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DID YOU KNOW?

A Golden's nose sometimes "browns out" or turns a pink color in cold climates but will return to it's normal black pigment with the return of warmer weather?

DID YOU KNOW?

Newborn and very young puppies twitch and jerk during sleep? This is not only normal, but desirable. A very still or sound sleeping puppy is most likely suffering from serious health issues.

DID YOU KNOW?

Welcome Puppy Parents, we want you to get off to a great start with your new family member so we're providing this "crash coarse" refresher to help answer many of the questions we receive and provide you with helpful links. 

FEEDING YOU NEW FAMILY MEMBER

We feed & recommend Purina Family of Large Breed Foods. These high quality foods provide the right amount of fats and proteins that will help keep your puppy from growing two quickly. It also contains DHA, important to vision and Brain development. YOUR PUPPY will be eating a dry diet by the time he/she goes home - you will not need to moisten it or feed canned food. 

DO NOT OVERFEED! Young puppies should be feed 3x daily. Package amounts are recommendations only, you do not want you puppy to grow to quickly. Too rapid a growth can lead to joint, hip, heart and other health problems as your dog ages. Keeping your dog in trim/fit condition can lead to a longer, more active life!

You may, or coarse, feed whatever food you or you veterinarian prefer, just remember that whenever you change your dogs diet it should be done slowly over a two-week period so as not to cause stomach issues. Keep him/her on puppy food until your veterinarian advises otherwise, usually around 7 months to one year of age.

Treats, in moderation, are OK. For training use small bite-size training treats so your puppy isn't filling up on just treats! Raw vegetables such as carrots & broccoli & tomatoes make  great low-cal treats and are good for them.

PUPPY PROOFING YOUR HOME

Before brining your puppy home be sure to go thru your home and look for anything that might pose a threat to your new family member just as your would for a human baby. Be sure blind cords are off the floor to prevent entanglement, keep electrical cords are out of reach so the puppy doesn't try to chew on them, uncovered floor vents could cause an entrapment problem. Household cleaners should be stored out of reach. Teach children not to leave small toys laying around the the puppy could chew/chock on. Antifreeze will kill your dog - they are highly attracted to it's odor and sweet taste so keep it stored in a secure cabinets and never let your puppy/dog drink from puddles.

Some human foods are toxic to dogs - these include chocolate, raisons, grapes and onions. Garlic, in small amounts such as those in small treats is usually OK, but check with your vet. NEVER give your puppy meat/chicken bones, it is just asking for trouble. 

MANY indoor and outdoor plants are also toxic to dogs -  The ASPCA has lots of information on poisonous plants on the ASPCA and you can also request a FREE Safety kit with information, Pet Alert Decal and magnet with the poison control phone number. (Valid as of 4/01/08)

CRATE TRAINING

Crate training is the easiest way to housebreak your puppy and is the safest place for him to be if he is not under your immediate supervision.

The crate should be large enough for him/her to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably but no bigger or you'll find they start using the front or back of the kennel for a bathroom. If your puppy will be flying the crate they arrive in is perfect to get them thru the first few months. 

To be successful the crate should be a fun, safe place and should never be used as punishment. The crate should contain a soft blanket and a few puppy safe toys. If, however, you find your puppy starts urinating in his/her kennel even with frequent potty breaks you may have to remove the blanket for a few days, (puppies like to keep their living area clean and often learn that a wet blanket can be pushed into a corner).  

Crates are not a babysitter - young puppies simply cannot hold their bladders and should not be expected to last all day in a kennel while you are at work, or all night without frequent potty breaks. If you must leave your puppy alone for any length of time be sure someone can come and give him exercise, drink and a bathroom break.

If you've never used a crate the Humane Society has some tips/guidance here.

BAD HABITS

The easiest way to correct the most common "bad" habits is not to let the start! If you don't want your puppy to beg don't allow anyone to feed or hand him people food - ever. If you don't want him on the furniture don't snuggle with him there. If you don't want him/her to sleep on the bed then never take him/her to bed with you. Allowing them to jump up on you because it's cute when they are little won't be so funny when they are grown. Keep "temptations" such as trash baskets, shoes and cat boxes out of site or well covered.

It's easier to prevent many bad habits than it is to correct them! SEE ALSO common problems below.

HEALTH & CARE INFORMATION

Your puppy will have received age appropriate vaccinations and will have received a complete series of vet-provided de-wormer and a checkup to be sure there are no birth defects or major health issues before heading home :)

Flees/Ticks - We use and recommend Frontline, it's easy to apply, is waterproof and only needs to be applied once monthly for fleas & ticks. We DO NOT treat mom during pregnancy and weaning, nor do we treat the puppies -  Ask your veterinarian at your first visit at what age you should begin treatment for fleas and ticks - and their preferred brand. Any medication can cause an adverse reaction, but USE CAUTION if you decide to go with one of the cheaper brands or "down-the-back" medication and only use the dose closest to your puppies weight - your puppy could have a severe  reaction if he/she manages to ingest/lick the medication or too much is applied. 

Dry Skin. Dogs, like people, can get dry skin, especially if you over-bath or use forced air heat or a woodstove/fireplace. Adding a couple fish oil capsules to your pets diet combined with daily brushing usually clears it right up, but again, check with your veterinarian first.

