Must Have For Golden Retriever Puppy

Learning How To Train Your Puppy

You might think that training your new dog will be intuitive when you get them home, but dog training is a skill you learn, not one you just pick up as you go along.

If this is your first dog or you havent had a puppy in the house for some time, then youve got some serious reading to do before you get your puppy home.

Youll need to read plenty of articles on reputable dog-care or dog-training websites that teach positive reinforcement training methods, as these are both highly effective and totally humane.

Many people also find videos to be useful when learning training techniques, as its often easier to see how somethings done by watching another person doing it compared to simply reading about how to do something, which can sometimes be confusing if its a complex method.

Once your puppy is old enough, group puppy training classes are an excellent idea. Not only will you learn more about training your pup, your dog will also get to socialize with other young canines.

Bonus #: Luxury Items

We like Furbo Dog Camera

Several years ago we got a Furbo Dog Camera and its been love since we first unboxed it. Simple to set up and use, we even sometimes use it to watch the kids when theyre playing in our bedroom. Although the kids dont respond when we toss them a dog treat ð

Our favorite feature on the Furbo Dog Camera is the bark alerts. We always know when our puppy is at home barking in his crate.

Golden Retriever Puppy Supplies: What Youll Need To Buy

Health Essentials

Collar, Leash, Harness, and Dog Tags

Although your pup may not be able to go on full neighborhood walks at a young age, its a good idea to get him used to the concept of wearing a collar, leash, and dog tags.

However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both.

Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You also dont have to worry about your puppy slipping out of their collars if they get frightened.

On your pups collar, the dog tags should state his name, home address, and phone number. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard.

Food and Water Bowls

Puppy Food

Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! You can also check out our puppy feeding guide to learn more about how much food youll need.

Crate and Dog Bed

Dog Toys and Playtime Essentials

Puzzle Toys

Chew Toys

Chase Toys

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Getting A Golden Retriever

Do plenty of research before you get a Golden Retriever. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first.

How We Raised Our Golden Retriever Puppy

To paint the picture, we picked up our little 9.4lb ball of fluff, Coconut, on a cold December day. Prior to picking her up, Tom had never had a dog before and is the type of guy who really wants to educate himself. Tom bought a book that another friend who had a Golden Retriever had recommended.

This book proved to be our lifeline, and like I said, I grew up with dogs but still, there were so many things I needed to learn, to refresh my memory on, and just to re-teach myself. I highly recommend finding a book specific to your dogs breed, and honestly if not, get this Golden Retriever book. While it is specific to that breed, there are SO many basic tips and tricks for all dogs.

So we read the book, bought all of the things that we thought we would need , and then picked up our sweet girl. After we brought her home, we slowly realized what we actually were going to use and what we werent. So thats where I come into play to share the absolute BEST and most needed things for your dog.

Ive broken it down into several categories so that you can get a feel for how/when to use each item. Ive also provided a brief description on the importance or just why we decided its a must have!

Also, Ill talk more about insurance at the end.

Recommended Reading: Long Haired Golden Retriever Puppies

The First Year Of Your Golden Puppy Golden Retriever Puppy Behavior Stages

Birth to Five Months Old

The initial five months of Golden retriever puppy behavior stages is the most vulnerable. They are at their most impressionable. This is the stage where you can shape the personality of your puppy.

In the first seven weeks of life, your golden puppy will be struggling to walk. They might be staggering and falling often. After growing several weeks after birth, the puppy will be able to develop stability while walking. It is extremely crucial at this point that the puppy is with their mother and litter. The mother will instinctively teach the puppy the necessary survival behaviors. During this time, the mother will teach the puppy the importance of obedience and affection. It is crucial to gradually socialize the puppy without separating it from the litter to get used to human interaction.

During the third month of the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, it is important to introduce it to its lifelong human family. It is crucial to spend plenty of time with the new puppy for socialization. But be cautious about moving the puppy around eight weeks or even later. The puppy might get traumatized and experience fear. During this period, any traumatic experience will have a dramatic impact on the puppy. Make sure to mitigate these stressful experiences, and if they do happen, it is crucial to remove the puppy from fear-inducing situations at once.

