Fall Puppy Countdown: Preparing for Our Two Golden Retriever Litters
Fall is already my favorite time of year here on the farm—the crisp air, the changing leaves, and the cozy evenings make it magical. But this year? It’s going to be even more special.
We’re expecting two litters of Golden Retriever puppies this fall! Annie’s litter is due around October 14th, and Cozy should follow just a couple of weeks later. That means our home will soon be filled with tiny paws, wiggly tails, and the sweetest puppy snuggles you can imagine.
While we wait, I thought it would be fun (and helpful!) to share a puppy preparation countdown—perfect for anyone dreaming of a puppy or just wanting to enjoy the journey with us.
6 Weeks Before Puppies Arrive: Gather the Essentials
Whether you’re preparing for a puppy now or just saving this for the future, starting early makes the transition smoother.
Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
Cozy, Safe Space: Decide where your puppy will sleep and play. A crate or gated pen works beautifully—it gives your puppy a sense of security and keeps them safe.
Food & Bowls: Choose a high-quality puppy food and stainless steel or ceramic bowls (plastic can harbor bacteria and absorb odors).
Cleaning Supplies: Puppies are adorable… and a little messy. Stock up on enzyme cleaners that remove odors and stains so accidents don’t turn into habits.
Chew Toys: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Having safe chew options ready can protect your shoes, furniture, and sanity.
Collar, Leash, and ID Tag: Even if your puppy won’t go for walks right away, it’s good to have these ready for training and safety.
4 Weeks Before: Learn & Plan
Training Foundations:
Before your puppy arrives, decide on the rules you’ll keep long-term. If you don’t want a full-grown Golden on the couch, start teaching that from day one. Consistency is key.
Socialization Ideas:
Make a list of safe, gentle experiences to introduce your puppy to during their first months—meeting new people, hearing different sounds (vacuum, blender, doorbell), and exploring safe environments.
Vet & Groomer Research:
Find a trusted veterinarian and schedule your puppy’s first appointment early. It’s also wise to identify a groomer experienced with Golden Retrievers, as their beautiful coats require regular upkeep.
Photo Fun:
If you love documenting milestones, plan your “Gotcha Day” setup now. Pinterest is full of cute ideas—letter boards, seasonal backdrops, or a basket of autumn leaves for that first photo at home.
2 Weeks Before: Puppy-Proof Your Home
Just like you would for a curious toddler, you’ll want to make your home safe for a puppy’s explorations:
Tuck away electrical cords or secure them with protective covers.
Store shoes, socks, and tempting chewables out of reach.
Put away small items that could be choking hazards.
Use baby gates to block off stairs or rooms that are off-limits.
Check your yard for gaps in fences or areas where a small puppy could squeeze through.
The First Week Home: What to Expect
Sleep: Puppies need lots of rest—up to 18–20 hours a day. Short bursts of play followed by naps are completely normal.
Potty Training: Take your puppy outside frequently—after waking up, eating, drinking, and playing. Reward them immediately for going in the right spot.
Crate Training: Introduce the crate as a positive, safe space. Use treats and toys to help your puppy associate it with comfort.
Bonding: Spend plenty of time together, but also let your puppy learn to entertain themselves for short periods. This helps prevent separation anxiety later.
Why Early Preparation Matters
Puppies learn so much in their first weeks home. A safe environment and consistent routine set the stage for a lifetime of good habits. That’s why here at Rose n’ Thistle Farm, we begin socialization right away—introducing our puppies to household life, farm sounds, children’s laughter, and gentle handling from day one.
We’ve seen time and time again how these early experiences shape calm, confident, well-adjusted dogs who transition beautifully into their forever families.
Our Fall Puppy Timeline
Here’s what’s coming next here on the farm:
Mid-September: Pregnancy confirmations for Annie and Cozy.
Mid-October: Annie’s puppies arrive.
Late October/Early November: Cozy’s puppies arrive.
6–8 Weeks Later: Go-home day for Annie’s litter, followed shortly by Cozy’s litter.
Staying Connected
We’ll be sharing weekly puppy updates from the moment they arrive—photos, videos, and milestones—right up until go-home day. If you’ve been thinking about welcoming one of our Goldens into your family, now is the perfect time to follow along!
You can:
Sign up for our farm newsletter (weekly updates + adorable photos).
Follow our Pinterest board for puppy prep ideas and farm updates.
Bookmark this post to revisit when you’re preparing for a puppy of your own.
🐾 Pin It for Later:
Save this guide on Pinterest so you can revisit it when you’re preparing for your own puppy—or just to enjoy the puppy journey with us this fall.
