New Puppy Shopping List
The essentials and beyond
Over the years we have partnered with many different companies because we use their products and recommend them over and over again.
Our New Puppy Shopping List is comprised of everything you will need to set up the best possible environment for your new puppy! We choose products based on quality, effectiveness, and cost. You can't go wrong with any of the products that we recommend.
Do not hesitate to contact us with questions concerning our product recommendations.
We use affiliate links when recommending certain products and services. We receive small commissions when you purchase products using our links.
"The Essentials" List
We have done our best to separate our shopping lists by priority. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions about the items on these lists!
Please do not purchase these items from a pet store. Pet stores are not safe to enter until your puppy is fully vaccinated after 14-16 weeks of age.
Please use the links that we have provided to purchase your new puppy items. This is the safest way to protect your puppy from dangerous pathogens while his immune system is still developing.
Puppy Training
How do you plan to train your puppy?
Training is the first crucial thing you need to shop for. We recommend registering for Online Puppy Training School as soon as you place your Puppy Deposit. We also offer extended stay Board and Train Packages for your new puppy!
No matter how you choose to train your puppy, please do not neglect this step in bringing your new puppy home. Click on the Amazon link provided to view a list of our most favorite dog training books.
Pet Insurance
How will you handle a health emergency?
We send our puppies home with 30 days of FREE health insurance coverage. We understand the importance of having a plan when there is an emergency. We also require our puppy owners to hold a pet insurance policy (with a rider that covers inheritable conditions) in order for our Genetic Health Warranty to remain valid.
Don't put yourself in this situation. Plan ahead, and plan to continue paying for coverage on your pet when your 30 days of free coverage expires. Get a free quote today.
Choose a Veterinarian
Time to schedule your puppy's first vet appointment!
Our Puppy Purchase Agreement allows you to bring your puppy in to the board certified veterinarian of your choice within 72 hours of bringing him home to have him examined. This appointment is not required. This appointment needs to be scheduled a few weeks before you bring your puppy home.
The next (or first) vet appointment your puppy will need will be when he turns ten weeks old--he will be due for his next set of puppy shots. Click here to view our Vaccination Schedule.
We bring our puppies to Startz Vet Clinic here in Canyon Lake.
Ultra Premium Puppy Food
Please do your own research and choose a puppy food before bringing your puppy home.
We have a massive dog food bill every month. There is nothing more disappointing to an ethical breeder than spending hard earned money on ultra premium dog food to feed our breeding dogs and puppies, to have puppies leave us and start eating sub-par food that will ultimately cause health and behavioral problems.
We spend more money on premium dog food for our dogs and puppies because we know how important nutrition is. Can you do us and your puppy a favor, and plan to give him the very best in nutrition? If you need help choosing a food, just ask!
NuVet Antioxidant & Enzyme Supplement
Starting our puppies with the very best in nutritional support
In addition to ultra premium kibble, we provide our puppies with the additional antioxidant support of NuVet wafers. NuVet wafers also provide crucial digestive enzymes that allow your puppy to absorb even more nutrients from his kibble.
NuVet's supplements are all natural, cold pressed, and made in the USA. We would love for you to continue providing your puppy with the very best in nutritional support after you bring him home!
Click here to order.
Wire Double Door Crate
Most of our puppies will need a 42 inch crate when fully mature
We like to use collapsible wire crates inside our home. They collapse in seconds and are easy to move and store. Having two doors gives you more options as to where you can put the crate.
Please remember that wire crates are not crash tested and not a suitable long term option for car travel. They are a great temporary solution. Only a crash tested, properly secured crate will protect your pet in a serious car accident.
Wire X-Pen
You can't supervise your puppy 24/7
We highly recommend investing in a good x-pen for your home before you bring your puppy home. Remember, we highly recommend tether training (keeping your puppy on a leash at all times inside the home) for the first few months of having your puppy.
Set your x-pen up in a central location of your home. Place water, a bed, a potty pad, and some chews and toys inside the pen. Place your puppy in this pen when you cannot have them on a leash by your side.
We recommend a pen that is at minimum 5ftx5ft in size, with panels that are 40 inches tall.
