Frequently Asked Questions

My biggest goal is to match families with the dog that truly fits their lifestyle — no matter what coat color or curl pattern they have. Everyone falls in love with Goldendoodles for different reasons: maybe you’ve admired a floppy-eared doodle walking down your street, or maybe your best friend’s dog has the sweetest puppy smile you’ve ever seen. I want you to have all of that joy and a dog who fits seamlessly into your family.

For me, it’s not just about looks. I focus first on temperament — raising dogs who are gentle, loving, and adaptable, with those soulful eyes that connect with you and the wagging tails that light up when they see you. My true passion is breeding “heart dogs”: companions who enrich your life, bring peace to your home, and feel like they were meant for you all along.

Why it matters: When your puppy’s temperament matches your family’s lifestyle, you gain not just a pet but a lifelong companion who feels like they were always meant to be yours.

"Temperament has been defined as an animal’s personality, makeup, disposition, or nature." – AKC

I specialize in Multigenerational Standard Goldendoodles. You’ll find plenty of information online about F1, F1B, or Multigen doodles — but here’s what I tell families: at the end of the day, the generation label matters far less than the temperament and traits that fit your family best. That’s where I focus my heart and my program.

While many breeders emphasize looks or labels, I prioritize raising dogs whose personalities are steady, loving, and adaptable. Of course, appearance is part of the package too — and my personal passion is producing liver points (those beautiful brown noses!), though from time to time I do have litters with black points.

Why it matters: Labels like F1 or F1B don’t guarantee the right fit. Focusing on temperament and the breeder’s knowledge of genetics gives your family the best chance of finding the puppy who truly belongs with you.

Not exactly! Generation labels don’t actually predict shedding — coat genetics do. A responsible breeder carefully selects parents with the right coat traits (like furnishings) to produce puppies with low- to non-shedding coats.

Even within the same generation, one puppy might shed more than another depending on their individual traits. That’s why I encourage families not to get too caught up in labels like “F1 vs. F1B.” Instead, focus on what really matters: the coat type you prefer, the temperament that fits your lifestyle, and the breeder’s knowledge of genetics.

Why it matters: Instead of chasing labels, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your puppy’s coat and personality — giving you confidence and clarity as you welcome them into your home.

Most of my Goldendoodle puppies are reserved before they’re even born, which means I rarely have puppies available past 8 weeks of age. The best way to ensure a spot is to join my Reservation List early — this not only saves your place in line but also secures your matching order when it’s time to pair families with puppies.

And here’s the good news: there’s no such thing as a “bad” matching order. Every family is looking for something a little different, and each puppy has their own unique gifts. My job is to get to know both you and the puppies so I can help guide the best match — one that feels meant to be.

Why it matters: By joining the Reservation List, you aren’t just saving a spot — you’re securing the chance to be thoughtfully matched with the right puppy for your family.

This is where my breeding program really stands apart. My goal isn’t just to send you home with a cute puppy — it’s to match you with the Goldendoodle of a Lifetime: the puppy whose temperament and traits best fit your family’s lifestyle. Puppies are adorable, but they’re also a lot of work. What makes all the difference is bringing home a dog who weaves into your life with ease and brings joy long after the puppy stage has passed.

Here’s how the matching process works:

1. Reservation – Once your application is approved and your deposit is paid, your place in line is saved.
2. Family Group Updates – You’ll enjoy private updates, videos, and emails to follow along with the puppies’ journey.
3. Meet & Match Day (around 6 weeks) – Families meet the puppies (in person or by video call) in reservation order. Each family has up to 1 hour with the puppies. Meet & Match Day is usually on a Saturday, with Match Day the following Sunday.
4. Temperament Evaluations (7 weeks) – Each puppy receives a temperament evaluation, and you’ll be given a written bio that serves as a specialized training tool. These reports show you exactly where your puppy is starting, so you’ll know how to continue their learning at home. For example, if your puppy is naturally confident in new places, you’ll learn how to build on that strength — and if your puppy is a little slower to warm up, you’ll know the best ways to support and encourage them.
5. Matching (7 weeks) – Families officially match with their puppy in the order reservations were received.
6. Go-Home Day (8 weeks) – Puppies go home to their forever families, along with contracts, health records, and your final payment completed.
    

Why it matters: This process ensures you don’t just bring home a puppy — you bring home the right puppy for your family, setting you up for a lifetime of joy together.

Health testing is a non-negotiable part of my program. Every dog in my breeding program has passed OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing for hips, elbows, cardiac, and eyes. In addition, all parents have clear DNA panels for conditions relevant to both Golden Retrievers and Poodles.

I believe in transparency, so you can view each parent dog’s results under my Mamas & Papas section. I also hold outside studs to the very same standard — if the testing isn’t there, I won’t use them.