Fourth and Fifth Month

2 to 6 Months

Growth milestones

Purpose of training

6 to 18 Months

Training

Toys Bones And Bully Sticks

Booster Bath: This is a well-made but inexpensive plastic raised bathtub. It is lightweight and easy to move around. Plus, it raises your dog up to your level so that you dont strain your back and it has a collar that attaches to the tub to keep your dog still while you bathe him. It also comes with a nozzle that attaches to your hose so that the water comes out heavy but not too hard. Regular garden hose attachments cause the water to come out too powerfully which is uncomfortable on a dog.

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Whats Next For Your Golden Retriever Puppy

Ah. You can breathe a sigh of relief. Remember how Golden Retrievers love to learn? Theyll be happy to collect the post for you one day.

Now that you know the big picture of training, why not have a look at some of the other training you can do with your Golden Retriever puppy in the Zigzag puppy training app?

Youll find a lot more in-depth training, games and socialisation advice tailored just for Golden Retrievers. If you run into some training hiccups, our team of experts will be happy to help you along every step of the way, theyd love to hear from you!

And remember: although the road might look long and wonky, like a zigzag, it is full of laughter, good memories and joy. Trust us, theres nothing like it. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything, next.

By Petrina Firth, Zigzag Puppy Expert

Fully Qualified COAPE Behaviourist and Registered Training Instructor with The Animal Behaviour and Training Council

In this article:

Puppy Proofing Your Home And Garden

If you want to get through the first few months without having all your favorite possession destroyed, then youll need to puppy proof your home before your new addition arrives.

But, puppy proofing isnt just for the benefit of your belongings, it will also help to keep your puppy safe when you cant be there to supervise them.

These are the main things you need to think about when puppy proofing your home.

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Golden Retrievers Trace Their History Back To Scotland

For decades, apocryphal stories were floating around that the Golden Retriever was descended from Russian circus dogs. This theory was debunked when the records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were released. In 1864, Lord Tweedmouth purchased a yellow retriever named Nous and bred him to a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The Golden Retrievers we know today are likely descended from Nous and Belle. Thank you, Lord Tweedmouth!

Planning Appropriate Puppy Socialization

Socialization, with both humans and other dogs , is one of the most important things to think about with your new puppy.

A well-socialized puppy should turn into an adult dog who interacts well with all dogs and people, which makes your life so much easier as a dog-owner.

The first couple of days, its best if your puppy just meets those people, and any animals, who they are going to be sharing their home with, but after that its good for your pup to meet as many dogs and people as is safe and possible.

Although your dog shouldnt be out and about, other than in your garden, until theyre fully vaccinated, some vets host puppy parties at their clinics so that younger puppies can interact with one another in a safe and clean environment. This is a great idea because, once your pup has been fully vaccinated, they will already be out of the stage in their life when theyre most receptive to new things, including meeting new dogs without being nervous or aggressive.

Its also great for your pup to meet a variety of new people, and it wont be hard to convince your friends to come over and hang out with your adorable new pal!

However, it is important to talk to anyone meeting your pup about any rules you have for interacting with them, as your dont want puppy to be scared or to pick up any bad habits.

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Golden Retriever Pet Supplies

There are many supplies that you can purchase for your new Golden Retriever puppy, but you may wonder what is really necessary and what is extravagant. Realistically, there are many factors that contribute to a healthy, happy life for your Golden Retriever. A good place to start is by meeting your new puppies basic needs and what you might choose to get to help you practice good responsibility in dog ownership.

Here are some basic supplies that Golden Retrievers will need.

Every dog should have a collar or harness.This shows your own personal style and your dogs, too. It should have your dogs current identification as well as rabies tag. They are also used with leashes to walk or manage your dog. Leashes are essential because of leash laws and your dogs safety. Even if you do not have a leash law, the chances are good that you may be somewhere that will. It is also a good idea to get several leashes because they are always being lost or chewed up. I recommend a leash that your dog cannot easily chew up.

