Didn't get a pup from this litter? Get yourself on our waiting list. You will receive a notification about next litter. Put the preffered gender of a puppy right next to your name.
Christmas trees can be very attractive for your pet, especially all the nice smelling gifts underneath! The tree respresents many dangers, such as glass balls, christmas lights, plugs, chocolate in presents, etc etc. A good idea is to set up an exercise pen around the tree to keep your dogs away from harm. We actually had a basset hound, who knocked the tree over.
Yes, they are (within a reason, of course). When we first moved to Louisiana (in mid-July), Leia shedded her thick undercoat in just several weeks. She is exptremely silky and smooth now! Make sure to provide plenty of clean and fresh water for your Golden, free access to an airconditioned room, and do not work your Golden too much outside in hot weather.
Some people shave their Goldens, but we think it's a crime. Leia has been doing fine - she just had to adjust her coat naturally.
We will start showing the puppies to the public after they turn 6 weeks. The first inoculation will be given to the litter at that age, and prior to it, the puppies are highly susceptible to many fatal infectious diseases. I will not risk puppies’ lives. Under certain circumstances, I may consider showing the puppies, but no physical contact to be made with ANY animal in the house. If, somehow, you pick a puppy before the release day (by pictures, etc.), there will be NO VISITS to see the puppy before you come to pick him/her up on the release day. The reason is the same: even though given the first shot, they are still not immune – the shot at the age of 6 weeks is just the first one in a series of vaccination.
When the time will come to pick up the puppy, based on the information you’ve provided to me, I will suggest a puppy out of the entire litter that fits your expectations. Some puppies are very active, some puppies are more mellow, some love playing nice, some love playing rough, some are chewers, some are barkers, some think they are “lap dogs”, some prefer to roam around on their own – they all have different personalities just like humans. It will be up to you to decide which puppy you are taking, but I hope you will go with my opinion since I will be continuously observing them since their birth.
Your deposit will be cashed three weeks prior to the release date, and will go towards the purchase price of the puppy.
Remaining balance should be submitted no later than one week prior to the release date, and must be cleared by the bank before you can pick up your puppy.
We feed Iams® ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy Large Breed.
Please feed appropriate food to your puppy. Don't feed the baby adult food - the growing organism needs different diet. For a list of a dog food recalled by US FDA, please follow this link.
Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy is recommended for large breed puppies (51 to 90 lbs. at maturity) 1 to 12 months and giant breed puppies (over 90 lbs. at maturity) 1 to 24 months. Designed for dogs ages 1-24 months and up to 90 lbs at maturity, Iams concentrated nutrition proactively nourishes your large-breed puppy to help keep him at his best.
Natural fish oils with DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), a nutrient vital for optimal brain development, promote smarter, more trainable puppies. Protein sourced from chicken and egg helps build strong, firm muscles. Seven essential nutrients nourish the heart while essential minerals promote strong teeth and bones, and antioxidants help maintain a strong immune system.
A high-quality protein with no fillers or artificial preservatives, Iams is gentle on the digestive system. Fuel your puppy's healthy development with 100% complete and balanced nutrition that's vet recommended and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Grits, Brewers Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Fish Meal, Chicken Flavor, Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Dried Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Caramel, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), DL-Methionine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Rosemary Extract.
Iams® ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy Large Breed Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth.
We use Pyrantel. It is very gentle, it is in a liquid form, which makes it easier to use with puppies, and it is very effective. It treats and prevents roundworms, hookworms and pinworms. The medication is giving to all house animals, including puppies, regularly: puppies receive their first dose at the age of 6 weeks, adult dogs - every 6 months for preventive purposes. UNICEF says that about 1.5 billion people have roundworms, making it the third most common human infection in the worldeople, and more than 1.3 billion people carry hookworm in their gut. Imagine the situation in the dog's world!
It is your responsibility to treat your dog against tapeworms, whipworms and heartworms, and even if your dog doesn't have any parasites, once in 6 month, pick up a package of dewormer and deworm your dog for preventive purposes: your kids are going to kiss the dog, you don't want to take any chances.
