Puppy Supplies

5 Essential Things You Need to Raise a Happy and Healthy Golden Retriever

Your Puppy Care Puppy Supplies May 9, 2022May 9, 2022Golden Retriever, Puppy Grooming, Puppy Supplies

Golden Retrievers have quickly become one of the most beloved dog breeds globally. The breed has been around for about 150 years, fairly new compared to others. During that time, it has won the hearts of families with its obedient, outgoing, and caring nature.

We all want a dog that loves to play and protects our home. Golden Retrievers do that and much more. The breed is known to be lovers at heart. They easily assimilate into the family and bond with all the members. As long as you raise them with love and care.

Bringing a dog home for the first time is both exciting and nerve-racking. So, before you take that step, we have a puppy supply list for you. The list consists of five essential things you will need to raise a happy and healthy puppy.

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, Orthopedic Memory Foam, Multiple Sizes/Colors, Medium Firmness Pillow, Waterproof Liner, YKK Zippers, Breathable 35% Cotton Cover, Cert. Skin Contact Safe, Golden Retriever

Food

A dog is only as healthy as the food you give it. You will find many different brands in the market that make numerous claims. But, you can ignore most of it. However, you need to keep the following in mind when picking up dog food:

Should have meat-based protein
Includes probiotics, very important puppies
Avoid food with BHT, BHA, any by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
Meet the Association of American Feed Control (AAFO) requirements

There are plenty of options that fulfill the above requirements. So, it is a matter of taste and your dog’s preference after that. It’s easier with puppies though, since you can develop their taste for a specific brand or flavor. If you are adopting a dog, make sure you stick to the brand the previous owner or shelter used.

Toys

Golden Retrievers are lively, outgoing, and LOVE to play. You will need to dedicate time every day to either take them out for a walk or to play.

For playtime, you will want a tennis ball, a chew toy, a frisbee, and stuffed toys. Dogs play with almost anything you give them, so you can never go wrong with any toy you buy for them. Make sure you take time out and play with them whenever you can.

A dog bed

Like humans, dogs too need their own space to relax. Golden Retrievers are active throughout the day, so it’s only fair you get them a comfortable bed to sleep in. Getting all the great puppy supplies is important to the health and raising of your dog.

The two things you need to consider when buying a dog bed are the size and material. While you may have a Golden Retriever puppy at the moment, it can grow up to two feet tall. So, buy a bed accordingly. As far as material goes, look for something that is both comfortable and durable. Ideally, the covers should be made of natural materials and removable. So it is easy for you to wash.

Leashes

You will likely need more than one leash for your dog. A lot of dog owners use a leash depending on the outing. A short leash with a slip lead is all you will need. However, if you plan on going for a walk and will be out for a while, a longer leash with a snap lead is more suitable.

You can find leashes in all sizes and materials. Buy a few and see what works best for you. We are certain that you will put all the leashes you get into good use because Golden Retrievers love to go out.

Grooming supplies

Dogs can get quite dirty. The last thing you want is for it to lose its beauty to dirt and grime. Ideally, you should look to bathe your dog once a month, more if it goes out a lot. For bathing you need the following dog grooming supplies to get started:

Shampoo, an all-natural option that is made specifically for dogs
Comb and brushes
Blow dryer

Your dog may not be a fan of bathing, but it is important in ensuring they remain clean and healthy.

Final thoughts

There are a lot of responsibilities that come with bringing a puppy home. They rely on you to raise and care for them. As the owner, you need to take measures to ensure you are prepared for the task. Our puppy supply list helps you do that as a responsible owner. So, you can give your Golden Retriever a loving home and a healthy lifestyle.

Training a New Puppy: Keeping Things Orderly at Your Home

Your Puppy Care New Puppy February 18, 2022February 18, 2022Puppy Supplies, Puppy training, Puppy Training Supplies

Puppy grooming tools, Training a new puppy

Adding a furry friend to your household is an exciting event but you should get yourself ready in training a new puppy. The goal is to instill good habits into your pet. This should also be a good foundation in establishing a loving relationship with your pup. A complete puppy training at home can take about four to six months. That is why you have to be consistent and patient in training your small, four-legged friend. Start your puppy’s training today by getting tips from this article.

Essentials for Training a New Puppy

We all know how puppies can be so adorable. However, the challenge is in getting it trained. Training a new puppy is not that easy. Puppies bark constantly, may take a piss near your sofa, and a lot more challenges come with them. Training is important, not just to make things in your house orderly but also to set you up for a great relationship with your pup. Here are some of the basic things you should include when you train them:

Using a Crate

The trick to help puppies settle in their new homes is through crate training. Crates give puppies their own space. Without crates, puppies may get bored, roam around your house, and end up ripping off or biting things they should not. Just like humans, puppies like their own spaces clean. That is why crate training also teaches puppies how to control their bladder and bowel muscles. This makes them learn to anticipate bathroom breaks and bedtime. A simple way of crate training is to give them treats whenever they go into their crates or directly feed them from their crates.

