The families are allowed to come out and meet the puppies once the puppies are 6 weeks of age. Families are scheduled in order of placement on our waiting list (order of paid deposits).
These puppies are ready to go to their forever homes after they are 8 weeks of age. They need to be fully weaned from mom, and receive their first set of vaccines.
Our puppies eat Earthborn Primitive Natural dry kibble. It is a holistic, grain free food, designed for all life stages.
Yes, Golden Retriever puppies are very busy. When they are not being completely supervised, they should be in their crate for safety. This also helps the puppies to learn bowel and bladder control, which aids in housetraining.
Yes, they shed year round, extra shedding takes place in late Spring and late Fall. You should brush your Golden Retriever weekly, at a minimum.
OFA is "Orthopedic Foundation for Animals" This is where we as breeders go to get the official opinions of experts in their field, on our breeds recommended health standards. OFA gives us verification of the clearances, for soundness of Hips, Elbows, Heart and Eyes after being examined by the specialists in each specific field of expertise.
NO. There are many reasons not to use a harness on your puppy. During the first 2 years of life, the puppies joints are developing. When you put your puppy on a harness, you shift 20% more body weight onto the rear, rather than the front. This in turn can cause more issues with the hips and knees. It can also lead to poor and restricted movement on the front end, if the harness isn't well fitted. Lastly, a harness teaches a puppy to walk out in front of you. This can lead to the puppy believing it is the pack leader, and only leads to other problems in the future. Our goal is that you learn to train, not just restrain your puppy, by using the best tools for the job.
Guardianship programs and when a Breeder chooses to place potential breeding dogs, into pet homes but retains ownership and ability to breed them. Most of these programs allow for the dog to be raised in a family home, and then be shifted into the breeder's home, when the time comes for breeding and raising of puppies. This can be quite stressful to the individual dog, should they not have a close, consistent relationship with the breeder, within the breeder's environment. In these instances, this allows a breeding program to make a lot of money from their dogs, while only working when there are puppies or communication with prospective buyers. I consider this to be a lazy breeder's way to make a profit and not have a full-time commitment to their dogs.
No! I believe that my dogs should be loved and cared for by myself, my husband, and my staff daily. This enables me to be hands on with my dogs, throughout their breeding years, and ensures that I know temperament, disposition, likes, dislikes, behavior, energy, etc. My dogs all get the opportunity to have spa days, couch time, car rides, trips to the beach, birthday celebrations, playdates, relationships with my veterinarians, be around visitor dogs and people, exposure to young dogs & puppies. Not all of our dogs are inside all at once, that is why they have play structures, yards, outdoor cots, indoor sleeping areas, and access outside anytime they want. We enjoy providing enrichment to our dogs on a daily basis, and believe that we must work hard to benefit from the amazing puppies that our dogs produce.
When it comes to spaying your female, it is best done when she has completed her 2nd heat cycle. As for the males, consider letting them get closer to two years of age. Waiting longer to spay/neuter your Golden, helps them to grow properly and can reduce the risk of joint issues, such as hip dysplasia. It can also reduce the risk of certain cancers, although waiting much past two years of age can increase other health risks.
No! They are both Golden Retrievers. The American Kennel Club does not recognize them as being different. Although some people have bred Golden Retrievers to have a lighter coat, larger skull, and flatter topline, this is really just a matter of personal preference. Some of these dogs are imported from Europe, however, once they produce a litter is the USA, they are American Golden Retrievers!
NO! They do not all die of Cancer. It is a breeder's responsibility to know the lineage and genetic predispositions of their dogs. True that Cancer can be common with Golden's, as well as many other breeds. It is so important to feed your dog a healthy diet, provide adequate exercise, keep them at a fit weight and know what chemicals, medications, and supplements you are using for and around your dog. Cancer can be devastating, and no one can guarantee against it, but with selective and educated breeding choices, we can reduce the risk to our puppies.
I purchased my first Golden Retriever in 2002. We had our first litter in the spring of 2008. I have learned so much over the years and my love for the breed has grown greater over time.
All of our puppies are born inside of our home. I have my guest room converted into a comfortable and cozy space, that we keep at 75 degrees, for our mamas to have their puppies. I too get to be comfortable, by sleeping next to them in a nice bed with a television, for the long hours of waiting. Our puppies are handled daily, so that they imprint on us and feel safe with being handled and cared for. As they puppies are born without sight or hearing, it is imperative for their future confidence and wellbeing. At approximately 3 weeks of age, they move to our puppy room. Here they have an area kept warm at approximately 72 degrees, with a television, music, play structures, enrichment toys, bedding, and their mama. They will nurse from their mom and then be started on a puppy mush at about 3.5 weeks of age. Once they are 4 weeks of age, we train them to potty in a litter box, so they learn to find the potty place, rather than just "GO" where they are! Mom will gradually spend less time with the pups, we will increase stimulus, food and handling, and begin taking puppies outside to potty. By the time the puppies are 7.5 weeks of age, they will be fully weaned from their mom, eating full solids and receiving their first puppy vaccines. While in the puppy room we have exposed the puppies to different sounds, and textures and evaluated for confidence, disposition and structure. They have also experienced vacuums, as well as blow dryers, bathing, nail trims, ear cleaning, crating, etc. We feel that this helps to ensure the puppies are set up for success in the future endeavors.