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Happy Top Doodles Blog Page


The Secret to Puppy Training Isn’t Perfection—It’s Consistency
One of the most common things we hear from new puppy owners goes something like this: “Our puppy listens to my husband, but ignores me.” Or… “She knows not to jump on Grandma, but she jumps all over the kids.” Sometimes families assume their puppy is being stubborn or testing boundaries. In reality, something much simpler is usually happening. Your puppy is learning exactly what you’ve taught them. Dogs are incredible at recognizing patterns. If one behavior earns attention,
Kirk Prather
4 days ago3 min read


How to Help Prevent Separation Anxiety in Puppies
Tips for preventing and easing separation anxiety in your dog.
Kirk Prather
Aug 114 min read


What Your Puppy Is Trying to Tell You: Understanding Canine Body Language
Your dog is talking to you all the time. Do you now what they are saying?
Kirk Prather
Jul 144 min read


Adding a Second Dog? Here’s How to Prepare for a Smooth Transition
In our last post, we talked through the questions worth asking before committing to a second dog — your current dog’s readiness, your season of life, your reasons for wanting one more, and whether the timing truly makes sense for your household.
If you worked through all of that and your answer is yes, then this post is for you.
Kirk Prather
Jun 96 min read


Adding a Second Dog to the Family: Is the Timing Right?
Adding another puppy to the family is exciting, but a smooth transition starts with thoughtful introductions and realistic expectations.
Kirk Prather
May 126 min read


Temperament Isn’t a Snapshot
That shapes a puppy's personality and when can you start to see each puppy's individual style.
Kirk Prather
Feb 264 min read


Doodle Coat Textures & the Truth About Shedding
Information on differences in doodle coats due to curl and furnishings.
Kirk Prather
Jan 134 min read


Partnering with Purpose: Inside the Happy Top Doodles Guardian Program
Find out more about our guardian program and how you can participate
Kirk Prather
Dec 4, 20254 min read


Here’s your go-to guide to make homecoming day a happy, stress-free experience for everyone.
Family welcoming home a new doodle puppy Bringing home a Doodle puppy is one of life’s sweetest joys—but it also comes with a bit of prep work. Whether you’re welcoming a Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle, Sheepadoodle, or Cavadoodle, getting your home ready will help your puppy settle in smoothly and give you peace of mind. Here’s your go-to guide to make homecoming day a happy, stress-free experience for everyone. 1. Set Up a Puppy Zone Before your puppy steps paw into your house,
Kirk Prather
Sep 9, 20253 min read


Back-to-School, Not Back-to-the-Crate: Easing Your Doodle into a Quieter House
Goldendoodle looking outside through window August marks a shift for many families—from long summer days to early mornings, packed lunches, and quieter homes. But while you’re getting your kids ready for school, don’t forget to support your Doodle through the change too. Whether your dog has been soaking up attention all summer or just enjoying the buzz of a full house, the back-to-school transition can feel confusing and even a little lonely. Many Doodles, with their social
Kirk Prather
Aug 12, 20252 min read


Smart Dogs, Smarter Owners: The Best Tech for Modern Pet Parents
Bringing home a new puppy is a joyful, sometimes chaotic adventure—but thankfully, modern pet parenting has gone high-tech. From GPS collars to automatic feeders, there’s a growing lineup of gadgets designed to make life easier for both you and your dog. At Happy Top Doodles, we love watching our families utilize tools that keep their pups happy, healthy, and safe. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite tech tools that today’s Doodle families are loving. 1. Smart Collars &
Kirk Prather
Jul 8, 20253 min read


Summer with Your Doodle: Keeping Cool and Staying Safe
Happy Top Doodles having lake fun! Summer is here, which means sunshine, outdoor adventures, and more time with your Doodle. While these warmer months are full of fun, they also come with a few challenges for our furry companions, especially those with thick, wavy coats like goldendoodles and Bernedoodles. At Happy Top Doodles, we want to make sure you and your pup are ready to enjoy the season safely. Here are some simple, practical ways to help your Doodle stay cool, comfor
Kirk Prather
May 13, 20253 min read


Are Doodles Truly Hypoallergenic? Debunking Myths and Setting Expectations
A cheerful, well-groomed Doodle Doodles have gained a reputation for being a “hypoallergenic” breed, making them a top choice for families with allergy concerns. But what does hypoallergenic mean? And are Doodles the right fit for allergy-sensitive households? If you or someone in your home has allergies, setting realistic expectations is important. While Doodles can be a great choice for allergy sufferers, the key factor isn’t just coat type—it’s their genetic makeup and ove
Kirk Prather
May 13, 20254 min read


A Day in the Life at Happy Top Doodles.
A glance into the day in our life at Happy Top Doodles
Kirk Prather
Apr 8, 20253 min read


Show Your Dog You Love Them Every Day
Dogs have an incredible way of showing us unconditional love, and as pet owners, it’s important to show them how much we appreciate their loyalty and companionship. Whether it’s through special treats, extra snuggles, or time spent together, there are countless ways to make your pup feel loved. Here are some practical and heartwarming ideas to incorporate into your daily routine. 1. Quality Time: The Ultimate Love Language Spending time with your dog is one of the best ways t
Kirk Prather
Feb 11, 20253 min read


The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training
Dog Sitting on Command Training your dog is one of the most rewarding aspects of pet ownership. It strengthens your bond with your furry friend, builds mutual trust, and encourages good behavior. Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective, humane, and universally applicable methods among the many available training techniques. Whether raising a rambunctious puppy or helping an older dog learn new tricks, positive reinforcement can set you and your dog up for success.
Kirk Prather
Jan 30, 20254 min read


Doodle Grooming 101: Everything You Need to Know
Doodles are beloved for their adorable looks and hypoallergenic coats, but those beautiful curls come with grooming requirements that every owner should understand. Whether you’re a first-time Doodle parent or looking to refine your grooming routine, this guide will walk you through the essentials of keeping your furry friend looking and feeling their best. Why Grooming is Essential for Doodles Doodles, whether they are Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Sheepadoodles, or Cavadoodl
Kirk Prather
Jan 8, 20252 min read


Doodle Price Guide: What You Need to Know Before Buying
Learn what goes into Doodle puppy pricing, from health testing and early socialization to lifetime support and responsible breeding.
Kirk Prather
Jan 8, 20252 min read


How to find a Reputable Breeder
Finding a reputable breeder can be hard. Let us help you in your search
Kirk Prather
Jul 31, 20243 min read


The Importance of Puppy Training: Setting the Foundation for a Well-Behaved Dog
Puppy Training is important to set up your dog for life
Kirk Prather
Jul 8, 20242 min read
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