What I need and what I don't?

Tandoori

On 8th of November we are bringing home our Golden retriever boy ( 8 weeks) and since this was unexpectedly sooner than we planned, I am in kind of panic that we haven't made all the arrangements we are supposed to beforehand.
I am trying to put together a list of all the things we have to buy for the little guy and I would really appreciate it if some of you with experience review it really quick and give me some advice what to do!
The pre-history is that I had a dog for 10 years (4 years ago he passed away from cancer) but that was in a different country and most of the products and stuff here are unfamiliar to me as to a new dog owner. Also I have 2 very eager young owners-to-be at home ( 5 years old boy and 2 years old girl, humans of course LoL) that I need a DVD or book for to read how to take care of the dog.

My list:
- Bed ( suggestions)
- ID Tag
- Collar and Harness ( there are so many kinds, what to choose?)
- crate ( I can't make up my mind so we probably are going to buy one plastic and one wire- one for the car, one for the home)
- pet shower ( I am planing to use it in our big sink in the basement, I just need a movable head for the sprayer)
- food and water bowls ( what's the deal with the self feeding things? does that work? is it worth it?)
- towels ( what kind?)
- food ( the breeder is going to tell me what kind for the beginning)
-comb& grooming tool ( suggestions?)
-nail clip
-shampoo ( what kind?)
-drain cover
-vitamins ( do I really need that in the beginning?)
-training pads
-doggy diapers + pads for the ( does that really work?)
-doggy bags
-cleaning liquids ( absolutely no idea what to buy)
-toys ( suggestions?)
-chewable & cleaning bones ( not the real ones)
-Pet alert sticker
-License
-blanket
-baby/pet gate
-sofa covers
-flea&tick colar

Is there anything missing? Is there anything that I don't need and won't use at all?
Thank you so much in advance!

jbray01

first of all congrats on the new puppy!

that looks like a pretty good list. it looks like you've done some MAJOR research!

as far as the crate goes, i wouldn't put anything in it to begin with to avoid getting things chewed up/ eaten. as far as towels go, i would just use some old ones you dont use anymore. we used old kid's towels because they are smaller and fit into the crate better...so rosie gets to lay on the little mermaid, the lion king, or new kids on the block..haha
i would also not buy doggie bags. i would just use old grocery bags.. make sure you look for holes before you go out!!

i dont think i would get the training pads. i am not a fan. imo it teaches them to go inside the house, instead of just teaching them to go outside. i've never heard of doggy diapers, but to me they sound like more work than they're worth. and probably the same thing. it wont teach them to go outside which is where you want them to go. (i can only assume)

for cleaning supplies, you want to buy one with an odor neutralizer. they sell them at petsmart. they are good for if your puppy pees on the floor. it will neutralize the pee odor so the puppy wont smell it and go there again..

for toys i would recommend a kong and get some treats to put in it. they are good to keep the dog occupied for a little bit if you need to run out or do some chores while puppy is in the crate.

and a drain cover is an AWESOME IDEA! i wish i had thought of it. Rosie gets baths in my tub so if i go to take a shower later i have brown fur just COVERING the drain!

one more thing i would recommend is bitter apple spray. it deters your dog from chewing on certain things. it doesnt work for all dogs, but it worked for me when rosie went for chair legs. sadly it didnt work when it came to my favorite pair of flip flops..

good luck with your new puppy!!! i cant wait to see pictures!!!

BarclaysMom

When we got our pup we picked up one of those X-Pens, an eight sided, meter tall, wire pen. We found that very handy for times when we didn't want him crated, but we didn't want him loose in the house quite yet. It's a good place to go play or chew on a toy, or when we just needed a break from him (or the other animals did). We actually put his crate in the pen. Plus we put a scrap of outdoor carpet under the pen to help catch the occasional mess (we were not as good at house training as we wished). He was litter box trained when he came from the breeder, and so when we had to be gone for a few hours at a time we would leave him in the pen, with his crate open, so he could use the litter box if he needed to. We have found that pen to be very handy.

