The Best Golden Retriever Puppy Essentials for Your New Pup

Add a collar and ID tag to the top of your Golden Retriever puppy supply list. Your puppy should always have your contact information with them in case they get lost. The Animal Humane Society recommends choosing a collar with a standard adjustable plastic clip or buckle.

Golden Retriever puppies are known for their boundless energy, making it essential to choose a leash that suits their needs. For new Golden Retriever pet parents, selecting the right leash requires careful consideration, says Craig Fizer, owner and lead dog trainer at Dog Training Elite in Orlando, Florida.

A standard dog leash is typically around 6 feet long and is an excellent option for most dogs. They are available in various materials, including leather and rope.

Many trainers recommend leash training your puppy using a harness rather than just a dog collar. That’s because harnesses put less strain on your dog’s neck, which is especially useful for puppies who tend to pull.

A back-attachment harness, such as the Voyager Mesh Dog Harness, offers support while your pup learns the leash, and a no-pull harness, like the Frisco Padded No Pull Harness, can make training easier, helping to prevent neck or back injuries. Many vets love the PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar (designed by a veterinary behavior specialist) that rests across your dog’s nose, with no strain on your dog’s neck.

Now the only other thing to decide is what color matches best with your baby’s golden fur!

Aside from playtime, mealtime is often a Golden Retriever puppy’s favorite part of the day. Better make sure you have the high-quality large breed puppy food ready!

It’s always best to consult your veterinarian about the best puppy food  for your dog. Look for diets that meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure your Golden Retriever receives a complete and balanced diet.

Ask your vet about brands like Royal Canin that formulate breed-specific dog food just for Golden Retriever puppies.

Golden Retriever puppies tend to get excited at mealtime, which can lead to messy spills. To keep feeding time tidy, choosing the right food and water bowl is essential.

A durable, non-slip dog food bowl should be at the top of your puppy supply list to prevent tipping and sliding. For comfort and practicality, raised stainless steel bowls are an excellent choice for Golden Retrievers. They promote better posture while eating and are easy to clean, making them a hygienic option for your pup.

Popular picks include the Pet Zone Designer Diner Adjustable Elevated Bowls and the YETI Boomer Dog Bowl, both known for their durability and stability–plus, they’re super easy to clean!

Dedicating a private safe space for your Golden Retriever puppy is essential for their training and any potential travel. With proper training, dog crates can be a secure, comfy retreat for your pup. 

A collapsible wire crate is a durable, easy-to-store option, while a soft dog crate with mesh windows and multiple doors is perfect for travel.

When picking the right one, size matters. Your Golden Retriever will grow fast, so you may want to choose a crate with an adjustable inside panel that allows the crate to grow with them.

Also, it’s important to keep the location of your dog crate in mind when setting it up for your pup in your home.

After a fun-filled day of play, your Golden Retriever puppy will be ready to curl up for a cozy nap. To ensure the best rest, choosing the right dog bed is key.

A spacious pillow bed provides plenty of room for your pup to stretch out, while a bolster bed with supportive edges, such as the FurHaven Velvet Waves Cooling Dog Bed, offers a perfect spot for snuggling. For extra durability and comfort, consider an orthopedic option designed to support growing joints.

No matter which style you choose, your pup will be grateful for a comfy place to snooze.

Puppies and chewing: You can’t have one without the other. Securing a good quality chew toy will help with your puppy’s teething and keep them busy.

Top-rated Chewy customer favorites are the Nylabone and KONG Puppy Chew Toys. Made of rubber, these selections are a quintessential Golden Retriever puppy toy. They are designed for teething, but some bounce around and can be stuffed with treats. Sounds like a Golden Retriever puppy’s dream!

Ever had a puppy beat you at tug-of-war? Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us! There’s a huge selection of tug toys to keep your Golden Retriever entertained.

Tug toys can also be a valuable training tool. “A high-value toy helps a Golden Retriever stay focused in high-anxiety situations,” Fizer says. “We use tug toys as a distraction near their ‘triggers’ to help break the fear.”

Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, making comfort toys a must-have on your puppy supply list. Carrying a soft plush toy is especially soothing for Goldens, providing them with a sense of security and companionship. These toys can help ease anxiety; offer comfort during crate training or alone time; and even satisfy their natural urge to carry objects in their mouths.

Comfort toys come in a variety of fun designs, with Dingbert the Dragon Squeaky Plush Toy being a standout favorite, offering both softness and durability for extended snuggle time.

Make sure to inspect your puppy’s toys daily for holes, rips, loose pieces, or exposed stuffing to keep your pet safe.

This breed’s namesake golden tresses require a special grooming routine. To get started, make sure you have these must-have supplies:

• A detangling spray
• High-quality slicker brush
• A steel comb
• Gentle hypoallergenic shampoo

First, use the detangling spray to help soften and untangle their fur. Next, reach for the slicker brush—a lightweight, professional-grade tool that easily glides through their coat. Finally, the comb is perfect for removing loose hair and dirt. Before you know it, your little Golden furball will be soft, clean, and shiny.

Golden puppies love playing outside and can become quite dirty, so don’t hesitate to give your dog a bath (indoors in the tub or even outside on your back porch) with gentle hypoallergenic shampoo anytime they need it.

Practice makes perfect, especially for a Golden Retriever pup ready to learn. Training treats and a training clicker are valuable tools as you train your dog to be respectful and do some new tricks.

The best type of training treats come in small bites that allow you to reward your dog often without overfeeding them.

The clicker creates a specific sound your Golden Retriever will learn to associate with a treat, which overall enhances their training with positive reinforcement tactics.

Taking care of your Golden Retriever puppy’s teeth is key to their overall health. Just like us, they need strong and healthy chompers to stay happy.

To make sure their mouth stays clean and bacteria-free, brush them with a good toothbrush and puppy-safe toothpaste. The Vet’s Best Toothbrush & Enzymatic Toothpaste Dental Kit is gentle, safe for puppies, and will leave your little one’s mouth smelling fresh while keeping it squeaky clean.

This kit comes with two options for easy brushing: one triple-sided toothbrush, and a version that slips on your finger and gently cleans with soft silicone bristles.

Although it’s not the most glamorous part of pet ownership, it’s got to be done. Cleaning up after your Golden Retriever puppy immediately after they go potty is essential for keeping your yard—and your neighbors’ yards—clean and free from   contamination.

When choosing poop bags, consider size, durability, and whether you prefer scented or eco-friendly options.

Outdoor adventures are a favorite for Golden Retrievers, but they also come with the risk of fleas, ticks, and other parasites. That’s why year-round protection is essential for your dog’s health.

For comprehensive protection, Maria Coppola, DVM, of Harmony Vet Care in Tampa Bay, Florida, recommends Simparica Trio, a convenient, once-monthly chewable tablet that defends against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms —all in one dose.

Other all-in-one options include

• Credelio Quattro
• Revolution
• Advantage Multi
• Nexgard Plus
• Trifexis

Effective options for fleas and ticks include NexGard, Bravecto, and Frontline Plus. Talk to your vet for recommendations for your unique puppy.

Protecting your Golden Retriever from heartworm disease is a crucial part of their healthcare routine. Your veterinarian can recommend a medication that’s tailored to your puppy’s needs.

Popular options for heartworm prevention include Heartgard Plus, Interceptor Plus, and, as mentioned above, Simparica Trio, all of which offer reliable protection when given consistently. No matter which product you choose, sticking to a regular prevention plan is key to keeping your Golden Retriever safe, comfortable, and ready for every adventure.

You’re bound to have a few potty accidents along your journey as a new Golden Retriever pet parent. So, it’s best to make sure you’re prepared with some stain and odor removers to keep your home fresh and clean. Enzymatic cleaners like Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Eliminator are designed to get rid of dog urine smell by breaking down the source of the stench.

Download our printable checklist with everything you need for your Golden Retriever puppy.