August 11, 2008

Golden Retriever Puppy Basics

There is no doubt that Golden Retriever puppies are cute, but those fuzzy little faces are just the beginning. Golden Retrievers tend to remain puppies for the first few years of life, with plenty of energy and a need to be with you as much as possible. Training and attention are the two biggest requirements for Golden Retriever puppies, as well as enough food to satisfy their voracious appetites and plenty of chew toys to keep them entertained. With the proper preparation and care, you can have a dog that is well behaved, healthy and happy. The first step in caring for Golden Retriever puppies is selecting the right breeder and then choosing the best dog from that breeder We have tips to help you do that, and give you the supplies and information that you will need to collect before you ever bring that puppy home. If you are well prepared to receive your new pet into your home, you will be much more successful in the housebreaking and training of your dog. A Golden Retriever that is properly trained and cared for is a delight to his family and the visitors that come to his home. Before you head to the first breeder that you find on the Internet to examine his latest litter of Golden Retriever puppies, find out if this is the breeder that you want to work with. A responsible breeder is much more likely to breed healthy, good-tempered animals. Ask the breeder if he has documentation to show that he is actively breeding out hereditary disorders, and get the veterinarian records for the particular litter that you are considering. A good breeder will have questions for you also, since responsible breeders will want to make sure that their dogs go to the best homes possible. After selecting a breeder, stock up on puppy supplies before bringing your new dog home, such as feeding dishes, a collar and leash and a crate for sleeping and housebreaking. Do your homework ahead of time, so that you know how you will begin the housebreaking process from the first day your pup comes home. It is also important to establish the rules of the house from the first day, so there is never any confusion about whether your new pup is allowed to sit on the couch or sleep in your bed. Golden Retriever puppies are a great addition to many homes, as long as the potential owners do their homework to ensure they end up with pups that are good tempered, healthy and well socialized. Once you have chosen a reputable breeder, it is a good idea to stock up on necessary supplies so that care and training of your new Golden Retriever pup can begin from the first day that you bring him home. Most owners of these dogs will begin with housebreaking, and then move into obedience training as the dog and owner develop a relationship with one another. When you prepare well and select your pup with care, a Golden Retriever can be the perfect choice in pets for many families today. A friendly dog that is always ready to play and never wants to be far from his family, the Golden Retriever has a well deserved reputation as one of the most popular breeds today. If you decide to add a Golden to your family, you will have a dog that will bring years of enjoyment and companionship to everyone in your family. While Golden Retriever puppies are cute and irresistible, acquiring one should never be done without plenty of preparation in terms of supplies and education. Before you bring your dog home from the breeder, it is important to learn all you can about Golden Retriever puppy care through articles like this, a reputable breeder and your veterinarian.

July 28, 2008

What To Consider With Golden Retriever Puppies

It is important to consider whether or not Golden Retriever puppies are right for you before you choose to add one to your household. This may be the right breed for you if you want a large and athletic dog. If you want a cheerfully natured dog with a wagging tail or if you want a dog that is up for various athletic activities and needs vigorous exercise, a dog that is dependable with most people and has a very steady temperament. If you have other animals you want your dog to get along with or if you want a dog that will be eager to please you and therefore quite responsive to training a Golden Retriever is for you. For certain people these are factors that will attract them to the breed and for others they can also be factors that will turn them away from the breed. Before deciding whether or not a Golden Retriever puppy is right for you based on the above factors you also need to consider some negative points. Until Golden Retriever puppies turn about three years old they will be very vigorous. This means you will have a puppy that will romp and jump a lot, resulting in flying objects and people a lot of the time. Therefore, Golden Retriever puppies may not be best for households with small children, the elderly or the infirmed. However, you can still get an older Golden Retriever rather than a puppy if you still like the idea of getting a Golden Retriever even if you have people like this in your household. It is too much of a temptation for the puppy to rough play. The Golden Retriever puppy will experience joint and bone problems and eye diseases as it ages so another factor you want to consider is health problems. The Golden Retriever is one of the riskiest breeds when it comes to health problems because of over breeding and poor breeding practices. Grooming is yet another area to consider since their feathered coat will require you to do regular brushing and combing along with the occasional trim. Another issue you want to consider is separation anxiety. Golden Retriever puppies experience this more than other breeds which means they require a lot of companionship and should only be left alone for a few hours at a time. Their unhappiness at being left alone for longer periods of time will be expressed through various destructive behaviors such as barking and chewing. Therefore, Golden Retriever puppies may not be right for you if you can't be home during the day. The shedding and odor factor may also be something you want to consider. The Golden Retriever sheds more than any other breed, even when you pet them the fur will come off on your hands. After coming off, their fur sticks like glue to clothing, upholstery and carpeting. So be prepared to do a lot of vacuuming. The breed also has the permanent dog odor that many don't like, even with constant bathing it can be difficult to complete get rid of this smell. Only certain households and individuals will find that Golden Retriever puppies are right for them. Finally you can focus on the task of how to choose the right Golden Retriever puppy once you know they are right for you and your household.

