What to Buy for a New Puppy
This is a loaded question for new puppy parents or returning ones like me.
There are countless things you COULD buy for your puppy.
But how do you know what you NEED?
Watch this clip to see Emma’s must have item…
This blog will break down the essentials to help set you up for success and save you money!
The products are linked below or for easy shopping, check out my Amazon store.
⭐️ If you’re looking for more training tips for your puppy, we compiled all our training video and guides for puppy parents into an app called The Hapco. The best part is we offer all this training content for FREE!
1. Collar
An 8 to 10-week-old golden retriever puppy will likely need a 6-9 inch collar.
A 2-4-month-old golden retriever puppy will likely need a 9-12 inch collar.
Adult golden retrievers will likely need a 12-24 inch collar.
2. Collar ID
The idea of a lost puppy is terrifying, but an ID tag will help them return home.
At a minimum, the ID should list the best phone number to reach you. Other information we have put on tags: address, dog’s name, owner’s name.
I like this ID tag because it is silent and attaches right to the collar.
3. Leash
I prefer a wider/shorter 0.7 x 4 ft leash for additional control.
I’ve tested many leashes, but the Julius K9 Super-Grip leash is my favorite. The grip material helps prevent the leash from slipping out of your hand when your puppy sees its first squirrel, another dog, or even that perfect stick on the ground. Use promo: GOLDEN for 15% off your purchase.
4. Food
I know the process of finding the right food for your dog can be difficult. To try and help, I shared my process of picking for the right food for my dogs in this blog.
Our adult golden retriever, Ellie, eats Spot & Tango UnKibble Beef and Barley, and we have noticed a significant improvement in her health since switching to UnKibble over two years ago.
The benefit of starting our new puppy, Emma, on Spot & Tango UnKbble Cod & Salmon is that we will not have to wean her from “puppy” to “adult” formulas like many other dog foods.
Here are a few more reasons why I love Spot & Tango for my pups:
High-quality ingredients: Fresh, whole meats and vegetables in its recipes. This can provide your dog with a more nutrient-rich diet.
Customized nutrition: Customized meal plans for your dog based on their breed, size, age, and activity level.
Convenience: delivered directly to your door!
Try it for yourself and use promo GOLDEN for 50% off !
Promo: GOLDEN for 50% off your first order.
5. Food bowl
There are endless options of food and water bowls.
Slow feeder dog bowls can slow your dog’s eating up to 10x and aid digestion. In addition, the bowl can prevent gagging, choking, vomiting, indigestion, bloat, GDV, and malabsorption.
If you already have a dog bowl, you can simply add a slow feeder insert.
6. Water bowl
Ellie has an 8-cup YETI water bowl to keep her water cold for more extended periods and a 4-cup bowl for food.
YETI allows you to customize each bowl with a name, initials, or image. Great as a gift!
7. Harness
Dog harnesses are a great training tool for puppies that haven’t mastered the art of walking on a leash. They help prevent your puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and provide better control.
Most importantly, harnesses help reduce the pressure on your dog’s trachea when walking.
I’m a fan of Julius K9 Harnesses. Make sure you check out their sizing guide for the appropriate fit. Use promo: GOLDEN for 15% off your purchase.
9. Crate
For a golden retriever, I’d recommend at least a 42” crate with an adjustable divider, which can give your puppy more room as they grow. For reference, Emma’s crate is 44L x 30H x 28W (Diggs Revol Dog Crate, size Large). We added a crate pad for noise reduction and comfort.
Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space.
It is essential that the dog crate is never used as punishment – the crate must always be regarded as a safe and special retreat.
If you’re interested in learning more about crate training, check out our FREE Puppy Training Program.
10. Gates
Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. Use a gate to limit access to certain areas of your home and reduce unwanted chewing or house soiling. Introduce your dog to small sections of the house at a time.
We prefer the walk-through gate for easy mobility through the house.
11. Toys and Chews
All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with various items to see what interests your puppy most.
⭐️ Long-term chew for puppies
10% off with promo: GOLDEN
Long-term chews are a positive distraction and great for mental stimulation.
One of the best long-term chews is bully sticks because they are soft enough for your puppy’s “shark” teeth.
However, the last inch of a bully stick can be a choking hazard if swallowed.
That is why I HIGHLY recommend every dog parent gets the Bow Wow Buddy. This safety device allows your pup to enjoy the benefits of long-term chews while reducing the risks of choking.
For Emma, I got a small Bow Wow Buddy and thin 6” bully sticks.
I typically give it to her for 20 minutes, rinse it off, and store it in the refrigerator until the next day, which prevents bacteria growth. Note you probably want to keep it separate from your food.
Other toys in our house:
Chew toys that you can stuff food and treats.
Chuck-it has great balls and throwing sticks to keep your puppy active.
Dog puzzles will engage your puppy’s mind.
Stuffed animals like the Kong bear, Lamb Chop, and goDog Dinos will provide comfort.
12. Treats
You’ll want to be prepared with a variety of training treats for the first few months with your puppy.
This pack has three varieties to train, engage and reward your pup. Use promo: GOLDEN for 10% off your purchase.
13. Training Courses
We recognized the need for convenient and effective dog training solutions, which is why we created The Hapco.
Within our app, you'll discover a wealth of resources, including:
video tutorials
text instructions
insightful guides
exclusive promotional codes
engaging virtual calls featuring Kevin and guest trainers
Perhaps the most exciting feature is the opportunity to connect with a vibrant and supportive community of fellow pet parents, fostering an environment to connect, grow and learn together.
The Hapco is here to transform your dog training journey into an enjoyable and collaborative adventure!
14. Dog Clicker for Training
We use a clicker as part of positive reinforcement training.
After asking Emma to sit, I press the clicker as she completes the task and give her a reward. The clicker helps to mark the behavior and aids in effective communication.
15. Grooming supplies
Brushes
Slicker brushes are made of fine wire-angled teeth that get out tangles, mats, and dead fur.
Undercoat rakes remove loose hair from undercoats
Shampoo and conditioner for bathtime
Dread bath time? Check out our blog.
16. Carpet cleaner
Something you will want to have stocked and ready to go for when you need it so you can quickly address those accidents
We are trying out Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor - Enzyme-Powered Pet Odor Eliminator for Home because it has excellent reviews on Amazon (4.5 stars, over 80,000 ratings) but we will report back once we try it ourselves.
17. Potty Pad
With Ellie, we had the benefit of letting her out in the backyard. We now live in an urban apartment and must take a few extra steps of caution.
Puppies should not be in common spaces before receiving their full set of vaccinations (around 16 weeks).
We use Fresh Patch natural grass we can put on our private balcony and use for potty training to ensure Emma is kept in a safe environment.
Start investing in puppy training today.
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