MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!
In the meantime, shoppers start your engines...
BEDS, CRATES, PENS & PADS
We got a few of these exercise pens to create a puppy-proof zone inside and outside...easier to contain the first month's inevitable accidents and expandable to connect multiple sets. As puppy grows, he will be able to knock them out of position, so you may need to add some heavy objects to hold in place. Prepare for boisterous clanging...it's only temporary. Lots of brands -- this was the one our breeder used; reading the comments, seemed to have the fewest issues with sharp pieces from crap manufacturing.
Petmate Sky Kennel (36" or larger)
Breeder recommended solid plastic vs. wire as better for quiet time. A blanket/cover over wire apparently gets chewed by clever labs. The Sky is the industry standard (vets/airlines) as it has thickest plastic + most secure twist lock + wire side panels. The Ultra Vari is next best with a basic lock (not as Houdini-proof). Most labs need 40/42" -- we punted due to stock issues and got 36" to start. Just barely fit in car, even with seats down, so actually a good thing. Some recommended using a divider for larger crates to prevent potty accidents -- we never had an issue with the 36" though. Buster switched to the 48" (Giant / 700 series / 90-125 lbs) around 6 months old. To choose right size, check interior dimensions vs. pet length nose to base of tail + 4 in.
Once pup got too big to sit in a lap / to make it easier for just one person to take around town, we got a second crate just for the car. So annoying carrying the big one in and out of the house, so we splurged. Due to stock issues mainly went for a slightly smaller 32" that fits SUV without seats folded down. Being super chew-proof less of an issue so got a cheaper model (still made by Petmate). Plan to use for the near term to prevent cargo area destruction; eventually some Big Boi labs get too big to fit comfortably in any crate that itself fits into a smaller car; then you can explore getting a backseat hammock or a divider that squeezes into the headrest gap and a cargo area cover. Orvis makes high quality ones, incl customized for certain car models, but they don't cover the sides fully, so not really chew-proof.
Pendleton Comfort Cushion (S) - Rocky Mountain
Small accidents bead up, and they stand up to daily washing no problem. Pretty much chew proof. We like the Rocky Mountain stripes to match our house/patio; they have a ton of cool styles in the "National Park" series. All made by and shipped from Carolina Pet Co., carried at multiple retailers.
Pendleton Comfort Cushion (XL) - Rocky Mountain
Puppy playtime easier on the buns with a few of these scattered around. Can also be used for car cargo area later.
Pendleton Pet Napper (L) - Rocky Mountain
Same as crate pads but with an extra-fluffy thick pad. Cover zips off for washing. Fleece repels small accidents but not totally puppy-proof, so we only use under close watch. Oh and the cat loves it.
Foggy Dog - Ticking Stripe Dog Bed
A fancy splurge from local Bay Area dog boutique -- they've gone national with Oprah endorsement and lots of stores now carrying. Mostly not using yet as worried about chewing.
LEASHES & COLLARS
Petsafe Safety Collar 3/4" (M - 14 to 20" adjustable)
Apparently some collars snag and cause accidents...we still take off entirely when puppy's in pen/crate/not under supervision. The safety release pops pretty easy, so make sure on walks to attach the leash through both metal D-rings. Once pup is about 40 lbs. you may want to switch to a normal flat collar as the release may pop too easily when pup sees a squirrel, etc.
Once pup is big enough, you might want to switch to a regular flat collar. This one still has an easy-release buckle, but it won't pop when your stronger teen pup pulls, like the above model with the safety release. We love the classic design and high-quality craftsmanship from Pendleton. This one the same pattern as the Dude's iconic cardigan in Big Lebowski.
Get a couple of these. They will get worn out, wet, etc. but they're great during the chewing phase. We tied a few knots for extra grip for the left hand too. Once puppy is over 40 lbs and getting stronger, you'll likely upgrade to 1" and/or another model with more padding or additional handles. Fancy leather and design-y printed fabrics are best left for post-pup phase.
Pendleton Westerly Leash (1" x 6')
Also in the pattern of El Duderino. Sweet. We plan to use this once pup is past chew phase.
Vet/author Sophia Yin recommended. Pretty useful for keeping pup with you cooking dinner etc., but the clip can be chewed/opened by B now so IDK...
