Ethical Breeding Is More Than Just A Cute Feed

You know what doesn’t sit right with me?

When breeders only post perfectly staged photos—no behind-the-scenes, no puppies with littermates, no mama in sight, no messy newborn moments. Just pretty pictures and curated content.

Don’t get me wrong—cute photos are great. But they’re just that: photos.

They don’t show the late nights, the puppy curriculum, the early socialization, or the clean, in-home environment those puppies are (hopefully) being raised in.

And if a breeder never shows you the real stuff, you need to ask yourself:

What are they hiding?

This is your reminder to stop falling for polished posts with no substance.

Stop supporting breeders who stage a setup but never show the setup.

Stop backing people who throw around words like “ethical” without living it.

Instead—invest in a breeder who’s transparent. Who shows you the journey from birth to go-home day. Who proudly opens their world and puts in the work where it matters most.

Because not all breeders are ethical.

Here’s what ethical breeders DO:

• Share photos/videos of puppies with their mom and littermates

• Show the real environment puppies are raised in

• Provide newborn updates, milestones, and real-life moments

• Complete full health testing (OFA + genetic panels) on parents

• Use enrichment protocols and early curriculum

• Educate buyers and provide lifetime support

• Prioritize structure, temperament, and soundness over trends

• Are transparent, approachable, and passionate about what they do

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Only post overly staged or filtered photos

• Never show the mom, the full litter, or early stages

• Puppies kept in barns, sheds, or outdoor-only setups

• No mention (or proof) of health testing

• Avoids video calls or showing where puppies are raised

• Uses “ethical” as a buzzword with no real info

• Pushy sales tactics or vague answers

• All about color, price, and trends—never temperament or structure

At the end of the day, your future puppy deserves more than a pretty backdrop.

They deserve an intentional, loving start from someone who’s doing this for the right reasons—not just the aesthetic.

So ask questions. Pay attention.

And support breeders who don’t just say they’re ethical—they prove it.

Because when it comes to puppies, what you don’t see matters just as much as what you do.

First Week Home: What to Expect with Your New Puppy

Bringing home your new puppy is one of the most exciting (and slightly overwhelming) moments ever. Whether you’re a first-time doodle parent or adding another fluffball to the family, that first week is all about bonding, adjusting, and laying a solid foundation. At Dreamy Goldendoodles, we prepare our puppies for this transition — but here’s what you can expect as a new puppy parent:

1. Expect Some Crying (It’s Totally Normal!)

Your puppy is leaving their littermates and the only home they’ve ever known — so yes, the first few nights might involve some whining or crying. This is normal and temporary. Stick to your routine, offer comfort without overdoing it, and be patient. They’re learning that you’re their new safe space.

2. Crate Training Begins Now

We give our pups a head start, but you’ll want to continue building on crate comfort at home. Keep it cozy, use positive reinforcement, and don’t cave to guilt. The crate will soon become their little den — a space to relax, nap, and feel secure.

3. Potty Training Takes Time (and Consistency!)

Even with early training, accidents happen. Take your puppy out frequently (after eating, drinking, napping, and playing), and reward them immediately for going potty outside. The more consistent you are now, the quicker they’ll catch on.

4. Energy Comes in Waves

Puppies are a mix of zoomies and ZZZs. Expect bursts of play followed by serious nap sessions. Don’t stress if your pup isn’t playing non-stop — rest is a big part of healthy development.

5. Curiosity is High, Attention Span is… Not

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, noses, and paws. Everything is new, exciting, and possibly chewable. Puppy-proof your home, redirect biting behavior, and start gentle training right away — even five-minute sessions make a big impact!

6. Routine is Your Best Friend

Dogs thrive on predictability. A consistent schedule for meals, potty breaks, playtime, and sleep helps reduce anxiety and speeds up training.

7. Don’t Overwhelm with Visitors or Trips

It’s tempting to show off your adorable new arrival, but try to keep things low-key the first week. Let your puppy bond with you before overwhelming them with too many new people, places, or experiences.

8. Vet Visit? Schedule It Within the First Few Days

Even though your puppy will come home up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming, you’ll want to get them established with your vet early. This is also when you’ll discuss vaccine schedules and any health plans like microchipping or parasite prevention.

9. It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed

Yes, puppies are cute — but they’re also a big responsibility. Don’t feel bad if the first few days are a mix of joy, exhaustion, and second-guessing. You’re not alone — and you’re doing great.

10. Soak Up the Snuggles

This first week is full of bonding moments you’ll never forget. Snuggles, belly rubs, wiggly tails — the beginning of a beautiful journey.

From our home to yours — welcome to the Dreamy family. You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back every step of the way.