The pups will get DA2PPv+C vaccine at the age of 6 weeks. DA2PPv+C vaccine protects against Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 (Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, Parvovirus and Coronavirus. After the initial vaccination, the same shot should be repeated in 2 to 4 weeks untill the dog is 12 weeks old. You will receive your puppy's vaccination records with all the information.
You must vaccinate your puppy against RABIES at the age of 12 weeks at a veterinarian office. It is illegal in the states of AK, AL, AR, CA, CT, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, ME, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OR, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WV and WY to vaccinate against rabies yourself. You must do it at a licensed veterinarian clinic.
In addition, I would highly recommend to bring your puppy for a Lepto shot at the age of 9 weeks. Depending on the vaccine manufacturer, it can be done earlier. The number of canine leptospirosis cases has risen dramatically in recent years impacting urban and rural dogs. Leptospirosis is a life-threatening disease and is now the number one infectious cause of acute renal failure in dogs. Leptospirosis may pose a zoonotic (transmissible) risk to owners.
Being a dog owner has a lot of perks and advantages. However, there can be an occasional accident on the carpet. Sometimes, dogs will forget to go out or have to hold it too long and end up urinating on your carpet. Believe it or not, but this stuff happens even to adult dogs. This in turn leaves a horrible smell. As a dog owner, you don’t have to rip up all your carpets. Learn how to get rid of dog urine carpet odors to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
Go to the area of the rug that has the dog urine. Blot several times with clean rag or paper towels. Repeat this until the area is almost completely dry.
In a spray bottle, mix 1 part distilled vinegar with 4 parts water. You can keep a bottle handy or mix each time there is a dog urine accident on the carpets. It’s up to you.
Spray the carpet area that you just blotted with the mixture. Spray the dog urine spot until it is very damp or almost wet.
Allow the sprayed carpeting to set for 10 minutes. This gives time for the vinegar to neutralize the odors.
After 10 minutes, return to the dog spot. Use paper towels or dry rags to blot completely dry.
Spray the carpeting with an odor neutralizer and let stand for 5 minutes.
Set down two dry paper towels over the dog urine spot. Then cover with a paper grocery bag or newspaper. This will protect the carpet from more dog urine if your dog returns to that particular spot on the carpet.
Check and repair (if needed) the fence around your property;
Take all wires, cables, etc. off the floor, out of puppy's reach - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
Set up the dog bed (crate);
Set up the feeding place;
Pick a call name for the puppy. Later you can figure out a fancy name for his pedigree and registration;
Get an identification tag made in advance for your puppy with your name, phone number, address, and possibly email address. It doesn't need to have puppy’s name on it (as the matter of fact - do not put your dog's name on the tag, I am a firm believer). Also get a small jingle bell and a split ring to attach the tag and bell to the pup’s collar. The jingle bell will help you keep up with the puppy in the house, and the split ring forms a more secure attachment than an “S” hook, making it less likely the tag will be lost;
Work out a schedule for your puppy. Decide which household members will do which care tasks.
A: Here's a good shopping list. Consider using child gates in your home depending on your confinement plan.
BOWLS: Two stainless steel bowls - 2 qt.
DOG FOOD: This should be mostly dry food. Larger dogs are often not feed canned food. Avoid getting the semi-moist foods, as they are low on nutrition. Start your pup with a good Large Breed Puppy Food.
LEASH, nylon or leather, 6' (retractable or "Flexi"-style leashes ok after 6 mos.)
COLLAR, nylon, adjustable; ½" wide (about 10-16" long) or ¾" wide (about 12-20" long), for later I recommend leather collar;
NO: stuffed animals for human kind kids - the dogs can chew through and you will end up in a hospital with stuffing in your dog's stomach, Nylabone items, Greenies bones, chew-hooves
CRATE (cage) or DOG BED - whichever you want to use
Wire crate for the adult size of your puppy if you will use crate;
Vari-Kennel (plastic style) if applicable for auto, airplane transport;
Use one or two bath towels in the crate tray
GROOMING
Coat
Shampoo: Bio-Groom Protein & Lanolin shampoo - bathe when dirty or about twice per month
Pour some warm (never hot) water over food and let soak a minute or two before feeding to aid in digestion and reduce risk of bloat. Stainless steel bowls are best for dog dishes. Make fresh water available throughout the day (or to drink at least three times per day).
