Picture taken from www.dogbreedinfo.com
From the desk of Sharda Baker.
Hi and Welcome Everyone!
This is Sharda with another Golden Retriever newsletter!
Today, know the Golden Retriever supplies you will need on your pet’s homecoming!
It is very exciting to get a new puppy and to be able to bring him or her home.
Often people are not aware of how challenging this process can be.
It is important to plan for the arrival of your new Golden Retriever to avoid frustration, damaged items and to provide the safest possible environment for your puppy and family.
Spending a few hours to puppy-proof your house and to insure the proper introduction of the puppy to the home will set the tone for your relationship with the puppy.
While there are several things that you need to consider, one of the first aspects of bringing a puppy home is to have the correct supplies.
In addition to the supplies, you’ll need the right attitude to work with the puppy, a space that is designed for the puppy to stay in, as well as a schedule for feeding and exercise.
Basic supplies
- A good book on Golden Retriever puppy health, care and training methods. Check with your breeder to see if they have a particular book or author that they recommend. If the puppy has begun a training method, make sure that it continues as much as possible with the already established commands.
- A wire or plastic dog crate that is the correct size for the Golden Retriever puppy that you have purchased. A small dog will require a smaller crate than a larger dog, naturally.
- Good quality bedding material for inside the crate that cannot be easily chewed or destroyed. It is important that this material be washable, as there will be times when it will meet to be cleaned.
- A special puppy collar that is of a soft fabric or woven material. The collar should have a buckle fastener and should not be too tight for the puppy’s neck. You should be able to easily insert two fingers between the puppy’s neck and the collar. If you cannot, the collar is too small and a larger size will meet to be purchased. A good lead will also be needed when walking the puppy. Many people use a retractable lead to make walking the dog much easier.
- Purchase an identification tag that can be put on the caller. A Golden Retriever puppy purchased from a breeder may already be microchipped or tattooed with identification. While this is an excellent way to identify the dog, it is also important to have an easy to read tag in the event that the puppy wanders away or becomes lost. Make sure your phone number and name is on the tag.
- You will also require any grooming supplies that the dog may need. A shorthaired dog will require a simple brush, comb, or soft cloth, but a long-haired dog will require more grooming, and you may wish to purchase clippers to be able to trim the coat.
- It is important to talk to the Golden Retriever breeder to find out at what age you can begin to clip your dog. Most dogs do not get their full adult coat until after 10 months of age and it is important to not clip prior to the time. Check with your breeder, groomer or veterinarian to understand the specifics for your breed.
- To keep your Golden Retriever puppy busy and entertained when you’re not able to play with them, it is important to get some puppy toys. They should be hard plastic and without any parts that can be chewed and swallowed by the dog. Remember, if the puppy has toys to play with they will be less likely to chew on household items.
- One stainless steel or heavy plastic bowl for water and one for food. Make sure that you buy a bowl style that cannot be easily tipped over. Puppies will need clean water at least twice a day. Some people choose automatic dispensing feeders and water bowls. While this does make it easier for the owner, it is not essential.
- If you have stairs in your house or you would like to keep the puppy confined to one area, you may wish to consider purchasing baby gates. These can be used to prevent the poppies from being able to enter or exit different rooms of the house.
That’s it for today.
Hope you learned something.
I’ll be back for more about Golden Retrievers.
Until then!
All the best and take care
Warmly,
Sharda Baker