog. 

#4 Not establishing a routine. Create a schedule and stick to it! Puppies love consistency and thrive when on a routine. Not been consistent to a schedule can lead to potty accidents and behaviors such as increased barking or nipping. Create a schedule early on so you can avoid the unnecessary stress.

Christmas is around the corner and we have rounded up some of our favorite finds!

The GoodPup Grooming Kit- A dog grooming kit that includes everything you need to groom your dog from home. The kit comes with step by step video demonstrations. This will save you trips to the groomer! If you use code MLF15 you will receive a free apron.

Henry Clean- Keep your dog smelling fresh 24/7. They just released 2 new scents and we can’t decide what one is our favorite. They smell SOOO good. Use code MLF20 to save!

Dog Macroons- A yummy and fancy treat for your pup! Perfect for stocking stuffer.

Holiday Bandana- Keep your dog looking stylish all holiday season. We love these bandanas because they snap instead of tie.

Dog Bed-Classy and comfortable dog bed that looks good in any room.

Leash- Love the look of this leash. You can’t beat Target!

Toy Organizer- Dog toys end up everywhere in our house so having a designated bin is the best thing.

Furbo Camera- So fun being able to spy on your dog when you aren’t home.

Best Bully Sticks- These sticks are a safe alternative to rawhide and will keep your pup busy for hours.

Poop Bags & Flashlight- Picking up poop in the dark is not fun. This bag carrier attaches to the leash and has a flashlight attached.

Triangle Tug- A toy for a fun game of Tug-of-war.

Dog Brush- If you have a doodle this brush is a must. It helps prevent matting.

Waste Dispenser- Stylish dispenser that can attach to anything.

Pup Culture Holder + Apple Airtag- This is absolutely brilliant! Never have to worry about loosing your dog. Watch this video to see how it works.

Paw Wax- This stuff protects your dogs paws from being dry and cracking. It is magic and the reviews are amazing!

Benebone- We are Benebone’s biggest fan! We buy one for each of our puppies for when they go to their forever home. This bone will keep them busy for hours.

Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is a procedure we do that helps puppies with their nose awareness and confidence. It enhances their ability to identify and react to scents. Similar to Early Neurological Stimulation, ESI is introduced at days 3-16 of a puppies life and is very benefical for their development.

During this curriculum, we expose them to a different scent each day. As we do this, we hold the puppy close to us, and let them smell each item. After this we then chart their reaction on their neonatal care chart. The reaction is considered to be positive when the puppy shows interest in the scent, moving his/her nose towards it. A negative reaction is recorded when the puppy tries to move away from the scent. If a puppy is neither interested or uninterested in the scent, this is considered a neutral reaction.

What are the benefits?

This procedure creates a more aware and alert dog, which in return makes an even better companion, service, and therapy dog. Many times with therapy and early service dog training, the dog’s scent abilities are a characteristic that is required. Studies have shown that stimulating puppies scent ability early on has been proven to dramatically increase their scent ability later in life. 

Here are a few examples of how dogs can help through their scent abilities—

• Nearly half of children with autism tend to run away or go missing. Many dogs are trained to follow the scent and can locate the child.

• Diabetic alert dogs are trained to detect low or high blood sugar levels by the smells in the air.

• Some dogs can even let an elderly person know that the stove has been left on, or even a gas leak.

Naturally some dogs have more of natural nose instinct compared to others. By doing this training and recording their reactions it helps us match the right pup with the right individual need.

You can read more about ESI or watch a short video at Avidog's website.

Sniffle Mat | Benebone | Suction Tug of War | Puzzle | Treat Feeder | Slow Feeder Bowl

Feeling guilty because you don’t have time to play with your dog? Or is it too hot to go hiking?

Here in Utah we are experiencing high heat and bad air quality with the fires so our dogs have been cooped up. Here is a list of mentally stimulating dog toys/activities to try! They should keep your pup occupied for a while!

Summer is here and so are the hot temperatures!! It’s important to keep our loyal companions in mind, especially when the weather gets hot and unbearable. Don’t sweat it — we’ve got what you need to help your dog stay cool and comfy.

1. Provide plenty of cold water. Whether you’re taking your dog on a hike or just playing in the back yard, it’s important to have cold water available and accessible. The Yeti dog bowl holds 64 oz and has a double coated wall that helps keep the water cool. If you’re not wanting to fill up the dog bowl frequently then you should get a dog water fountain. It holds 2.8 liters!!

2. Play in the water. If you are wanting to play in a pool, sprinkler, or even a lake we have the items for you.

Dog Skipping Stones | Dog Pool | Turtle Toy | Flying Squirrel | Sprinkler | Flamingo Toy

3. Give a summer hair cut. A doodle can benefit from having a summer cut. We love the teddy bear hair cut but during the summer months we ask for it a little shorter around the muzzle. Avoid shaving if possible to protect your dogs skin.