Feed three times per day until 16 weeks to allow for best digestibility. If three times/day just won't work with your schedule, you can divide the Total Daily Feeding into two (feed only twice per day). Don't allow your puppy to choice or free feed-- they'll become nibblers and will never become accustomed to eating a full meal when served, even as adults. Most golden retrievers finish up all you give them.
Feed a high quality dry "puppy" or "growth" formula food (it usually has chicken, lamb/rice or turkey/barley as the primary ingredients), available from feed stores or local pet superstores such as Petsmart or Pet Depot. Ingot Goldens puppies have been weaned on ProPlan Chicken & Rice Formula-Puppy (not Large Breed) brand of dry food. If you wish to change, blend in your different food over time. Other high quality feed brands include IAMS, Eukanuba or Purina ONE. A good dry dog food brand available at grocery stores is Purina O-N-E. Do not feed cheaper store brands as they are made with lower quality ingredients and fillers.
From 16 weeks on, the 3 1/2 - 4 cups should be an approximate daily maintenance amount. Ideally, this should be split in two, feeding half in morning and the other half in the evening. If two times a day cannot be arranged, feeding the total amount once per day is okay. Switch from puppy (growth) formulations to normal/adult formulations after reaching about 6 mos. of age. Blend this transition in from puppy to adult formulations.
Keep in mind the goal during puppy feeding (from 8 to 16 weeks) is to provide what the puppy needs during this very rapid growth period, without great surges. Changes in, or additions to a puppy's diet should be made very gradually. Use dog treats (such as milk bones) sparingly and very rarely table scraps even as an adult. The puppy needs twice an adult's maintenance requirement of energy/nutrients until they reach about 1/2 their mature weight.
Keep the puppy trim, not too lean. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can lead to obesity and related problems, or overly rapid growth. The spine should not be readily felt; the ribs should be covered only with a slight layer of fat such that they are not readily seen. Roly-poly tubs of lard are not healthy puppies!
Crate training... this method is undoubtedly the most effective means to "housebreak" your puppy - that is to train them in learning to go outside to do their "business"-- and not in the house. No one wants a "sooner" dog-- they'd sooner go in the house than outside!
Buy that plastic airline-style crate (size "400" or Large) or a wire crate. This will start off as your puppy's "home". Place it in an appropriate place in your home.
The daily routine can start where your puppy is in their crate for no more than about 3 hours during the daytime (8 hours at night is fine). Upon letting the puppy out, proceed directly outside, do not stop to play. Take him or her to the same spot in the yard each time. The same spot is important as it is easier for them to remember they're outside for a purpose. Once they're done, praise them, play with them, throw a ball - whatever you wish. You should bring the puppy outside first thing in the morning, after food and drink, after playtime, and when you see that the puppy is walking in circles and sniffing the floor, and before night. Don't worry, it'll get much better later when your dog is an adult.
After your puppy has learned the drill, it is not uncommon for owners to simply remove the door to the crate and the crate becomes your dog's bed at night.
Yes. We will have to arrange the time, and I will go with you and the puppy. The "extra" vet check is on you. We do bring our puppies to the veterinarians before they get picked up by their new families to make sure that the pups are healthy.
Limited Registration means that the dog is registered but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration.
Chapter 3, Section 4A of the AKC's Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline states the following: "Limited Registration may be requested for a dog when application for individual registration of the dog is submitted, provided the application, together with a request for such limitation, is filed by the owner(s) of the litter at birth.
No offspring of a dog for which Limited Registration has been granted is eligible for registration. Each registration certificate for such dog shall carry notice of the limitation, and the limitation shall continue, regardless of any change of ownership, unless and until the owner(s) of the litter at birth shall apply to AKC for removal of the limitation."
A dog registered with an AKC Limited Registration shall be ineligible to be entered in a breed competition in a licensed or member dog show. It is eligible, however, to be entered in any other licensed or member event. These events include: Obedience, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Agility and Earthdog.
