Shopping list and suggestions. How to prepare for your puppy
What you will need and what we suggest for your puppy
TRAINING
”A trained dog is a forever dog”
If we have spoken on the phone then you know how we feel about training. It is the best thing you can do for your puppy! If you are not up for the commitment to train, and a lot in the first year, maybe consider getting a cat :)
The best training we have come across that you can do on your own time, and at an excellent price, is https://www.baxterandbella.com
Check out the site, listen to the free podcasts, and if you choose to sign up use coupon code Ruger25 for 25% off the membership.
Here is a list of items that are helpful for when your puppy comes home. Some are just suggestions, but I do recommend buying the crate and playpen for sure. I have included the food they are currently on.
I will send you home with a bag of their food. You can keep them on it or change over to a PUPPY food of your choice for the first year.
Food - you don’t have to buy online, you can buy at PetCo, PetSmart, or any feed store. I do suggest looking fo this food and getting 2 bags at a time if you are going to keep your puppy on it. I have found that it is not always available with current shortages and shipping issues. When you open the second bag go get another bag to have on hand. This way if you can not find it in stock you can slowly and easily switch your pup to another food.
Dog food ***SEE PICTURE BELOW***
Purina PRO PLAN Chicken and Rice PUPPY formula with probiotics
The bag has a Golden Retriever puppy on the front.
Treats - this will last your dog many months! You can also buy a smaller bag. Beef or Chicken is great.
Crate 42 inch or 48 inch for standard size puppies (50 lbs full grown or more) https://www.amazon.com/New-World-Folding-Leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B01DLS2I5W/ref=sr_1_6?crid=HYEW9QLYD909&keywords=large%2Bdog%2Bcrate%2B42%2Binch&qid=1648128686&sprefix=Large%2Bdog%2Bcrate%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-6&th=1
Play pen that connects to the crate
This is the litter we use. We will send you home with some too. This is just a tool to use while potty training. If you do not have a Tractor Supply near you if you show any feed or pet store this picture they will have a similar product. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-pine-pellet-stall-bedding-40-lb?cm_vc=-10005
Snuggle puppy - this is not totally necessary but I have found my puppies really love this and it is soothing for them as they transition from being with their litter mates https://www.amazon.com/Moropaky-Heartbeat-Behavioral-Training-Sleeping/dp/B082VC6JCZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_31?crid=3VEKPWTRUX0KB&keywords=snuggle+puppy+toy+with+heartbeat&qid=1638756565&sprefix=snuggle+%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-31
Toys and Chews
Our puppies also love toys! If you get toys with stuffing, if your puppy chews a hole in it you just throw it out. Chews I like are hard Nyla Bones. The main thing with chews is you do not want your puppy to be able to get a chunk of the chew and swallow it. For this reason we always watch when they have a new chew to be sure that it is strong enough! The best places to buy toys are TJMAXX, ROSS and HOME GOODS. They have a huge selection and their prices are a fraction of the pet store prices. These stores have tons of supplies for dogs. Leashes, collars, bowls, treats, shampoo, brushes, BEDS (great dog beds at great prices). I suggest going there first and then going to a pet store if they do not have what you are looking for. When shopping for your puppy I just always suggest the fewer ingredients the better for things like treats or shampoo.
Great BRAIN GAME toys for smart puppies. You can put a few treats in or just some of their kibble that they eat for meals. Just remember not too many treats. https://www.amazon.com/StarMark-Bob-Lot-Interactive-Small/dp/B003YHB8EI/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1OR6PR0KRVN6T&keywords=Dog+treat+toys&qid=1648130262&sprefix=dog+treat+toys%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-6
Kong toys are great with some peanut butter mixed with kibble or treat for a special treat. We love that it this one is DISHWASHER SAFE! https://www.amazon.com/KONG-PW1-Wobbler-Large/dp/B003ALMW0M/ref=sr_1_30?crid=1OR6PR0KRVN6T&keywords=Dog+treat+toys&qid=1648130262&sprefix=dog+treat+toys%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-30
Recommended Food
This is the brand and type of food we feed our dogs. It has great reviews, extensive research and is highly recommended by vets and breeders. This food is what we start our puppies on and is the same brand we feed our adult dogs. Their health and coat has been fabulous!
Remember CHEWY.com is a great service for auto
About Us
Crate Training
We love this set up for crate training. The snuggle puppy and a litter box works perfect! Your puppy will naturally not need to use the litter box at night as they grow. However at first they are just babies and will need to use the bathroom at night. You absolutely can wame up and take them out rather than use the litter box!
crate size guide
mini medium puppies. 36 inch = medium
Standard puppies 42 OR 48 inch = large or XL
Puppies safe place to be when you’re busy
This is the set up we use for training puppies to self sooth and have a space all their own. We pit the bed in the crate but they often pull it out. They have everything they need while you are busy or away,
Our puppies love toys! Just remember if they start to tear them up you need to throw the damaged ones out then look for stronger chew resistant toys.