Puppy Prep
Set your new Golden Retriever up for success from day one. Here are the essential supplies we recommend based on 5+ years of raising healthy, happy puppies.
We feed all our puppies pawTree and recommend continuing with it. Quality nutrition sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. pawTree uses whole-food ingredients, no fillers, and tailored formulas for large-breed puppies.
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Auto-ship available for convenience. Transitioning to a new food? Mix gradually over 7-10 days to avoid tummy upset.
A crate is essential for house training and giving your puppy a safe space. We recommend a large size (42" minimum) so they'll grow into it. Choose a wire crate with a divider panel to adjust the space as they grow.
Dogs naturally avoid soiling their den. A properly-sized crate helps with potty training and keeps them safe when you can't supervise.
Get a collar with your contact info before pickup day. Even if your puppy is microchipped, a visible ID tag is the fastest way for someone to reach you if they wander off. Adjustable collars work best for growing puppies.
Tip: Include your phone number and "Needs Meds" if applicable (even if they don't need meds — it encourages people to call you right away).
Start with a 6-foot standard leash for training. It gives you better control and helps teach good leash manners. Add a retractable leash later for exploring once they've mastered loose-leash walking.
Avoid retractable leashes during early training — they encourage pulling. Save them for hikes and beach days once your pup has solid recall.
Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues — start with a good bed from day one. Look for orthopedic memory foam beds in a large or extra-large size. Waterproof liners are a bonus for accidents during house training.
Place the bed in a quiet corner where they can retreat when they need rest. Puppies sleep 18-20 hours a day — quality sleep supports healthy growth.
Goldens love to carry things. Stock up on variety: Kong toys for mental stimulation (stuff with peanut butter or kibble), durable chew toys for teething, and soft plush toys for comfort. Rotate toys weekly to keep them interesting.
Avoid toys with small parts, squeakers they can swallow, or anything smaller than their mouth. Supervise play with new toys until you know they're safe chewers.
We include a starter pack with every puppy. Continuing NuVet is part of our 26-month health warranty. NuVet supports joint health, immune function, and overall vitality. We've seen the difference it makes in our dogs over the years.
Order directly from NuVet to keep your warranty valid. We'll provide ordering information and our breeder code at pickup.
We recommend stainless steel bowls. They're easy to clean, don't harbor bacteria like plastic, and won't break like ceramic. Get medium to large size bowls — Goldens drink a lot of water and will grow into their appetite quickly.
Wash bowls daily with hot soapy water. Keep fresh water available at all times, especially during house training and hot weather.
We're happy to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions about supplies, training, or puppy prep.
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