09/06/2025
As your family prepares to bring a new furry friend home, please take the following into consideration ☺️
Be sure to give your new friend his own space, such as a small room or bathroom, providing him with downtime, and staggering introductions with family and friends so they happen over time, not all at once. And remember, no play dates in public areas or around other animals with an unknown vaccination history until your new friend has had all of theirs!
Dog Supplies for the First 36 Hours:
●Dog Food – Our pets get a variety of diets. A raw, moisture rich diet is best. They start solids, eating a human grade diet of meats, vegetables, and carbs. Prior to coming to your home, the diet will be a moisture rich, Diamonds large breed puppy formula. It is very important to keep Golden retrievers on a large breed puppy formula. This ensures they grow at the appropriate rate and supports long-term heart & joint health. I will send you home with some food. Although they will be capable of eating dry kibble, I recommend rehydration with water to continue the moisture rich diet. You can find their food on chewy.com or at Tractor Supply by clicking on the link.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/diamond-naturals-large-breed-puppy-dog-food-40-lb-bag-2800139
I prefer the online recurring subscription.
You can supplement their diet or give snacks. I prefer these-
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=640496054772286&id=100064356924337&mibextid=2JQ9oc
●Food and Water Bowls – You’ve got to have something to serve your pupper his supper in and a way to keep him hydrated. I recommend puzzle bowls! I prefer this one-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/126304603617?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=zftU0PRxS32&sssrc=2051273&ssuid=zftU0PRxS32&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
(I have maze bowls in stock. Get one at pickup and save on shipping)
●Collar and ID tag – Your dog is in a new neighborhood. If he gets lost, an ID tag can improve the chances of your pet being returned to you. I prefer this one -
https://www.ebay.com/itm/201605864199?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=yY2N1oPGT1m&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=zftU0PRxS32&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
●Leash/Harness – This is a necessity for walks around the neighborhood and leash training. It’s important to start setting the ‘house rules’ promptly. Until all immunizations are received, please keep your new friend off the grass and dirt. Leash training should be done indoors and in controlled environments (away from soils possibly contaminated with parasites)
●Poop Bags – Clean up pet messes to prevent the spread of germs.
●Dog Crate– I do not crate train. With a doggie door, our program allows all of our golden retrievers to free roam indoor/outdoor on fenced property. If you plan to crate train, please be advised not to give your puppy treats, toys, food, or water while they are inside the crate. I don't even recommend a bed or blanket inside a kennel. Nothing but a naked dog (no collar or clothing) and a completely empty kennel. Anything in there or on them quickly becomes a choking or obstruction hazard. Golden retrievers are notorious for eating items that requires emergency surgery. Until 6 months old, your new friend should be brought out every 2-3 hours to potty, socialize, eat, drink, and play. Slowly increase crate time 30 minutes to 1 hour at a time. Crate time should NEVER exceed 8 hours.
●Dog Treats – Keep plenty of dog treats on hand for rewarding good behavior and for bonding with your new friend. These should be raw options as opposed to store bought. (Human grade Blueberries, baby carrots, turkey sticks) Here are some more ideas:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=640496054772286&id=100064356924337&mibextid=2JQ9oc
I am a big fan of just using their kibble as a treat.
●Dog Bed – A cozy bed should help your new baby feel comfortable in his new home. I prefer these for my large breed friends-
https://a.co/d/6nk08l5
●Toys – Provide your new dog with mental and physical exercise with different types of dog toys. These are the starter packs I purchase when I bring a new baby home-
https://a.co/d/2jkstBf
And https://www.ebay.com/itm/126304603617?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=zftU0PRxS32&sssrc=2051273&ssuid=zftU0PRxS32&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
And
Chuckit! Interactive Dog Toy Ultra Fetch Stick
https://a.co/d/9UamoLr
And
Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy
https://a.co/d/2DKfifv
●Exercise- No more than 5 minutes of constant exercise for each month of age, 2 times a day. Too much stress on developing bones & joints should be avoided.
●Calming Aids – I will send home an item infused with their family's smell.
As time goes on and you get to know your new family member better, you can customize the type of toys or leashes or foods to meet their specific needs and preferences. Please have your baby microchipped asap. This can be done for as little as $20 at a spay/neuter clinic or the humane society. Products beyond the first few days will depend a lot on the personality of the dog. For the young puppy stage, the focus is on exposing your puppy to new things, helping him grow mentally and physically, and encouraging good behaviors. Watch this video on a great bite deterring technique I prefer-
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15Lq93xL1E/
●Puzzle or Treat-Dispensing Toys – These toys promote mental stimulation and keep puppies occupied (aka out of trouble). Smear a cup of plain yogurt (Avoid skim or fat-free if at all possible). In their puzzle feeding bowl. Or peanut butter.
●Training Tools – Supplies like a dog clicker, bell, harness, and raw dog treats will help encourage good behaviors early on.
●Dental Products – Start with a toothbrush and toothpaste early on to get your puppy used to having his teeth cleaned and to prevent dental disease. I personally use an extra soft bristled human toothbrush on mine. No toothpaste.
●Grooming Products – Get some dog soap and a dog brush to get your puppy used to being groomed from the start. Ask about my bars. They are a blend of essential oils and oatmeal. A perfect shampoo crafted by me with golden retriever skin and coat in mind. Let me know if you'd like to try one. Otherwise, a mainly oatmeal based shampoo is preferred. I recommend this brush:
https://www.chewy.com/hartz-groomers-best-combo-dog-brush/dp/159705?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12737641584&utm_content=Hartz&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjw-7OlBhB8EiwAnoOEk9bUBzBlo39HH1mbHl7AhBWfGAOsLwStywrLd6A2fb43LJVn2uLHHhoChA0QAvD_BwE
Brushing your golden retriever will be more important than bathing. In fact, unless they just get absolutely filthy in dirt, mud, or scum, they only need bathed once a month or so. They should be brushed every day. Golden retrievers have dual coats and should NEVER be shaved. There is a risk of ruining their coat, increased risk for a sunburn, and overheating.
●Flea and Tick Control – Talk to your vet at your first vet visit to find out which type of product is best suited for your puppy. We use Simparico Trio.
I hope this helps 🤗
Message me with additional questions🐾