4. Make a strawberry pupsicle.

Ingredients:
5 strawberries
1/4 cup of plain greek yogurt
4 tbs water
1 tsp coconut oil

Directions:

1. Remove stalks off of strawberries
2. Put strawberries, greek yogurt, water, and oil into blender
3. Pour mixture into molds and freeze for 1-2 hours. We use the Groov for molds.

Make more of our dog friendly summer treats here!

5. Avoid the asphalt. Check the pavement for heat before taking your dog on a walk. Place your hand or bare foot on the surface for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you to keep your hand or foot on it then it is too hot for your them.

As breeders and dog lovers we are always trying to find products that our dogs will enjoy as well as products that will make our lives easier as dog owners. We complied a list that we LOVE, as well as some that other dog enthusiast recommended. We were able to snag some discount codes for you!

Dog Tested and Owner Approved Products

Ruff Swag Dog Trainer

Use code: MLF10 for a discount online and in-person training.

Diggs Revol Crate

Discount automatically applied at checkout.

Wild One Poop Bags

Besties Dog Tags

Use code: MLF15 for 15% off your purchase

Dog Water Bottle

Treat Maker

Bottle Attachment To Clean Paws

Outward Hound Life Jacket

Wobble Wag Giggle Ball

Poop Scoopers in Utah

Henry Dog Spray

Licking Mat

Are you getting ready to travel with your puppy on an airplane? Are you wondering what you need to know beforehand and what to bring? Traveling alone might seem overwhelming as is. That is why we are giving you a step by step guide on airline requirements, what products to bring and tips on flying with a puppy. 

How to fly with a puppy on an airplane

1. Do research on your airline + see what the requirements are.

Below are common airlines and their current requirements: 

Delta - Must be 8 weeks old.

American Airlines - Dogs must be 8 weeks old when traveling within the U.S. & Puerto Rico. 

Alaskan Airlines - Must be at least 8 weeks old. 

Southwest - Must be at least 8 weeks old. 

 Note: Airlines won’t transport animals that are violent, sick, or in physical distress. A responsible breeder should take the puppy to the vet prior to flying to get a detailed checkup and certificate.

2.     List your pet on your itinerary & pay fee

 All airlines have different pet fees. They vary between $125-200 per pet. You typically have to all the airline to get the puppy added to your ticket.

 3.     Bring/purchase items for the flight

·      Puppy carrier— You will want to purchase a carrier that will be able to go under the seat in front of you. Any standard approved airline carrier will work just fine based on the size of your puppy. The recommended dimensions for soft-sided carriers are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high. 

·      Leash & Collar— Use code MLF to save!

·      Puppy pads.  Put a pee pad inside the carrier in case the puppy goes to the bathroom. Always pack extra’s so you can replace them once they are dirty!! Just a reminder-do not take your new puppy into a designated dog area.

·      Puppy toy—  To help keep them entertained for the duration of the fight.

·      Scented blanket—MLF sends home every pup with scented blanket. 

·      Bag of Food— 2 hours prior to the flight we cut off all food and water to prevent accidents. In case the flight is delayed or you have a layover we recommend having some food on hand.

·      Collapsible bowl— Useful and convenient!

Flying with a puppy FAQ’s

How long should you wait to give your dog food or water before a flight? 

Wait around 2-3 hours prior to the flight. Depending on the duration of the flight you can give the puppy little ice cubes or a little water during the flight. Feed and give the puppy plenty of food and water when you get to your destination. 

 What can I do if my puppy gets anxious on the plane?  

Open up the carrier and let your pup see you, try petting it to calm it down.  The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Toy really helps provide comfort while traveling.  This toy is designed to provide comfort and helps relieve anxiety. The puppy comes with a pulsing heartbeat and a heat pack for an extra source of comfort.

Where do I take my dog to go to the bathroom at the airport? Is there a designated area? 

Don’t take your brand new puppy to a designated potty area. Bring a puppy pad and lay it down in a restroom or secluded area and let them go potty. 

 Can you get a puppy out of its carrier when you are on the plane? 

 It depends on the airline and flight attendants. Most of our puppy families have been able to get the puppy out of the carrier and comfort and hold it!

 What happens if my dog poops during the flight?

If your dog poops during the flight take the puppy and the carrier inside the plane bathroom. Grab the poop with a papertowl and flush it down the toilet. Throw away the pee pad in the garbage can and replace it with a new one! Easy Peasy!

Ear infections are one of the most common problems that are seen in dogs.  This is commonly seen in certain breeds who have floppy ears—doodles being one of them.  “Luckily, ear infections are easily treated and prevented” says TeAnna at Ruffledale Pet Resort and Spa who sees ear infections regulary. In this article we’ll cover causes of ear infections, symptoms, and treatment.

Causes Of Ear Infections In Doodles

There can be many causes that can contribute to a dog ear infection. Most commonly they are caused by moisture, yeast, allergies, bacteria, hormonal imbalances, inner-ear hair growth, ear mites, shape of the ears, swimming, and injury or foreign bodies. 