Quality Food Dish
Slow feeder bowls increase mental stimulation
Retrievers tend to be very food motivated, and we prefer to use slow feeding bowls for daily meals so that our dogs don't gulp their food too quickly.
We do not recommend raised feeders. Raised feeders were originally designed for giant dogs, such as Great Danes, who are not physically capable of eating off of the ground while standing. Raised feeders are not safe for dogs who can eat naturally. Please do not use raised feeders with your retriever.
Premium Pet Bed
Purchase a quality product once for a lifetime of use
We use and recommend Kuranda Pet Beds. These are raised pet beds with many customization options. They are chew-proof and guaranteed to last a lifetime!
We recommend the 40x25 bed for your fully grown retriever. We prefer the cordura fabric as it is still slightly breathable, but very durable.
Shop Now: Click Here
Slicker Brush
The right brush will cut your grooming time in half
Grooming is an essential daily routine for retriever owners who wish to keep a long coat on their dog. Purchase the right tools, and the time spent grooming will be cut in half.
We use this brush on all of our poodles and doodles and it is wonderful. Very well made and is superior to cheaper options. We like the "Big G Coral" slicker brush.
Metal Comb
Another essential grooming tool
Grooming is an essential daily routine for retriever owners who wish to keep a long coat on their dog. Purchase the right tools, and the time spent grooming will be cut in half.
This simple yet necessary tool will help you comb through more complex tangles and accomplish proper line brushing on your long coated retriever.
Nail Grinder
Keep your retriever's paws in tip top shape
We used "guillotine" nail clippers for years. Our first dremel nail grinder will probably be our last--these pieces of equipment are powerful and are built to last.
We prefer using a nail grinder over nail clippers because it is more comfortable for the dog, and for you, too. Nail clippers cut nails shorter, but still leave sharp edges around the nail that can scratch you.
We recommend the following brands: Dremel and DiamondG
Shampoo & Conditioner
Dogs need products made for dogs
Dogs have different skin ph levels than humans, therefore, we never recommend using human bathing products on your dogs. You can cause serious skin irritations.
We love NuVet's grooming and bathing products. They are gentle, yet effective at cleaning. And they smell great!
Click Here to order.
Ear Wash
Prevent ear infections with the very best
Retrievers have big floppy ears, and so they are prone to yeast infections. Ear wash needs to be used after your dog bathes or swims. If your dog does not swim regularly, we still recommend using an ear wash a few times a month.
We love NuVet's grooming and bathing products. They are gentle, yet effective at cleaning. And they smell great!
Click Here to order.
Collar and Harness
More quality, lifetime guaranteed products
We love supporting businesses that stand behind their products. Lupine Pet guarantees their products for a lifetime.
Our Recommendations:
Martingale Collar or slip lead for tether training (collars size 9-14", 3/4 width).
Roman Harness for leash training (harness size 14-20", 3/4 width).
** We do not leave collars or harnesses on our dogs while unattended or while inside their crates.
Leather Leash
Better grip and softer on your hands
We do not recommend using a leather leash for tether training, as your puppy will want to chew on a leather leash. We do, however, highly recommend a leather leash for longer walks and traveling. Leather is much softer on your hands, and offers better grip. A good leather leash will last forever!
We use and recommend the Farwin brand leashes from Amazon. You should get a leash that is 3/4 inch wide, and at least 5 feet long.
Silicone Treat Pouch
Easy to wash
We love these treat pouches because they are simple to use and super easy to keep clean. We don't like traditional fabric treat pouches because they tend to hold odors from stinky treats.
We recommend purchasing a two pack. Keep one pouch for home use, and keep one pouch in your vehicle for travel (keep some kibble in a ziploc baggie inside the pouch).
We do not recommend using junky, commercially made training treats. We recommend using your puppy's kibble, or homemade training treats such as shredded chicken or dehydrated liver.
Benebone
Great mental stimulation and teeth cleaning action
We do not recommend dental treats (Greenies, etc.).
Retrievers NEED to chew. We give our puppies and dogs free access to their Benebones, as Benebones are very hard and cannot be consumed quickly. These chews are very long lasting and we consider them an absolute essential.