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AkiraleShiba

Don't buy an expensive dog bed before he's at least one because they like to play with it and tear it apart when they're young.

Buy stainless steel bowls they're the most hygenic and riskfree, don't buy big self-feeders because food oxydise and spoil when left too long exposed.

Don't buy training pads, most dogs will just rip it apart and not pee on it plus goldens grow up pretty fast and same goes for their poop and pee. Plus you run the risk of confusing the dog by saying it's ok to pee inside.

Don't forget toys Kongs are great and probably some throw stick toys (I heard that retreivers love it).

Good quality kibble and treats. I would wait for vitamins at least until your first visit to the vet.

Also when I got my puppy I made an appointment with the vet before he arrived because all dogs should be examined by a vet 72 hours maximum after they are brought home.

Tandoori

jbray01, BarclaysMom,AkiraleShiba,thanks a lot!
I would definitely take your advice on the pads! I wasn't fond of that idea either. We have a yard that we are fencing this weekend ( because of the dog), so I think we are going to be covered on that side ;-)

The truth is we don't have any old grocery bags because I stoped using them some time ago, instead we use fabric ones. And believe it or not, we don't have a single plastic bag in the house Talking about going green LoL ! Now I wish we hadn't recycled the old ones :-)

Actually the breeders ( very reputable, the dogs live in a separate house believe it or not, they have certificates, a family tree etc) are paying the vet visit, as well as the shots and the test for parasites. This is going to be done (and we are going to have a document about it) just before we pick up the dog. Do you think we have to go to the vet as well, considering this?

Now don't laugh at me but what is a Kong? Is it this one?

Do I have to buy any particular size?

AkiraleShiba, what kind of kibbles would you recommend?

So, you all recommend no bed for the beginning? I am afraid that if I don't buy something it is going to sleep in our bed ( as my previous dog, but he was allowed since there were no 2 other little competitors for a bed spot with Mommy and Daddy ).

Jbray01, you can actually see the pictures :-) The breeders have a website and they are updating it weekly. Here they are!
Thanks a lot for the advice!

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jbray01

yep. you got it! thats a kong. they do come in different sizes and they make some especially for puppies. i would get a large puppy kong. i have a lab and thats what i got for her. she loves it (much to my chagrin when it hits me in the head at 5 am).

but when your puppy gets older you will probably want an adult one. they are stronger and larger.

i would still get your puppy vet checked in the first few days of having him. that way, your vet can check him out.

i also recommend no bed. i got one for rosie at costco. not too expensive, but she ripped it to shreds.

it looks like you are getting yourself one cute little doggie!!!

AkiraleShiba

Yet it's the Kong and you can buy a bed but just don't buy an expensive one, at wall marts they have big dog pillows for 16$

I think it's always best to have the dog checked by your own vet but you can wait a little too until the next set of shots.

There is many brands of great kibble I personnaly use orijen but there is Innova, Innova Evo, Canidae, Chicken soup, Taste of the wild, barking at the moon, Solid gold ... I would keep the puppy on the breeder's food for a couple of weeks just to let him time to adjust.

Tandoori

Thanks a million guys!!!
I was even thinking I have a leather bean bags, do you think this can work as a bed at the beginning?
I forgot to mention that we are going to use the same vet as the breeders, he is very good and the clinic has a good reputation, as well he has taken care of all - mother, father etc. But you might be right, just in case probably we should bring him on our own.

AkiraleShiba

IF you don't mind the dog chewing on leather and spilling the beans everywhere. If you have an old comforter or a plushy blanket they can make perfect beds.

Tandoori

I think I found the right thing! Thanks for reminding me about the comforter! :-)

jbray01

the conforter is a good idea, but you want to be careful to not leave your dog unattended with it.

i put it in my dogs crate so she'd have a soft place to lay, and when i woke up there was stuffing everywhere. and as it turns out she likes just laying in the crate with nothing in it anyways!