Limited Registration is determined by the litter owner(s). The litter owner(s) check the Limited box on the AKC Dog Registration Application.
Limited Registration certificates are white with an orange border; the Full Registration certificate is white with a purple border.
Limited Registration can be changed to Full Registration only by the litter owner(s). The litter owner(s) will need to obtain the Application to Revoke Limited Status. That form will then need to be completed and sent to our Raleigh address with the processing fee. After processing, we will send a Full Registration certificate to the dog's owner.
Limited Registration helps breeders protect their breeding programs. If breeders do not want puppies used for breeding purposes, they can request the Limited Registration option for those puppies.
All puppies are sold with temporarily Limited AKC registration with the upgrade to the Full AKC Registration (unless otherwise specified) when the following conditions are met:
Free of hip dysplasia (it is recommended to certify the dog at OFA);
Free of hereditary eye disease as certified by a canine ophthalmologist;
Free of any disqualifying features as set out by the Golden Retriever Breed Standard;
Payment is made to the breeder for costs levied by the AKC for cancellation of the non-breeding agreement (about 25 USD for AKC application form plus mailing charges);
Female reaches 2 years of age, male reaches eighteen months of age. Female dogs (not only Golden Retrievers) reach their physical maturity at the age of 2 years, male - at the age of 18 months old. It is cruel, horrible and irresponsible to breed teenage dogs, and this practice is the primary reason for us to sell the puppies with temporarily Limited Registration;
The Buyer agrees to make themselves knowledgeable of the process of breeding, pregnancy, whelping, and the conscientious raising of pups prior to the non-breeding agreement being lifted.
No sound breeder will ever breed a dog that will produce puppies with attributes, which make the offsprings unwanted: weak puppies, sick puppies, puppies with disqualifying features. Puppies like that are unsellable, and end up in shelters, pet stores, abandoned, abused or euthanized.
Breeders who breed dogs under the full physical maturity age are backyard breeders, who are going for the money and care about nothing, but checks coming in.
By the time your dog reaches the above mention age, you will know for sure if you want to breed the dog. Meanwhile, take care of your new puppy and raise it into a beautiful, healthy and solid adult. You will see no hesitation from us to revoke puppy's Limited Registration when the above conditions met.
WRONG. It is our business. However, do not confuse this with control of any sort. Your dog is your dog, but they are also our "children" and we get attached to each and every puppy and their fate is not indifferent to us. We will be happy if your puppy becomes a Champion, we will cheer for the puppy that turned out to be a great hunter, we will be sad to hear if your puppy got sick, we will be devastated when your dog leaves this world of old age. We want to see pictures, share experience and concerns. We want to know how you guys are doing!
Another reason: if at any time you will become unable to keep the dog due to some drastic circumstances, we will take it. You are prohibited to sell the dog through any pet store or surrender the animal to a shelter.
One more reason: upgrading to Full Registration.
If you have no intention to keep in touch - an occasional email with a couple of pictures! - please find a different breeder.
I suggest that you pick up your puppy no later than Friday of the release week. Bring the children - we'll take a picture of you and your new family member!
If you are unable to pick up your puppy Friday-Sunday of the release week, you should let us know ahead of time. We will take care of your puppy until you can pick it up (no longer than 3 days). If you fail to pick up your puppy after three days, we reserve the right to refuse this sale, keep the deposit, and return the remaining amount of the purchase price to you.
Why Friday? The weekend is coming and you will be able to spend more time with your new family member. Not only it will positively affect your relationship with a new baby, but it will also give you plenty of time to help puppy adjusting to the new home. Some puppies "cry" for the first couple of nights, because they feel lonely and Mommy is not there anymore. Would you prefer to get up several times during first night knowing you have to go to work at 7 AM? I don't think so either. Let's make Puppy Arrival a pleasant experience, that will be easy for everyone: you, your family, and your new best friend.
All payments must be cleared by the bank before you can pick up your puppy.
P.S. In order to reduce stress, we include a chew toy or a small blanket with Leia’s scent in the Puppy Package. The puppy is much calmer when he feels Mom’s presence.