Why it matters: Thorough health testing helps reduce the risk of inherited diseases and ensures your puppy has the healthiest start possible. With Twilight Doodles, you can feel confident that every breeding decision is made with long-term health and happiness in mind.

At Twilight Doodles, I follow the International Working Dog Registry protocols for raising puppies, and I’m also well-versed in BAB and Puppy Culture. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method — instead, I take the best pieces from these programs to give each litter the strongest start possible.

Here are some of the ways your puppy is prepared for life in your home:

• Socialization · Sound Desensitization · Exposure Activities – From a young age, puppies are gently exposed to household sounds, new smells, textures, and experiences. This builds confidence, resilience, and helps them grow into calmer, less fearful adult dogs.
   
• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) – Between days 3–16, puppies go through short, purposeful handling exercises that stimulate their senses. This enhances their problem-solving abilities, helps them adapt to stress more easily, and teaches them that human touch is safe and kind. It’s one of the best ways to prepare them for a lifetime of vet visits, grooming, and everyday family life.
   
• Early Scent Introduction (ESI) – Puppies are introduced to new scents in a safe, positive way. These experiences activate their developing brains and curiosity while strengthening their bond with people. It’s a gentle method I learned from the International Working Dog Registry and GANA conferences, and I adapt it to meet the needs of each litter.
   

Why it matters: These early experiences shape your puppy’s brain and temperament during their most important weeks of development. By the time they come home to you, they’ve already been gently prepared to handle the sights, sounds, and challenges of the real world — making your transition easier and your puppy more confident from the very start.

I currently feed PawTree, and puppies will go home eating this kibble. Your puppy will be used to eating a mixture of proteins in their dry kibble to ensure they’re getting all the benefits different proteins provide. Dogs thrive on variety, so I rotate between two different protein combinations with PawTree dry food:

• Chicken & Salmon
   
• Turkey & Whitefish
   

These high-quality recipes are not available in retail stores. They’re made in the USA with no dyes, preservatives, by-products, GMOs, corn, soy, or gluten — only clean, nourishing ingredients. PawTree has proven to be the best food I’ve found for raising healthy, happy puppies.

You can easily order kibble online, and it will be delivered right to your home. I recommend buying one bag of each recipe and mixing them together so your puppy continues to enjoy the variety they’ve been raised on here.

Why it matters: By keeping your puppy on the same high-quality food they’ve been raised on, you’re giving them consistency, optimal nutrition, and a smooth transition into your home.

Pro Tip: ⚠️ Required: All families must order at least 30 days of PawTree food before Go-Home Day. This ensures your puppy has a consistent diet during their critical adjustment period. If you ever decide to switch foods later on, do so gradually over 7–10 days by mixing the new food in with PawTree — this prevents tummy upset and makes the transition much smoother.

Yes — but not fully. All Twilight Doodles puppies go home having received their first round of puppy vaccinations (DA2PP). Your vet will then continue the series, usually with 2–3 additional booster visits, until your puppy is considered fully vaccinated at around 16 weeks. That’s also when your puppy will receive their rabies vaccine.

What is DA2PP?
DA2PP is a core vaccine that protects your puppy against four serious diseases:

• Canine distemper – An airborne virus that can cause permanent brain damage
• Adenovirus type 2 – Causes infectious canine hepatitis
• Parvovirus – A highly contagious virus that affects the digestive system
• Parainfluenza – A contagious respiratory virus that contributes to kennel cough
   

Why it matters: Starting vaccines before Go-Home Day gives your puppy an important layer of protection during their most vulnerable weeks. By continuing the booster series with your vet, you’ll be ensuring your puppy grows into a healthy, safe, and fully protected family member.

Pro Tip: Each Twilight Doodles puppy goes home with detailed vet records showing exactly what vaccines and care they’ve already received. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated at 16 weeks, avoid places where lots of dogs gather (like dog parks or pet store floors). Safe, controlled socialization at home or with trusted dogs will keep your puppy healthy while they finish their vaccine schedule.

Don’t worry — your puppy will go home with complete veterinary records for their first vaccinations, so you and your vet know exactly what’s been done and what comes next.

Yes. All Twilight Doodles puppies are required to be spayed or neutered by 15 months of age. Today, there are several options for sterilization — including hormone-sparing procedures — and I encourage you to talk with your veterinarian about what’s best for your puppy.

As an ethical breeder, I feel strongly about doing my part to prevent the overpopulation of dogs. To help protect the integrity of my program and the wellbeing of every puppy I place, all families sign a sterilization agreement through SpaySecure, confirming that their dog will be altered by 15 months.

Why it matters: Waiting until 15 months allows your puppy’s body to finish developing properly, supporting joint health and overall growth. This policy not only ensures responsible breeding practices but also protects your puppy’s long-term health — keeping the focus on raising beloved family companions rather than contributing to overbreeding.

Pro Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with hormone-sparing sterilization, ask your vet about it! It can be a great option for families looking to support their dog’s development while still honoring this requirement.

