The size of the crate you purchase will depend on a couple things: are you planning on using it only for potty & puppy training while young? If so, you can get away with a smaller one and replace it with a dog bed in the later months after they have earned their trust around the house or you have an alternative room they have access to while you are away. Do you want to have a consistent crate they can go to and call their own for their life? Then I would suggest getting a large or XL (depending on estimated adult weight), wire kennel that you can set up in a specific spot that has an additional crate sizer so you can only allow enough room for them to stand, turn and lay back down as they grow and are training and can be opened up when they are older and trained to go to when they need to be out of your hair or when you are away from home. This will be based on your training methods and structure you implement for your dog.

I also suggest, while potty training to line the crate with a towel or small blanket that you can pull out, wash and replace as necessary. A big fluffy bed will only make it harder to clean and give them the opportunity to show you just how sharp those puppy teeth are and possibly ingest some cotton/stuffing.

I always use a harness for young puppies, this way while you can’t take them out on walks around the neighborhood until vaccinations are done, it will give you the opportunity to practice walking around your home without tugging on their neck. After the points of largest growth invest in a more permanent, larger collar. Martingale collars are wonderful because as your dog’s hair grows it won’t get tighter and cause matting, it has an adjustable section that will accommodate for sitting comfortably on their necks, not getting tangled while getting tighter up when going on walks and keeping them near you. I have had owners enjoy the rolled leather, as it does not matt as well with longer “doodle” haired dogs. Find what works best with the hair length you like to keep on your dog. The fluff of their hair can be deceiving so make sure there is still room (general of two fingers under collar) but that it cannot be tugged up over their head if they pull back.

The only two brushes I have ever needed to have on hand to keep up with brushing my dogs’ hair when it gets longer is a long metal comb, in case there are any matts starting or areas that need more deep attention (behind ears, collar area, hind quarters) and a flat bristle/slicker brush, that is pokey, which is a great over the top brush out and eases into the deeper comb brushing. Your groomer may suggest other brushing or grooming aids for the length of hair and amount of wave on your pup.