Deposits are non-refundable because when you place a deposit, the puppy of your choice is no longer available to other prospective owners. Puppies that are older than usual age of release, are much harder to place in a good home. If you were to back out, you dramatically affect puppy's life.
Deposits may vary in amount based on the purchase price of your puppy. We accept checks and cash. You will receive a receipt. Deposit goes towards the purchase price of the puppy, but remember that all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable and are required to hold your puppy. If you decide you don't want or can't afford the puppy you have placed your deposit on, then you forfeit your deposit, and cannot transfer the deposit to another puppy. Deposits are placed in order to secure the puppy of your choice from being purchased by another buyer. Without a deposit someone else can buy the puppy of your choice.
Deposits will be cashed in three weeks prior to the release date. All payments must be cleared by the bank (unless you're paying cash) before you can pick up your puppy.
First of all, you should get on our Waiting List (please see left column of the website). When I receive your request, I will email you back to find out what qualities you are looking for in a dog, or, judging by some of your answers, I will get an idea of what kind of dog you want, and we’ll go from there.
When the puppies arrive, you will be one of the first families to hear the happy announcement. When you decide what gender your dog should be (and any other specifications – coat, etc.), I suggest that you place a deposit. We accept checks, money orders and cash (you’ll receive a receipt).
Once you decide which puppy is right for you and that you definitely want a particular puppy, I will ask that you place a deposit to reserve your future puppy. The deposit equals half of the purchase price. This reservation guarantees that when the puppy is old enough, you will get the puppy you have chosen.
We ask for a deposit so that we are guaranteed that you are serious about wanting a specific puppy. The deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE and we cannot guarantee a puppy without a deposit.
We do our best to assure that every puppy we produce is as healthy as possible. We provide all of our dogs with the best food, care and medical attention we possibly can. We do appropriate health checks. We screen our dogs (both Leia and Persy - our St. Bernard, and sires used in breeding) for general health concerns that might be hereditary and we do our best to avoid breeding to dogs that have been proven to produce specific hereditary defects or other health issues. We firmly believe that the puppies we produce are as healthy as we can possibly make them. Leia is pending her heart/elbow/hip/eyes certfication this fall.
Please keep in mind when looking for a puppy, that breeding dogs is not like manufacturing parts or products on an assembly line. There are no guarantees that ANY dog will be perfectly healthy its entire life and will die of old age after 15 years of frolicking through sunlit, fragrant meadows. Dogs are living, breathing creatures and as such are subject to the laws of nature. No breeder has complete control or understanding of the multitude of genetic variables present within a particular dog or dogs. Nor can a breeder predict with any level of accuracy what impact some of these genetic variables and other natural or environmental factors may have on a particular dog or litter.
Frankly, breeding dogs (or any living animal) is often a crap shoot. Sometimes you're lucky, sometimes you're not. Every puppy that a breeder produces is at some risk for defects or other health issues due to naturally occurring birth defects, environmental factors, genetic mutations or anomalies and the influence of hidden genes within each breeding dog. It is not possible for anyone to eliminate the majority of these risk factors. (Even we humans, with our incredible research into genetic engineering, leaps in medical technology and advancements in human pre-natal care cannot be assured that every baby born will be perfectly formed; will never be diagnosed with a serious disease or illness; or will never suffer from another type of serious health issue.) These are the realities of life and an inescapable truth.
However, while we must accept that luck and chance play some role in the big scheme of things, let me explain what responsible breeders do to ensure that each puppy has the best chance of living a long and healthy life. Responsible breeders learn to try to stack the deck in their favor. A good breeder can learn to produce more consistently healthy puppies by studying their breed's genetic history, making a serious effort to minimize the risk factors for each litter they produce, having their breeding dogs health tested and by providing the best food and care they possibly can. This is what we try to do with our dogs.
Unfortunately, puppy buyers must keep in mind that ours, or another breeder's, best efforts may not always be enough to prevent a problem. The laws of nature will eventually catch up with everyone and the bottom line is: no breeder can produce 100% perfect puppies.
