Preparing for a Puppy
WHAT TO BUY FOR YOUR PUPPY:
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Crate with a divider and optional floor grid (recommended adult size is 42x28x30)
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I recommend a floor grid for the crate so if your puppy has an accident, you won't have a soaking wet puppy lying in pee.
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Crate Training Tip: Use the divider to make the crate no larger than the puppy's size. If they can go to the back to potty, they will. They are less likely to go where they have to lay down. (I'll never say never, but its less likely!)
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Crate cover
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This helps them to feel less afraid if its cozy and dark, especially at night. Also being dark helps them to know its sleep time. You could also use a towel, light blanket or sheet.
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Food and water dishes
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Slow feeder bowl
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HIGHLY recommended for goldens as they normally inhale their food and that can be dangerous. This type of bowl slows them down.
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Measuring cups
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These help to measure out the correct amount of daily food
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Leash & collar or harness
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Puppies normally weigh 8-12 lbs. at 8 weeks so I recommend getting that size and the next size up as they grow quickly.
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Hint: Puppies very much prefer their leash attached to a harness rather than a collar.
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Dog Bed
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Lots of chew toys! (No rawhide!)
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ID tags
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Victor Professional All Life Stages Dog Food https://amzn.to/4pgjgI8
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This food is currently sold on Amazon, Chewy and Tractor Supply. Tractor Supply also carries it in store as do many pet stores. Victor's website also has a location search where you can put your zip code in and find all sellers local to you.
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If you plan to switch foods, please feed at least one bag of this food before slowly switching so that you aren't changing everything for your new puppy at the same time. I do not require you to feed any certain food, just please do the research and make sure it's a quality food as their diet can make a huge difference in their lifespan and health.
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Wire or plastic exercise pen
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These work well to put around the crate so if you need him/her to be in a smaller area when you can't be watching them directly, they can have a bit larger play area than just being in the crate.
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Small training treats
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Initially I use pieces of dog food as treats so as not to introduce too many new things at the same time. Once your puppy is better adjusted, slowly start giving new sources of proteins in the form of treats. Here are a few ideas for healthy training treats:
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Paper towels, disinfectant spray and an enzyme cleaner for accidents. These are a few products I recommend:
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Puppy shampoo: This is what I use: https://amzn.to/3SqRLNC
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Ear dry for after bathing or swimming to prevent ear infections. I use: https://amzn.to/3w2CKKz
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Probiotics: I give all of my puppies probiotics from several weeks old until they leave for their new homes. I send home enough for the 1st week but I do recommend continuing probiotics through their "chewing on everything" puppy phase. It really helps to keep your puppy's good bacteria balanced in its tummy while it chews and licks every new germ known to man! This is what my vet and I both recommend: https://amzn.to/47VzVbv. Please see section labeled "Probiotics" under the "Education" tab for more info on probiotics.
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Grooming tools. A pin or slicker brush is best for puppies and I love the Furminator for my adults.
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'No Chew Spray' can be helpful. https://amzn.to/4892oL6
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Nail trimmers
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Toothbrush / Toothpaste, teeth cleaning toys or crunchy bones to keep teeth free of tartar.
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Gates or free-standing fence if there are "off limit" areas for your puppy throughout your home.
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Pooper scooper and bags for walks
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Snuggle heartbeat puppy - Many new puppy owners have shared positive feedback when using a heartbeat toy to help their new puppy stay calmer in their crate. https://amzn.to/3u8Rc3b
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Bells or a clicker if you're going to bell or clicker train.
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