Many Goldendoodles have ear infections due to the structure of the ear. The long, hairy ears often prevent sufficient air flow inside the ear. These warm, damp and dark areas under the ear flaps can trap dirt and ear wax, which makes it easy for bacteria to spread.

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms

• Shaking head often

• Odor coming from ears

• Constant scratching of the ear, itchiness

• Swelling, or ear flaps filling with fluid

• Redness in the ear

• Discharge inside the ear (yellow, brown, black, or bloody)

• Crusty or irritated ears

• Pain and soreness

Preventing Ear Infections in Your Goldendoodle

The best way to prevent ear infections is to clean them. Below are a few simple steps on how to clean your doodle’s ear:

1. Get Ear Cleaner from the pet store or your vet.  This ear cleaner contains an antifungal and antibacterial ingredient to help prevent your Goldendoodle from developing an ear infection.

2. Grab a handful of cotton balls. These will be used to gently wipe out any ear cleaner from your dog’s ears. 

3. Use the cleaner and squirt into your Goldendoodle’s ear canal. As soon as you put the ear cleaner in your dog’s ear, they will want to shake this out.  You will want to hold on to their ear flap to prevent them from shaking everything right out.

4. Once the ear canal has the solution in it, place a cotton ball at the opening of your Goldendoodle’s ear. 

5. Gently massage the base of the ear.  This is helping break up any waxy and debris that is in your Goldendoodle’s ear. 

6. Gently use the cotton ball to wipe away any excessive ear cleaning that is coming out of your Goldendoodle’s ear. 

7. Continue this process a few times until there is no more brown waxy debris on the cotton balls.

8. After your Goldendoodle’s ears are clean, you can let them shake their ears.  This will help get any extra cleaner out of their ears. 

Do I Need to Go to the Vet for an Ear Infection?

Speak with your vet for proper advice for your dog. For mild ear infections it can often be treated by over the counter cleaning solution.

Shop what we have in our cabinet drawer:

Enzymatic Solution | Ear Wipes | Ear Cleaner | Cotton Balls

Teaching a puppy to learn about the world at an early age is very important in creating a well-balanced adult dog. Have you ever thought why some dogs are so calm around loud environments, while others look anxious and stressed?

If you think about it, we live in a world full of loud, new and unusual sounds. All of these sounds our dogs will encounter—from noises inside the home (such as the vacuum or dishwasher); to environments such as the dog parks (birds chirping or dogs barking); and the outside world (traffic, storms, fireworks). Teaching a puppy to be comfortable with all sorts of sounds is key to having a well balanced and behaved dog.

Research has shown that socializing and character development can start right when the puppy is born. Here at Matthews Legacy Farm (MLF) we have spent years researching to ensure our Goldendoodles are off to a great start and ready to adapt to new sounds and situations they will encounter with their forever families.

Did you know that puppies are born blind and deaf?

Puppies are born with both their eyes and ears sealed shut. For their first two weeks of life, newborn pups experience the world entirely through touch and smell. We start Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction at day 3 of age so they know human touch is a positive and safe experience. During the third week their eyes and ears open, giving tiny pups a whole new way to experience life. At this time is when we start sound training.

What is sound training?

Sound training is designed to help dogs get used to different noises that they will encounter. Here at MLF we start sound training and conditioning right when the puppies are 3 weeks of age up until they go to their forever families. Sounds on our Spotify playlist include: farm animals, baby cries, barking dogs, fireworks, grooming, kids playing, city traffic, vacuum cleaners, dish washer running, and many more.

As breeders, we highly suggest continuing sound training once the puppies go to their new homes so they can continue to get used to different sounds that they will encounter. Below is a video of one of our families that has continued the sound training. Meko and Milo are not anxious or stressed around the vacuum. Talk about AMAZING!

Is it too late to sound train my dog?

It is not too late to get your dog familiar with sounds! Sound Proof Puppy Training can help older dogs with existing fears such as fireworks, groomers, etc. Owners can help desensitize their dog to sounds and noise that they are frightened of and create a positive experience by offering praise or a treat during the training session. Visit our Spotify playlist for a variety of different sounds to help your adult dog.