The longer a breeder is involved in breeding and the more puppies he/she produces, the more problems the breeder is likely to become aware of within his/her kennel. EVERY breeder will eventually face the disappointment and heartbreak of puppies being born or diagnosed with a genetic defect or serious health issue.
How a breeder deals with these issues will divide the responsible breeders from the riff-raff. A really good breeder will meet challenges and disappointments head-on, will learn from these experiences and will work to overcome and defeat these set-backs. A poor breeder will ignore health problems within their kennel, may try to hide or dispose of these animals to unsuspecting buyers and will often and loudly proclaim that they have NO health problems within their own dogs. (It's easy to claim your dogs have no health issues when you don't do health testing to prove this one way or another!) These breeders are also often the first to point out the problems in another breeder's kennel and to disparage other breeders' dogs or breeding practices.
Yes, we do. Shipping within USA is 380 USD (everything included for the trip: airline approved kennel, health certificate, food, etc.) and increases with the age of a puppy because the puppy grows and needs bigger kennel to fly.
Our puppies come to you socialized to children and other dogs, accustomed to car rides, groomed, possibly house-trained (depends on the age at release), healthy, beautiful and happy. They will have their shots up to date and will be dewormed.
The Puppy package also includes the following:
AKC Registration Papers;
Copies of Dam and Sire Pedigrees (or Litter Pedigree);
Copy of signed Sale Contract;
A set of Brochures on very important subjects;
Vaccination Records & Vaccination Schedule;
Health Certificate*;
2-year Health Guarantee;
A small blanket or a chew toy**;
A book about Golden Retrievers***;
A collar;
Lifetime Email and/or phone support.
-------------- * - after release at 10 weeks of age for congenital disorders; ** - with Leia's scent for your puppy not to feel very lonely the first couple of nights at his new home; *** - of our choice. You should pick up the book a week before you pick up the puppy.
Most puppies do not come with a name. It is up to you to pick a name for your puppy and you can use whatever you want. Puppy names at the website are for humans, for easier identification only.
No puppy leaves before the first shots and before being able to eat very well on its own. Usually these requirements are met when a pup is 7 weeks old.
If you get your puppy before the age of 7 weeks, the animal develops unhealthy dependency on humans. When you get a puppy older than 12 weeks, it has no dependency on humans whatsoever, he doesn't feel "attached" to you and have way too much independence. Age of 7 to 12 weeks is the best age to get a puppy and develop a healthy "master" - "dog" connection.
Yes, but this will be twice as much mess, time, training, and expense. An important part of adopting a golden is the continuing financial responsibility. Routine veterinary care and food range from 800 to 1200 USD per year for one dog that has no health issues. Yearly shots, heartworm preventative, flea/tick treatment throughout the summer, grooming and feeding a premium food add up quickly. This does not include any emergency medical treatments or surgeries that a dog may need at some point in his/her life. Many breeders will not sell two puppies a the same time, worrying that the arrangement is not in the puppy’s best interest. Some recommend that you consider a puppy and then an older rescue dog or that you wait until your puppy is at least 6 months old before getting another.
This notion is an old and outdated myth. The best hunting dog you will ever get will be happiest when he has bonded closely to you and is living inside your home as a well loved pet. Again, Goldens are miserable when left alone for long periods of time. Goldens, when sharing the home with their family, will bond with their owners and work hard to please them in the home and the field.
"Just a pet" encompasses an awful lot! You want your pet to be healthy - no crippling hip problems, no potentially fatal heart defects, no chronic skin and ear problems, and most of all - you want that Golden temperament that you've heard so much about! There are no guarantees in dog breeding, but as with most other things, a person's skills improve with experience and study. A responsible breeder knows that breeding means much more than putting two intact dogs together and waiting 8-9 weeks for puppies. It involves carefully researching pedigrees, screening for defects, proper care of the dam (mother) while she's pregnant and skillful handling of the new puppies during the critical first 8 weeks of life, not to mention taking care of the Dam from childhood to adulthood. That is a whole lot of work right there! Finding a responsible breeder who has become a student of the breed and has the level of knowledge necessary to make good decisions significantly raises your chances of finding the healthy, stable pet you are looking for.