Your new Golden Retriever will also need some grooming equipment. I would suggest a good dog brush, such as a furminator or an electric hair clipper. This can be used for multiple reasons, such as matted hair, trimming around a hot spot or to give a cool summer shave. A steel fine toothed brush is wonderful for grooming too.

Some extras you might consider is a seat belt to make your dogs ride safer, a 12X10 cast iron pen or a Dogloo .

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An Orthopedic Dog Bed Because The Memory Foam Will Help Relieve Some Of The Joint Pain Older Goldens Often Experience

Promising review: “Our golden retriever loved it from the time it was delivered and set up. The memory foam gives him incredible support in any position. Although he is a young dog, I would think this bed is perfect for older dogs whose joints are beginning to stiffen. I have placed the bed in my office and he lies there happily for hours watching me work. We will consider getting another for the living room.” Docta K

Price:$50.99+

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Royal Canin Aging Large Breed Dog Food

Royal Canin has an aging large breed dog food formulated for dogs ages 8 and up. It is made for easy chewing and ideal for a senior dogs jaw. It is an exclusive blend of antioxidants for healthy aging. It contains easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber. Our staff veterinarians recommend this food as well.

Below is a feeding chart for Royal Canin Aging Large Breed dog food.

Royal Canin Aging Large Breed Feeding Chart

Royal Canin is exact on their servings for aging large breed dogs. The range of the amount of food is dependent on the activity level of your Golden Retriever. The range is from low to high activity. This is a great guide to use with an aging Golden Retriever, they will be active on some days more than others.

General Golden Retriever Puppy Food

Because puppies need a diet specifically designed to meet nutritional needs for normal development, all puppies should be fed a puppy food. Feeding them adult food will not give them the adequate nutrients needed at this age.

Below is a general chart for Golden Retriever puppy feeding.

Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Chart

This chart is just a general guideline for feeding your puppy. Be sure to ask the breeder what they were feeding the puppy and use that exact food. If you must switch do so gradually over about a week. Start by mixing the old food and a small amount of new food, then adding more new food each day.

Start on the low end of the range and increase if your puppy starts to look thin. Keep in mind that it is healthier for your golden retriever puppy to be a little bit thin than a little bit chunky. Also, speaking with your veterinarian about this is a good idea.

There is a feeding chart on the back of each dog food bag that you can follow. Below are some feeding charts from our top puppy foods article Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers .

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A Memory Foam Dog Bed As Cute As Your Pup

Your golden will have the sweetest of dreams when she curls up on this luxurious bed just for her. Choose to purchase just the cover and fill it yourself with old pillows, towels, sheets, or clothes, or you can opt to purchase their eco-friendly fill made from plastic bottles or their memory foam insert. The extra-large size is recommended for full-grown goldens.

Shop now: Modern Mud Cloth Natural Dog Bed, from $55 thefoggydog.com

Keeping your golden’s coat brushed and free of mats and tangles is a big part of keeping her healthy and happy. With a dense outer coat and thick undercoat, it can take some time to brush out all the layers, but this undercoat rake makes quick work of their luscious locks. One Chewy reviewer wrote that the medium-tooth rake was “so wonderful to get my two golden retrievers’ undercoat combed out. Also, the gel grip is quite easy to hold on to.” Win-win!

Shop now: ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake, $12 chewy.com

Give your pup a mani/pedi at home with this nail trimmer made of stainless steel and a double-bladed cutter that makes for a quick, clean cut. The non-slip handle works for both right- and left-handed users, and ensures you maintain control to avoid any mishaps.

Shop now: Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs, $12 chewy.com

Shop now: Woofwell Golden Retriever Health Supplement, $37

Shop now: WeatherBeeta Comfitec Reflective Parka 300D Deluxe Dog Coat, $47

Should I Feed My Golden Retriever Table Food

Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt.

Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. You will need to reduce the amount of dog food they get and table food should never be more than 10% of their diet.

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