We recommend the Puppy size for your puppy, and the Large size for your fully grown retriever.
Pork Skin Chews
Great mental stimulation and teeth cleaning action
We do not recommend dental treats (Greenies, etc.).
Retrievers NEED to chew. We like to provide ours with these all natural, edible chews a few times a week. We do not give these daily, as your dog can fully ingest these chews and we do not want them doing so every single day.
We recommend "Holsome Valley" brand pork skin chews.
Large Rawhide Rolls
Great mental stimulation and teeth cleaning action
We do not recommend dental treats (Greenies, etc.).
Retrievers NEED to chew. We like to provide ours with these all natural, edible chews a few times a week. We do not give these daily, as your dog can fully ingest these chews and we do not want them doing so every single day.
We recommend "Canine Chews" brand rawhide rolls. Size LARGE only.
Interactive Treat Dispensing Toys
Essential mental stimulation
Retrievers NEED to chew. We always recommend using interactive toys that offer mental stimulation with the use of treats.
We like to put kibble in these toys, or all natural freeze dried treats. In the summertime, we will freeze a mixture of kibble, plain canned pumpkin, and plain yogurt inside the "Toppl Toy."
We recommend "West Paw" brand toys.
Do not give your retriever plush toys!
"Plush toys" are any toys that are sewn or made of fabric. These toys are not safe for your retriever, nor do they encourage healthy stimulation.
Your retriever will be able to destroy even the TOUGHEST of plush toys in minutes. Allowing this poses several problems for your retriever. First of all, they can swallow pieces of these toys and suffer life threatening, possibly deadly, consequences. And finally, allowing this destructive behavior can transfer over to your retriever wanting to destroy household objects.
Leave the plush toys where they belong, on the store shelf!!
"Pro Traveler" List
We have done our best to separate our shopping lists by priority. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions about the items on these lists!
Please do not purchase these items from a pet store. Pet stores are not safe to enter until your puppy is fully vaccinated after 14-16 weeks of age.
Please use the links that we have provided to purchase your new puppy items. This is the safest way to protect your puppy from dangerous pathogens while his immune system is still developing.
Click on the icon below to view our Pro Traveler Tips.
Crash Tested Kennel
The safest way for your dog to travel
Proper protocol is crucial if you want your dog to remain safe in the event of a car crash. Only crash tested kennels will keep your dog safe inside your vehicle.
Be sure to adhere to your crash tested kennel's tie-down instructions when you choose a place for your kennel inside your vehicle or in the bed of your truck.
We like Ruffland Kennels, however, there are many great crash-tested kennel options on the market.
Portable Water Dish
Always have fresh water on hand for your dog
We use and recommend the Waterboy portable dog water bowl. We love this thing! Pick it up and go. The water will not splash out, even when you set it inside your dog's kennel in a moving vehicle.
Always make sure to have fresh water available to your dog when you travel. Even if you are only planning a short, local car ride. You never know when your dog will need a drink!
Portable Food Bowls & Storage
Always pack more food than you need
We have learned this lesson several times... always pack more food than you think you need! Life doesn't always go as planned, and the worst thing you can do is be stuck without food for your dog.
We love the Vittles Vault because of it's ease of use. It holds about three days worth of food for a large dog, and has two built in dishes.
European 6-Way Leash
Different options to secure your dog
A "euro style" leash (6-way leash) is great to have on hand for travel. These leashes offer many different options for securing your dog when he is required to be on a leash at all times.
We like the Kurgo "6 in 1 Hands Free" Leash. We do not recommend leather 6-way leashes because your dog can easily chew through them.
Waste Bags
Don't be a turd, pick up your dog's poop
Please, we are begging you... Pick up after your dog! There is nothing more inconsiderate than allowing your dog to poop in a public place, and then not picking it up. Please be prepared, always!
We love "Bags on Board" waste bags because they are bigger and thicker. Their dispensers have a "dookie dock" that helps you carry the bags if there are not trash cans nearby.
Portable Fan
For kennel attachment or ground use
It gets hot in Texas, and when you're on the go sometimes finding some shade just isn't enough. It is a great idea to keep a portable, battery operated fan in your vehicle.