July 16, 2008

House Rules For Golden Retriever Puppies

Golden Retriever puppies are very adorable, but even their cute behavior, like jumping onto laps and barking at anything different will get old as they grow up. They don’t stay small for long. A pup that is twelve pounds at a couple of months will be thirty-five pounds by four months and easily sixty-five pounds by a year of age. It is best to teach them good habits right from the beginning, as bad habits are much harder to get rid of than to teach good habits from the start. The best time to determine boundaries with your puppy is before you even bring it into your house. Will you have any rooms be off limits to the Golden Retriever puppy? Is it allowed to jump into laps or climb on the furniture? It is important to identify early on which things you will allow and disallow, and then be consistent with your puppy so that he isn’t confused. Golden Retriever puppies tend to nip and chew as they play, as they are getting in their adult teeth and mouthing things feels good. Using a firm voice and removing your hands can discourage it, though. Instead, give your puppy a rope toy or another interesting chew toy. Be sure to praise your puppy when he chews on an appropriate toy. It can also be helpful to not let your puppy out of your sight when he is out of his crate, since they often chew out of curiosity. Puppies also tend to bark and growl as they play. This is best to curtail from the start. Don’t bark or growl at your Golden Retriever puppy while you are playing, as that will encourage the behavior. Along the same lines, some Golden Retrievers smile or talk with a growly sound when they are excited and happy. While it isn’t dangerous, it can be confusing to visitors. It is also important for your Golden Retriever puppy to not begin to be possessive of its food bowl or toys. You should be able to take away toys or food without the puppy growling at you. Golden Retriever puppies can be a lot of fun to be with and play with, but it is important that they be trained appropriately. Specifically, puppies should be trained to respect people by not growling and barking at them unduly, and to not nip and chew on fingers. They can be taught instead to chew on toys. They also need to learn to let people touch their food bowl and toys, as a puppy that growls for every little thing is annoying to be around. It may be cute when still a puppy, but this behavior will get old fast as they grow and be harder to get rid of. Obedience classes are important for puppies, and you can find them locally. It is best if the class is held in a regular training facility, which eliminates many distractions that might be present if the class is held in a pet store or similar place. The training session will also train you, the owner, on how to handle your dog. It is best to use food as a positive reward during training. Golden Retriever puppies do not respond well to screaming or yelling, intimidation or other negative training. Golden Retriever puppies need to be taught to not chew and nip, to not growl at people touching their food bowl and toys, and to not growl and bark during lay. Choosing Golden Retriever puppy names is easier if one understands typical Golden Retriever puppy behavior.