Yes! I’ve put together a Puppy Product Guide with my favorite tried-and-true products. This list is a living document that I update often as I discover better options or as my own dogs test things out. What works perfectly for one puppy might not be the same for another — so I keep my guide flexible and current.

To receive it, simply fill out the Get Connected form and be sure to mention that you’d like the Twilight Doodles Puppy Product Guide.

Why it matters: Preparing your home with the right tools and products makes your puppy’s transition smoother and easier — for both your new doodle and your family. Instead of guessing, you’ll have breeder-approved recommendations designed to set you up for success.

Pro Tip: I’ve tested these items with my own six dogs, so you can feel confident they’re doodle-friendly and family-approved! And don’t worry — if you ever feel overwhelmed by all the puppy products out there, I’ll help you focus on what’s truly essential.

It’s very common for families outside of Texas (and even outside the U.S.) to fall in love with a Twilight Doodles puppy — I have doodles living all over the country and beyond! Transporting puppies at a young age is simple and safe when done properly.

My favorite option is for families to fly into Dallas (DFW) for a quick layover (3-4 hours midday), where I’ll personally meet you at the airport with your puppy. I adore meeting families in person and getting to see that “love at first sight” moment with my own eyes!

If travel to Dallas isn’t realistic for you, I recommend Delifurry Pet Transport, a trusted ground transportation partner who can safely deliver your puppy right to your door. Families also have the option of hiring a flight nanny, who will accompany your puppy in-cabin and hand-deliver them at your destination airport.

No matter which option you choose, your puppy will travel prepared with their health records, comfort items, and everything they need for a smooth transition from my home to yours.

Why it matters: No matter where you live, I’ll help make sure your puppy’s journey home is safe, smooth, and filled with joy — so you can focus on the moment you finally meet your new family member.

Pro Tip: If you’re considering flying in, choose a layover of at least 3 hours at DFW — this gives us plenty of time for a stress-free handoff (and some puppy snuggles before your flight home!).

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. I take a holistic, individualized approach when deciding how many litters a mama dog will have. Rather than focusing on a specific number, I look at the overall experience and how she handles each stage of motherhood.

I carefully evaluate her aptitude for motherhood, her mental and emotional state during pregnancy and postpartum, and her physical well-being. If she thrives in the process and enjoys raising her puppies, she will have more litters. If I see signs that it takes too much out of her — emotionally or physically — then she retires sooner and enjoys life as a beloved family pet.

Why it matters: At Twilight Doodles, my mama dogs are never treated like “breeding machines.” They’re cherished family members first. Every decision about their breeding career is made with their happiness, health, and quality of life as the top priority.

Pro Tip: Retired mamas go on to live their best lives in forever homes, either with me or their Guardian Families — spoiled, loved, and appreciated for the incredible role they’ve played in raising your puppy.

No — and that’s by design. I own a number of breeding dogs, and housing them all under one roof wouldn’t give them the life they deserve. More than just space, caring for multiple adult dogs well requires time, attention, and balance. I’ve done the “six dogs at home” season myself, and I realized it wasn’t in the best interest of my dogs.

That’s why I have a Guardian Home Program. Guardian Families are trusted partners who raise my breeding dogs as their very own pets, giving them all the love, care, and attention they could ever need. These families aren’t just helping me — they are deeply invested in their dog’s wellbeing, ensuring each one has the absolute best life possible.

My breeding dogs are never “just breeders.” They are cherished pets first — loved by their Guardian Families and adored by me. Together, we share a common goal: to give every Twilight Doodles mama and papa the happiest, healthiest life possible.

Why it matters: This model allows my dogs to live as spoiled, beloved family pets, while still being part of a carefully managed breeding program. You get to meet a puppy whose parents are not only well-bred but also deeply loved.

Pro Tip: Many of my Guardian Families say that partnering with me has been one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives — they get the joy of raising an amazing doodle, while also being part of something bigger: helping families like yours meet their forever puppy.

When one of my mamas (or papas) retires from breeding, they move on to enjoy the life every dog deserves — being a cherished family pet. Some stay here with me, while many live with their Guardian Families, who have loved them since puppyhood.

Retirement means no more breeding responsibilities, just belly rubs, long walks, cozy naps, and lots of love. Because they’ve already been part of a family while in my program, the transition is smooth — they’re simply continuing life with the people they already know and adore.

Why it matters: At Twilight Doodles, my dogs are never “just breeders.” They’re treasured family members from the very start, and they remain just as loved and cared for when their breeding careers are over.

Pro Tip: Pro Tip: Guardian Families often tell me what an honor it is to love one of my mamas or papas — they get the joy of a fully-trained, well-mannered doodle with a heart of gold! If you’re curious about how to become a Guardian Family, you can read more about it here on my Guardian Home Program page.