Potty Training

One of the most important steps in puppy training at home is teaching them about bathroom rules. The recommended age to start potty training is 12 to 16 weeks old. Teaching them early on their age prevents a lot of behavior problems in the long run. As soon as you get your pup, start them on potty training right away. Set them up in a routine where they can familiarize themselves with bathroom breaks. It can be when you wake up, after meals, when it wakes up from its nap, after playtime, before you leave home, and before bed.

You can also teach them to bark, ring a bell, or simply stand by the door whenever they need to go. Set a secluded area in your backyard or elsewhere at your home where your pup can do its business. Make sure to also find a distraction-free spot when you and your puppy are out. Don’t forget to give treats to your puppy every time they eliminate in appropriate areas.

Walking on a Leash

Expect that puppies will have a hard time walking easily on a leash. But this is important in training a new puppy as you will have to take it out eventually. Without leash training, your pup may strain against their leash and may result in aggressive behavior. You, on the other hand, may also struggle in controlling your puppy and end up frustrated.

For your peace of mind, you can start your puppy on a leash training as early as four to six weeks old. Slowly introduce the leash to your puppy by letting them sniff the leash itself and offering treats afterward. Put the harness on briefly and let them walk around the house dragging it. Once it is comfortable with the leash, try walking together indoors first and then eventually in other environments.

Socializing Skills

A critical step in a puppy’s development is teaching them how to socialize. Well-socialized dogs are friendlier and do not exhibit aggression. They are also easier to handle so it’s better to start building socializing skills while they are still puppies. There are a variety of strategies you can use to safely socialize your pup. You can invite people over at home or bring it along when you visit a friend. Meet up with friends who also own friendly dogs so your puppy can socialize with them.

Begin Your Puppy Training Journey

House training puppies is never easy. However, this is a rewarding task as it makes your pup independent, at the same time, friendly and obedient. As a pet parent, training a new puppy is your responsibility that is beneficial not only for the dog’s welfare but also for the peace and safety of everything in your household.

The Best New Puppy List You Need For Getting Started

Your Puppy Care New Puppy List May 17, 2021April 30, 2021Getting A Puppy, Puppy List, Puppy Supplies

Getting a puppy is exciting. It’s exciting for you, it’s exciting for the entire family. But, there are a lot of things to consider and add to your puppy list before and after your puppy comes home.

Puppies, just like babies, need a lot of stuff. From food and water bowls to the proper food and dog shampoo. Being prepared means you’ll have more time to get to know your puppy. Moreover, having your puppy list before you bring your puppy home will allow you to do things like training and establishing sleep habits properly.

Pups, whether mature ones or babies are naturally curious. One of the first things you’ll need to do is puppy-proof your home. But that is just the start. If you’re welcoming home your first puppy, this puppy list can help prepare you for its arrival.

Things to Consider Before Adopting a Puppy

The wonderful experience of adopting a puppy is a big decision and one that is not to be taken lightly. Before you make that decision, you need to be aware of the many responsibilities you’ll have, such as:

Cost. Puppies come with many costs. You need to make sure you have the budget for all of them. From insurance, vet bills, and food, to ongoing costs like toys, poop bags, and hygiene products and medications. Raising a puppy is a big responsibility, not just emotionally, but financially as well.
Lifestyle. Do you have enough time to raise a puppy? Is your home appropriate and secure for a dog? Puppies need daily exercise, which means time for training and proper exercise is a must. Furthermore, puppies need emotional support as well, which means spending a lot of time with your pup.
Vets. You need to make sure there are vets nearby. Your puppy should be seen by a vet shortly after you bring it home. Look for a licensed vet in your area, for standard checkups, vaccinations, and anything in between. You can never be too safe.
Find the Right Puppy. Some breeds might be a better fit than others. Depending on where you live, and the time you have on your hands, the size of the puppy is important. Apart from this, do you want a hyperactive dog or a lazier one, do you want a furry or a low-shedding dog? Lots of things to consider.
Dog Trainer. Having a training plan is always a good idea. Before you bring your pup home, figure out whether you are going to do the training yourself, or a certified dog trainer.

20 Things to Include in Your Personal Puppy List When Planning to Get a New Puppy

Dog Crate and Playpen

New pups need training, and crate training is one of the most effective training methods. Dog crates are great for whenever you can’t supervise them as well. With the proper dog crate, your pup will be confined to an area where accidents are contained. Moreover, the playpen can also be a safe place where your pup wouldn’t chew on things it shouldn’t.