Petsafe Easy Walk No-Pull Harness
Vet/author Sophia Yin recommended. Apparently you have to get the fit just right or it can impede how they walk / mess up joints and gait for life....so check with your vet or trainer.
No soggy doggies here! This flashy neon collar brings major style points too. Pairs with a matching leash for those long walks on the beach. Way more comfortable than wet nylon, which can burn your hands and irritate a sensitive pup's skin.
Made from a durable PVC-coated nylon, this leash goes along on every outdoor adventure. Capable of withstanding 750 lbs. of max force tension, it holds up to all weather and conditions too. Easy on the hands -- even when wet -- plus it's smell-proof and easy to clean with a quick wipe down.
BOWLS
Stainless Steel Food and Water Bowls
Apparently stainless steel best for preserving black nose on yellow labs -- plastic and ceramic cause pigmentation loss (??) Who knows. Stainless is very easy to sanitize, and while it's not winning any beauty contests, we also like that it's tip-resistant and shatter-proof. Watch out for models with built-in silicone mats, which may help keep the floor clean for messy eaters, but may be too tempting for chompolicious pups. A rubber or silicone rim helps a bowl grip the floor and hopefully won't be as tempting for chomps.
Once you move to two meals a day, you might consider moving to a "slow feeder" -- Labs are prone to bloat, and one of these stainless bowls can help a bit.
FOOD
Royal Canin Labrador Puppy Kibble
Lots of options out there...for now we're using the breeder's preferred brand as she's sponsored by Royal Canin (fancy show dog preferred), so we were sent home with a series of kibbles including eventually this, starting at around 11-12 weeks. I like that it's breed-specific, since labs usually wolf down their kibble and are at risk of bloat. The breeder advised to mix 50% kibble, 50% water for life, and for the first few weeks to let it really soak in 15 min to be easy on milk teeth with 1 tbsp canned added and kennel door closed (puppies, like babies, apparently easily distracted). Our vet (a lab specialist) says we should be really letting it turn to mush and then blend to oatmeal consistency to prevent bloat. Buster wouldn't eat it that way, even with a little of the canned added, while he was getting his appetite the first few weeks at home...now that he's acting more like a typical lab and wolfing it, we're going to try again. Also at some point something spooked him eating inside the kennel -- maybe the metal echoes too much in there -- and he doesn't have any issues focusing on his food, so we just feed him in the pen. We keep a big bowl with his day's ration and use it throughout the day for training, but still give him a solid portion 3x a day too. While potty training, makes things more predictable -- generally first thing in the am/right around lunch and dinner. On that note, may want to restrict when you put out water too -- generally within 15 min.
Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulant Canned Food
Used 1 tbsp. at every meal with kibble for first month or so -- helped make mushy kibble more appealing, esp during transitions from breeder's various kibbles she had us use (mama/baby, then something else, then max aria, then lab puppy -- all royal canin)
Our breeder had us start adding this to food around four months to help with digestion (read: normal 💩). You just sprinkle a bit in with the soaked kibble, and presto! Happier tum tum.
TREATS
Wellness Puppy Organic Soft Chews
Can break these up into small pieces while teeth still growing -- then switch to kibble or for extra special treat some shredded chicken.
Old Mother Hubbard Peanut Butter Biscuits
Come in several sizes. The small ones fit inside a kong, and you can also break into bits for training. The peanut butter flavor makes pups go bonkers, so we save these for "high reward" training activities.
CHEWS
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Bones
They disappear fast, but were a hit. Only safe with supervision and up to 25 lbs though. Once the adult teeth come in we may try the XL ones too.
Nylabone Wolf 35 lb Puppy Bone
Non-edible, vet-recommended puppy chew toy. The smaller ones were a waste given how fast they grow. Toss if any pieces larger than a grain of rice are coming off.
Benebone Bacon Wishbone - Puppy (Small)
Non-edible, vet-recommended puppy chew toy. Made "for dogs without thumbs" and with real bacon somehow. Never seen Buster go so wild over something. They lose their flavor after a week to a month depending on use/enthusiasm...There are different sizes for each stage of puppydom (tiny = 15 lb. up to giant = 120 lb.), and once those grown-up teefs come in, you can upgrade to the extra-tough adult line, which also offers chicken, peanut butter, and maple wood flavors.