Testimonials on how sound training has benefited our dogs and owners

“We are so happy to have found such experienced and knowledgable breeders. Meko and Milo do not budge when they hear the vacuum and can sleep through a storm. When they har our niece or nephew cry, they don’t run away; instead, they are very comforting. Even when we are on walks, they notice cars going by and might turn to see what it is, but they never seem anxious or nervous. It gives us peace of mind knowing our boys aren’t scared at every single noise they hear.” — Meko & Milo

“Sound training has been very beneficial for our puppy, Davis, and our family. Davis is a confident pup and is curious instead of being fearful in new surroundings and sounds. Sound training has been a huge benefit for our family especially because we live in a busy city with many loud sounds.” — Marina Kananova & Doodle Davis

“When we brought Tucker home, we had a 9 hour road trip to get back. I was nervous how he would do on the road, especially with road noises and busy rest stops. Seriously nothing phased this guy! Semi trucks, honking horns, barking dogs... nothing upset or even startled him. For the next few weeks being home with Tucker, I noticed how calm he was around other loud noises that normally startle my other dogs such as the blender, dishwasher, or vacuum. I also realized because he was so calm around noises, he was able to sleep anywhere easily during the day, which made crate training so much easier.”—Sarah Sheppard

“Maui does not react to anything such as the vacuum or the construction that’s been going on in our basement. Both pups for New Years weren’t jumpy during fireworks.” —Danielle Kuresa

When we started our program we were looking for a brand to feed our dogs throughout all stages of life. We came across Taste of the Wild (TOTW) while looking for a well balanced nutrition panel. Shortly after switching we quickly noticed our dogs thick and shiny coats. If we were noticing how great it was working first hand on our own dogs, then we knew it would be great for our future breeding dogs and puppies.

Nutrition is key to living a long heathy life!

Good nutrition is the foundation to having a healthy dog, successful pregnancies, and nourished puppies. As puppies start to wean off of the mother, we believe it is very important to feed puppies high-quality food right from the start. Around 5 weeks of age we start introducing a soaked Taste of the Wild puppy food. Puppies need a formulated dog food to meet the nutritional needs for development. If puppies are receiving a good quality food, balanced diet, they are less likely to need additional vitamins or supplements later on in life.

What makes Taste of the Wild so tasty?

Feeding your puppy: the 1st year timeline

• 6–12 weeks: Growing pups should be fed puppy food so they get the nutritional needs for normal development. Four feedings a day are usually adequate to meet nutritional demands.

• 3–6 months: Sometime during this period, you can decrease feedings from four to three times a day.

• 6–12 months: Begin feeding twice daily.

• After age 1: Once they turn one switch from nutrient-rich puppy food to adult maintenance food.

*All puppies are different, so if you have any concerns or questions about your puppy’s food, feeding schedule, or nutritional health, always consult your veterinarian.

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For more information on Taste of the Wild visit their website and instagram.

Did you know that most of our Goldendoodles live out of state? We have Goldendoodles all throughout the United States and we are in contact with every single one! We thought it would be fun to highlight a few. We hope you enjoy getting to know some of the cutest doodles around.

Nessie

What is your all time favorite dog toy?

I’m a cheap date— my favorite toy is dirty laundry! I love to steal it so my parents will chase me. I also love getting Bark Boxes delivered to my door. I’ll grab a toy out and prance around the house with my fur sister Hasle.

Whats the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done?

I used to get on the kitchen table whenever my parents left the house. My parents had to switch out our bench for two chairs so I can’t get up there anymore.

How did you get your name?

My parents named my sister after where part of her breed is from. She's half Entlebucher Mountain Dog and they originate near a town in Hasle in Switzerland, hence the name Hasle (pronounced hazel). So they thought it would be fun to do the same with my name. They found online that golden retrievers originate from Scotland, in an area right by Loch Ness so they named me Nessie.

You can follow my instagram here!

Nala

What brand of dog food do you eat?

Taste Of the Wild— I specifically love the Pacific Stream flavor.

Do you prefer dog parks or hiking a trail?

Definitely dog parks! I love socializing with other dogs.

Who is your favorite person?

My mama! I love to be by her side at all times.

Atlas

Where do you live?

We live in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina- it’s right in Charleston. It’s a lot hotter here than it was when I was in Utah at MLF, but I love to play in the rain to cool off.

How was your first plane ride to your forever family?

The nicest flight nanny named Martha picked me up, let me sit in her lap and sent updates to my pawrents as they eagerly waited for my arrival! I was a little nervous at first, but my pawrents met her at the airport and haven’t stopped spoiling and snuggling me since. When I first got home my mom tied a bandana around my neck, gave me toys and took so many pictures of me. I was so sleepy, but mom just kept taking them - and she’s never stopped since! My big sister Clover came home from daycare to meet me. It only took a few minutes and I realized we would be the best of friends. We play and wrestle and I always take her toys and hide them in my stash under the bed. We love to snuggle and dig together, until dad finds us!

What is your best trick?

Well. I have a couple. My first is to see how little space there can be between me and my mom. I don’t know why she is always saying she needs some space. When she’s sitting on the couch or laying in bed, I always try and make sure she knows I’m right there next to her for kisses, hoping she’ll give me more treats. I’m really good at fetch. I love bringing things to my pawrents, even when they didn’t throw anything! When they come home from work I’ll bring them shoes, toys, even paper bags.

You can follow my instagram here!

Teddy

How much do you weigh?

35 lbs of love

What is your best trick?

