What You’ll Need To Buy for a New Golden Retriever
Nobody ever said that getting a puppy was cheap, and if this is your first time as a dog-parent, there might be a bit of a learning curve with all the equipment and other items that a dog needs. This comprehensive list covers all the essentials, plus some added extras.
- Food: Every dog needs food! Start your puppy on the food they’re used to eating and gradually change brands (if you want to) to avoid upsetting their stomach.
- Bowls:Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. You’ll need two bowls, one for food and one for water.
- Collar and leash: Your pup might not be able to go walkies until fully vaccinated, but you’ll want a soft collar and leash to get them used to it around the house and in the garden.
- ID tags: Even if you get your puppy microchipped, it’s always best to have ID tags, too. Plus, in some areas they’re required by law. These should have your name, address and phone number on, plus your dog’s name if you want.
- Harness: Many owners are now choosing harnesses over regular collars, which can damage a dog’s neck if they pull on the leash. Something to think about.
- Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into.
- Crate: If you decide to crate train your dog, you’ll need an appropriately sized crate. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers.
- Brushes:Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will be in the future.
- Shampoo: Again, it’s good to get your puppy used to being bathed right away, so you’ll need some dog-friendly shampoo.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines.
- Poop bags: You’re going to need a lot of these, not only from when your puppy starts going on walks, but right away, to clean up your garden and any little accidents around the house.
- Puppy pads: We’d advise trying to teach your pup to toilet outside every time, but for some people, puppy pads are a useful toilet-training aide.
- Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup.
- Toys: You’ll want to get a range of toys to keep your puppy entertained. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Choose appropriately-sized toys that aren’t small enough to lodge in your puppy’s throat.
- Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car.
- Baby gates: If you want to make certain parts of the home off limits while you’re out, baby gates are your friend.
- Coats: Unless you live somewhere extremely cold, your golden retriever probably won’t need a coat for warmth, but a waterproof coat is handy if you live in a rainy area.
