Supplies You Will Need For Your Golden Retriever Part I
Collar
There are a wide variety of dog collars available in the pet section of most stores. They can be as simple or as extravagant as you like. You will need to purchase several collars as your puppy grows. Most collars are adjustable with either a buckle or sliding snap. Be sure to check your puppy’s collar weekly for the correct size. The collar should be tight enough so that it will not come off the dog’s head without unbuckling it but loose enough so that your dog can breath properly. A collar that’s too tight can also cause skin and hair problems. A good rule of thumb is to measure your dog’s neck circumference and then add one inch. This is the size of collar your dog will need.
We are not fond of collars that have a plastic snap piece. While it is quick to get on a and off, plastic does wear out over time. The plastic piece can break, and your puppy or dog can lose its collar. Without a collar, your puppy loses it's I.D. tag and if it becomes lost there will e no way to get your puppy home to you. If you are walking your puppy on a leash when the collar breaks, your puppy can then be exposed to traffic and could get hit by a car.
Identification tag
Your dog should wear an identification tag on its collar at all times. This is the quickest and easiest way for someone who finds your lost dog to find contact information. You never know when your dog will get lost, be prepared. There are many different types of tags out there, but here at Genuine Goldens, we prefer to use slide-on tags.. These tags are secured directly onto the dog’s collar, not dangling from the collar hook. They are a little more expensive than traditional tags, but they can never fall off, wear out, or get stuck in objects. The only down side to these tags is that you have to purchase the tags in sizes coordinating with your dog's collar size. You will probably need 2-3 tags to fit your various sizes of collars until your puppy is an adult.
Training collar, harness, or halter (optional)
A training collar (also known as a slip collar, choke chain, or choker) can be very useful in your dog training. These collars should only be worn during training, as if used as a regular collar, they can become snagged on items and strangle your dog. Some people prefer to use a body harness when walking their dog. These are great for dogs with neck problems or those who are opposed to using training collars. Head halters are another option. These are halters that go around the dog’s neck and snout and are often mistaken as muzzles. They are used for dogs who pull at the leash, as pulling with a halter on will redirect the head in a different direction, causing the dog to stop pulling. You may use one, two, or all of these walking/training aids. Find what works best for you and your dog.
County/State dog license
Most states and/or counties require all dogs of a certain age to be licensed and wear a registration tag on the dog’s collar at all times. Please follow your local dog laws.
Leash
You should have at least one leash for each dog you own. You will need this for training, walking, transporting, and securing. Nylon or leather leashes work best, usually in four feet to six feet lengths, and 3/4-inch to 1-inch wide. Flexi-leashes are popular with many dog owners as well. These leashes will self-
