Good quality toys and training materials will help make life with your new pup easier! Below find items that I recommend if you are looking for items--you do not need to buy all of these! Some are basic training tools to help your pup be secure and feel safe. Others are durable toys, and there is also a section for field training and a section for grooming. These are all Amazon.ca links that will ship right to your home!
Looking to hunt with your puppy, or to get involved in hunt tests or working certificate tests or field trials? Sterre offers group classes, as well as board and train. We also offer an online training option where you can follow along with the development of our young dogs through Basics via Patreon with two levels of membership--one that allows you to view videos and articles, and another that allows for Q&A and live conferencing. Click here to check it out and join.
Basic Training and Puppy Rearing Items
Crate
This one comes with a Divider. I recommend using zip ties at sides and corners to reinforce.
Exercise Pen
Handy for when you are travelling or if you cannot directly supervise pup for a short time while still home. I don't recommend these for containment while you are out as they can be tipped.
Snuggle Puppy
Helps pups adjust to sleeping alone after leaving their littermates. Eases the transition at night. I use one in my own puppies crate, even with my other dogs around.
Trolley Tie-out
Great for travel, camping, or other situations where you don't have a fenced yard.
Drag Line/Umbilical Leash
Waterproof Collar
Won't leave a stinky neck after swimming. This one has no rivets to break.
Cot-style Dog Bed
Stainless Steel bowls
Stainless Steel Water Buckets
Training Treats--dogs love these
Crate Mat
Potty bells
Breed reference book
Super absorbent door mat
Dog mat--great as a car crate liner
Car Safety Harness
I do not recommend harnesses for walking. However, I do recommend them for car travel. If you do not intend to use a crate for transport in the car, then you should be using a harness. An unrestrained dog is akin to an loose toddler in a vehicle. In the case of an accident, the dog is a projectile in the vehicle if not restrained or contained; this can result in the ejection of the dog, and impact injuries to the driver and passengers. Keep your pup as safe as you would keep your kids! Restrain in the vehicle! Avoid the ones with plastic buckles as they pop open under load. These are all quality options:
https://amzn.to/3F7iFnj https://amzn.to/3VOhSOI https://amzn.to/3FCtYFz
Adult size dog crate
This is an appropriate option for the car instead of a harness. Your dog should be comfortable in a crate for potential stays at the vet, boarding, hotel stays, and emergencies.
A spendier but super-secure option is a Zinger Crate. This is what I have in the back seat of my truck. The 3000 size is sufficient for most females, and the 3500 will fit a larger male. The key for a vehicle crate is that you don't want a lot of empty room--the dog should be contained without a lot of extra space to bounce around in in the event of an accident. These links are to the most basic model. There are multiple configurations available. As a bonus, this is a Canadian company based in Milton! (They also make my bird launchers!)
3000 https://www.zingerwinger.com/DX3000-2-FD.html
3500 https://www.zingerwinger.com/deluxe-3500-front-entry.html
Durable/Favourite Toys
Nylabone Power Chewer Bundle
Nylabone Puppy Teething Chew
Kong Goodie Bone
Tuffy Toy
GoDog Stuffed Toy
Squeaky Goose
Interactive ball
Stuff this with cheese or treats!
I don't know why, but my dogs love these balls.
Field Training Items
I have listed multiple options for some items. Some dogs prefer canvas to plastic bumpers. For initial marking training with baby puppies I start with the little plush toys and microfibre paint rollers. Puppies graduate to white or black and white bumpers. Save orange bumpers for blind retrieve training when they are further in basics.
Whistle
Gear Keeper Lanyard for whistle
E-Collar
Canvas Bumpers
Slip Lead
https://amzn.to/3Bs6OPJ
Training Tab or braid from paracord like mine to avoid having a loop. Mine are $10 each and you can pick your colours!
Pinch collar for close obedience work
Herm Sprenger quick release https://amzn.to/3K4U7yG and extra links https://amzn.to/3z7hqln
Plastic https://amzn.to/3uilXyP
Metal https://amzn.to/3UqjeOG
Dumbbell
2-way radio for group training
Plushies for puppy retrieves
Microfibre paint rollers for puppy retrieves
Tom Dokkens Retriever Training
Retriever Puppy Training: The Right Start for Hunting
Long Line
Plastic Bumpers
Avery Perfect Hold Bumper
Avery Canvas Flasher Bumper
Avery Hex Bumper Multipacks
Dog cot--this size works well for Place training
This collar pairs with the 550 or 70 transmitters
Dogtra Edge Transmitter and collar system
Dogtra is another good quality ecollar brand.
RETRIEVER FROM THE PUP UP
This is a terrific program developed by Pat Nolan. It is designed as a head start for puppies. It gives them the tools, cues, and habits to tackle basics with ease once they are 6 months old.
https://www.pushpulltrainingindrive.com/retriever-from-pup-up
This is the program I follow. There are also DVD's but I find the articles more detailed and step by step when I need to do some refresh reading! These are available through Dakota Creek Retrievers.
This is a great series of step by step DVDs. Also available through Dakota Creek.
Volume 1 https://store.dakotacreekretrievers.com/store_dakotacreekretrievers_com_product_p_fd1_htm_p/fd1.htm
Volume 2
https://store.dakotacreekretrievers.com/store_dakotacreekretrievers_com_product_p_fd2_htm_p/fd2.htm
Volume 3
https://store.dakotacreekretrievers.com/store_dakotacreekretrievers_com_product_p_fd3_htm_p/fd3.htm
Grooming Items and Supplements
Shampoo
Pin Comb
Slicker brush
Nail Trimmers
Ear Cleaner
Mars Coat King Shedding/Dematting rake
Paw Protector
Spray on before going out in the field. Makes getting burrs and tangles out much easier!
I use horse fly spray like this or Ultrashield from the farm store to help keep pesky bugs off the dogs in the field. This does not replace Advantix or other veterinary grade tick repellent.
All in one Supplement
Digestive support
Psyllium fibre
Mix with food to help relieve diarrhea. I find it works better than pumpkin. This brand is Health Canada certified.