Helping my human kids survive and make it through online learning. I’m the best listener and classmate ever!

Are you afraid of anything?

Yes, I’m afraid of the fedex truck!

You can follow my instagram here!

Murphy

Do you like sticks or stuffed animals?

I’m more of a stick guy. I really like collecting the biggest ones on my walks and I try to bring them home with me.

How do you greet mom & dad every day?

Lately, it seems like they switch off who gets to wake up with me and who has to stay sleeping. When the other one is ready, one of my parents lets me run into the bedroom and attack them with kisses for a wake up call.

How did the potty training stage go?

Potty training was great and I caught on really fast. Mom put these hanging things around the door that I jumped on and they made a noise whenever I needed to go potty. Then someone would take me out! I haven’t gone potty in the house since I was a puppy.

You can follow my instagram here!

Nora

Are you a mama’s girl or daddy’s girl?

Daddy’s girl, unless it’s snuggle time. Then I’m a total mama’s girl.

What is your favorite treat?

I love carrots!

If you could plan the day what would you do?

I can’t start the day until I have morning tummy rubs. I eat breakfast and then throw the ball around the yard. Time for my mid morning snooze! We play some tug with my favorite rope and then go to the dog park to play with my 50 best friends. Get some treats and then mega snooze. Finish the night off with snugs in bed with mom and dad. That would be a perfect day.


You can follow my instagram here!

Choosing the right name for your dog is serious business! We have compiled a list of 65 dog names that we LOVE and are currently trending.

1. Teddy

2. Dolly

3. Maple

4. Charlie

5. Penny

6. Daisy

7. Murphy

8. Amber

9. Copper

10.  Honey

11.  Goldy

12.  Luna

13.  Max

14.  Winston

15.  Molly

16.  Oliver

17.  Zoey

18.  Leo

19.  Maggie

20. Waffles

21.  Buddy

22.  Sadie

23.  Ollie

24.  Piper

25.  Milo

26.  Finn

27.  Lola

28.  Rosie

29.  Sophie

30.  Winnie

31.  Beau

32.  Louie

33.  Bear

34.  Gus

35.  Duke

36.  Millie

37.  Scout

38.  Ginger

39.  Henry

40.  Marley

41.  Chloe

42.  Remi

43.  Coco

44.  Harley

45.  Nala

46.  Finley

47.  Kona

48.  Roxy

49.  Moose

50.  Willow

51.  Oakley

52.  Olive

53.  Sunny

54.  Theo

55.  Hank

56.  Izzy

57.  Harper

58. Remmie

59.  Rocky

60.  Archie

61.  Poppy

62.  Baxter

63.  Rudy

64.  Lucky

65.  Nash

Home dental care is one of the best ways to help keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy. Start as early as possible so he/she will become accustomed to the brushing process. Consistent tooth brushing helps to prevent gum disease and other oral issues that can ultimately result in damage to your dog’s liver, heart, and other vital organs.

Dog owners spend a lot of money to get a high quality dog bed and top notch dog food. But often can forget about brushing their dogs teeth. Teeth cleaning can be easily overlooked. If you’re not sure how to brush your dog’s teeth, and you haven’t started a routine yet, you can start today!

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, over 80% of dogs have some kind of dental issue by age 3.

Selecting a Toothbrush

The first step to having those nice pearly whites is finding the perfect canine toothbrush. Dog toothbrushes are similar to human toothbrushes, but are smaller and have softer bristles. Another option? A finger toothbrush, which fits over your finger and makes cleaning those hard-to-reach areas much easier to clean.

Selecting a Toothpaste

Never use human toothpaste. Why? Human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Find a pet-friendly toothpaste they have all sorts of flavors like poultry or peanut butter. 

How to brush your dogs teeth?

1. Make sure you're in a spot where your dog is comfortable. Don't stand above your dog, hold him/her down, or take a threatening stance. Instead, try kneeling or sitting in front of or to the side of him/her. Gauge your dog's anxiety level. If it’s too upset, stop, and try again later. Be sure to keep this a positive experience!

2. Rub your finger on the upper gums and teeth. This will help the dog get used to the feel of something against its teeth. Make sure to use light pressure.

3. Put some dog toothpaste on your fingertip. Let your dog lick the toothpaste from your fingertip so that it can get used to the taste and texture.

4. When the dog seems ready, start using the toothpaste and toothbrush together. Lift the dogs upper lip. As you approach its teeth with the tooth brush, angle the bristles so they reach the gum line. Placing them at a angle will help the bristles massage the gum line and clear away plaque.

5. Brush in small circles, be sure to get the top and bottom on each side. As you move the bristles along the gum line, some light bleeding may occur. Slight bleeding every so often is OK. But ongoing or heavy bleeding may be the reason you’re brushing too aggressively or it may be a sign of gum disease. Speak with your vet for advice if this happens.

6. When you're finished brushing your dog's teeth, reward it with a treat or affection. Certain chews can also help you fight plaque buildup.