Tandoori

Hm, maybe I should just wait and see what the little guy likes, but it's good I have options.
I forgot to include in the list pet/baby gates :-) At first we are going to use them so he can't destroy certain parts of the house LoL

I forgot to ask you about Tick and Flea colars/sprays etc. Which is the best one I can use?

briteday

If you are going to buy these things all at once I would consider placing an order online with petedge.com or jefferspet.com. I have used both of them and they are much cheaper for most things than retail. petedge.com is one of the main suppliers for Petsmart. So lots of stuff that you see in Petsmart can be had at petedge.com for wholesale. They do have a minimum order amount ($50?) but you have so much stuff to get. IF you aren't sure about the type of collar and leash, go into Petsmart, see what you like, then order it online...cheaper. http://www.petedge.com/catalog/secti...categoryId=197

Bed...no bed. The dog should sleep in the crate at night and whenever you cannot supervise the dog. I usually scour the local thrift store and stock up on bath towels. You can use them in the crate as bedding or to clean up messes. And they are so easy to just throw in the wash as needed and grab a clean one.

For a golden I would think you will just need a buckle collar, no harness. And you will need various sizes as the pup grows. So don't worry about the first one you buy, it won't be used for long. Just buy one that you like. If the pup is close geographically you could go measure the neck size, add some for growth, and order that size. The buckle collars come by the inch like 10", 14"...look on the website. http://trainingandcontrol.petedge.co...categoryId=305

stainless steel food bowl, get the bigger ones then you will be able to still use them when the dog is needing larger water/food bowls. Buy at least one extra food and water bowl so you can rotate through the dishwasher and still have a clean one... http://homeandkennel.petedge.com/Pro...CategoryId=431

comb/brush...I like a stainless steel fine and coarse on the same comb (coarse on one end, fine on the other), brush, a good pin brush and maybe a slicker. I would buy some stuff online for now and then as you groom the dog and have stronger feelings about what you like and don't like, then you can buy the more expensive stuff. I like Chris Christensen brushes and combs. You can usually find a vendor at the dog shows or ask your breeder what she uses. Good brushes and combs are not cheap so I suggest you wait to see what style you like. Maybe your breeder could even show you a few and see which ones feel best in your hands.

Nail clippers, get the guillatine style, not the scissors. And I keep extra blades on hand, Noth9ing worse than clipping with dull blades. (I would ask the breeder again, where they orde or buy local from, the ones on petedge are meant for retail and are not great quality)

Shampoo...if your breeder shows dogs she can probably suggest something that you can buy locally or may be available at petedge.

Bathing supplies, sprayers, drain covers, ...http://grooming.petedge.com/catalog/...CategoryId=810

Crates..check the shipping cost on the crates at petedge.com. They have a warehouse in Woburn, MA so even though these are large items the shipping might not be too bad. The price of the crates themselves are just so much cheaper than retail. And tons of selection. I like Varikennel brand for the plastic type. Ask the breeder what size for a full grown dog. Don't bother trading up as the dog grows, just get the big one now and block off the back end, adjusting space as the dog grows. I don't use wire crates but there are a ton of choices on petedge.com. Midwest seems to be the choice of a lot of folks around here.

plastic...http://homeandkennel.petedge.com/Pet...CategoryId=502

wire...http://homeandkennel.petedge.com/cat...categoryId=310

Vitamins...shouldn't be necessary if you are feeding regular dog food

Forget the training pads and the doggy diapers...start right off by teaching the dog that it's only appropriate to eliminate outside.

doggy doodie bags, I like the ones where the holder clips on to the leash and you can buy replacement bag rolls. http://homeandkennel.petedge.com/Cle...CategoryId=430

The best yard scooper I have is also from Petsmart but only carried in the store, don't know who the wholesaler is. It is about $25, has a long white metal handle, and something that looks like 3" black drain pipe with prongs on the end...you attach those plastic grocery bags (get some from your neighbors!). It was designed by a child for a science project and works so well, never have to touch the stuff and it scoops poop out of the grass very easily. Here's the product home page...http://scoopandsackit.com/Products.htm

Cleaning solutions...Simple Solution or Natures Miracle. I don't buy the concentrates because you have to mix them just before you use them, or it is ineffective. It doesn't appear that they ship these, I guess because of the liquid mess, so just get some at the store. Buy more than you need, but not the concentrate.