July 07, 2008

Golden Retriever And Backyard Breeders

There may be different reasons why you are seeking out places that offer Golden Retriever puppies for sale including wanting a pet, or owning a dog to go hunting with or having a companion that obeys your every command or even a show dog and finally for a combination of these reasons. Regardless of why you wish to acquire Golden Retriever puppies, you will have to bear the burden of bringing up and caring for as well as training your new acquisitions so that they live to their fullest potential. Remember also that Golden Retrievers are not the best watchdogs and because they are going to shed their coat it may upset your calculations about keeping your home spotlessly clean. However, it is a good idea to get the Golden Retrievers when they are still puppies, though you will still have to make a commitment to training and caring for them from their very earliest formative years. Still, your main concern with regard to your Golden Retrieve puppies is that they are of sound disposition, good and healthy creatures and well socialized as well and that is what you need to look for when visiting a source that is offering Golden Retriever puppies for sale. There are no doubts the fact that the Golden Retriever puppies are most amazing creatures that will prove to be welcome additions to every home and owning them will give you a certain sense of pride that you would want others to appreciate. Nevertheless, it is advisable for you to, before you check out various sources offering Golden Retriever puppies for sale, avoid the local puppy mills and even tread cautiously when dealing with backyard breeders. Backyard breeders may be the lesser of two evils and will prove a worthwhile option if you are truly constrained for choice in sourcing decent Golden Retriever puppies. Such breeders will no doubt, take good care of their Golden Retrievers and they may even breed for reasons other than making money and so can be trusted to a certain extent. In any case, these breeders will do everything to ensure that their Golden Retriever puppies for sale conform to basic breed standards and thus you could pick up cute Golden Retriever puppies from such a source. All in all, many Golden Retriever puppies for sale can be obtained from all kind of sources though you would do well to try reputable breeders whose names can be found by visiting the Golden Retriever Club of America and also from local member clubs. In fact, such breeders can also point you in the right direction in finding decent Golden Retriever puppies should they not have what you are looking for. However, whatever else you do, you should never rush into buying Golden Retriever puppies and instead exercise common sense and be patient. Your main concern with regard to finding Golden Retriever puppies for sale is to ensure that the puppies enjoy good health and will grow into becoming fine specimens of their breed. With patience and judicious decision-making, you can save yourself from a lot of trouble and also save your money by not ending up with puppies with health problems or other defects and thus buy only from reputable breeders or even hobby breeders. You need only ensure that you buy from a source offering Golden Retriever puppies for sale that has experience in breeding and in whom you can place your trust, because buying from puppy mills and backyard breeders will hurt you rather than satisfy you. There is a lot to consider with regard to puppies for sale and also Golden Retriever puppy supplies and to address these needs.

June 23, 2008

You're Not Alone Finding Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale

So, you want a Golden Retriever puppy, do you? If you've taken the time to do research on Golden Retriever information and think they can fit well into your life, than you can continue looking for Golden Retriever puppies for sale. If you have no idea of what you are getting yourself in for, stop and go check out the requirements for these big energetic dogs. There's no point in getting a Golden Retriever if you can't be sure you can commit to his or her proper care. The best places to find Golden Retriever puppies for sale is from licensed breeders or from Golden Retriever breed rescues. Technically, a breed rescue will not have Golden Retriever puppies for sale, but they will have adoption fees of a few hundred dollars. The adoption fee is to discourage those who would use the dogs for nefarious purposes. Breed rescues rarely have young puppies and usually have males. The worst place you can go to find Golden Retriever puppies for sale is your local pet store. If you can help it, never even buy any Golden Retriever puppy supplies from any store unethical enough to sell puppies. All Golden Retriever puppies for sale at pet stores are from inhumane puppy mills – all of them. These puppy mills not only treat the adult breeding dogs very cruelly – often never taking them to see a vet in their short, miserable lives – but the puppies produced are usually sickly, mentally challenged troublemakers instead of good pets. A good Golden Retriever breeder would never sell their puppies to a pet store because they would not be able to control what puppies would go to what home. A pet store never stops to check your references or cares if you've ever owned a dog before. They just want your money. They are usually not a very good source of Golden Retriever information when you inevitably have problems with your new puppy. The best place you can go to find Golden Retriever puppies for sale is from an AKC licensed breeder. You can find them on the web, by going to dog shows, through classifieds in dog magazines or from personal recommendations by people you know with well-behaved Golden Retrievers. When looking online, ignore any site that has puppies 365 days of the year. That's a puppy mill (or puppy broker) in disguise as a breeder. A Golden Retriever breeder knows the personalities of all of his or her puppies and knows how to best match a puppy to your home, lifestyle and level of Golden Retriever experience. Fortunately, there are far more breeders who love dogs and treat them well then there are evil breeders. Go to see the parents of your prospective puppy to see what kind of dogs they are – and what conditions they live in. Never buy a puppy you have never met. Golden Retriever puppies should always be purchased from a registered breeder with references, or adopted from a rescue center. Supplying Golden Retriever puppy care is a small price to pay for a lifetime of companionship.