CLEANING
To clean up accidents and neutralize pee -- dogs will otherwise repeat in same spot.
Helps remove traces of accidents on any pads/clothes.
SAFETY
Pups can get into a lot of mischief around the house, even under supervision. As an extra layer of protection, we decided to remove as many electronics from pup-level access as possible and covered the rest of the cords on the floor with these cord covers. Pretty expensive, but according to the reviews, they hold up well to puppies. Mr. Destructo so far has left them alone.
GROOMING
Styled after a horse curry brush, this tool is pretty genius. Use as a gentle introduction to grooming; with its soft nubs, your pup will feel like he's getting a massage. Later it's a critical first step to loosen fur and prep the coat for brushes and undercoat rakes. Can even be used in the bath to make sure suds penetrate that waterproof coat!
Soft Puppy Slicker Brush
While eco-friendly, wooden handles get chomped and splinter in your hand. An ergonomic plastic handle makes the process easier for you, and plastic-tipped bristles are gentler on puppy skin.
Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Brush
Once your pup's adult coat grows in, you're going to thank your lucky stars someone invented the Furminator. It gets to the undercoat like nothing else.
Gentle, all-natural, and made with buttermilk for a soft and shiny coat.
So absorbant and pretty well made. Has mitts for your hands.
Try and remove before they attach...we have so many out here. Ugh.
Your vet may recommend you bring puppy straight in if any ticks attach...sometimes time is of the essence, so you might also ask your vet to show you how and when to check for ticks, as well as how to remove and dispose of them safely. Regardless, if you live in tick country, you'll want one of these, at least for backup. Out where we live in a Northern California oak woodland, it's a fact of life, and sadly ours sees regular use year round.
POTTY
However you plan to potty train, you'll be glad you have at least a box of these to safeguard your lap on car trips, from the first journey home, to the several vet appointments you'll have in the coming weeks and around town as you socialize your pup to new sights, sounds, and smells. Many folks swear by these to have around the house and inside your gated puppy-proof area until they can learn to hold it a bit longer; others advocate for outside-only (and very frequent) potty breaks from the get-go to avoid confusion. Just know they make a very tantalizing crinkly noise that some pups can't resist, and you may soon be chasing pup around more often than not. XL or bust, and some blue painter's tape (to lessen the rustling and also to help with aim -- blue is one of two colors pups can see well) would not be amiss. Also, use lower-priced generic pads at your own risk -- this brand is the most trusted, with many layers offering better absorption and waterproof protection for your floors, as well as an attractant to help your pup know where to go.
Your puppy may have been trained to use pee pads at the breeder/shelter; ours was used to using horse stall pine pellets in a rabbit hutch bottom. We phased our pup to pee pads at our house, but they apparently make the most irresistible shredding sound, and taping the edges with blue painter's tape barely helped. We transitioned back to one of these boxes after a couple of weeks, with a low ledge for our chunky pup to hop over. By then he'd forgotten how to use it and just wanted to eat the pellets. So....your mileage may vary. Most experts agree any shifts can cause confusion, so our advice is choose your approach and stick with it. Having something set up inside your puppy-proofed zone (kitchen, bath, or exercise pen) will give you some peace of mind during crate and potty training though.
Yeah it's over the top. But makes cleaning up for the 11th time less of a big deal. If you have one already, score.
So Phresh Easy Pickup Claw Scooper
A bunch like this around -- very easy to use!! This one has microban to keep as anti-stink as possible.
Saving the Earth, one 💩 at a time.
This genius device helps pups communicate when it's time to go outside. You might wait until they're a little bit older as the temptation to ring it all day long is pretty strong! One unit goes on the wall or floor next to the door, the other plugs in elsewhere around the house.
TRAINING
Not effective for us -- tried on kennel, shoelaces, etc. -- but worth a shot.
Not effective for us -- tried on kennel, shoelaces, etc. -- but worth a shot.
Saw that the Guide Dogs for the Blind use these. Haven't really needed it for the basics but may use more often for harder stuff / teen phase.
