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Puppy Preparation

I'm Getting a New puppy, what do I need?

Golden Retriever male

Puppy Checklist
The first trip down the pet store aisle can be overwhelming for any new puppy parent. The wide variety of products and brands, all expertly marketed to make it appear as though they are ‘must haves’, can leave one wondering how much is actually necessary to properly raise their new canine companion. We have created a new puppy checklist to help you be ready before you bring your new pup home!

The new puppy checklist identifies the most important items when adopting a new puppy. 

Nutritional Supplements

Purina Pro Plan is one of the leading foods for dogs and puppies. I recommend it and feed it to all of my dogs, including Mama dog and your new puppy. However, you might not realize that it won’t give your pet all of the vitamins and nutrients that it needs.

Pet nutritional supplements, such as NuVet Plus, are essential to helping build your new puppy’s immunity. The chicken liver in NuVet Plus K-9 wafers makes them taste great. You can even use them as a training treat! Learn why these supplements are an important part of your new puppy checklist on YouTube. They give your puppy the best start in life, and give them all of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that it needs. Your puppy has been given this supplement while under my care.  you may order directly from the manufacturer by calling 800-474-7044 and using Order Code: 24539, or ordering online at www.nuvet.com/24539 .  You can also save an additional 15% and assure you never run out of NuVet by choosing the “AutoShip” option at check out.  Click the image below to the website for ordering the supplements.

Food

The food your puppy is eating

NuVet Plus

Golden Retriever supplements

Crate

While it’s nice to offer your pet a soft, cushy bed to lie in while you are around, a crate is an important part of training your puppy. The crate will become a safe, secure place for your pet. It will help you immensely as you potty train your dog. Entice your pup to enter the crate by making it as comfortable as possible. Consider adding a blanket or a fun toy.

The ideal crate will be large enough for the dog once he has reached his adult size, but also capable of being partitioned while the dog is still a puppy. Click on image to find it on amzon

Golden Retriever Crate
Golden Retriever toy
Golden Retriever chew toy
Golden Retriever toy

Dog Toys

We recommend getting lots of different textured toys to help when your puppy starts teething/chewing. However, we think it’s especially important to get a plush toy to rub on litter mates and mama that way you can bring back the scent of your pup’s family back home with you. Check out the Snuggle Puppy which also includes heat pads and a ticking heart to help your puppy sleep at night. Click the links below to find the item on amazon.

Food and Water Dishes

Especially when the dog is young, avoid using bowls that are excessively large. Controlling food and water can often play a large role in house training. Since many dogs enjoy playing in the water, finding a water dish with a splash area can prevent a potential mess. Choosing stainless steel dishes can also allow the bowls to be easily washed in the dishwasher. The slow feeder bowl is a great option to slow your puppy when eating too fast. Click the image to find the item on amazon.

Golden Retriever Feeding
Golden Retriever collar

Collar

We don’t get too fancy with our puppy collars. A simple nylon buckle collar does the trick. After all, they’ll outgrow their collar in no time. We do use the martingale collar. Click the image to find the item on amazon.

Leash

For new dogs, it will be best to buy a leash that allows four to six feet of walking distance. The popular ‘flex’ lead leashes can hamper training efforts. When puppies are very young, the martingale collar or slip lead leash can help prevent them from escaping their collars and putting themselves in danger. Click the image to find the item on amazon.

Golden Retriever gentle lead
Golden Retriever shampoo
Golden Retriever brush

Grooming essentials keep your puppy looking good.

Click the links below to find the item on amazon.  The Safari Flexible brush and comb is best for puppies. The rake and pin brushes are needed as your puppy grows.

Treats and care

Click the image to find the item on amazon.

Golden Retriever comb
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