June 15, 2008

Finding A Golden Retriever Breeder In The Northeast

There is no doubting the fact that the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular, utilitarian, and family friendly dog breeds in the world. The inherent traits in the breed such as intelligence, faithfulness, eagerness to please, agility, and even temper make the Golden Retriever an excellent family pet and sporting dog. The Golden Retriever dates back to 19th century Scotland. Lord Tweedmouth bred the first Golden Retrievers from a variety of dog breeds including the Tweed Water Spaniel and the Irish Setter. Perhaps due to their Irish Setter ancestry, early Golden Retrievers were dark gold to copper in color. Today, a Golden Retriever breeder aims to breed puppies with cream to light gold coats. Copper and rust colored coats are banned from competition. The American Kennel Club registered the Golden Retriever in 1925 and the breed has had an illustrious competition history since. A Golden Retriever won the very first obedience championship. Few Golden Retrievers are behavior school dropouts. The breed excels at following directions and learning new skills. Many buyers desire not only purebred Golden Retriever puppies but also champion purebreds. Though the price is higher, puppies from champion lines retain their value and may pay owners back in a big way if they win in competition. Unfortunately, because of the demand for Golden Retrievers, there are illegitimate breeders who will falsify records to raise the price of non-champion litters. These breeders use puppy mills to make a profit by churning out a high number of litters in a short period of time. This practice causes both mothers and puppies to become unhealthy. It is important that buyers do their research so that they do not buy from backyard breeders and continue the cycle of abuse. A bad Golden Retriever breeder should be reported immediately as they often cage animals and allow them no socialization or ability to play. This animal abuse and neglect should not be tolerated. Good Golden Retriever breeders are often affiliated with or run animal rescue centers that rescue and re-socialize abused purebred dogs. It is never acceptable to buy a Golden Retriever from a pet store. Pet store puppies have been shipped (and often sedated) across the country and put up on shelves like other store merchandise. These puppies have spent their entire lives in cages, receiving little to no socialization and there is no guarantee where they have come from. A Golden Retriever breeder that brokers or sells to pet stores should be avoided and reported. These puppies have most likely come from puppy mills or puppy auctions and may have significant health and behavioral problems. Good breeders want to see puppies go to loving, permanent homes. They want to interview buyers and have buyers interview them. Breeders who sell to pet stores don't know what type of home their puppies will go to and never meet buyers or see their puppies again. The only good places to buy Golden Retrievers are from respected breeders with references and their own kennels or from rescue centers, which are often run by knowledgeable breeders. Reputable Golden Retriever breeders would never sell puppies to a pet store. This article provides Golden Retriever information about how to recognize a bad breeder.