Dog Toys and Chews

Your puppy list won’t be complete without a variety of dog toys and chews. These toys will help a lot when your puppy starts teething and starts chewing on anything it can get a hold of. Toys are also a great way to keep your pup entertained and engaged both physically and mentally.

Leash and Collar

The collar and leash are more than just aesthetics. For safe and enjoyable walks, and successful training sessions, choosing the correct collar is important. Aim for an adjustable collar. Moreover, make sure the collar and leash combination are sturdy and reliable. You don’t want your pup to run away on your first walk.

Food and Treats

Puppies need proper nutrition in order to grow. Be sure to have the proper food for its age, size, and breed. For example, larger breeds are going to need a different type of food than smaller breeds. Puppy treats also play a big role in training your pup. Hard or soft, high or low in calories, big or small, make sure you get the proper treats on your puppy list.

Puppy Pee Pads

Training your pup to potty outside should be a priority. However, outside training is not always an option, especially if you live in an apartment. Therefore, grass pee pads, as well as washable pee pads, disposable pee pads, or scented pee pads should be on your puppy list.

Additional items you should add to your checklist:

Food and Water Bowls
Cleaning Products and Grooming Tools
Blankets
Dog Bed
Poop Bags
Nametags
Stain and Odor Remover
Gate
Food Containers
Car Restraint

Conclusion

The first few months with a new pup will be incredibly fun, exciting, and joyful. However, to be truly prepared, you need to be ready before you bring your pup home. And with this checklist, you are going to be more than prepared to welcome a pup into your home. Although you won’t need everything on this puppy list, it always better to be aware of the things you’ll need as your puppy grows.

Benefits Of Puppy Pads And Choosing The Right One

Your Puppy Care Puppy Proof Your House April 17, 2020January 29, 2021Puppy Pads, Puppy Supplies

Okay, so you finally bring your puppy home. Then you find that he eats frequently which also means he relieves himself frequently. While a lot of experts encourage training your new puppy to relieve itself outdoors, there are circumstances when puppy pads are more convenient and necessary.

When To Use Pee Pads

It is recommended to use puppy pads when you initially bring your puppy home. One of the reasons for this is because most puppies are released from the breeders before their shots have been completed. If you bring your new buddy out to pee or poo in public there is a higher risk that he might get bacteria or diseases which his little body is not immune to yet. Puppies get most, if not all, of their shots within their first year of life. The more important shots being given before he turns 4-5 months old. Some of these immunizations may need a booster shot in the coming years while others need to be renewed yearly. Check you have everything you need for your puppy supply list.

Outside World

Exposing your new pup to the outside world while he is not thoroughly vaccinated and immunized yet can be dangerous. You can bring him out to the yard for some exercise as well as to do his business but this must be supervised.

No Access

Another reason why it’s a good idea to use puppy pads is if you really do not have access to a place where he can pee. Puppies will urinate almost every hour while they’re young because they have a small bladder which needs to empty itself every now and then. If you live in an upstairs apartment or condominium unit, there is no way you can make it down in time for your buddy to pee outside.

Mobility Impaired

Circumstances can also be challenging enough if you are mobility impaired. This would make using puppy pads very convenient. If a mobility impaired person is living alone, moving fast enough to catch the timing is difficult. Pee pads are very convenient in these circumstances.

Work Life

You might also like the convenience of a pad if you are out most of the day. While your puppy is usually in a kennel while you are out, it is a good idea to train him to use puppy pads when you can. Dogs prefer to pee and poo in one place so it is best to place the pad where he usually goes to relieve himself. The pad is for emergency purposes when you are not around to take him out for a walk.

Breeder

Breeders will greatly benefit from using puppy pads while their litters are still unvaccinated and need to stay indoors. In a few cases, unvaccinated pups might contract a sickness or disease because of exposure when you let them out for exercise or to relive themselves. While it is generally understood that mothers pass their immune cells to their litter when they suckle, there may be instances when the immunity will not work.

Choosing A Puppy Pad

Most pads serve the same purpose but there are some that are better than others. There are several things that you need to look for when choosing a pad for your puppy.

Absorbency:

The first thing that you need to look for is absorbency. Puppies are still small so puppy pads (either square or rectangular) can be peed on several times before you discard them. It is not recommended to reuse the pad for two days straight unless it has not been peed on at all. Even if the pad is leak-proof (most of them are, by the way!) it is best to dispose of the pad at the end of the day. This is very convenient for owners who work long hours and leave their dogs at home. Older or infirmed dogs will also need a pad with best absorbency since their urine is more than the average puppy.

Pet Attractant:

Pet attractant feature means that the puppy pad is made in such a way that it has an odor which attracts the puppy or dog to it and encourages it to pee in the pad. This feature is important because it will lead the puppy to the area where he is supposed to relieve himself and get him used to it.

