Things I will need:

1. Dog crate, size 42"-48" for a Golden Retriever, 30"-36" for a Miniature Golden Retriever, 24" for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

2. Metal food & water bowls (metal because plastic will most likely get chewed up). If you are getting a Cavalier, you may want to look into one of these bowls. Long-eared dog's ears tend to get into their food and water bowls. This weill lead to tangles and possible ear infections if not cleaned often. 

3. Toys: Nylabone, Kong, Doggie Ropes, Ball (buy a variety to figure out what your puppy likes, every dog is different)

4. Collar with name & phone number and leash. To order a beautiful custom collar like all the dogs at 7-L wear, visit Duke & Fox and don't forget to use code: 7LGolden for 15% off (size small will fit at the time of leaving). If you prefer to walk your dog on a harness, we absolutely love Sassywoof (use code; 7-LFarms20 for 20% off). 

5. Training treats: here is a link to what we like to use.

6. Puppy food: for Golden Retriever puppies: Fromm Large Breed Puppy Gold food, for Mini Golden's and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Fromm Puppy Gold food. If you are considering switching your puppies/dogs food, please speak to your veterinarian about the reasons why you are wanting to switch, and what foods the vet recommends. Remember that we require you to keep your puppy on their current food for at least one month. This is to help  prevent stomach issues that often arise when a puppy is stressed or food is drastically changed, so if both happen at the same time, it is a recipe for disaster. We absolutely love Inukshuk food. It is something that ALL of our dogs thrive on and truly enjoy eating.

 

Traveling Home with Puppy

1. Remember, your puppy only has its first set of vaccinations, so it is not fully protected. 

2. Try to go straight home, no stops. I don't stop to let a puppy potty unless driving for over four hours. If you have to stop, find somewhere to pull off that isn't heavily trafficked (no gas stations, rest stops, restaurants). After the puppy has potties, wipe feet with a disinfectant wipe BEFORE putting them back in the car. Try no to let them pick anything up in their mouth while out. 

3. If you are flying, once puppy is at the airport it must be in its caring crate (airport rules). They will have you take ethe puppy out to go through security (do not set the puppy down anywhere). Then puppy goes back into crate. I like to layer puppy pee pads in the bottom so that if the puppy does have an accident, I can just pull out the top one. I also like to have a gallon Ziplock bag to discard pads in if a trash can is not easily accessible. And again, disinfectant wipes are always handy. I always say I'd rather have to wash the puppy when I get home than chance Parvo. 

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Once You Have Puppy

1. DO NOT TAKE PUPPY ANYWHERE until fully vaccinated, around 16 weeks old! (No pet stores, dog parks, beaches, walks). 

2. Do not leave a puppy unattended in the backyard! They like to dig if left alone too long. Put the puppy in a crate where they will be safe when you are gone.

3. A puppy needs to be fed twice a day.

4. Before the puppy comes home, schedule a vet appointment for a physical exam within 72 hours of picking up. 

5. The puppy will be due for their next set of shots between 10-12 weeks old, you can find a complete First-Year Vaccination Guide here.

6. You will need to get your puppy on a Flea & Tick preventative once old enough. We like to keep more to the natural side with our breeding dogs and have found Wonderside to work great!  

7. You will also want to get your puppy on a Heartworm preventative.