Preparing for Puppy

• 🐾 Preparing for Your New Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is such an exciting time!

While it’s easy to focus on the joy and cuteness, it’s also important to remember that raising a puppy is much like raising a toddler. Puppies love to explore, don’t understand potty training, and think that everything belongs in their mouths—including fingers and furniture.

This season will bring incredible joy, but it can also come with moments of frustration. The key to success is understanding your puppy and setting them up for a lifetime of good habits. Early mistakes can shape who your puppy becomes and even affect your long-term relationship with them.

That’s why I encourage every new puppy family—especially if you’re welcoming a Family Loved puppy—to invest time in training and education. One of my top recommendations that you should start with immediately, is the book:

📘 The Puppy Brain by Kerry Nichols (available on Amazon in print and audio) link here https://a.co/d/03sAWBTn

I promise, the time you put into training and learning will be well worth it. A trained, well-socialized pup becomes the very best dog you could ever ask for!

🐕 Training Support

Finding a trainer to partner with is one of the best investments you can make. A professional will guide you through the bumps in the road and help shape your puppy into a wonderful lifelong companion.

I personally recommend Barkley & Co. Dog Trainers (located about 25 minutes from us in Marysville, CA).

They offer an exclusive discounted rate for families who get their puppy from us, and will even pick your puppy up directly from us if you schedule with them ahead of time. 

🛍️ Puppy Supplies

I’ve compiled a list of supplies that I (and many of my past clients) have found essential when raising a new puppy. This list will continue to grow and change as we discover new tools and tricks together.
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To make things easier, I’ve included Amazon links for many of these products. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I personally use and trust or that have been recommended from prior clients.

Top Puppy Essentials
Bringing Puppy Home List
 
 MUST HAVE ITEMS

• The Puppy Brain book or audible https://amzn.to/3YLHiQE
• Purina Pro Large Breed Puppy Food (Vet recommended) https://amzn.to/4sRLEUc
• Purina Fortiflora Probiotic (Vet recommended)  https://amzn.to/4jI3tRa
• NuVet supplement http://www.nuvet.com/550605
• 42" crate with a divider to adjust the space inside the crate. I prefer one with a door on the end and a door on the side. It helps if I choose to move it to another area. I also started using a cover to help my dogs know when it's quiet time and it has worked much better than blankets etc. I do not use a bed or pad to begin with due to the puppies nature of chewing as well as the needing different sizes quickly. However a blanket can be a nice touch and easy to wash.  The following are links to what I use. 42” dual door dog crate https://amzn.to/4r3YbCg
• Crate cover https://amzn.to/49yKPGI
• Crate bed/pad small https://amzn.to/3LB75be

 
FOR THE CARE OF YOUR PUPPY

• Finger toothbrush https://amzn.to/3NrSgs7
• Toothbrush kit https://amzn.to/4qLHsnz
• Cat nail clippers (they are a better size for puppies) and then eventually dog nail clippers #Ad
  Cat clippers: amzn.to/3HnYbaX
  Dog nail clippers amzn.to/3JrG46o
• Puppy shampoo/ detangler https://amzn.to/49tfUNt
• Bath Brush https://amzn.to/4qrfmgS
• Self Cleaning brush https://amzn.to/3YLJcRb
• Waterless bath https://amzn.to/49NkV2p
• Deodorizing spray https://amzn.to/49NkV2p
• Ear cleaner for dogs recommended by my vet, helps keep ear infections that Goldens are prone to AWAY!  https://amzn.to/4jWIABZ
• Dental chews (reduced tartar on teeth) https://amzn.to/3Zll3RC
  • I also like the Costco & Sam’s Club dental chews that are labeled with the VOHC approval stamp

 
SAFE CHEWS ONLY TO AGE 4 MONTHS (PRIOR TO ADULT TEETH ) Always monitor  your dogs for choking hazards when items get small)

• Yak cheese stick medium https://amzn.to/4jWIABZ
• Safety Chew holder https://amzn.to/3NsUlE7
• Cow Hooves https://amzn.to/4qmPtPm
• Split antler https://amzn.to/3LAVGs0
• Smoke Beef bone https://amzn.to/49yLZly

 
  SAFE CHEWS FOR ANY AGE (Always monitor your dog for choking hazards as items get smaller)