@maple.the.goldy

We frequently get asked “When should I take my puppy to get groomed for the first time?” and “What type of haircut should I ask for to get the perfect teddy bear look?” Since we are not professionals when it comes to grooming we thought we would ask someone who is. We interviewed our grooming artist, TeAnna who is the owner of Ruffledales Pet Resort & Paw Spa and asked her several of those questions.

When should a puppy go to the groomer for the 1st time?

After the puppy has received at least two sets of DHPP, one bordetella, and the veterinarian agrees it’s safe to be groomed. Typically it is around the 10-12 week mark. We recommend coming in for a bath and brush so the puppy can feel safe and confident with the grooming process.

A few tips to get your puppy familiar with getting groomed:

1. Brush your puppy at an early age. Get the puppy familiar with the brush and comb so when they go to the groomers it’s a positive experience.

2. Play with your puppy’s feet. As groomers, we see a lot of puppies that are really freaked out when we touch their feet. If the owners of the puppies played with their feet and got them comfortable with people touching that area it makes our job a lot easier.

How often should you brush your Goldendoodle?

This is tricky, all goldendoodles have slightly different coats and some are more prone to matting due to genetics. We definitely recommend brushing out the coats daily or three times a week. If you are noticing little mats and only brushing three times a week, definitely increase the brushing schedule.

How do you prevent matting?

Get a good quality comb! Sometimes brushes only go over the beautiful top coat and don’t fully get the mats. Mats start at the skin and are likely to hide under all the fur. We recommend using a hard wire comb and starting at the skin and combing the hair out. It’s very important in areas of high friction, where the collar is, around the armpits, where the tail meets the body and around the face and behind the ears. After combing your doodle, we recommend using a high quality brush.

“If you keep up on combing and brushing, then you can keep your doodles hair any length.”— TeAnna

Hard Wire Comb | Brush | Nail Clippers | Dog Dryer

A matted goldendoodle.

Why is combing and brushing so important?

This picture says it all! Mats can be extremely painful for dogs. If a small mat is not properly addressed, it can turn a small issue into a much bigger one for your doodle. Mats have the ability to lock down against a dog’s skin. With every move your dog makes these knots can get tighter and harder to comb through.

If these mats are left untreated, they can be a great place for fleas and other unwanted parasites to hide and live. In fact, sometimes groomers find mold and yeast infections under the coats.

How often should you groom your Goldendoodle?

This depends on how you choose to keep their hair. The longer lengths really need to be groomed more often due to having a higher risk of matting. The matts are just like dread locks and can be very difficult and painful to brush out. There is also a risk of hematoma to the ears if they are badly matted and have to be shaved. If you’d would like to leave your doodle long, we recommend getting bath and brush outs between grooms around every 3-4 weeks and getting grooms 6-8 weeks apart. If you like your doodle shaved short, then every 6-8 weeks is usually adequate, as long as you are doing your part and brushing them at home.

How to get the Teddy Bear haircut on a Goldendoodle?

The best advice is to be very specific to your groomer!! Everyone has a very distinct style and like different looks. If you are wanting a certain look make sure to talk to the receptionist and show pictures of what you have in mind. If you are wanting the teddy bear hair style ask for the following:

• Small notch shaved between the eyes

• Short hair trim around the ears and eyes

• Have the groomer use round scissors around the dogs muzzle

• Use blending shears to help blend the hair evenly around the face and ears

• Evenly shaved throughout the body – Approximately 1.5-2 inches in hair length

• Round feet trimming

• Long tail feathering and tapered towards the tip

• Show pictures of teddy bear styles that you like!

How much does it cost to groom a Goldendoodle?

Depending on the size of the doodle it can range from $40-$120. If you have a doodle weighing 80 lbs or more it will be in the $80-$120 range. Please note when scheduling to be groomed, be aware of hidden added charges. Some grooming facilities will give you a base price that doesn’t include: nail trimming, ear cleaning and anal gland expression. They add these charges on after and the groom ends up costing you double. Not fun! Ruffledales doesn’t believe in adding charges on so that is another reason why we recommend them.

We hope you find this information helpful and don’t forget to ask for the teddy bear cut next grooming! We would love to see your photos. Email us at matthewslegacyfarm@gmail.com or tag us on instagram @matthewslegacyfarm.
-MLF

Having a well socialized puppy has been considered the responsibility of a new puppy owner. Breeders encourage them to take the puppy to training classes and make sure they are exposed to a variety of dogs, people, and other situations. As important as that is, more research shows that socializing and character development can start right when the puppy is born. Breeders can do a lot to make sure their puppies have an excellent start. Here at Matthews Legacy Farm (MLF) we have spent years researching to ensure our Goldendoodles are off to a great start and ready to adapt to new situations they will encounter with their forever families.

Did you know that the first three weeks of a puppy’s life are critical?

