REDLINE GOLDENS · A LITTLE HELP FOR THE BIG DAY
Your Puppy Take-Home Checklist
Getting ready to bring your Redline Golden home? Here are the essentials worth having, what to plan before pickup, and how to make the first few days a little easier.
Save this page on your phone or print it before go-home day.
THE PRACTICAL STUFF
A little preparation makes a big difference.
You don’t need a closet full of puppy gadgets. A few thoughtful basics, a calm routine, and a good veterinarian will cover most of what matters.
01 · SHOPPING LIST
The everyday essentials
☐A comfortable crate for use at home, plus washable bedding
☐Puppy collar, identification tag, comfortable leash and properly fitted harness
☐Stainless-steel or easy-clean food and water bowls
☐Puppy-safe chew toys, a few gentle play toys and a brush
☐Poop bags, enzymatic accident cleaner and optional training pads
02 · BEFORE PICKUP
Prepare your home
☐Puppy-proof cords, cleaners, medicines, plants and small objects
☐Choose one quiet sleeping area and a designated outdoor potty spot
☐Set family rules for furniture, feeding and supervision
☐Arrange time off or a helper for the first few days
☐Book your puppy’s first veterinary appointment before pickup, ideally for the first 72 hours home
03 · PICKUP DAY
For the drive home
☐Use a securely fastened puppy carrier or properly fitted back-seat restraint for the ride
☐Bring another adult, or a responsible older family member, to sit near your puppy and offer quiet reassurance
☐Keep the little Mom-scented blanket from the Redline Goldens goody bag close to your safely secured puppy
☐Pack towels, cleanup supplies, a puppy pad and fresh water for the drive
☐Avoid busy rest-stop dog areas; choose a low-risk potty stop only when needed
☐Have a calm, comfortable place ready when you arrive home
04 · FIRST DAYS
The first week
☐Offer potty breaks after waking, eating, play and before bedtime
☐Reward the right potty spot and keep an eye on your puppy indoors
☐Start short, positive crate and name-recognition sessions
☐Provide plenty of sleep, gentle play and supervised chewing
☐Avoid dog parks and high-traffic dog areas until your veterinarian says vaccination protection is adequate
OUR ADVICE FOR THE FIRST RIDE HOME
Keep your puppy comfortable—and choose stops carefully.
Comfort & connection
That first car ride can feel like a big adventure to a little puppy. We recommend bringing another adult, or a responsible older family member, to sit near your puppy, offer a soothing voice, and keep an eye on how they’re doing. The little blanket we rub on Mama carries her scent and can be especially reassuring. Keep it near your puppy inside a secured carrier or beside their appropriate restraint; when you’re safely parked, you can put the blanket in your lap and cuddle your puppy.
Yawning, drooling, whining, fidgeting or licking their lips can happen on an unfamiliar ride. Stress and motion sickness are relatively common in young puppies, and the curves and elevation changes of mountain roads can make the ride feel even more unfamiliar. Don’t feel discouraged if your puppy is unsettled at first. Calm, short, positive trips as they grow can help them become more comfortable. If vomiting is repeated or the symptoms seem severe, contact your veterinarian.
For everyone’s safety, a securely fastened carrier or properly fitted back-seat restraint is recommended while the vehicle is moving. Save lap cuddles for when the car is stopped.
Protect them from parvo
We discourage setting puppies down at busy highway rest stops, public dog relief areas, dog parks, and heavily used grass—especially where other dogs may have toileted. Even grass that looks clean can be contaminated.
If your puppy needs a break, look for the lowest-risk spot available, away from other dogs and waste. A clean pad on a protected surface may help. Don’t assume a puppy can hold it for a six-hour drive; plan for their needs without taking unnecessary exposure risks.
Why we’re cautious: A first or second puppy vaccine does not mean full immunity. It’s possible to socialize your puppy safely with people and in controlled, clean environments while following your vet’s advice. We believe avoiding unnecessary exposure is worth it.
Tip: Training pads are optional. When possible, using a consistent outdoor potty spot can make house-training expectations simpler.
WHAT WE FEED · FOOD TRANSITIONS
Keep food familiar at first.
