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Toller Puppy Essentials Checklist

A room-by-room, category-by-category checklist of everything you need before your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy comes home. Print it, check it off, and start day one with confidence.

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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy
What is included
  • Feeding & hydration supplies
  • Crate & sleeping setup
  • Puppy-proofing guide
  • Health & vet prep
  • Training starter kit

Feeding & hydration

Get the basics right from the first meal.

Item
Notes
Stainless steel food bowl
Easy to clean; avoid plastic which harbors bacteria
Stainless steel water bowl
Heavy base to prevent tipping; consider a second bowl for the crate area
Puppy food (same brand as breeder)
Ask the breeder what food the litter was eating; transition gradually if switching
Measuring cup or kitchen scale
Consistent portions prevent overfeeding during rapid growth
Treat pouch
Clip-on pouch keeps high-value training treats within reach
High-value training treats
Small, soft, and smelly: freeze-dried liver, cheese, or commercial training treats

Crate & sleeping

A properly set-up crate becomes your puppy's safe space.

Item
Notes
Wire crate with divider (36" or 42")
Divider lets you resize as the puppy grows; 36" fits most females, 42" fits larger males
Washable crate pad or old towels
Skip plush beds until the puppy stops chewing; towels are cheaper to replace
Crate cover (blanket or fitted cover)
Darkens the crate and reduces visual stimulation for better naps
Playpen or exercise pen
Attached to the crate, this gives a safe play area when you cannot supervise directly

Collar, leash & ID

Safety essentials from day one.

Item
Notes
Adjustable flat collar
Nylon or biothane; sized for a puppy neck with two-finger room
ID tag with your phone number
Attach before leaving the breeder; do not wait for a custom tag to ship
6-foot lightweight leash
Nylon or biothane; avoid retractable leashes for training
Long line (15 - 30 feet)
For safe recall practice in open areas before off-leash reliability
Harness (optional)
A front-clip harness can help manage pulling during early leash walks

Toys & enrichment

Redirect chewing and burn mental energy.

Item
Notes
Kong (puppy size)
Stuff with kibble and freeze for a long-lasting chew; great for crate time
Rope tug toy
Builds engagement and is useful for impulse-control games
Soft plush toy
One comfort toy for the crate; supervise to prevent ingestion of stuffing
Snuffle mat
Scatter kibble in the mat for a calming nose-work activity
Fetch balls (puppy-safe size)
Tollers are natural retrievers; start with gentle, low-impact tosses
Lick mat
Spread peanut butter (xylitol-free) or yogurt; freeze for longer sessions

Clean-up & puppy-proofing

Accidents will happen. Be prepared.

Item
Notes
Enzymatic cleaner
Breaks down urine at the molecular level; standard cleaners leave scent markers that invite repeat accidents
Paper towels / old rags
Keep a roll in every room the puppy has access to
Poop bags
Biodegradable preferred; clip a dispenser to the leash
Baby gates
Block stairs and restrict access to rooms that are not puppy-proofed
Cord protectors or cable management
Puppies chew everything; tuck cords behind furniture or use plastic conduit

Health & vet prep

Set up veterinary care before the puppy arrives.

Item
Notes
Vet appointment (within first 72 hours)
Book before pickup day; bring breeder vaccination records
Breeder health records
Vaccination history, deworming schedule, microchip number, and health guarantee
Pet insurance (optional but recommended)
Enroll before the first vet visit so pre-existing conditions are not excluded
Stool sample container
Collect a fresh sample the morning of the vet visit for parasite screening

Grooming basics

Start handling early so grooming is never a battle.

Item
Notes
Slicker brush
For the double coat; use gently on puppy fur to build positive associations
Nail clippers or grinder
Handle paws daily and clip one nail at a time with treats to prevent fear
Dog-safe shampoo
Oatmeal-based or puppy-specific formula; avoid frequent baths
Ear cleaner
Tollers with floppy ears are prone to moisture buildup; clean after swimming
Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
Introduce early; even rubbing gums with a finger and toothpaste builds the habit

Ready to start?

Print this page (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P) for a take-along checklist, or explore the full Puppy Portal for day-by-day guides and growth milestones.

Go to the Puppy Portal

Related resources

Continue your puppy preparation with these guides.

First week survival guide

Day-by-day guidance for crate training, potty routines, feeding, and bonding during the critical first seven days.

Read the guide

Growth milestones

Weight chart, developmental stages, and training benchmarks from 8 weeks through physical maturity at 18 months.

Read the guide

Complete care guide

The cornerstone resource for temperament, exercise, training, grooming, and health across every life stage.

Read the guide