This page is still under construction ...
Crate Training ... crate training is so critical for many reasons. It is important for your puppy/ dog to have a place of comfort that will be a 'safe' place. Safe from eating something they shouldn't, safe from others, safe from getting into something harmful to them, safe when life throws a curve ball, safe when you are gone longer than you expected. Please research crate training, seek to understand the benefits, and have a crate in your home before puppy pick-up time.
Chew Toys ... just go ahead and put this in your budget. Your dog needs to chew, will chew, and it is in everyone's best interest for you to have control over what they chew. Dogs should not be left unattended with toys that are not durable for chewing. It is not uncommon for a puppy to have an obstruction (life-threatening, and requiring surgery) because of eating something other than their food. Stock up on chew toys - they are not cheap - plan ahead, and regularly.
Kongs ... this could fall in the category of a chew toy, but it is much more than that. Until you know the extent of your puppies chewing habits, you should start with the heavy duty (black) kong which is more durable. This toy serves to stimulate your puppy and give them mental exercise as they problem solve. It can be used as a treat in between meals, it can be used as a meal replacement depending on size and frequency. Regardless, this is an excellent exercise for your puppy.
Walk your dog ... young puppies are not quite ready to leash train, but don't let too much time go by ... learning to walk on a leash is paramount. Even if you are not a consistent walker, you want to be able to take your dog to the vet, or any destination without dangerous struggle and embarrassment. Dogs do not inherently know how to walk on a leash, they must be leash trained. This takes time, start early, and be consistent. Do not give up - There are several things on the market now that might make a difference for you. We have experience with several different collar/harness choices and several have different merits. We currently are using a harness with clips on side, front, and back for versatility/ need. Do not accept the behavior of a dog pulling you and thrashing around on a leash - get a trainer if you need to.
Trainer ... We can highly recommend Marcia's Best Dogs. She resides in Durham, but does travel some distance for training sessions. There are several good trainers around, and you would be surprised how quickly a dog can respond with the right technique. Invest in your dog - you will enjoy a fantastic soulmate/ companion for years and years.
Baxter and Bella ... we are partners with Baxter and Bella and they are fantastic. Their membership is for life, is very afforadable and you can schedule private sessions/ or join classes with other owners and puppies. Use our partner code: Lewisgoldens and receive 25% off your membership (regardless if you have one of our puppies or not).
Food ... Oh my goodness... the rabbit hole of dog food/ nutrition... (edited 10/20/21)
It is quite the topic... Every once in a while I get motivated to really research for the very best option, and to no avail, it is overwhelming and often non-conclusive.
I can say, I think that means that there are just lots of good choices.
Your vet will most likely recommend 'Pro Plan' by Purina. We have used this a lot, and have had good results with it. And there are several flavor choices. Some foodies will gawk at the word Purina, and also at any kibble. You can order home cooked meals to be delivered fresh to your door, you can be fresh frozen, canned, kibble, freeze dried... the list goes on.
Your puppy is currently being fed Dr. Gary's Best Breed, Puppy Food. We will send home a zip lock baggie with enough food to transition to a new food of your choice. If you are changing from this food, please do some research- there are some 'scary' associations out there, and also many good choices as mentioned above. We order from Chewy.com and to date have never been disappointed with sourcing or delivery delays. Our local stores often are out of stock of other foods when we have gone that route. My only complaint currently with Dr. Gary's is that there is only one flavor/ ingredient option and it contains chicken (as does most puppy food on the market), but it is not unusual for a dog to have an allergy to chicken. We do not have that problem, but I certainly hear about plenty of people that share that story.
We also use Nuvet, which is a supplement, an autoimmune booster. We have a very nice rep that is happy to discuss this with you on the phone, and their website is also very good (nuvet.com) Honestly I don't know if it is a game changer or not, but it is a little added peace of mind. It just makes sense to me, if my dog is getting kibble day after day after day... the little booster of Nuvet sure seems to be a good decision, and I consider it very affordable. To order, there is a code, but I don't have it with me right now, so I'll send it separately.
