Raising a Happy, Healthy Puppy: Red Barn Doodles & More’s Guide to Puppy Care
- Michelle Hafner
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. At Red Barn Doodles & More, located in El Reno, Oklahoma, our mission is simple: to raise happy, healthy Bernedoodles of all sizes, limited Aussiedoodles, and AKC-registered Bernese Mountain Dogs. We are a small but mighty breeder dedicated to matching each perfect puppy with their perfect family.
To ensure your new furry family member grows into a confident, well-behaved, and healthy companion, it’s important to focus on vaccinations, socialization, potty training, crate training, and nighttime routines. That’s why every Red Barn puppy goes home with a complete puppy care guide. Below, we’ve put together expert tips and insights to help you give your puppy the best possible start in life.
The Importance of Puppy Vaccinations
Vaccinations are essential to protect your puppy from infectious diseases and to ensure they remain safe and healthy as they grow. There are two types of dog vaccines:
Core Vaccines: Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, and Rabies.
Non-Core Vaccines: Bordetella, Lyme disease, and Canine Influenza (depending on lifestyle).
At Red Barn Doodles & More, we recommend beginning vaccines at 8 weeks old and following the schedule every 4 weeks until your puppy is 16 weeks old. Remember: your puppy is not fully protected until two weeks after the final vaccinations.
Tip: Avoid dog parks, daycares, and groomers until your puppy is fully vaccinated at around 18 weeks to minimize risk of exposure.
Early Socialization: Setting the Foundation
Statistically, puppies not properly socialized between 3–8 weeks of age are more likely to develop permanent behavioral issues. Early socialization is about exposing your puppy to as many people, sounds, sights, and animals as possible in a positive way.
At Red Barn, we encourage families to:
Carry puppies in their arms into new environments.
Introduce them to car rides, strollers, and controlled meet-and-greets.
Join socialization classes or puppy play groups once vaccines are on track.
Dogs thrive on consistency. A well-socialized puppy grows into a well-adjusted adult dog, less fearful of strangers and better prepared for life’s adventures.
V Chain Potty Training
One of the biggest challenges for new puppy owners is potty training. At Red Barn, we recommend the V Chain Method:
Start with crate time (2 hours).
Take puppy outside immediately after.
Allow supervised playtime (leashed to human or on the floor).
Take puppy outside again.
Repeat the cycle consistently.
Key Tips for Success:
Feed your puppy two times daily (about ¼–½ cup, adjusted for growth).
Avoid free-feeding or free water during training—it makes learning harder.
Use positive reinforcement and consistency.
Nighttime potty breaks may be needed between 2:00–3:30 AM initially.
Crate Training for Comfort & Security
Crate training is not about confinement—it’s about creating a safe, cozy den for your puppy. At night, your puppy may whine or bark, but with patience and consistency, the crate will become a place of comfort.
Best Practices for Crate Training:
Place the crate in your bedroom or a nearby quiet space.
Use a snuggle puppy toy with warmth and heartbeat sounds to mimic littermates.
Play calming music or white noise to block outside sounds.
Avoid rewarding barking by letting them out too quickly—teach them that calm behavior earns freedom.
Nighttime Barking & Whining: What to Do
It’s normal for puppies to whine in their crate at night. Here’s how to respond:
Distress Barking: Offer comfort with your voice, sit by the crate, or place your hand nearby to reassure them. Avoid removing them from the crate unless it’s a potty break.
Demand Barking: Ignore repetitive barking that is simply attention-seeking.
Need for Potty: If restlessness starts around 2–3 AM, take them out calmly, then return to crate immediately after.
Pro Tip: Use the “quiet” cue when your puppy stops barking and reward calmness with praise or a safe chew.
Nighttime Habits Before Bed
Helping your puppy settle in for the night is easier with a routine:
Offer the last potty break about 10 minutes after drinking water.
Feed the last meal 3–4 hours before bedtime.
Engage in calm activities like a short sniff walk, puzzle toys, or cuddles.
Avoid overstimulation (like rough play) right before bedtime.
With consistency, your puppy will learn to associate nighttime with rest, not play.
Why Choose Red Barn Doodles & More?
At Red Barn Doodles & More, our priority is raising puppies that are healthy, happy, and prepared for their forever homes. From detailed vaccination schedules to personalized socialization tips, we give every family the tools to succeed.
Visit Us: 5200 Britton Rd NE, El Reno, OK 73036
Call Us: (405) 820-3511
Website: Red Barn Doodles & More
When you choose a Red Barn puppy, you’re not just bringing home a dog—you’re beginning a lifetime of love, loyalty, and unforgettable memories.
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