Congratulations!
We are so excited for your new family member coming home to you soon!
Preparing for Arrival
We have detailed our recommendations to help you be prepared and excited for the arrival of your new puppy. Being ready ahead of time will make the transition for you and your new puppy a positive experience.
1. Order Dog Food
Proper nutrition is critical for a happy healthy puppy. Choose a high-quality formula made for large-breed growth, with real meat as the first ingredient.
2. Start Training Early
The first few weeks shape a lifetime of habits. Pick a structured training program or local trainer before pickup so you can hit the ground running.
3. Activate Pet Insurance
Enroll in a pet-insurance plan before pickup day so coverage is active for your very first vet visits.
4. Purchase Puppy Supplies
We recommend having the necessary tools and supplies on hand before you bring your puppy home for the easiest transition.
Food & Nutrition
Your puppy's nutrition will play the biggest role in their lifespan and lifelong health. Look for a high-quality puppy formula with real meat as the first ingredient, named whole-food sources rather than by-products, and a guaranteed analysis appropriate for growing large-breed puppies.
Whichever brand you choose, transition slowly over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with whatever your puppy was eating at our home. We'll send you a small bag of their current food on pickup day so you can blend.
Begin Training Day One
Puppies start learning the moment they walk through the door. Decide on your house rules, crate routine, potty schedule, and key cues (sit, come, place) before pickup, and have everyone in the household on the same page.
We're big believers in positive reinforcement and short, frequent training sessions — three to five minutes, several times a day. Whether you choose a local group class, a private trainer, or a reputable online program, consistency in the first 16 weeks pays off for the rest of your dog's life.
Trainer recommendations: we keep a short list of training programs and behaviorists we've personally seen great results with — just ask and we'll share it during your pickup call.
Activate Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is one of the smartest investments you can make in the first weeks of puppyhood. Most policies have a waiting period before they cover anything, so the day you commit to your puppy is the day to start a plan — enrolling before pickup means your coverage is already active if anything comes up in those first vet visits.
When you compare carriers, look at the annual deductible, the percentage of the bill reimbursed (most reputable plans cover 80–90%), whether they pay out for hereditary or congenital conditions, and how quickly claims are processed.
A favor from us: reach out before pickup day and we'll share the carriers our own families currently use, plus any go-home-day promo codes our breeder partners have made available.
Veterinary Care & Vaccines
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), puppies should be vaccinated every two to four weeks between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks with the final puppy vaccines given no earlier than 16 weeks of age.
Schedule your puppy's first vet appointment within 3 days of receiving your puppy. We highly recommend booking this 2 weeks prior to taking them home!
Puppy Supplies Checklist
We recommend having the necessary tools and supplies on hand before you bring your puppy home. The essentials include: a harness, collar and leash, water and food bowls, a bed, crate/kennel, puppy shampoo and conditioner, slicker brush and detangler comb, soft toys, and healthy training snacks.
Digestive Health
Sometimes changing homes can cause upset tummies for puppies. Having probiotics, turmeric and vitamins on hand helps little tummies relax and adjust smoothly.
Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids to promote a healthy coat, skin, joint mobility, brain activity, and build their immune systems.
Kennels & Crates
It's important that you choose the right sized crate. You will want one that is big enough to keep them comfortable, but not too big. Find a crate with a divider so it can grow with them!
Healthy Puppy Chews
Chewing is essential for healthy development. Giving them a healthy option for chewing plus some added dental hygiene will keep them off of your shoes and furniture!
Urine Eliminator
Accidents happen! Having an effective enzyme cleaner to treat potty accidents is essential to keeping clean and to your peace of mind while they learn.
For all other supplies, we recommend that you have fun customizing your puppy to fit in perfectly with your family! Chewy and Amazon are both great places to shop for your pet needs.