How to Prepare for Your Golden Retriever Puppy’s First Week

Bringing a Golden Retriever puppy home is such an exciting time, but it’s also a big responsibility! I learned that being well-prepared made the transition smoother for both me and my new puppy.

Let me share with you what I did to get ready for my Golden Retriever puppy’s first week.

Prepare for Your Golden Retriever Puppy’s First Week

Crate and Gates

The first thing I made sure to do was borrow a smaller crate from a friend. This crate gave my puppy a cozy, safe place to rest, which helped her settle in quickly. I also used baby gates to block off the kitchen area so she could stay in a space where I could keep an eye on her. It’s amazing how these little things can make a big difference!

Treats and Accessories

Before bringing her home, I went shopping for some must-have items. I picked up a house line (an indoor leash) and a flat buckle collar. It’s important for your puppy to have her own leash and collar right from the start. I also called the breeder to ask for advice on what kind of food to give her and how much she should eat. Getting this info in advance made me feel a lot more confident about her care.

The First Night With My Golden Retriever Puppy

I’ll be honest, the first night with a new puppy can be tough. But with some planning, you can make it a bit easier. Here’s what happened during my puppy’s first night at home.

Crate Training

I knew I wanted to start crate training as soon as possible. At first, I only put her in the crate for short periods, gradually increasing the time. This helped her understand that the crate was her safe, comfortable spot. By the end of the week, she was feeling pretty settled in there.

Night Routine

On her first night, I was ready for interruptions. She slept until about 2 AM. When she woke up, I calmly took her outside to pee, no fuss. Then I put her back in the crate, and she settled down again until 7 AM. This routine helped her understand that night time was for sleeping and not for playing!

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Supervision and House Training

Supervision is super important during the first week. Puppies are curious and can easily get into trouble if left unsupervised. Here’s how I managed supervision and started house training my Golden Retriever puppy.

100% Supervision

Whenever my puppy was out of her crate, I kept her leash on. If she got too close to something she shouldn’t, like the shoes by the door, I would gently step on her leash to stop her. It’s a simple trick, but it saved me from a lot of accidents and unwanted behavior.

Potty Training

Potty training is all about patience! I took her outside almost every half hour, especially right after she woke up or finished playing. Every time she went potty outside, I praised her like crazy. I didn’t give treats for potty training, though. I wanted her to learn that going outside is just part of the routine, not something that earns a reward.

Basic Training Exercises

Training starts from day one! During that first week, I focused on teaching my puppy a few basic commands.

Sit and Down

I used small treats to teach her to sit and lie down. At first, I had to guide her with the treat, but soon she got the hang of it. Each time she followed the command, I gave her a treat and lots of praise. It was so rewarding to see her learn so quickly!

Name Recognition

Teaching her to recognize her name was a priority. I’d say her name in a happy voice and reward her whenever she looked at me. By the end of the week, she was starting to respond to her name without any hesitation.

Retriever-Specific Training

Since Golden Retrievers are natural retrievers, I started with some simple games to help develop her skills. I grabbed a fuzzy toy, played tug with her, and then tossed it a short distance for her to fetch. She loved it! I also introduced her to a small bumper (used in field training) and began working on short retrieves. It was fun and a great way to give her some exercise.

Socialization

Socializing your puppy is really important for their development. Here’s how I handled introducing my Golden Retriever puppy to other dogs and new situations.

Controlled Introductions

I have an older Golden Retriever and a big Shepherd mix. I introduced my new puppy to the older dog first, knowing she would be gentle and patient. When it came to my larger Shepherd, I was more careful. I kept him on a leash to make sure he didn’t accidentally hurt the puppy. I kept these introductions slow and supervised, so my puppy had positive experiences with both dogs.

Building a Bond

I made sure that during her first interactions with other dogs, she always looked to me for guidance. This helped her see me as her leader and created a stronger bond between us. It’s easy for puppies to get carried away with other dogs, so it’s important to establish this early on.

Traveling and Socialization

Getting your puppy comfortable with traveling and new places is part of their socialization too. Here’s how I introduced my Golden Retriever puppy to these experiences.

Crate Training in the Car

I started by taking her on short car rides in her crate. We went to safe, familiar places like my sibling’s house or my workplace, where she could explore and play. This helped her get used to the car and being in different environments. These little trips made a big difference in her confidence.

Safe Socialization

Since puppies aren’t fully vaccinated right away, I was cautious about where I took her. I only brought her to places where I knew other dogs were vaccinated, like my sibling’s house and my workplace. This way, she was safe but still got the chance to meet new people and see new places.

In Short

Bringing home a Golden Retriever puppy is an amazing experience, but it takes preparation, patience, and a lot of love. By planning ahead and sticking to a routine, you’ll make the first week easier for both you and your new puppy. Enjoy every moment—it goes by fast!

FAQs

1. What should I have ready before bringing my Golden Retriever puppy home?
Crate, baby gates, leash, collar, food recommended by the breeder, and toys.

2. How do I start crate training?
Introduce your puppy to the crate gradually, with short sessions, making it a safe space for rest.

3. What should I expect on the first night?
Your puppy may wake up for a bathroom break. Stay calm, take them outside, then return them to the crate.

4. How often should I take my puppy out for potty breaks?
Every 30 minutes, especially after eating, playing, or waking up.

5. How do I keep my puppy from getting into trouble?
Use a leash for supervision and limit their access with baby gates.

6. When should I start training my puppy?
Start with basic commands like “sit” and name recognition right away.

7. How can I safely socialize my puppy?
Introduce them to well-behaved, vaccinated dogs in controlled environments.

8. Can I take my puppy for a car ride?
Yes, start with short trips in a crate to help them get used to traveling.

9. How do I help my puppy bond with me?
Spend quality time training and playing to build a strong connection.

10. What should I feed my Golden Retriever puppy?
Stick to the breeder’s recommended food and consult your vet for guidance.