As far as expense, you are adding a new member to your family for the next 10-15 years. Now is not the time to penny pinch! The breeder will have considerable expense involved in the selection, raising, competition and screening of her dogs. A pet store often costs as much as a well-bred one and a "bargain" puppy is just what it is - "a bargain puppy". You can't buy a Mercedes for a price of Chevy.
Every dog and their owner should attend obedience classes. Goldens are large dogs and because they get over excited when they greet guest they need to know their basic commands such as heel, sit, stay, and come. Obedience classes are a great bonding experience for you and your Golden Retriever. Dog Training Classes in Gillette, WY: 1000 S Douglas Hwy, Gillette, WY, (307) 682-5470. You need to call ahead because they only do the classes if a certain number of people sign up.
Golden Retrievers are family dogs. They live for their family and have great need in people, so they are poorly suited to live just in a backyard. When they are bored and stressed, they develop behavior problems, such as digging, barking, and become destructive. We will not sell you a puppy if you're planning to keep it outside at all times.
Not typically, but they can if they are bored. If your dog barks for no reason, purchase a training collar - 3 days and your dogs will control his/her barking.
Goldens can be wonderful family dogs, however parents need to be aware of a few precautions.
First and foremost, children need to be taught how to interact with a dog and Goldens are no exception. Each year many children are victims of dog bites (Golden Retrievers are biters # 1 in the USA - surprise, surprise!) and this can be due to ongoing mistreatment of the dog by children or because the dog and family were not properly matched by the breeder or rescue. A responsible breeder or rescue organization will make sure that any puppy they place with children is temperamentally suited for an active family.
Many Goldens become homeless due to the fact that an adult has added a Golden to the family for the wrong reasons:
As a gift to a child with the expectation that the child will be the primary caretaker.
To play with the children and keep them occupied, giving the adults more free time, without plans to supervise the interactions.
Stocking stuffers, Easter Puppies, etc. etc.
Adding a Golden Retriever to the family can be wonderful, but adults must understand the responsibilities that are involved. Feeding, grooming, exercising, obedience lessons, etc. are the entire family’s responsibility, but must be supervised and coordinated by an adult. Being the primary caretaker for a dog is not a job that can be left to the children.
A dog will pick the leader of the pack from the get go (read – in a couple of days in a new home), others - especially children - are "pack buddies". Do not let your dog think that! She/he will start moving up the pack ladder by all means possible. Just let your dog know who's the boss, and that is Human – no matter – an adult or a child. It is your responsibility as an adult to teach your dog to never harm a child, even if a 3 year old kid is dragging the dog by the tail! Yes, yes, poor dog! But small kids are small kids, and there is nothing you can do about it. The dog should never show ANY sign of aggression towards children. It is punishable and unacceptable and your dog must know this rule.
As for the little kids, stop them from hurting the dog, and always explain the reason. They learn quickly too! Older children should be given a more strict comment.
We did a beautiful job on Leia - and I am very proud of this. When we got Leia, our daughter was one year old and our son was 5. Dogs grow much faster than kids, but Leia had never harmed my children in any way (believe me, she has angelic patience!) even by accident and she has much consideration for the children of our own, neighbors' children and any other little guests. The kids can pull food out of her mouth and she won't even blink.
You should be certain that your busy life leaves time for an active Golden Retriever before you purchase or adopt one. Most Goldens are wonderful with children; however, they are large dogs and can knock a child down easily, so until you know your dog's behavior patterns, be careful. Accidents happen.
Temperamentally, there is little difference between the sexes in Goldens. Neither sex is harder to housetrain, and both are equally intelligent and affectionate. Both are excellent with children, and both make excellent companions. Problems of aggressiveness, which males of other breeds may exhibit, should not occur in the Golden. Sex-related behavior such as mounting and marking may be exhibited by some male Goldens, particularly if other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. Neutering a male before a year of age will not only help to alleviate these problems, but will also eliminate the risk of testicular cancer.
We feed Iams® ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy Large Breed. 
