The Ultimate Labrador Puppy Essentials Checklist

Bringing home a Labrador puppy is one of the greatest things you will ever do. It is also one of the most overwhelming. We know because we did it twice — first with Bear our wild golden then again with Abby our chunky chocolate. Both times we scrambled to figure out what we actually needed versus what was just nice to have.

This is the list we wish someone had handed us. Every single item on this list has been tested in our house by two real Labs. If it made the list it earned its place.

The Essentials — What You Actually Need

A Good Dog Bed: we love ( WNPETHOME XXL Dog Bed)

Do not waste money on a tiny bed you will replace in two months. Get something durable with washable covers because it will need washing. A lot.

Bear destroyed his first bed in four days. Abby claimed hers and has not moved since. Buy something tough.

Look for: Chew resistant, washable cover, orthopedic foam for joint support

A Crate: We have (Yaheetech 42-inch Double Door)

A crate is not cruel — it is one of the kindest things you can do for a Lab puppy. It gives them a safe space and makes house training so much easier. Get a size that fits them as an adult with a divider panel so you can make it smaller while they are young.

Bear took to his crate immediately. Abby looked at hers like we had personally offended her. She came around.

Look for: Double door, divider panel included, easy to clean

A Harness Bear wears the (Phoeoet No Pull Harness) Skip the collar for walks when they are puppies. Labs pull and a collar puts too much pressure on their little necks. A good harness gives you control without hurting them.

Bear would drag us down the street if we let him. A no pull harness changed everything.

Look for: No pull front clip, adjustable, padded for comfort

A Slow Feeder Bowl Both labs use (Slow Feeder Bowls) Labs eat like they have never seen food before and will never see it again. A slow feeder bowl makes them eat at a safer pace and reduces bloating. This one is nonnegotiable in our house.

Both Bear and Abby inhaled their first meals in about four seconds flat. The slow feeder fixed that immediately.

Look for: Nonslip base, dishwasher safe, appropriate size for a Lab

Durable Toys Labs chew. Everything. All the time. Buy toys rated for aggressive chewers or they will be destroyed before you finish reading this post. Rope toys, rubber chew toys, and puzzle feeders are all great options.

Bear has destroyed more toys than we can count. The ones that survived made this list.

Look for: Rubber chew toys, rope toys, puzzle feeders, BPA free

Puppy Shampoo Labs get dirty. Golden Labs get muddy and chocolate Labs somehow look dirty even when they are clean. A good gentle puppy shampoo is essential. Get one that is tearless and gentle on sensitive skin.

Look for: Tearless, natural ingredients, puppy safe formula

Pet Insurance We have Lemonade Pet Insurance We cannot stress this enough. Get it before you need it. Lab puppies are clumsy, curious, and get into everything. Vet bills add up fast. Pet insurance gave us peace of mind from day one.

We got ours before Bear even came home and we are so glad we did.

Look for: Covers accidents and illness, reasonable deductible, good reviews

Dental Chews Start dental hygiene early. Labs are prone to dental issues and getting them used to dental chews as puppies makes life so much easier long term. Plus, it keeps them busy which is always a win.

Look for: Size appropriate, vet recommended, natural ingredients

Nice to Have — Not Essential but Worth It

• Puzzle toys — great for mental stimulation especially on rainy days

• Baby gates — to keep them out of rooms they should not be in yet

• Enzymatic cleaner — for accidents because there will be accidents

• Training treats — small soft treats for training sessions

Bear and Abby Approved: Every item on this list lives in our house right now. Bear has tested the durability of everything, and Abby has approved the comfort level of everything. If it passed their inspection, it made this list.

Bringing home a Lab puppy is chaotic and wonderful and exhausting and the best decision you will ever make. Get the essentials sorted before they arrive and you will thank yourself later.

Got a puppy essential we missed? Drop it in the comments — we would love to hear what works for your Lab family. 🐾

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