Golden Retrievers of Charlotte, North Carolina area
Recommendations and Favorites
Puppy Shopping List
Crate Training - If used properly, the crate becomes the puppy's safe place or bed and is the easiest and most efficient way to potty train your puppy. If misused, it can backfire and become a disaster. I go over crate training before sending a puppy home. It is good for all dogs to be able to self sooth in a crate so that if they ever need to go stay at the vet's they are not scared and stressed. Also in natural disasters, many pets get left behind if they will not stay in a crate.
There are 3 basic types of crates. The wire crate, the fabric travel crate, and the plastic type. I prefer the plastic type for potty training puppies because they are more of a den like space for resting and because if they have accidents, it is not all over your house. If you use a wire crate with a cover, make sure the cover is not something the puppy may be able to eat.
The size of crate you buy depends on how long you plan on using it. A starter size for a golden puppy should be at least 24 - 30 inches long. If you want one to get you through the teething stage, get the bigger size and section off part while they are potty training.
Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice - The puppies are started on This food, and you will give them diarrhea if you switch it before 5 mo. There should be a coupon in your packet for your first bag.
The puppies are supplemented with Nuvet vitamins. There are 3 important benefits that are important to me. They have antioxidants that are good for cancer prevention among other things
They have immune builders
They have probiotics that can help with yeast issues.
I also really like their puppy shampoo and ear cleaner.
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#80772
Plastic Plastic foldable Wire Fabric for travel
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Crate Necessities
Bedding should not have strings like towels that they can swallow and get tangled in their intestines. It should also not be paper. It needs to be absorbent and machine washable. If your puppy is chewing pieces out of it, take it out
A heartbeat puppy will calm your puppy and help them sleep better
Teething - Puppy's need something to chew on but something they can't eat or choke on. Benebones are great because they have flavor but they can't bite off chunks. Kong makes good quality teethers. The textured ones are good for cleaning their teeth and keeping gums feeling good during teething months
Optional- Thunder Ease is an all-natural spray that uses natural mother dog pheromones to relax a puppy or dog. A quick spray will help calm them in the crate or in stressful situations
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Toys - It is good to buy durable toys that your puppy cannot choke on. Also squeakers that don't get destroyed in first play time. Kong is a good brand. Also toys that you can hide treats in will keep them entertained longer.
Treats- any change in diet in the first couple months will give your puppy diarrhea. It's best to stick to their food at first. It is good to stick to the same protein as your food when introducing treats. salmon is usually ok since it is easy on their Tummy and good for coats.
I use Dr Marty's dog food as treats.
FAVORITE
Ear Wipes and Flush
Natures Miracle is essential for cleaning up accidents. It takes away smell that makes puppies want to go back to that spot.
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Bitter Apple is good to spray on your furniture, so the puppy doesn't like the taste. Sometimes you have to try different products if your puppy seems to not mind the taste
*Food Bowls (plastic can turn their nose pink)
*Collar. Puppies wear around 10-12" at 6-8 weeks. Adult Goldens usually wear 20- 22". I would not recommend a harness since it interferes with their joint development.
*ID Tag -very inexpensive insurance but microchip is a must.... they can slip out of collars
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*Leash -Slip style leads are good for trained dogs and knowledgeable dog handlers, not to be handed to child to drag a puppy around
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Grooming Tools
Dematting rake
Everyone needs one of these for your adult golden Coat
Slicker brush and comb
Can get a good pair of rechargeable quiet clippers for less than $20
Grooming Vacuum - If you don't like golden fuzz all over your house, this is an easy fix. There are many different styles and prices, so shop around. Get your puppy used to it at a young age and make grooming fun. A 5 minute fix!
Never shave your golden! They are a double coated breed that needs their coat to protect their skin. I will talk about this when you pick up your puppy.
Use only puppy shampoo on your puppy. For adults use a hypo allergenic or oatmeal based shampoo no more than once a month ..... water bath is ok anytime, but if left wet for too long they can get hotspots. Nuvet makes good shampoos.
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Problem Solving
YEAST - If your dog has ear infections regularly and bites at their feet, it could be yeast related. Yeast is a stomach issue that can be fixed with probiotics. This is the best one if your nuvet vitamins are not enough.
Bark Stop- works for controlling barking in many dogs without hurting them in anyway. even works for the neighbor's dog at a distance.
* Vet products and knowledgeable answers on
how to use them, Call: Revival Animal Health
*Hot Spots - Anything that itches can cause hot spots. It is important to stop the itching as soon as possible because they can get worse quick.. You may need antibiotics from the vet but sometimes you can stop them before they get started by watching for wet spots where your dog keeps messing with an area. It is good to have a small container of gold bond powder for that case. Call the vet if it is a bald spot.
Taurine powder - over all longevity
Heartworm and Flea Meds- I rotate mine. Ask about this if you want to know why
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Brewers Yeast - For places without a big flea problem (and during cold months of the year), or with pregnant dogs, can use Brewers Yeast, to repel fleas. Never give it to nursing moms because it makes their milk taste bad.
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Wound Care - In many cases, you will need to get antibiotics from your vet for a bad boo boo.
Here are some over the counter things you can
use. Clean off scabs with..
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Burt's Bees Res-Q Ointment​​​​​
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Digging? Try burying a little of their poop in
the holes.
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Overheating - Since dogs sweat thru their paws, the fastest way to cool your dog down is to cool off the paws of their feet. Rubbing alcohol can be used in severe cases.
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Not hungry? Mix human chicken baby food in
regular food so you don't upset their stomach by
mixing new food in. Chicken baby food is the mildest thing to mix in that tastes good.
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Eating too fast? Slow feed bowl​
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Eating something they shouldn't? Maybe
socks? Make them swallow Hydrogen peroxide to force
throwing up.
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Deworming your dog 4 times a year with Panacur or SAFEGUARD dewormers has many health benefits. (3-5 days in a row)