Bringing a new dog home is one of life’s greatest joys. It’s a big, exciting moment for both you and your new pup, and with a little preparation (and a lot of heart), you can set the stage for a smooth, happy transition into your family.

Here’s some advice straight from our home to yours:

Before your new Golden walks through the door, take a little time to set up a safe and welcoming environment.

🔸 Puppy-Proof Your Space: Tuck away electrical cords, put household cleaners and anything toxic well out of reach, and block off any off-limit areas until your pup knows the ropes.

🔸 Secure Your Yard: Double-check fences and gates. A curious Golden can be an adventurous one!

🔸 Create a Cozy Retreat: Whether it's a crate or a soft bed tucked into a quiet corner, giving your dog a spot of their own helps them settle in and feel secure.

Essential Supplies to Have on Hand. Being prepared before your puppy arrives makes those first days so much easier. Here's what I always recommend:

🔸 Food & Water Bowls: Go for sturdy, non-slip options to keep messes to a minimum.

🔸 Collar, Leash & ID Tags: Proper identification is a must from day one.

🔸 Toys, Toys, Toys: Chew toys and interactive toys are lifesavers not just for your pup’s teething needs, but also for protecting your shoes and furniture!

First Days Home: Taking It Slow and Steady. The first day is a big one. To help your puppy adjust:

🔸 Start Outdoors: Let your pup explore the yard first, before bringing them inside. It sets a positive tone and gives them a chance to potty.

🔸 Meet Other Pets Gently: Introduce any resident pets slowly, ideally outside on neutral ground.

🔸 Leashed Exploration: Keep your puppy on a leash for a calm first tour of their new home.

🔸 Patience is Key: Expect a little uncertainty those first few days. Keep things low-key, offer lots of reassurance, and let your pup settle at their own pace.

Building Routines: Why Consistency Matters. Golden Retrievers thrive on predictability, especially when everything is brand new to them.

🔸 Stick to a Schedule: Regular mealtimes, potty breaks, and play sessions help your pup feel secure.

🔸 Start Training Early: Puppy classes are wonderful for socialization, building communication skills, and strengthening your bond.

🔸 Supervise Kid Interactions: Always guide young children on how to calmly and respectfully interact with the puppy.

Picking the Perfect Name: A Special Moment. We give each litter a special theme name while they're with us, but their forever name is all yours to choose.

🔸 Keep It Short and Sweet: Two-syllable names tend to work best for training.

🔸 Make It Unique: You want something distinct that your puppy can easily recognize.

🔸 Follow Your Heart: Choose a name that makes you smile every time you say it, it’s a word you’ll be saying a lot!

The 3-3-3 Rule: What to Expect. Every dog needs time to adjust. This simple guideline helps you set realistic expectations:

🔸 First 3 Days: Your pup may be unsure, nervous, or tired. Give them patience and space to decompress.

🔸 First 3 Weeks: You’ll start seeing their personality shine through as they learn the daily routine.

🔸 First 3 Months: Now your Golden will truly feel at home, bonded deeply with you, and comfortable in their new life.

Essentials for Your Growing Golden. Golden Retriever puppies have big hearts and busy bodies here’s what they need to thrive:

🔸 Safe Spaces: Crate, comfy bed, and cozy areas to retreat and rest.

🔸 Proper Nutrition: High-quality puppy food, served in sturdy bowls.

🔸 Safety First: A properly fitted collar, leash, ID tags, and microchip (we microchip all our puppies with BuddyID).

🔸 Enrichment: Tough chew toys, interactive puzzles, and plenty of playtime.

🔸 Potty Training Tools: Puppy pads and gentle cleaners to handle accidents.

🔸 Grooming Supplies: Brushes, nail clippers, combs, and toothbrushes.

🔸 Training Treats: High-value rewards to make learning fun and positive.

BuddyID Microchips: Protecting What Matters Most. Each puppy from Sun & Sand Goldens comes microchipped with BuddyID for permanent, reliable identification.

Why It Matters:

🔸 Rapid recovery if your dog is ever lost.

🔸 Permanent peace of mind.

🔸 Meets travel and relocation identification standards.

Registering your BuddyID chip is simple and gives you an extra layer of security for life.

AKC Registration: Proudly Part of Something Bigger. We encourage all of our families to register their puppies with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Benefits Include:

🔸 Official proof of pedigree and ownership.

🔸 Access to fun events like obedience, agility, and more.

🔸 Supporting research and initiatives that make life better for all dogs.

🔸 Reinforcing ethical, responsible breeding standards.

Registration is quick and easy online.

Bringing a new puppy into your life is a beautiful, unforgettable experience. With preparation, patience, and a lot of love, you’re giving your new family member the very best start. Welcome to the Sun & Sand Goldens family we’re thrilled to be a part of your journey!