June 04, 2008

Go For Gold: Champion Golden Retriever Breeders

The history of the Golden Retriever dog breed is brief. A Scottish Lord living on the Tweed River developed the breed in 19th century Scotland. Lord Tweedmouth wished to breed a yellow water spaniel. He mated the Tweed Water Spaniel, Irish Setter and several other dog breeds to create a breed similar to the Golden Retriever of today. Perhaps due to their Irish Setter ancestry, many of the first Golden Retriever had much darker gold to copper-colored coats than those seen today. Golden Retriever Breeders prefer dogs with cream to light gold coats. Though the American Kennel Club, which sets the desired breed characteristics, does not prohibit darker coats, copper or rust colored coats are not allowed. Classified as a breed in England in 1913, America in 1925 and Canada in 1927, the Golden Retriever has consistently been in the top ten most popular dog breeds. It cannot be overstated that the Golden Retriever has excellent traits for both sporting and family living. The breed is mild-mannered, extremely intelligent, loyal, eager to please, easily trainable, and beautiful. All of these traits make the Golden Retriever a beloved pet and a champion competitor. Some of the most desired characteristics of Golden Retrievers are intelligence, trainability, beauty, gentleness and hunting and tracking ability. The first dog to win an American Kennel Club obedience championship was a Golden Retriever. The breed has the lowest rate of behavior school dropouts due to the breed's eagerness to please as well as inherent intelligence. Though Golden Retriever breeders may have champion ancestry in their bloodlines, Golden Retrievers are still prone to health problems like many other pure breeds. The average life span for a Golden Retriever is only ten to thirteen years with many not making it to the minimum age at death. Golden Retrievers are highly focused. This can be a good trait but it can also be something owners must watch out for. Golden Retrievers will focus on work so much that they wear themselves out or focus on food so much that they become obese. Owners must be aware of the activities of Golden Retrievers and monitor their food intake and activity level closely. Golden Retriever breeders you should avoid have the opposite characteristics from the traits listed below. All of the following are signs of reputable Golden Retriever breeders: -Breeders maintain their own kennels and allow buyers to visit -Puppies have been socialized and are allowed in the breeder's home. -Puppies and parents have been screened for common genetic defects. -Breeders provide documentation of ancestry, pedigree, etc. -Medical records and immunizations are available upon request. -Breeders will inform buyers of any known physical or behavioral problems in a line. -Breeders do NOT sell to pet stores. -Breeders provide warranties and may accept returns. -Breeders either run or are affiliated with Golden Retriever rescue centers. -Breeders answer all of buyers' questions thoroughly and are knowledgeable on the breed. -Breeders interview buyers to make sure buyers and puppies are a good match. -Breeders educate buyers on how to train, groom, and care for puppies. -Breeders have references available upon request. Look for breeders with these traits and avoid those that cannot meet these requirements or even cannot answers questions about the Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and loyal dog breeds. Golden Retriever breeders look for breed specific traits such as friendliness and loyalty. If you are looking for Golden Retriever information and information about breeders, you will be find answers in this article.

May 25, 2008

What To Look For In A Golden Retriever Breeder

If a Golden Retriever breeder is reputable then they will be listed with a national registry. You can also do a search on the Internet to find out if your Golden Retriever breeder has had a complaint filed against them recently. Your vet can also be a good source of advice when it comes to choosing a reputable Golden Retriever breeder. One overlooked source of checking on a potential Golden Retriever breeder is with the local law enforcement. One of the best sources for finding breeder registries is the Internet. By going with a Golden Retriever breeder who is a member of a registry ensures that you are getting someone who adheres to the specific breeding standards set force by their registry. If a breeder isn't listed with a registry then be suspicious and always ask them about what standards they use. If you are looking at a breeders website then it should contain a detailed history of the breed along with the companies specific breeding information. It is also advisable that you always ask for references and contact a few people who have used the breeder first. It likely you took a long time to decide that a Golden Retriever puppy was right for your household. After this difficult decision has been made it is just as important that you do research on the Golden Retriever breeder you are considering and to set up a quality relationship with your Golden Retriever breeder. By accidentally choosing a fake breeder you will not only have a long relationship with them but your dog's life also depends on the breeder that you choose. So carefully consider the Golden Retriever breeder you are thinking of buying from and make sure they are a quality breeder before you get your next family pet from them. In order to do this you need to talk with the prospective breeder and listen to the information they give. They may not be a quality breeder if they can't offer helpful information. It is also likely that they are a fake Golden Retriever breeder if they seem like they don't know what they are talking about. Before making the final decision to purchase a puppy from a particular breeder it is also a good idea to get your vet's opinion about the Golden Retriever breeder. Choosing a breeder is also an excellent time to get to know your vet and their opinion, especially if this is going to be your first family pet. You should take your vets advice if they say your Golden Retriever breeder isn't the best and start looking for another breeder to get your new family pet from. Talking with breeders can be tricky since the subject of getting a new puppy can be a sensitive issue. Although it may be a good idea to talk with local law enforcement as will to see if they have a record from the breeder for any law violations which can be good indicators as to what they are like. If there are any violations whatsoever against the breeder then it may be a good idea to get your puppy from another Golden Retriever breeder. Choosing Golden Retriever breeders isn't an easy task and should not be taken lightly. When it comes to choosing a breeder it can be helpful to know Golden Retriever information.