Toys...a couple of kongs so you can have some always ready, pre-stuffed with treats, and some of us freeze goodies in them to use when we need an hour of peace and quiet for chores! I have 2-3 for each dog so they can rotate between the freezer, dog crate for use, into the dishwasher. Again, incredibly much cheaper online. http://toysandtreats.petedge.com/Kon...CategoryId=905

I would also get a small assortment of soft toys, don't spend a lot as the dog may de-squeak, destroy toys as they are pretty rough in the beginning. Again, so much cheaper to stock up online.
http://toysandtreats.petedge.com/cat...categoryId=230

Chewing...I like bully sticks and nylabones. Bully sticks can be purchased at pet stores and at Costco (a dozen 12" sticks for $20, a good price), nylabones from online.

http://toysandtreats.petedge.com/cat...categoryId=230

http://toysandtreats.petedge.com/Ran...icks-RR225.pro

pet alert sticker...online

http://toysandtreats.petedge.com/cat...=pet%20sticker

blanket...same as bed, forget it for now until the chewing stage is over, after about 6 months of age, I use old blankets or go to the sewing shop and buy the fleecy or shearling material by the yard

Baby gate...go to Target or Walmart and check out the baby dept. If you don't mind walking over the gate just get the expandable type. If it is a doorway that you will be going in and out of, rather not trip as you step over repeatedly I got a great "walk-thru" gate at Lowe's hardware for $50. They have a very similar one at petedge, same price. I like the pressure mount ones because you don't make holes in your walls and you can move them around to differnt doorways as necessary. I also got tired of tripping over the gates while carrying laundry baskets, etc.

Here's something similar to the one I got at Lowes. http://grooming.petedge.com/Pet-Stud...ates-ZW858.pro

sofa covers...if you want slipcovers I would try Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ikea, whatever is in your area.

Here's some car seat covers if that's is something you need...http://homeandkennel.petedge.com/cat..._SEQUENCE_NO|0

flea collars...forget those, ask the vet at the first appointment about heartworm meds needed in your area, far more effective and safe than flea collars, always buy flea shampoo or anything else "medicated" from your vet. Their products are strong enough to be effective and the vet can give you specific instructions for your specific needs.

I hope this helps.

Mom2Sadie

I didn't read through all of the responses but here are my thoughts. I've brought home two puppies in the past nine months!



My list:
- Bed ( suggestions) No need at first. An old towel in the bottom of the crate will work just fine. Any bed will probably be ripped to shreds. Around five months they'll prefer a soft place to sleep. Puppies like the hard kitchen floor the best, at least in my house.
- ID Tag You can get one very cheap on ebay (under $4 engraved!)
- Collar and Harness ( there are so many kinds, what to choose?) flat nylon collar in the correct size, no harness necessary. A nylon training leash as well.
- crate ( I can't make up my mind so we probably are going to buy one plastic and one wire- one for the car, one for the home) ABSOLUTELY, it will become your sanity and your puppy's sanctuary! I've always used wire, I can see them better and vice versa.
- pet shower ( I am planing to use it in our big sink in the basement, I just need a movable head for the sprayer) ummm, okay. We just use the tub or sink.
- food and water bowls ( what's the deal with the self feeding things? does that work? is it worth it?) Stainless steel with rubber, wider bottoms so they won't spill or tip easily.
- towels ( what kind?) OLD ones that you don't care about!
- food ( the breeder is going to tell me what kind for the beginning) http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com. Keep him on the breeder's food at first and switch over VERY slowly OR cold turkey. I've heard both!
-comb& grooming tool ( suggestions?) pin brush and furminator.
-nail clip Unless you're chicken like me and you have the groomer do it!
-shampoo ( what kind?) Best Shot products are great. Get something with natural ingredients...oatmeal, etc. You won't need to be doing too much bathing though.
-drain cover
-vitamins ( do I really need that in the beginning?) I don't use them.
-training pads Depends on how often you'll be gone. I only used these for my tiny dog, not my lab mix.
-doggy diapers + pads for the ( does that really work?) see previous answer
-doggy bags We just use grocery store plastic ones.
-cleaning liquids ( absolutely no idea what to buy) OUT! from Wal-mart works just as well as Nature's Miracle in my opinion and it's cheaper.
-toys ( suggestions?) KONGS, Nylabones, some soft, squeaky ones. Variety so you can change them out and let him decide his favorites.
-chewable & cleaning bones ( not the real ones) Bully sticks and knuckle bones (Merrick) are both great for chewing!
-Pet alert sticker Can't hurt
-License Find out what the law is in your town
-blanket Not necessary
-baby/pet gate If you want to keep him confined to a certain area or you can use an x-pen
-sofa covers We're bad and let the dogs on the sofa but we have leather. I've seen people use old sheets or throws
-flea&tick colar Look for something natural and look into giving garlic/brewers yeast tablets. Your vet can help you with this and will put the puppy on heartworm prevention around 3-4 months old.