Puppies are very helpless from the moment they are born until they are 3 weeks of age. The mama does most of the work (feeds, cleans, and provides warmth and comfort). We start very early interacting with our puppies by holding them countless times a day so they know that human touch is a positive and safe experience.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) 

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a process we do that introduces mild stimulations to very young puppies in a controlled way. These stimlulations help encourage the neurological system which improves the growth and development of the pup’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and stress tolerance. ENS is started on days 3-16 since that is when rapid neurological growth and development occur.

This process consists of 5 simple and harmless exercises. Each exercise is done for 3-5 seconds.

1. Tactile stimulation - holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any of the feet using a Q-tip.

2. Head held erect - using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Do this for 3 - 5 seconds.

3. Head pointed down - holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Do this for 3 - 5 seconds.

4. Supine position - hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep. Do this for 3-5 seconds.

5. Thermal stimulation—use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Do this for 3-5 seconds.

These 5 simple exercises are done to prepare our goldendoodles for their life’s journey with their new owners. Only 30 seconds a day for 2 weeks and we see a great improvement in their immune systems and stress tolerances. To learn more about ENS and Puppy Culture visit here.

We’ve got the first 8 weeks covered, now the next steps are preparing for your puppy!

Keeping your dog entertained can be challenging especially during the winter months. To help you out we’ve put together a list of 8 easy ways to keep your dog busy inside.

The benefits to keeping your dog busy

Bored dogs tend to get into trouble. By playing with your dog a few times a day you can decrease the likelihood of them developing bad habits like chewing up shoes or your new furniture.

“There is a growing acceptance among scientists that play is very, very important and the type and frequency of play are a really good indicator of a dog’s quality of life. – Mark Evans, former RSPCA chief veterinarian.

8 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy

1.    Practice training. Cold, snowy days are a great time to practice training skills. Dogs aim to please and getting your dog thinking is just as important as physical excersie. If your dog has mastered the basic skills such as sit, stay, down, and heel then try teaching them a new trick. Youtube is a great source to learn new tricks. When it comes to training and learning new skills having the right type of treat is KEY. Our dogs are highly motivated with Rocco & Roxie treats. We break up the sticks into smaller pieces and put them in an easy access container.  Watch this video for some fun tricks you could teach your dog!

2.    Bake treats. Make homemade dog treats and insert them inside a toy. Our recipes take 5 minutes to make and will be something your dog will enjoy.

3.    Get a Puzzle Toy. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog busy. Interactive toys will help your dog focus on a task and help with his or her mental stimulation. Below are some puzzle toys that we recommend.

Hide and Seek Squirrel Toy | Interactive Treat Puzzle | Tug A Jug

4.  Play The Which Hand Game. This game is great for teaching your dog scents. The only thing you’ll need is some dog treats, and if don’t any on hand you can use some chopped up carrots. Chopped up carrots make excellent treats for scent games and training. They’re low in calories, easy to prepare, and (most) dogs love them.

How to Play the Game:

• Place a treat in one of your hands.

• Close your fists and hold them out in front of your dog.

• Let the dog choose which hand it’s in.

• When your dog sniffs or paws the correct hand open it up and give them the treat.

• If he chooses incorrectly don’t discourage him, it takes a few tries to catch on.

• A gentle “touch” command will be helpful.

5. Doggy Play Date. Does your dog have some dog friends? Invite them over for play time. It’s so important for your dog to interact with other dogs and it’s a guarantee that you’ll have a tired dog at the end of the day.

6. Interactive Toppl Toy. A treat dispenser is a great way to keep your dog busy! You can easily insert treats, veggies, peanut butter, yogurt, or biscuits into this Toppl toy. It will keep your dog busy for a while as he or she is trying to loosen the treats. Did we mention its dishwasher safe?

7. Take a class. Winter is a perfect time for you and your dog to spend some quality time together and take a class. There are a wide number of classes you can sign up for that can teach you and your pooch a thing or two. Classes range from indoor training and swimming classes, flyball classes, or dog owner meet-ups to get your dog socialising.

8. Go to an indoor shopping mall. If you live in Utah, City Creek is an awesome dog friendly mall. Most shops have treats and drinks for your dog. Shopping with your dog— doesn’t get any better!

Bring on the new year with a new way of organizing your dog items!! Dog lovers know first hand how toys and dog accessories can go from neatly organized to a disaster, like a bomb just went off in your home.

We’ve included some tips and tricks to help you contain the clutter, whether it’s your endless leash collection or your dog’s favorite toys.

How to get organized:

Choose one designated space. When you get a dog, you don’t realize all the extra ‘stuff’ that you accumulate over time. We love this organize bin—it’s the perfect size for storing brushes, shampoo, comb, balls, and bones.