SWIMMIES
Outward Hound Neoprene Life Jacket
Heard this helps pups feel confident swimming. Most labs take to water like total pros, but I knew one who was afraid, and B can be a lil sensitive. Prob won't use much but better to start out with as much confidence-boosting as possible. This one is designed for beginners and the chest strap helps keep head up. Tummy adjustable. Went with L for four-month B and should last two months or more.
For ultimate pool fun, get a whole gang of these brightly colored aquatic toys. Pup will be leaping in after them in no time. They are fairly durable with supervision, and affordable enough to have backups at the ready. Pro tip: orange stands out best against blue water for human eyes, and blue and yellow are easiest for dogs to spot. The turtle, crab, and fish are for some reason particularly exciting around here!
Fetch has never been more fun! Expect major cannonballs chasing after this waterproof ball with shark fin attached. Fairly durable as long as you keep the focus on retrieving and less on chomping.
WALKIES
K-9 Sport Sack Trainer Backpack
A backpack or carrier can help with socialization walks while waiting for all vaccines. Pup gets super heavy quick though, and ours was too squirmy to make it more than ten min or so. There are a few options - we went with the $50 one up to 30 lbs and it got us there but just barely. Never needed the booster block. Could wear front or back.
TRAVEL
If you plan to have your pup ride in the cargo area of your car, you might want to close off the gap between the headrests and the ceiling. There's an awkward phase when some lab pups are too big for 32" crates, and larger crates only really fit in the largest SUVs and trucks. This model is easy to install, just looping around the headrests with tension straps, and adjusts to fit the width of your car perfectly. We then layered a cargo-area cover over it, which conveniently blocked the tension straps from any curious chewing.
High-quality construction, with incredible customer service if you have any issues. Make sure to measure carefully to find the best size for your car. Comes in a convenient waterproof, hose-down fabric that's quilted for comfort and backed with a grip-tight nubby texture to stay in place.
TOYS
Best purchase ever. A little pricy but really well made and effective. The battery-operated heartbeat is intense but coaxes them right to sleep. The heat packs last about a day and are non-toxic, plus the velcro closure is really secure. We ended up getting a few different colors to help with socialization since we weren't getting out much. Favorite toys by far, sleeps/plays with them all day. No issues washing on delicate cycle.
Smart Pet Love Tender Tuffs - Manatee
Hilarious to watch wrestlemania with this guy. Lower-pitched, less-annoying squeaker. Indestructible (so far).
Smart Pet Love Tender Tuffs - Octopus
Same high-quality construction, with delightfully crinkly legs. Great for redirecting mouthy puppies esp when little.
Smart Pet Love Tender Tuff Bottle Animals
You put an empty bottle inside for delightful crinkles. They will eventually fall apart, but in our experience they last about a month during the puppy teething phase.
We call this "the babysitter." Add any leftover kibble and seal with peanut butter and freeze.
Recommended for chewy labs in a fb group -- apparently a bestseller for a reason. We got the hippo too, but the pig for some reason is the fave.
Easy for pup to pick up, won't bounce too hard, great for fetch training when small
Hands down fave ball - way more exciting than a tennis ball, and the softer yet totally chew-proof texture is easier on clumsy pups than hard rubber.
Such a genius invention. Throw in some kibble and pup will be occupied for ten min at least. Should last through puppy teeth phase, but make sure to watch carefully once those adult chompers come in.
Jolly Ball Tug and Toss w/ Handle - 6" and 8"
Heard about these from a family member whose horses and dogs both love them. Pretty much indestructible. The handle makes it easier to drag around. We got blue since it's one of two colors dogs can distinguish (other being yellow).
Also super tough, but bouncier. Can nose around to play soccer. Blueberry scent apparently extra appealing.
Spot Ethical Pet Skinneeez Stuffing-Less Animals
Highly recommended by many lab owners, these types are good for chewy pups who might be tempted to de-stuff their toys. B loves to play catch with them.
Outward Hound Squirrel Log Puzzle Toy
Obsessed would be an understatement...unfortunately we went through a couple logs in quick succession. The squirrels have lasted for the most part, although many appear to have been...scalped. Good thing you can buy replacements a la carte.