Our Approach
At Heartland GoldenDoodles, our program is intentionally small so every dog and puppy receives the care and attention they deserve.
We raise F1 Goldendoodles, a first-generation cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle, combining the Golden’s warm temperament with the intelligence and coat qualities of the Poodle.
Families begin by submitting an application, followed by a conversation where we learn about their home and answer any questions. Once approved, families are welcomed onto our waitlist and we gather preferences such as colour, coat type, and temperament.
When puppies arrive, families on the waitlist are notified and the journey officially begins.
Early Development
The first weeks of a puppy’s life play an important role in shaping their confidence and temperament. During this time, puppies stay close to their mother while receiving daily interaction and gentle exposure to everyday sounds and experiences.
Our development program includes:
• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
• Daily handling and social interaction
• Exposure to household sounds
• Outdoor exploration and sensory experiences
• Interaction with other animals
• Confidence-building activities
• Temperament observation
At around three weeks old, puppies begin venturing outside their whelping area. We introduce soft kibble and begin an early potty routine using spruce shavings to help encourage good habits.
Early Training Foundations
As the puppies grow, we begin introducing simple training foundations that help families start life together with confidence.
This includes:
• Introduction to crate training
• Beginning recall using the command “come”
• Early potty routine with spruce shavings
• Gentle grooming and handling exposure
Around five weeks of age, we begin the puppy selection process. Families connect with us through scheduled video calls where they are able to see the puppies, learn about their personalities, and choose the companion that feels like the right fit.
Because young puppies are vulnerable to certain illnesses early in life, we do not allow in-person visits during this stage. Virtual calls allow families to connect safely with their puppy while protecting the health of the litter.
Families consistently tell us this process works beautifully and allows them to feel connected long before bringing their puppy home.
Health & Veterinary Care
The health of our dogs and puppies is always a top priority.
Our parent dogs receive regular veterinary care and health testing, including evaluations for hips, elbows, eyes, and heart health.
Each puppy receives:
• First vaccinations (Distemper, CAV2-Hepatitis, Parvovirus)
• Three rounds of deworming
• A full veterinary examination
• A personalized health record booklet
At around seven weeks of age, puppies visit the veterinarian for their first health exam and vaccinations before preparing to head home.
Families also receive a two-year health guarantee for added peace of mind.
What Families Receive
Each puppy goes home with a starter package designed to help them transition comfortably into their new home.
This includes:
• Blanket with mother’s scent
• Toys
• Kibble
• Probiotics
• Health records
• Birth certificate
• Training guide
• Non-breeding contract
• One month of Trupanion pet insurance
These familiar items help puppies settle into their new environment while giving families helpful resources as they begin life together.
The Heartland Experience
Choosing a puppy is a meaningful decision, and we believe families deserve transparency and support throughout the process.
From the moment puppies are born, families receive milestone updates called “Pup Dates,” which include photos and short updates as the puppies grow. Updates are typically shared when the puppies arrive, again at two weeks, four weeks, and around seven weeks as families prepare for pickup day.
Our process also includes:
✔ Virtual puppy selection at 5 weeks
✔ Virtual puppy play dates
✔ Meet-the-breeder video calls
✔ Virtual tours of our environment
By the time pickup day arrives, families have already followed their puppy’s early journey and feel connected long before bringing them home.
They've Arrived
Once the puppies are born, families receive the very first “They’ve Arrived!” update. This message shares the exciting news of the litter, including how many puppies were born and how mom and the babies are doing in their first hours together.
2 Weeks Old
At two weeks old, the puppies are beginning to open their eyes and slowly become more aware of the world around them. In this update, families receive new photos and a glimpse into the earliest stages of their puppy’s development.
4 Weeks Old
By four weeks old, the puppies are becoming playful, curious, and much more interactive with their environment and each other. Families get to see their personalities beginning to shine through as they start exploring and learning.
7 Weeks Old
The final Pup Date comes around seven weeks, just before the puppies head home with their families. This update shares how the puppies are doing after their veterinary checkups and helps prepare families for the exciting pickup day ahead.