Durability:

Durability is also an issue especially when it comes to puppies because they tend to bite and chew on things which are lying around randomly. New puppies do not mind chewing on something they peed on and this can be an issue if the puppy pads are not durable enough. Some dogs will also scratch after relieving themselves and your pad needs to be sturdy enough for this.

What we Recommend:

Enjoy versatility you can put in any room in the house, with a potty training puppy pads that traps and absorbs liquids, turning them into a gel. A must-have item on your new puppy shopping list, the AmazonBasics Pet Training pads are an excellent choice for keeping odors to a minimum with its super absorbent materials and locking layer that prevents leaks or spills. The plastic lining keeps your floors safe from damage, while the intelligent design of the product carries a natural attraction that will encourage your young pup to use the pad when it’s time to go.

These disposable training pads feature a 1.5-inch plastic border on each side to prevent overflow and are the perfect choice for small dogs and puppies. The 5-layer, leak-proof quilted design is effective at locking in unwanted odors while preventing tracking and controlling wetness. If you’re searching for an affordable solution that provides fast convenience for an effective way to train your new puppy or small dog, the AmazonBasics Pet Training puppy pads may prove to be the perfect solution.

Get the best price today

Read more on puppy pads and how to puppy proof your house here.

More puppy pads we recommend:

The Must-Have Puppy Supplies For Every Pet Parent

Your Puppy Care Puppy Supplies March 17, 2020January 29, 2021Getting A Puppy, Puppy Supplies

It is common for expecting parents to get the necessary supplies home even before the baby arrives. Why do they do so? This is just to make sure the little one has everything she needs and faces no discomfort at all. The same is the case with puppies.

Pet owners treat puppies like their own child and this is why they get the required puppy supplies ready before they bring the little furry kid home. Of course, there are endless supplies that people will suggest you or you will read about on the internet. But you do not need all of them, not at least in the initial days.

So, to end the confusion and to make things easier for you below is a brief list of puppy supplies that you need to be fully ready and organized. To see the full list of puppy supplies I recommend, read here.

Leash and Collar

Right from the day you bring the little baby home, you need a collar for her. You can opt for something fancy or simple but make sure it can securely hold your pup’s identification tag and license. The identification tag must have your phone number and address. This is to make sure if your puppy somehow runs away then anyone who finds her will be able to contact you and get her safely home.

Your puppy supplies checklist should include a leash as well. You will need it to take your puppy for walks and also during obedience training. The leash, just like the collar, can be simple or fancy. It must have a loop that is comfortable for you to grip.

Proper-Sized Crate

The sooner a habit is developed the better for your pup and you. You should not wait for your puppy to grow a bit and then begin crate training him. Right from the day he enters your home, you need to start introducing him to the crate. Yes, initially it will be just for a minute or two, and the duration should increase as days pass by.

Travel carriers and crates are made of different materials like stainless steel, fiberglass, and plastic. The stainless steel one will last you through life but the fiberglass and plastic ones are light in weight and offer security and safety to your pup while flying or driving.

Comfy Bed

Puppies are so adorable that you would want to cuddle them and sleep. And while all that is okay it is equally important for you to train your puppy to sleep on her own bed. This is why the next in this list of puppy supplies is a nice comfy bed for your little adorable friend.

You can place the bed in her crate and this will house-train her and also offer a secure place to sleep. There are different types of couches, cushions, and pillows available and you can select either of them but just make sure it is very comfortable.

Water and Food Bowls

Your list of puppy supplies cannot be complete without water and food bowls. As soon as the little baby reaches your home you need to feed her water and also food at regular intervals, and for this purpose, you need at least 2 separate bowls.

There are so many varieties when it comes to pet bowls. You can opt for stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic bowls. The plastic ones are light in weight and least expensive but it can be scratched easily and can then collect residue and bacteria. The ceramic bowls are little heavy and expensive. The stainless steel ones are safe, easy to clean, and preferred by most pet parents.

Puppy Food

He may be really small but he does need to eat and this is why food forms an important part of puppy supplies. It will be a good idea to discuss with your vet about which brand of pet food will be ideal for your furry baby. Also, learn how much you should feed them and at what intervals. There are puppy specific foods when your fur baby is young to get all the right nutrients, and as they progress to an adult, can move to the adult food instead.

Just like human kids, it is very important for pups to get their required nutrients so that they grow well, strong, and attractive. So, be very careful with what you feed and don’t overfeed them.

To Conclude

Now that you have your puppy supplies ready you can go ahead and adopt a sweet little furry baby and bring her home! Your home is going to be filled with joy and positivity as the little one move around here and there, showing her sweet antics, and winning everyone’s hearts.

Read more on how to puppy proof your home and the supplies you need for puppy grooming.