Preparing for 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). 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. 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. (#Ad – As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases) Top Puppy Essentials 📘 Training & Books
👉 Tip: Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you find other products you love for your puppy. I’m always updating this list with feedback from our amazing families! For Puppy 1. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Sensitive Stomach and Skin SALMON Food #Ad https://a.co/d/h0mp6RM 2. NuVet Nutritional Supplements, #Ad http://www.nuvet.com/550605 3. 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. #Ad 42" crate : https://amzn.to/3HzFC4S Cover: https://amzn.to/3HzmvIb Crate pad:https://amzn.to/3RLNNiH 4. 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 5. Pet stain remover for carpets. Accidents happen and so does an occasional vomit! Carpet Stain Remover: https://amzn.to/3j9wcnc 6. Chew toys such as bully sticks, nylabone, dental chews approved by VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council). However RAWHIDE with kinks, bends or knots IS NEVER A SAFE CHOICE! Here are some of our favorites: Yak Cheese CHews: https://amzn.to/49U2APY Cow Hooves (only until pup is old enough to break pieces off: https://amzn.to/3Dm2hPC Bully Sticks: https://amzn.to/3WI4hbB Braided Collagen Sticks: https://amzn.to/3kSEvVa Dental Chews approve by VOHC: https://amzn.to/3Y7IXxz Favorite Toys : Jolly ball: https://amzn.to/3Rs4HlL balls: https://amzn.to/3DlY7qP Crinkle toys: https://amzn.to/40a0fM5amzn.to/40a0fM5 Comforting stuffed puppy w/heart beat : https://amzn.to/3WYQjTb Nylabone amzn.to/40dpPQt Chilly Penguin fillable chew toy: https://a.co/d/3hOwgfE Training Treats: amzn.to/3DtLCtr Sweet Potato Chews: amzn.to/3HnZtCP 7. Size XS or small collar and a lightweight leash Personalized collar: https://amzn.to/3WNwLAO Lightweight leash: https://amzn.to/3j9YmhQ 8. 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 9. Puppy shampoo ! #Ad Puppy shampoo: https://amzn.to/48UaveF Bath Brush: https://amzn.to/3HCWWWM Waterless bath: https://amzn.to/3XYarWa Dual sided brush: https://amzn.to/3Y33jYB 10. Ear cleaner for dogs recommended by my vet, helps keep ear infections that Goldens are prone to AWAY! #Ad https://amzn.to/3wyZXkn 11. Non plastic feed bowls, water bowl. #Ad https://amzn.to/3j6SbeH 12. 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. #Ad https://amzn.to/3wzmLAz 13. 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! I get it at Feed Stores or follow the link #Ad Jumbo Cat box: https://amzn.to/4088w3e Pine Pellets: https://amzn.to/3wz4UJU 14. 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 15. To keep my puppies stimulated I often use treat puzzles as food bowls for all or part of their meals! The mental stimulation tires them out more than playing! Here are a few, but you can order multiple types and levels and change them daily! Remember to start at no higher than a level 2. Level 1:https://amzn.to/3HlXsYB : https://amzn.to/3LGfd7E ;https://amzn.to/3nlTp7E Level 2: https://amzn.to/3LfyTO4 ; https://amzn.to/3Vi1o2i https://amzn.to/41P3jxR ; https://amzn.to/3nlTp7E Level 3: https://amzn.to/3ACXebJ ; https://amzn.to/44gtT4G Level 4: https://amzn.to/3NjG8Hl ; https://amzn.to/3LAteDD 16. Our trainers recommend using some special collars & leashes for training... collars: https://amzn.to/3Vjek8g leashes: https://amzn.to/40ShGjs 17. GPS tracking collar , this one is for dogs 50 lbs or more. #Ad https://amzn.to/3wbUQKe 18. Furme Grooming Vacuum, my new favorite grooming tool!! #Ad https://a.co/d/bwWH3Wo |
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