FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Helpful Information
HOW DO I GET ON YOUR CONTACT LIST FOR FUTURE LITTERS?
When you complete our brief online questionnaire, you are automatically added to our contact list for future litters. We will reach out to you once we are expecting a litter to confirm your interest and to explain the process of selection and adoption of our pups.
HOW DOES YOUR GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPY SELECTION PROCESS WORK?
Puppies are selected in order based upon receipt of the reservation deposit on a first come first serve basis.
DO YOU GUARANTEE YOUR PUPPIES?
Yes, we provide a written health guarantee, provided you take the puppy to your trusted veterinarian for a health exam within 10 days of adoption.
AT WHAT AGE CAN THE PUPPY COME HOME WITH US?
Our puppies are fully weaned from their mama by 6 weeks and they have their vaccines at 7 weeks. That said, we are required by PA law to keep our pups until they are 8 weeks old.
WHAT VACCINES HAVE THE PUPPIES BEEN GIVEN WHEN WE ADOPT THEM?
Our puppies will always be vaccinated with their 7 week vaccine DHPP. Our vet will provide a 7 week health certificate that provides this info. We also de-worm our puppies every 2 weeks for a total of 4 times before they are adopted. This includes Pyrantel at 2 and 4 weeks, and Safeguard (Fenbendazole) at 6 and 8 weeks.
WHAT VACCINES DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We follow the guidelines that our trusted veterinarian provides for canine vaccines and health care, and recommend that you do the same. The AKC has published an article on this topic.
WHAT PUPPY/DOG FOOD DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We do not universally recommend any particular dog food. The reason for this is that each dog is unique and may require a different diet, depending upon the dog's tolerance, activity level, and lifestyle.
There are so many varieties and types of dog food to choose from. The following website rates the various dog foods... https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/
HOW MUCH SHOULD I FEED MY PUPPY?
At eight weeks, your puppy is eating about 1/2 cup of quality dry puppy food three times daily for a total of 1.5 cups daily. Very soon, he/she will need more food as they grow. Follow your vet's advice and the instructions on the puppy food packaging, but general guidance is that you provide as much dry puppy food as the pup will eat in 20 minutes, and then take up their bowl. Do this three times per day for the first two weeks. Then feed them just morning and evening using the same method until they are adults. By taking up the bowl, you teach them not to graze, but to eat when food is made available to them.
WHAT CHEW TOYS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We are not sponsored by any company, but we prefer Red Barn bully sticks and Kong plush toys for our goldens. Make sure they are puppy friendly and nothing they can choke on or swallow whole. Avoid any rawhide products as these are not easily digestible for dogs.
IS IT OKAY TO SOCIALIZE MY PUPPY WITH OTHER DOGS?
We limit our own pups' social interactions to only our dogs and our family until they have had their second round of vaccinations at 12 weeks of age. You should seek the advice of your trusted veterinarian. Click here for a good article on this topic.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I EXERCISE MY PUPPY?
When puppies are 8 weeks old, bones are not fully developed and their joints are made up of muscle, tendons, and ligaments. Their joints and bones are not fitted tightly yet. As such, do not over-exercise a young puppy, or you may cause damage to their joints. A healthy dog is one from excellent breeding and careful development as a puppy, not just genetics. Click here for a good article on this topic.