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Caring For Your White Sand English Golden Retriever Puppy

Preparing Your Home for an English Cream Golden Retriever Puppy

Leaving behind their mother, littermates, first human family, and the only part of the world they’ve ever known, there’s no doubt that moving to a new home is a major and potentially stressful day in a puppy’s life. But it's not just overwhelming for them; it's life-changing for you too! Without proper preparation, bringing home a new puppy can be a difficult and demanding experience. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help ensure a smoother transition.

If you're a first-time puppy owner, you probably have many questions about preparing for those first precious days and weeks. There's a lot to cover but it's all incredibly important. So let's begin!
 

1. Treat Puppy Prep Like Baby Prep

Preparing your home for a puppy is similar to preparing for a newborn baby. You’ll need to make sure they’re fed, hydrated, comfortable, happy, safe, and cared for.
 

2. Nutritious Puppy Food

After trying nearly every dog food on the market, I now use Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Chicken. While I still believe a raw diet is best, it's not practical with our current schedule. If you’re interested in feeding a raw diet, I’m happy to help guide you through that process for your English Golden Retriever puppy.
 

3. Bowls for Food and Water

With so many options available, choosing the right bowls can feel overwhelming. I recommend ceramic or stainless steel bowls durable, non-chewable, and easy to clean. Opt for ones with heavy rubber bases to prevent spills. Alternatively, bowls in a stand can also solve this issue.
 

4. Crate and Bedding

A good crate is invaluable. It accelerates housetraining, keeps your puppy safe when unattended, and provides a secure space for relaxation. Start with a large wire crate with a divider that can grow with your puppy. Use basic bedding at first, upgrading to plush options once chewing subsides.
 

5. Puppy Exercise Pen & Pet Barriers

At times, you'll need to leave your puppy alone longer than they can comfortably be crated. Use an exercise pen or baby gates to confine them to a safe, enclosed space. Avoid giving them free rein of the house, which invites accidents and destructive behavior. Make sure gates are secure and pens are tall enough to prevent escape.
 

6. Chew Toys

Puppies chew—a lot. To protect your belongings, provide durable chew toys like KONG products. These can be stuffed with kibble, peanut butter, or frozen yogurt for added engagement. Ensure toys are appropriately sized for their small mouths.
 

7. Interactive Toys

Mental stimulation is essential. Search for “puppy enrichment toys” online, especially on Amazon, and select ones you’ll enjoy using with your English Golden Retriever.
 

8. Cleaning Supplies

Expect accidents. Use enzymatic, odor neutralizing cleaners like Nature’s Miracle to remove all traces of urine. This discourages repeat offenses in the same area.
 

9. Collar, Leash, and Harness

Your puppy will grow quickly, so start with an inexpensive collar and leash. A harness can help prevent pulling during walks. Begin leash training as soon as your puppy arrives home.

Collar Size: At 8 weeks, most puppies will fit a small collar, but sizes may vary based on gender and genetics.
 

10. ID Tag

An ID tag is essential in case your puppy gets lost. Include your name, address, and phone number. You can also add your puppy’s name.
 

11. Grooming Tools

Start grooming early even if it’s just pretend. Your goal is to get your puppy used to being handled. You'll need:

  • Dog shampoo

  • Brushes and combs suitable for Retrievers

  • Nail clippers

  • Scissors

  • Toothbrush

  • Cotton balls

Practice regularly, using treats and praise to build positive associations.
 

12. Puppy Proofing Your Home and Garden

Puppies are curious and destructive by nature. Like baby-proofing, remove or secure anything at ground level:

  • Electrical cords

  • Remote controls

  • Shoes

  • Books and magazines

  • Plants

  • Low-hanging fabrics

  • End table items

For immovable objects like table legs, apply bitter-tasting chew deterrent sprays.
 

13. Create a Safe Play & Sleep Zone

Do not give your puppy free roam of the house. Use a pen or a gated room to establish a secure, easy-to-clean area for play and sleep. I also recommend using a crate for sleeping more on crate training later.
 

14. Set Rules and Routines For Everyone

Puppies need consistency in food, sleep, potty breaks, and play. Establish household rules:

  • Where your puppy can go

  • What they can chew

  • How rough play can be

Ensure every household member follows the same routines and responsibilities. Consistency helps your puppy learn faster and thrive.
 

15. When Should You Bring a Puppy Home?

Puppies should stay with their mother and littermates for at least 8 weeks. The 7–14 week period is critical for bonding and socialization. You’ll want to be part of this phase to ensure proper development.
 

16. Preparing for the Journey Home

Transport your puppy safely and comfortably. A crate is ideal if you're driving alone line it with absorbent pads and include a toy. If someone is accompanying you, your puppy can alternate between a lap and the crate for longer trips.

Pro Tip: Some puppies get car sick. Bring towels, plastic bags, paper towels, and deodorizer just in case.
 

17. First Arrival Home

Take your puppy straight to their designated potty spot before doing anything else. Wait patiently until they go, then offer lots of praise. This begins house training immediately.
 

18. Introducing Your Puppy to the Household

  • Keep other pets in a separate room

  • Instruct everyone especially children to remain calm

  • Let the puppy explore their play zone before meeting people

  • Allow people to kneel and let the puppy approach them

  • Avoid loud noises, fast movements, and overexcitement
     

19. Let Your Puppy Sleep

After the car ride and meeting new people, your puppy will likely need rest. Let them sleep without interruption it’s critical for their adjustment and development.
 

20. First Day Behavior

Your puppy may be:

  • Excited and hyperactive

  • Cautious and withdrawn

  • Silent and observant

  • Crying or whining at night

Every response is normal. Be patient and responsive to their emotional state.
 

21. What to Expect from Day 2 Onward

As your puppy settles in, their personality will begin to emerge. By being the provider of food, comfort, and love, they’ll quickly bond with you often within a few days.

Establish and maintain routines for:

  • Feeding

  • Potty breaks

  • Play and training

Consistency helps their internal clock adjust and sets the foundation for future training.
 

22. Feeding Guidelines

Puppies grow fast, so they need nutrient-rich food but not too much.

General Tips:

  • Follow the food brand’s feeding guidelines

  • Adjust based on body condition:

    • Ribs should not be visible but should be easy to feel

  • Feed 3 times a day until 26 weeks, then switch to 2 meals daily

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