Our current feeding preference is Diamond puppy food. We’ll give each family the exact formula, bag details, current serving instructions and a starter supply before pickup. Please confirm the specific product with us rather than buying by bag color alone.
A simple feeding routine
Follow the individual portion instructions we provide, the exact food’s feeding chart, and your veterinarian’s advice. Young puppies often do best with three or four smaller meals per day, with meal frequency changing as they grow.
Measure food using a standard measuring cup and keep fresh water available.
Soaking & switching food
If your puppy is used to slightly moistened kibble, add a little warm water just before feeding. Discard uneaten moistened food promptly and wash the bowl. Gradually switch foods over about seven days (or as your vet advises) rather than changing all at once.
Adult food comes later, when your veterinarian confirms the timing is right for your growing Golden.
Feeding needs vary by age, size, body condition and specific formula. This guide isn’t a substitute for your puppy’s handoff instructions or veterinary advice.
HEALTH · GROOMING · SAFE EXPLORATION
The first veterinary visit matters.
Establish your veterinarian before pickup. Arrange a first visit as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of bringing your puppy home (or sooner if your signed agreement requires). Bring all health, vaccination and deworming records so your veterinarian can continue care. For vaccines administered by Redline Goldens, we use Canine Spectra 10; your veterinarian should review the product and dates, then recommend the next vaccines and rabies schedule. Veterinary vaccine products and schedules may differ, but that does not simply mean they contain a higher dose.
Even if a puppy has received its first or second vaccination, it is not yet fully protected against infections such as parvovirus. Ask your veterinarian when specific public activities are safe, and avoid dog parks and high-traffic pet areas while the puppy vaccine series is incomplete.
05 · VET CARE
Health & appointments
☐Bring all health records, vaccination product names and dates (including Spectra 10 doses, if given), and deworming history from Redline Goldens
☐Have your veterinarian review the records and set the remaining puppy vaccination and rabies schedule
☐Ask about flea, tick, heartworm and parasite prevention appropriate for your area
☐Call a veterinarian promptly for repeated vomiting, diarrhea, severe lethargy or refusal to drink
06 · GROWING UP
Routine care & confidence
☐Introduce gentle brushing, paws, ears and short nail trims
☐Offer safe, positive exposure to people and everyday sounds; choose controlled, low-risk settings instead of public dog parks
☐Supervise children and other pets during introductions
☐Keep exercise and play age-appropriate, avoiding repetitive high-impact activity
A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE · OUR PUPPY GOODY BAG
What comes home with your puppy?
Before you head home, we typically send your puppy off with a little Redline Goldens goody bag. It’s our way of making the first car ride and first night a little easier—with important paperwork, familiar comforts, and a few helpful extras. The exact items may vary by litter.
☐Limited AKC registration paperwork for your puppy’s pet home
☐Current vaccination / shot records, dates, deworming information and other available health notes to share with your veterinarian
☐A small puppy blanket rubbed on Mom, so your puppy has a familiar scent from home for the journey and first nights
☐A couple of little baggies of their current Diamond puppy food—a short starter supply, generally around the first 24 hours depending on your puppy and portions
☐Usually a puppy-safe toy, such as an appropriately sized ball or chew toy
☐Sometimes a complimentary supply of poop bags for those first outings
☐Your puppy’s agreed pickup details and signed purchase agreement (which may be provided separately)
Our puppies normally go home at approximately eight weeks old, once they’re ready and pickup is arranged. The remaining purchase balance is due at pickup under the applicable agreement. Please have a larger supply of your puppy’s current food ready at home; the little starter baggies are simply to help with the trip and first day.
About your agreement: Puppies are placed as pets under Limited AKC Registration. If you can no longer keep your dog, please contact Redline Goldens first. Refunds, returns, veterinary responsibilities and other obligations are governed by your signed puppy purchase agreement. Read our return policy.
A GREAT START TO A LONG FRIENDSHIP
Welcome to the Redline family.
The first few days might be a little messy, a little tiring, and a whole lot of fun. Be patient, keep your routine simple, and enjoy getting to know your new companion.
This checklist provides general preparation tips. Always follow the signed purchase agreement and your licensed veterinarian’s specific instructions.