Store toys in a decorative basket. If you don’t have a toy bin for your dog’s toys, you need one. NOW. It has been a lifesaver in our house. If you have had a dog for any length of time, you know that the number of toys for them quickly adds up. An efficient thing that we have found is to collect all the toys and put them in a large storage basket. We keep a decorative basket in our living area that holds all of our dog toys. It is so convenient for our dogs to grab as well as convenient for us as we clean up.

Put food and treats in a container. We use these food storage containers to store all of our dogs goodies in. Not only do these keep food and treats fresh longer, but also reduces the amount of space a bulky pet food bag takes up. Another feature that we love about this container are the wheels, it makes it so easy to move so you can clean around it. As a bonus, these adorable chalk labels make it easy to identify exactly what is in each container.

Create a dog walking station. In the mudroom or garage is the best location for leashes, harnesses, walking treats, and poop bags. It is nice having everything there and ready to go so you can walk out the door and not forget anything (like the poop bags).

Print out vet records and keep them in a binder. Click here to download a free printable pet information and vet record. Not only are these printable vet records helpful for you, they also come in handy for pet sitters. It’s always a good idea to have emergency contact information handy for whoever is watching your dog.

Via Kikki.K

Do you have any tips for organizing pet supplies? We would love to hear!

-MLF

Dogs like presents too! That is why we have put together the ultimate Christmas list for your dog. Shopping for dogs around the holiday season is one of the most exciting things— or at least that’s how we feel! Dogs are always so happy and excited, so watching them open and unwrap presents is the best.

Here are 20 of the best Christmas gifts you can give your dog. These gifts are for dogs of all breeds and sizes. They range from toys to some festive apparel that will have your pup styling all season long.

20 Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs

1. Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plus Dog Toy

ZippyPaws - Holiday Burrow, Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy - Yule Log Buy on Amazon

2. Furbo Dog Camera & Treat Dispenser

Furbo Dog Camera: Treat Tossing, Full HD Wifi Pet Camera and 2-Way Audio, Designed for Dogs, Compatible with Alexa (As Seen On Ellen) Buy on Amazon

3. Starbucks Squeaky Toy

Mihachi 2PCS Christmas Squeaky Plush Dog Toy Starbarks Coffee Series Interactive Game Cute Santa Snowflake Print Red Green Buy on Amazon

4. Zaley Designs Collars

5. Ripley and Rue Bandanas

6. Holiday Sweater

Blueberry Pet 6 Patterns Vintage Festive Red Ugly Christmas Reindeer Holiday Festive Dog Sweater, Back Length 12", Pack of 1 Clothes for Dogs Buy on Amazon

7. Squeaky Buddies

ZippyPaws - Holiday Squeakie Buddies No Stuffing Plush Dog Toy - 3-Pack Santa, Reindeer, Snowman Buy on Amazon

8. Kong Ball

Kong Squeezz Ball Assorted Colors Large 2 Pack Buy on Amazon

9. Plus Dog Toy

Multipet Plush Dog Toy, Lambchop Buy on Amazon

10.Chuckit Launcher

Chuckit! Ball Launcher Classic Medium (25 inches) Buy on Amazon

11. Jerky Dog Treats

Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Dog Treats - Slow Smoked, Delicious, Tender and Healthy 6" Jerky Sticks - Choose Beef, Chicken or Turkey - 16 oz. Bag (Chicken) Buy on Amazon

12. Dog Puzzle

TWODOGS Smart Dog Puzzle Toys for Beginner - Dog Games Improve Your Dog IQ - Colorful Design Slow Feeder to Aid Pets Digestion (Round) Buy on Amazon

13. Paw Print Ornament

Pearhead Pet Paw Prints Dog or Cat Paw Print Hanging DIY Keepsake, Holiday Buy on Amazon

14. Knitted Dog Stocking

2019 New Knitted Dog Christmas Stockings for Pets Embroidery Extra Large Ornament Decorations for Family Holiday Season Decor Christmas Bags-Christmas Parent-Child Cute Bone Two Claws (1 Pack) Buy on Amazon

15. Chuckit Frisbee

Chuckit! Paraflight Flyer Dog Frisbee for Long Distance Fetch Orange/Blue,Large Buy on Amazon

16. Reindeer Toy

ZippyPaws - Holiday Deluxe Reindeer Plush Squeaky Dog Toy Buy on Amazon

17. Benebone Durable Dog Stick

Benebone Maplestick Durable Dog Stick Chew Toy, Made in USA, REAL Maple Wood Flavor, Large Buy on Amazon

18. Winter Sweatsuit

Scheppend Original Adidog Pet Clothes for Dog Cat Puppy Hoodies Coat Doggie Winter Sweatshirt Warm Sweater Dog Outfits, Pink Medium Buy on Amazon

19. Babble Ball

Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball Interactive Dog Toys - Wisecracks & Makes Funny Sounds, Electronic Talking Treat Ball That Talks & Makes Noise - Avoids Boredom & Keeps Active | for Large Dogs Buy on Amazon

20. Bark Box Subscription