Crash tested kennels tend to not have good ventilation, so it is a great idea to attach a fan to the door of the kennel to help circulate the AC into the kennel while the car is running.
A fan is most useful if you can take it off of the kennel and use it elsewhere. That is why we like the Ryobi battery operated fan best.
Wash N' Zip Pet Bed
The best pet bed for traveling
We LOVE this bed for traveling. It fully unzips, and can be used not only as a bed but as a seat cover or furniture cover. The unzip feature also makes this bed easy to stuff into your washing machine.
Our Recommendations:
Your retriever will need a size "large" bed when he is fully grown.
Make sure you get a "Puppy Proofer" for your bed! Puppies LOVE to play with the zipper on these beds, and it is much too tempting for them.
Use discount code "RCR" for 15% off your order!
Premium Pet Bed
Purchase a quality product once for a lifetime of use
We use and recommend Kuranda Pet Beds. These are raised pet beds with many customization options. They are chew-proof and guaranteed to last a lifetime!
We recommend the 40x25 bed for your fully grown retriever. We prefer the cordura fabric as it is still slightly breathable, but very durable.
Shop Now: Click Here
Slicker Brush
The right brush will cut your grooming time in half
Grooming is an essential daily routine for retriever owners who wish to keep a long coat on their dog. Purchase the right tools, and the time spent grooming will be cut in half.
We use this brush on all of our poodles and doodles and it is wonderful. Very well made and is superior to cheaper options. We like the "Big G Coral" slicker brush.
Metal Comb
Another essential grooming tool
Grooming is an essential daily routine for retriever owners who wish to keep a long coat on their dog. Purchase the right tools, and the time spent grooming will be cut in half.
This simple yet necessary tool will help you comb through more complex tangles and accomplish proper line brushing on your long coated retriever.
Nail Grinder
Keep your retriever's paws in tip top shape
We used "guillotine" nail clippers for years. Our first dremel nail grinder will probably be our last--these pieces of equipment are powerful and are built to last.
We prefer using a nail grinder over nail clippers because it is more comfortable for the dog, and for you, too. Nail clippers cut nails shorter, but still leave sharp edges around the nail that can scratch you.
We recommend the following brands: Dremel and DiamondG
Shampoo & Conditioner
Dogs need products made for dogs
Dogs have different skin ph levels than humans, therefore, we never recommend using human bathing products on your dogs. You can cause serious skin irritations.
We love NuVet's grooming and bathing products. They are gentle, yet effective at cleaning. And they smell great!
Click Here to order.
Ear Wash
Prevent ear infections with the very best
Retrievers have big floppy ears, and so they are prone to yeast infections. Ear wash needs to be used after your dog bathes or swims. If your dog does not swim regularly, we still recommend using an ear wash a few times a month.
We love NuVet's grooming and bathing products. They are gentle, yet effective at cleaning. And they smell great!
Click Here to order.
Collar and Harness
More quality, lifetime guaranteed products
We love supporting businesses that stand behind their products. Lupine Pet guarantees their products for a lifetime.
Our Recommendations:
Martingale Collar or slip lead for tether training.
Roman Harness for leash training.
** We do not leave collars or harnesses on our dogs while unattended or while inside their crates.
Leather Leash
Better grip and softer on your hands
We do not recommend using a leather leash for tether training, as your puppy will want to chew on a leather leash. We do, however, highly recommend a leather leash for longer walks and traveling. Leather is much softer on your hands, and offers better grip. A good leather leash will last forever!
We use and recommend the Farwin brand leashes from Amazon. You should get a leash that is 3/4 inch wide, and at least 5 feet long.
Silicone Treat Pouch
Easy to wash
We love these treat pouches because they are simple to use and super easy to keep clean. We don't like traditional fabric treat pouches because they tend to hold odors from stinky treats.
We recommend purchasing a two pack. Keep one pouch for home use, and keep one pouch in your vehicle for travel (keep some kibble in a ziploc baggie inside the pouch).
We do not recommend using junky, commercially made training treats. We recommend using your puppy's kibble, or homemade training treats such as shredded chicken or dehydrated liver.