GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

WHAT IS INVOLVED WHEN YOU DECIDE TO ADD A GOLDEN TO YOUR LIFE?

TIME:  Your time starts when you pick up the puppy.  

• Continue potty training puppy.
• Training puppy \ playing with puppy \ brushing puppy.
• Goldens are NEEDY.   They want to be with you 24/7.  They will follow and be under foot.  Your days of going to the bathroom alone are over.

MONEY:  The puppy will increase your spending.

• Toys \ brush \ bed or crate \ bowls \ collar & leash \ treats.

Budget vet visits when getting your puppy.

• Veterinarian Expenes for exams \ shots \ monthly heartworm, flea & tick  treatment \ emergencies. 

Budget a high quality food (your puppy is eating Purina PRO Plan Puppy Lamb).

• A better food aids in bone growth & health .
• Chicken is the #1 food allergy in golden puppies.  There is a chance they will outgrow it.

WHAT ARE THE PERSONALITY TRAITS OF A GOLDEN?

They want something in their mouth; like to grab the first thing they see when excited especially when you wake up or when you return .

• "Baby proof" your home because your puppy will put anything they find in their mouth like shoes, socks, Christmas ornaments and/or children's toys.

They could have separation anxiety when you leave.  

• Your puppy will not be crate trained.  Please research how to proceed with that.

Goldens are going to shed and shed and then shed some more.  Plan on brushing.

The puppy is going to sleep, potty, play and eat.  I have them paper and outside trained but you still have a lot of time you must invest.  When your puppy wakes up IMMEDIATELY  get up and take the puppy outside using the door you want them to use.  DON'T  START PLAYING.  (This is when you can choose the method of notification like stepping on the bell or pulling on a rope...whatever.)  Reward with praise or treat.  You must stay alert the first couple days you have the puppy.  Doing this WILL help you avoid potty accidents.

I am feeding the puppies PURINA PRO PLAN Puppy Formula LAMB. 

• If you plan on  changing the food, you should slowly transition this to avoid an upset tummy and diarrhea.  Tell me you are changing food so we can prepare.  
• Please be aware that the #1 food allergy for Goldens is CHICKEN.  Yes I know, most puppy food is chicken, but I really would avoid it if possible.  
• Be prepared to buy a healthy food avoiding the chows that start with meal being the first ingredient; meat should be first.  You need the better food because they grow fast and you want their bones healthy.

Find a vet that you want to begin a relationship with. 

Your puppy needs exam from & the 2nd vaccine at 10 weeks.  

• Pictured below is the puppy shots due, your vet should give you a schedule.
• Budget monthly expenses for Flea control and Heartworm Prevention.