Crate Training ... crate training is so critical for many reasons. It is important for your puppy/ dog to have a place of comfort that will be a 'safe' place. Safe from eating something they shouldn't, safe from others, safe from getting into something harmful to them, safe when life throws a curve ball, safe when you are gone longer than you expected. Please research crate training, seek to understand the benefits, and have a crate in your home before puppy pick-up time.
Chew Toys ... just go ahead and put this in your budget. Your dog needs to chew, will chew, and it is in everyone's best interest for you to have control over what they chew. Dogs should not be left unattended with toys that are not durable for chewing. It is not uncommon for a puppy to have an obstruction (life-threatening, and requiring surgery) because of eating something other than their food. Stock up on chew toys - they are not cheap - plan ahead, and regularly.
Kongs ... this could fall in the category of a chew toy, but it is much more than that. Until you know the extent of your puppies chewing habits, you should start with the heavy duty (black) kong which is more durable. This toy serves to stimulate your puppy and give them mental exercise as they problem solve. It can be used as a treat in between meals, it can be used as a meal replacement depending on size and frequency. Regardless, this is an excellent exercise for your puppy.
Walk your dog ... young puppies are not quite ready to leash train, but don't let too much time go by ... learning to walk on a leash is paramount. Even if you are not a consistent walker, you want to be able to take your dog to the vet, or any destination without dangerous struggle and embarrassment. Dogs do not inherently know how to walk on a leash, they must be leash trained. This takes time, start early, and be consistent. Do not give up - There are several things on the market now that might make a difference for you. We have experience with several different collar/harness choices and several have different merits. We currently are using a harness with clips on side, front, and back for versatility/ need. Do not accept the behavior of a dog pulling you and thrashing around on a leash - get a trainer if you need to.
Trainer ... We can highly recommend Marcia's Best Dogs. She resides in Durham, but does travel some distance for training sessions. There are several good trainers around, and you would be surprised how quickly a dog can respond with the right technique. Invest in your dog - you will enjoy a fantastic soulmate/ companion for years and years.
Baxter and Bella ... we are partners with Baxter and Bella and they are fantastic. Their membership is for life, is very afforadable and you can schedule private sessions/ or join classes with other owners and puppies. Use our partner code: Lewisgoldens and receive 25% off your membership (regardless if you have one of our puppies or not).
Food ... Oh my goodness... the rabbit hole of dog food/ nutrition... (edited 10/20/21)
It is quite the topic... Every once in a while I get motivated to really research for the very best option, and to no avail, it is overwhelming and often non-conclusive.
I can say, I think that means that there are just lots of good choices.
Your vet will most likely recommend 'Pro Plan' by Purina. We have used this a lot, and have had good results with it. And there are several flavor choices. Some foodies will gawk at the word Purina, and also at any kibble. You can order home cooked meals to be delivered fresh to your door, you can be fresh frozen, canned, kibble, freeze dried... the list goes on.
Your puppy is currently being fed Dr. Gary's Best Breed, Puppy Food. We will send home a zip lock baggie with enough food to transition to a new food of your choice. If you are changing from this food, please do some research- there are some 'scary' associations out there, and also many good choices as mentioned above. We order from Chewy.com and to date have never been disappointed with sourcing or delivery delays. Our local stores often are out of stock of other foods when we have gone that route. My only complaint currently with Dr. Gary's is that there is only one flavor/ ingredient option and it contains chicken (as does most puppy food on the market), but it is not unusual for a dog to have an allergy to chicken. We do not have that problem, but I certainly hear about plenty of people that share that story.
We also use Nuvet, which is a supplement, an autoimmune booster. We have a very nice rep that is happy to discuss this with you on the phone, and their website is also very good (nuvet.com) Honestly I don't know if it is a game changer or not, but it is a little added peace of mind. It just makes sense to me, if my dog is getting kibble day after day after day... the little booster of Nuvet sure seems to be a good decision, and I consider it very affordable. To order, there is a code, but I don't have it with me right now, so I'll send it separately.
