OUR PROGRAM

FREQUANTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Yankee Doodle Pup, every puppy is raised with purpose, patience, and proven science-based methods. We proudly follow the Puppy Culture and Madcap University programs — the gold standard in early development and socialization for well-rounded, confident dogs.

From the moment they’re born, each puppy is gently guided through every stage of growth to build emotional stability, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Our approach isn’t about producing puppies — it’s about preparing future family members for a lifetime of success.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

  • Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) begin in the first weeks to strengthen heart health, stress tolerance, and scent recognition.

  • Structured Socialization: Puppies are gradually introduced to new sights, sounds, surfaces, and experiences in a positive, controlled way.

  • Confidence Building: Every puppy learns to approach novelty with curiosity instead of fear — we work through gentle challenges that build trust and adaptability.

  • Emotional Resilience: Through guided play and recovery periods, puppies learn to self-regulate excitement and frustration — essential for a calm, trainable temperament.

  • Foundation Training: We introduce crate comfort, litter box and potty routines, recall, sit, name recognition, and basic leash exposure before they ever go home.

  • Daily Enrichment: Age-appropriate puzzles, textures, and exercises encourage focus, coordination, and mental flexibility.

Our goal is to raise puppies who are not only beautiful, but also confident, curious, and emotionally balanced. By the time they leave our program, they’ve experienced hundreds of positive learning moments — each one designed to set them (and their new families) up for success.

 

What’s the difference between F1 and F1b Doodles?

An F1 Doodle is a first-generation cross — 50% Poodle and 50% of the other breed (Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, Sheepdog, or Australian Shepherd). They often have soft, wavy coats and can shed lightly.

An F1b is a second-generation cross — typically 75% Poodle and 25% of the other breed. They tend to have curlier, lower-shedding coats and are more suitable for families with allergies. F1b puppies also tend to be a touch more intuitive and easier to train thanks to the higher Poodle influence.

 

How much do they shed?

Most of our Doodles are low to non-shedding, depending on coat type:

  • F1b Doodles are the lowest shedding and most allergy-friendly.

  • F1 Doodles may shed lightly during seasonal changes but are still far lighter than their purebred parents.

    Regular brushing and professional grooming every 8–10 weeks keep coats healthy and tangle-free.

How big do they get?

Because we focus on Mini and Micro sizes, our puppies typically mature between 15–60 lbs, depending on the pairing:

  • Mini Bernedoodles: 25–40 lbs

  • Micro Bernedoodles: 15–25 lbs

  • Mini Sheepadoodles: 30–50 lbs

  • Mini Saint Berdoodles: 40–60 lbs

  • Mini Aussiedoodles: 20–35 lbs

    Each puppy’s final size varies slightly based on genetics, gender, and generation, but we provide estimates for every litter.

How do the breeds differ in temperament and energy?

All of our Doodles are intelligent, affectionate, and family-oriented — but each mix has its own personality and energy level:

  • Mini Aussiedoodles → The most energetic and driven of our Doodles. Highly intelligent and eager to please, they thrive with structure, mental stimulation, and active play. Perfect for families who enjoy training, hiking, or adventure.

  • Mini Bernedoodles → A beautiful middle ground. They’re social, loyal, and affectionate, balancing intelligence with a relaxed nature. Especially in second generations (F1b), they tend to be intuitive, people-focused, and easy to train without being high-energy.

  • Mini Saint Berdoodles → The gentle giants of the group. Lower energy, calm, patient, and nurturing. They’re incredibly affectionate, excellent with children, and thrive in cozy family environments with moderate exercise.

Each mix offers something special — from playful and active to calm and steady — but all are bred for sound minds and loving hearts.

Do they make good family dogs?

Absolutely. Every pairing is carefully chosen for temperament, health, and family compatibility. These dogs are loyal, intuitive, and deeply bonded to their people. Whether your home is busy and full of life or quiet and cozy, we’ll help match you with a puppy whose personality fits beautifully.

How do you prepare puppies before they go home?

Every Yankee Doodle Pup puppy is raised in our home with structured socialization, enrichment, and early training. From crate and potty introductions to grooming desensitization, sound exposure, and recall work — we set each puppy up for success.

Each litter also completes a professional temperament evaluation, helping us guide families toward the best fit based on personality, confidence, and household lifestyle.