🛒 The Ultimate Golden Retriever Puppy Shopping Checklist

Bringing home a Golden Retriever puppy is exciting — but don’t wait until the last minute to get prepared. This checklist covers all the essentials (and a few nice-to-haves) to make your puppy’s transition smooth and stress-free.

🏠 Essentials for Their New Home

✅ Crate – Choose one with a divider to adjust as your pup grows.

✅ Puppy bed – Soft, washable, and fits inside the crate.

✅ Food & water bowls – Preferably stainless steel or ceramic (easier to clean and less likely to tip over).

✅ Playpen or baby gate – Great for keeping your pup safe and contained in one area.

✅ ID tag & collar – Get them used to wearing it early on, even indoors.

✅ Leash (1.2–1.5m) – Start with a simple nylon or leather leash.

✅ Poo bags – You’ll go through more than you think!

🦴 Feeding Supplies

✅ Premium puppy food – Choose a vet-recommended large-breed formula.

✅ Measuring scoop – Consistent portions help avoid overfeeding.

✅ Treats – Small, soft training treats for early reward-based training.

✅ Food storage container – Airtight to keep food fresh.

💡 Check with us what food the puppy has been eating — sudden changes can upset their stomach.

🧼 Cleaning & Grooming

✅ Enzymatic cleaner – Neutralizes urine smells to prevent repeat accidents.

✅ Puppy shampoo – Gentle on skin and tear-free.

✅ Brush – Goldens shed! Get a slicker brush and/or undercoat rake.

✅ Nail clippers or grinder – Start early so they get used to it.

✅ Toothbrush & toothpaste – Can start brushing gently from 10–12 weeks.

🎾 Toys & Teething Aids

✅ Chew toys – For teething relief and to protect your furniture.

✅ Interactive toys – Like KONGs or puzzle feeders for mental stimulation.

✅ Plush toys – Some Goldens love a cuddle buddy.

✅ Balls & fetch toys – Use soft ones for now; hard balls can hurt tiny teeth.

💤 Comfort & Travel

✅ Blanket with familiar scent – Ask your breeder to rub it on mum/littermates.

✅ Car seat cover or crate – For safe and clean car rides.

✅ Calming spray or diffuser – May help anxious pups sleep easier.

✅ Puppy heartbeat toy or warm pack – Mimics litter comfort.

🧾 Optional but Helpful

✅ Clicker – For training reinforcement

✅ Pet insurance or vet membership – Plan ahead for vet costs

✅ Grooming wipes – For in-between baths

✅ Puppy pads – Great for early potty training or apartments

✅ Training book or guide – Keep learning as your puppy grows

🐶 Final Thought

Being well-prepared reduces stress for both you and your puppy — and helps build trust from day one. With the right tools and a loving home, your Golden will thrive.