About Us
Meet Pepper
This is Pepper. She's a 11-week-old black lab puppy. I built TrackPepper as a way to help my whole family take care of her.
Yes, I used AI to help me, and so can you! But with my background in technology I thought it might be easier to just share what I built so other families could use it too!
What we use for Pepper
- GearWhelping BoxA low-sided box with a pig rail to prevent mom from rolling on pups. Essential for newborns.
- CareHeating Pad (Thermostat-Controlled)Neonatal pups can't regulate body temp. Keep one end warm (85–90°F week 1), the other cool so pups can move.
- HealthGram ScaleWeigh pups twice daily. They should gain 10–15% of birth weight per day. Flat or dropping weight = vet call.
- FoodPuppy Milk Replacer (KMR)Only needed if mom is absent or unable to nurse. Never use cow's milk — use puppy-specific formula like PetAg KMR.
- GearPuppy Bottle Feeding KitFor orphaned or supplemental feeding. Comes with bottle and several nipple sizes for different ages.
- CareUnscented Baby WipesFor stimulating elimination if no mom. Warm, unscented wipes on belly and rear after every feeding.
- FoodRoyal Canin Labrador Puppy (30 lb)Breed-specific formula for Labs 8 weeks–15 months. Donut-shaped kibble slows fast eaters and supports joint health.
- GearMidWest iCrate 42" (with Divider)The go-to crate for large breeds. Divider panel shrinks the space for puppies, then expands as they grow. Folds flat.
- GearExercise Pen / PlaypenGives your puppy a safe roaming zone without free-roaming the house. Pairs with the crate for daytime use.
- GearAdjustable Puppy CollarGet one that grows with them. Check the fit weekly — puppies grow fast and collars can get too tight quickly.
- Gear6-Foot Training LeashA simple 6ft nylon or leather leash for your first walks and leash introduction. Skip the retractable for now.
- GearPuppy Pee Pads (XL)For overnight accidents and rainy-day backup. XL size is worth it for Labs — they have a big footprint even as puppies.
- TrainingKONG Puppy (Large)The stuffable rubber chew toy for teething relief and crate training. Stuff with kibble or freeze with peanut butter.
- TrainingNerf Dog Trackshot BallThe squeaky fetch ball Pepper loves: lightweight, durable, and easy to spot in the yard.
- TrainingZuke's Puppy Naturals TreatsTiny, soft, and only 3.5 calories each — perfect for rapid-fire training sessions without overfeeding.
- CarePetAg Bene-Bac ProbioticThe probiotic powder we use to keep Pepper regular. Especially useful after diet changes, antibiotics, or travel.
- CareEnzyme Cleaner (Rocco & Roxie or Nature's Miracle)Breaks down urine at the molecular level so puppies don't re-mark the same spot. Stock up — you'll need a lot of this.
- CarePuppy Nail ClippersStart weekly nail trims from week 1. Building tolerance for paw handling now makes vet visits easier for life.
- GearNo-Pull HarnessA front-clip harness is the most effective tool for teaching loose-leash walking at this age. Look for the Ruffwear Front Range or similar.
- Gear30-Foot Long LineGives your pup freedom to explore while you practice recall ("come") in parks or open spaces. A must-have for this age.
- TrainingTraining Treat PouchClips to your waist so treats are always ready. Makes training sessions faster and more rewarding for your pup.
- TrainingZuke's Mini Naturals (Chicken, 16 oz)Graduating from puppy treats to the classic training treat. Only 2 calories each — perfect for high-rep sessions.
- TrainingKONG Puppy Teething StickDenta-ridges clean teeth while your pup chews. Stuff with peanut butter or freeze for longer engagement.
- FoodBully Sticks (Natural)A safer rawhide alternative for teething pups. 100% beef, single ingredient, long-lasting chew. Always supervise.
- HealthFlea & Tick PreventionMost topicals and chewables (like NexGard) are approved from 8–12 weeks. Confirm with your vet at the 3-month checkup.
- GearJasonwell Foldable Dog PoolThe 79" splash pool Pepper loves: folds flat for storage, no inflation needed, great for backyard cool-offs.
- TrainingSnuffle MatHide kibble in the mat and let your pup sniff it out. 15 minutes of nose work = 1 hour of physical exercise for mental fatigue.
- TrainingLick MatSpread with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or wet food and freeze. Great for calming anxious pups during grooming or vet prep.
- TrainingWest Paw Toppl Puzzle ToyDishwasher safe, durable, and stuffable. Harder than a KONG — good for a pup who's mastered the basic Kong.
- GearChuckit! Ball LauncherSaves your arm during fetch sessions. Labs will run laps as long as you'll throw — this makes it sustainable.
- HealthDental Chews (Greenies Puppy)Dental disease is the #1 preventable health issue in dogs. Start a daily dental routine now while the habit is easy to build.
- FoodRoyal Canin Labrador Adult (transition at 12–15 months)Labs should stay on puppy food until 12–15 months. Start stocking the adult formula so you're ready to transition.
- GearRuffwear Front Range HarnessDurable, padded, and built for dogs that pull. Two leash attachment points — front clip for training, back clip for walks.
- GearMartingale CollarSafer than a slip collar, more effective than a flat collar for adolescent dogs who are still learning not to pull.
- TrainingKONG Classic (Large, Red)Graduate from the puppy KONG to the classic red rubber. Tougher formula for adolescent chewing intensity.
- TrainingSlow Feeder / Puzzle BowlLabs inhale their food. A puzzle bowl slows them down (reduces bloat risk) and turns mealtime into enrichment.
- FoodRoyal Canin Labrador AdultCalorie-controlled formula designed for Labs' tendency to overeat. Supports joint health and a healthy weight.
- CareFish Oil (Omega-3 Supplement)Supports coat health, joint lubrication, and brain function. Look for a wild-caught fish oil softgel dosed for large breeds.
- HealthDog Toothbrush & Enzymatic ToothpasteDaily brushing is the gold standard for dental health. Enzymatic toothpastes (like Virbac CET) work even if you can't brush daily.
- TrainingNina Ottosson Dog Puzzle (Advanced)Labs are smart and need mental challenge. The advanced Nina Ottosson puzzles are genuinely difficult and satisfying for high-drive dogs.
- GearChuckit! Ultra Ball (Large)More durable than a tennis ball and easier on joints. Labs will destroy a tennis ball in 10 minutes — this lasts.
- FoodSenior Large Breed FormulaLower calories, higher joint-support nutrients. Ask your vet when to make the switch — often around age 7 for Labs.
- CareGlucosamine & Chondroitin SupplementOne of the most evidence-backed supplements for aging joints. Look for Cosequin DS or Nutramax Dasuquin.
- GearOrthopedic Memory Foam Dog BedWorth every penny at this stage. Look for a waterproof liner and washable cover. Big Barker and Casper make Lab-worthy options.
- GearDog Ramp or StepsIf your dog shares the couch or bed, a ramp protects aging joints from the impact of jumping up and down.
- HealthJoint Support Chews or CBD OilTalk to your vet. Many senior dogs benefit from a combination of glucosamine chews + CBD oil for inflammation and comfort.
- GearNon-Slip Paw Grips or BootiesHardwood floors become a hazard for dogs with weakening hind end. Paw grips (like Pawz or Toe Grips) restore traction.
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