May 15, 2008

Questions For A Golden Retriever Breeder

Getting a Golden Retriever puppy should take a lot of time and effort on your part. You need not only to find a Golden Retriever breeder, but also need to visit them and interview them. A good Golden Retriever breeder will then do the same with you. With a good Golden Retriever breeder, no money is enough money to sell a beloved puppy to a person unsuitable to own a pet rock, let alone a loving Golden Retriever. You should ask for references. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will be more than happy to provide them. They will reply like a grandparent talking about their grandchildren. You might even have to ask the Golden Retriever breeder to shut up about the references. This is a very good sign. Also ask what they look for in an ideal Golden Retriever owner. If all they talk about is the check clearing, than this is not the breeder for you. First off, do not be afraid to ask any questions of your Golden Retriever breeder. It is your right – not just from a business standpoint, but from an ethical standpoint, too. You are bringing this creature into your home and your heart for however long the Golden Retriever should live. You might as well know what you are getting yourself in for. Forewarned is forearmed. Ask the breeder for references, whether from past customers or from their vet. Ask the breeder why they breed Golden Retrievers. Ask them what they think makes a perfect Golden Retriever. Their answers should be more concerned about the dog's health and personalities rather than looks. Also ask whether the parents are gun dogs (hunting dogs) or show dogs. There is a different temperament and sometimes a different body shape between working dogs and show dogs. If you are an avid duck hunter, then you will have no interest in show dog stock. You also want to ask for a written contract, which spells out what the breeder is responsible for. A good Golden Retriever breeder will already have such a contract for you! A good breeder will also be able to not only show you the puppy's mother, but also her health certificates. You need to be sure the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and eye conditions that can be passed genetically. Then ask yourself why you are going through all of this. If you want show dogs, breeding dogs or hunting dogs, then stick with the Golden Retriever breeder you can best get along with and is as proud of his or her dogs like they would be their children. If you want a pet, then please do not go to a breeder. Instead, go to a Golden Retriever breed rescue group and adopt an adult or older puppy. You'll save a life and get a financial break that way. This article is meant to help inform the public that not all Goldie breeders are good Golden Retriever breeders. Golden Retriever information is abundant on the Internet.

May 07, 2008

Guide To Dogs: Finding Golden Retriever Breeders

Any person who is interested in getting a Golden Retriever as a pet is first going to have to learn about the differences between Golden Retriever breeders. There are literally thousands of professional and personal breeders located around the world, but there are those that are worth checking out and those that should be avoided. The bad apples are typically known as mass breeders, who tend to breed large numbers of dogs and then do not properly care for these dogs. They are more interested in the financial aspect of things and not for the breed of dog. Some of these breeders are actually not educated at all on the breed and have no idea what they are doing. This typically results in poorly behaved, sickly dogs that may never be able to get their behavioral problems fixed, even with professional training. It is well worth it for any potential Golden Retriever owner to take the time to find the right breeder. In order to find the best of the best when it comes to Golden Retriever breeders, the first thing you should do is ask questions. You want to know how long they have been breeding, whether they deal with any other breed of dog, and what their credentials are. Any good breeder is going to be happy to answer your inquiries and supply you with the paperwork and other information that you need. A good breeder is also going to be prepared to ask their own questions, so they can ensure that their dog is going to be headed to the right home where he will be properly taken care of. They may ask you questions such as where you live, how large your home is, who lives in the home, and whether you have the financial means to take care of the dog. The process of actually finding and purchasing a dog can often be quite lengthy but will be well worth it in the end when you get to deal with a legitimate and reputable breeder and get a happy healthy dog. You can speak to your veterinarian to find out more information on Golden Retriever breeders, and you may even want them to check the puppy out before you bring him home just to make sure that there is nothing unnoticeable wrong with him. Of course the most important things is that the dog is happy and is going to be a good pet, and there are several qualities that a dog needs to be a good pet. He should be healthy and well socialized, both to other people and other animals. The dog should also grow up to look and act like what you would expect of a dog of that breed. This only makes sense considering that you took the time to choose a breed based on the characteristics that you liked. Your best chances of getting a happy healthy Golden Retriever puppy are to buy one from someone whose motivation is to produce the finest possible dogs and not someone who is breeding large numbers of dogs and selling them without a care as to who they are going to. Take the time to find reputable Golden Retriever breeders and your time and effort will be more than paid off in the end. There is much Golden Retriever information that should be known and understood before buying a puppy.