So What Do You Really HAVE To Purchase???
Just a warning...no one has ever suggested puppy ownership doesn't come at a price. If you are anything like me...gadget girl extraordinare...you will LOVE to shop for the best products for your new puppy. After nearly 50 years of dog ownership of some kind and nearly 20 years of breeding Golden Retrievers, we have fine-tuned a supply list that we can live with. Pleas note that we are NOT affiliated with any of the links. These are just some of our favorites.
Dog Food
Science Diet Puppy
We urge you to start your puppy on the food they are used to eating and gradually change brands (if you want to) to avoid upsetting their stomach. At this time we are feeding and recommending Science Diet Puppy. One of the first questions families ask is how much to feed. We suggested following the recommendations on the bag and feed 2 or 3 times per day, pulling the feed if your puppy walks away.
Crate
Science Diet Puppy
We urge you to start your puppy on the food they are used to eating and gradually change brands (if you want to) to avoid upsetting their stomach. At this time we are feeding and recommending Science Diet Puppy. One of the first questions families ask is how much to feed. We suggested following the recommendations on the bag and feed 2 or 3 times per day, pulling the feed if your puppy walks away.
Leads
Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
Collar & Leash: Keep in mind that we do not recommend that your pup go on full blown walkies until fully vaccinated, but you’ll want an adjustable collar, a harness and a leash to get them used to it around the house and in the yard. We HIGHLY recommend a 15 to 20 foot leash to keep your new puppy in line. We let them drag that leash everywhere-inside and out. They quickly learn that you have control os when they come and where they go. BONUS if you pup likes to hide in tight places, that long leash is a great clue as to where you can find him.
Dog Food
Science Diet Puppy
We urge you to start your puppy on the food they are used to eating and gradually change brands (if you want to) to avoid upsetting their stomach. At this time we are feeding and recommending Science Diet Puppy. One of the first questions families ask is how much to feed. We suggested following the recommendations on the bag and feed 2 or 3 times per day, pulling the feed if your puppy walks away.
Treats
Training Treats
Training treats are extremely useful when teaching your puppy new skills. Keep in mind many puppies need to be taught to love the treat as they have only had mom's milk and hard kibble since coming into the world. Be patient as it may take a few tries to get them aquainted with the texture, smell and taste of any new treat.
Dog Food
Science Diet Puppy
We urge you to start your puppy on the food they are used to eating and gradually change brands (if you want to) to avoid upsetting their stomach. At this time we are feeding and recommending Science Diet Puppy. One of the first questions families ask is how much to feed. We suggested following the recommendations on the bag and feed 2 or 3 times per day, pulling the feed if your puppy walks away.
Bowls: Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. You’ll need two bowls, one for food and one for water.
Collar and leash: Your pup might not be able to go walkies until fully vaccinated, but you’ll want a soft collar and leash to get them used to it around the house and in the garden.
ID tags: Even if you get your puppy microchipped, it’s always best to have ID tags, too. Plus, in some areas they’re required by law. These should have your name, address and phone number on, plus your dog’s name if you want.
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Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into.
Crate: If you decide to crate train your dog, you’ll need an appropriately sized crate. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers.
Brushes: Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will
be in the future.
Shampoo: Again, it’s good to get your puppy used to being bathed right away, so you’ll need some dog-friendly shampoo.
Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines.
Poop bags: You’re going to need a lot of these, not only from when your puppy starts going on walks, but right away, to clean up your garden and any little accidents around the house.
Puppy pads: We’d advise trying to teach your pup to toilet outside every time, but for some people, puppy pads are a useful toilet-training aide.
Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup.
Toys: You’ll want to get a range of toys to keep your puppy entertained. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Choose appropriately-sized toys that aren’t small enough to lodge in your puppy’s throat.
Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car.
Baby gates: If you want to make certain parts of the home off limits while you’re out, baby gates are your friend.
Coats: Unless you live somewhere extremely cold, your golden retriever probably won’t need a coat for warmth, but a waterproof coat is handy if you live in a rainy area.