• Braided collagen chews https://amzn.to/4qpuYBB
• Bully sticks https://amzn.to/49Imoqm
• Bully stick safety holder https://amzn.to/4qUNCRK
• Beef Cheek rolls (vet recommended) https://amzn.to/49EyUar
• Pig Ears https://amzn.to/49K7NuC
• Nylabones my dogs like https://amzn.to/3ZowY0Y
• Benebones my dogs like https://amzn.to/4jQssC3
• Bullibone my dogs like https://amzn.to/4jSF8bK

 
ENRICHMENT TOYS
(Important for preventing boredom which causes poor behavior and chewing)

• Lick mat/ snuffle silicone  https://amzn.to/4r6gmqZ
• Lick mat with suction cups (good for bath time or trimming nails)  https://amzn.to/4jVvsx6
• Frozen treat ball with molds (We use this almost daily!) https://amzn.to/45NWZKQ
• Durable treat pot to freeze feels in ( we use this every rainy day) https://amzn.to/4pMB4uG
• Dog  peanut butter for lick mats etc https://amzn.to/4bG1z1x
• Food puzzles:
•  https://amzn.to/4qwtF3Y
•  https://amzn.to/4r0eIqG
• https://amzn.to/4pHh24H
• https://amzn.to/49GuXSK
• https://amzn.to/3YNLkYJ
• Snuffle mats:
• https://amzn.to/4jMrsyN
• https://amzn.to/45kCLZ7
• https://amzn.to/4sRzNW8

 
FAVORITE TOYS THEY PLAY WITH HERE

• Crinkle squeaker toys https://amzn.to/3LjN4WE
• Hol-ee roller ball https://amzn.to/45SGE7J
• Hidden toys set https://amzn.to/4sGZbxz

 
OTHER ITEMS WE USE

•  A puppy play pen, if being left unsupervised indoors you will want to keep puppy in a safe area where it can not get into items that can be dangerous to them. If being left unsupervised outdoors you will want to keep them from eating things such as bark, rocks, hoses, etc which can cause serious health issues.  https://amzn.to/4jN4F5N
• If being left indoors for an extended period of time you will want to give them a potty pan. You can use an extra large cat litter box or use a cement mixing tray like I use in my puppy pens and fill with pine pellet horse bedding. If works great! Potty pan options : Go to Lowe’s or Home Depot & get a large cement mixing tray for under $10 or…
  • https://amzn.to/3LM1A9w
  • https://amzn.to/3YMi8kL
  • https://amzn.to/3Ntdbee
• Litter for box is pine pellet horse bedding from Tractor Supply $8 or…
  • https://amzn.to/3NsY9oT
• Metal Dog Bowls: https://amzn.to/4bBKO7B
• Large water bowl https://amzn.to/4b0Iirn
• Small Martingale collar (trainer recommended) https://amzn.to/45ZqMjI
• Indoor leash https://amzn.to/3NsYiZt
• Leash, 2 handles https://amzn.to/49uMBKt
• Slow feeder dish https://amzn.to/49ta1Qh
• Bitter Spray helps to keep puppy from chewing on things that you prefer they not, particularly if they seem to gravitate toward something in particular (Dining chairs, couch, etc). 
  No chew spray: https://amzn.to/40bJ1hq

 
EXTRAS WE USE THAT COST A LITTLE MORE BUT ARE WORTH IT TO US

• Dog Vacuum Brush & Dryer          https://amzn.to/3LM2fb0
• Air Tag https://amzn.to/3ZkjdAw
• Collar that will hold air tag https://amzn.to/4pKet1M
• Fi Dog Tracker for health, fitness too https://amzn.to/4pPpIGd
• Bissell Max Pet Portable Steam cleaner (great for cars too) https://amzn.to/3Z5NHX7

 
I always encourage you to shop around and compare prices. One of my favorite places to find great deals on puppy supplies is Ross — their prices are often hard to beat! Unfortunately, I can’t provide direct shopping links to Ross items, since their inventory changes frequently.
The supplies listed here are meant to be helpful guidance, not requirements. That said, the first five items are especially important and should be considered high-priority as you prepare to bring your puppy home.
This list contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you choose to purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue providing resources and care for my puppies — thank you!

You will also want to activate your pet insurance within 24 hrs on the day you bring your puppy home, I have arranged for you to have 30 days free Trupanion Pet Insurance which is the best of the 3 insurances that I have tried! You can activate 24 hours prior to pick up or we will do it while you are here. 

Please activate before pick-up by calling 855.266.2156  or going to https://www.trupanion.com/certificates/go-home-day-offer
​ and providing offer code: BR1FL42121





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