Phew! Also, for puppy #2 we got a "Snuggle Puppie". You can find out about them at snugglepuppie.com and get one on ebay or from many pet places (mostly online). I think it helped with the transition. Some people just use a hot water bottle under a towel. If you do go the snuggle puppy route, stock up on batteries! It goes through them quickly. Again, ebay has the best prices on the right size batteries.

Tandoori

Are you kidding?! This is the BEST post ever! Thank you SO MUCH!!! This is exacty what I needed, with the links and all! Very, very helpful!
I am definitely ordering everything online and I agree completely on many points with you!
Thank you very much once again for taking the time to help me!
I am so happy I found this forum and everybody is so nice!
But now I know why you are a super moderator! You are just SUPER! :-)
Thanks a million!!!

Mom2Sadie

We did this for our 4-lb. baby who was just too immature to hold urine at all! It was a life-saver for a few weeks and now we're past that stage and I don't think it's made it harder for him to learn to go outside. We had newspaper in the corner and he went on that.

Tandoori

Mom2Sadie, thank you for the amazingly helpful information!

Wow, guys you are AWESOME!

sheltiemom

Most everybody said what I would have said already, but I wanted to add that with kids and a puppy, baby gates were a lifesaver for me. I would definitely get the kind with a swinging door in it though, I just got regular step over gate first and my kids couldn't get over it...lifting them over constantly, not so fun, so unless you want it to contain your kids too, the door is worth the extra money. Also go ahead and get the tallest one you can so he won't be able to jump it later, my dogs are two and I still use the gate.

I agree with shopping online and skipping the pads and vitamins too...

And Simple Solution is the best cleaner...smells better than Natures Miracle...

Congrats on your puppy!

Tandoori

Sheltiemom, that;s a good point!
I have never had kids and a puppy at the same time, so I think this can be quite challenging. If you have any useful advice on that account, I would be very glad to hear it!
Thank you!

About the license, I've already contacted our Town representative and I have all the information I need, they surprised me though, because I didn't know that we need a permit for the fence which you receive in 2 weeks and we were planing to do the fence this week :-(. I've contacted the vet clinic as well ( I didn't talk to the doctor yet though), so I'm trying to move things slowly in the right direction :-)

Briteday, I've seen the bowls you recommend and I was wondering, wouldn't the puppy spill everything on the floor with these? I remember my late dog just loved to turn the bowl upside down, so we had to buy him one of these that are wider on the side and stick to the floor with the rubber?

Tiggadyrue

I myself went to wal-mart and bought some fleece by the yard.... SOOOO soft and nice selection of prints, (myself I got Wisconsin Badgers!)

And As for the bed.. this cheap one that you find everywhere. Riley loves it!!!
And one of the best investments was an ex-pen! There are many times you just can't have a constant eye on them, keeps them out of trouble and gives you a chance to relax mentally. He's not always thrilled when he is in there but I think this is key for the sake of you both.

Here he is napping peacefully in his bed that's in his ex-pen!!

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