Coat & Nail Care: Occasional baths are OK, but don't over do or it could dry out is skin. Daily brushing can serve as "bonding" time and keeps your pets fur free of tangles. Clip nails regularly to keep feet problems from developing, if you don't know how ask your vet to show you. 

Umbilical Hernias - these are common in puppies (and kittens). Most umbilical hernias heal on their own and don't require any correction, however, if your pet will be spayed/nurtured your vet will most likely suggest fixing it at that time . Your veterinarian will check during your pups first visit. 

Motion sickness - YES, some dogs do get car sick! Sometimes, it is just an anxiety issue that can be overcome by "conditioning" your pup slowly over a few weeks. Start by introducing short play periods in the car (no movement), then short periods of play with the car running, moving on try back and forth driving in the driveway and extending to short little rides. For dogs that are truly car sick and must travel feed lite meals about a half-hour before leaving and take frequent breaks. Dogs CAN have motion sickness medication but ask your veterinarian for guidance dosing and how frequently it can be used. 

A Word Of Caution - Be very careful when introducing your puppy to another dog and be sure you know the dog well enough to know how he'll react before making the introduction, The period between 4 -12 weeks is crucial in forming his adult behaviors. While all his encounters during this critical time should be pleasant and happy a bad encounter with one of his own kind can be traumatic and cause life-long issues. 

OUT AND ABOUT

Everyone's always excited & anxious to show off their new puppy! It IS exciting, but you should use some caution until he/she has received his or her FULL series of first vaccinations. 

Keep him/her away from other animals or pets that don't seem to be feeling well, many human sicknesses can be passed between people and pets.

If you take your puppy to the pet store for treats/toys let him ride in the cart - this will limit his contact with other animals but let him become accustomed to being out and about and allow you to show him off. 

Keep your pet off grassy areas where other dogs may have defecated (dog parks, bike paths, even the Vets "potty area") until all his puppy shots are completed. Some common diseases/parasites that can be carried harmlessly by adult dogs can be expensive to treat, even deadly, to young puppies.

PLAY & TRAINING

Your puppy will LOVE playing with you so go ahead and throw the ball, play chase on the floor or take a walk around the yard (walking around your yard is great "leash" practice for later) it's fun and good exercise for both of you. Just remember that your puppy will WANT to please you and keep up with you, so be sure not to over-do and give him/her frequent rest breaks. Soft ground is better on joints then cement/sidewalks, walking is better than jogging for little legs and play/exercise should never result in an exhausted puppy!

Toys - an assortment of toys makes for a happier, busier, pup. Soft comfy toys, "kill" toys (those meant for shaking) chew toys, balls and interactive toys can keep everyone entertained. Watch out for toys that have small pieces and those that might easily come apart, these could cause the puppy to choke. Soft toys should have embroidered faces, no buttons/plastic. The tougher the better when it comes to chew toys - the KONG brand is safe enough to leave alone with puppy or in his/her kennel. "squeaker" toys should only be played with during supervised time so the pup doesn't chew it apart/swallow it. AVOID toys with stings that could be swallowed and cause intestinal issues and never give puppy toys intended for children.

TIP - Rotate toys to avoid boredom and store them in a covered storage tote - as she/he gets older they will learn to go to the toy box when they want a new toy. 

At some point you will want to start official training. If you don't have experience your Vet can most likely recommend someone to you, most major pet stores also often offer beginner and advanced classes and there are many books on the subject. There is no "superior" training method - but what ever method you choose it should be fun and focus on positive reinforcement - not punishment. 

PUPPY REGISTRATION

Your puppy will come with AKC registration papers - PLEASE take care not to lose them, they can be difficult to replace. The papers come pre-filled with the parent information and we will have completed and signed our portion of the form. Once you've entered your information your puppy can be officially registered online or by mail with the AKC (American Kennel Club). The AKC standard fee is $20 and includes your registration certificate, a puppy handbook and 2 months of free pet health insurance.

COMMON PROBLEM BEHAVIORS

Chewing: Your puppy WILL chew - and chew, and chew, and chew. Keep a variety of chew toys on hand - soft chew toys, tough chew toys, Chilled toys and rawhide can help ease teething and fulfill the urge to chew. If you catch him/her chewing on something they should not be chewing take it way, give them a firm no and offer the an acceptable chew toy. Praise you pup every time you "catch" them chewing on an acceptable toy. 

Digging: Golden's LOVE to dig! They do it for fun, exploration and to hide/uncover things. You really can't eliminate this natural instinct completely, but there are sprays you can use around plants/areas you want to protect (check with your vet first). Personally, I've found it easier to give them areas where the CAN dig freely - in the winter we often hide toys in the snow to find. In the summer an area in the back is "allowed". If you have a small yard you might try building a bottomless sandbox for your friend and hiding a few toys to uncover - it won't take him/her long to learn that this is the only place digging is allowed

Rolling in "Stink": It could be mud, an earth worm, squashed frog, dead mole, or cow dung, but it seems the more offensive it is to us the more attractive it is to them. No matter how clean you keep your pets outdoor area sooner or later he/she IS going to find something less than desirable to roll in. As hard as it is try not to punish them, it is, after all, normal behavior for a dog - just get yourself a pair of nose plugs and keep some nice smelling shampoo on hand just in case! 

Leash Pulling - If you regularly walk you dog on a leash as a pup you'll have less problems when he/she is older. Some dogs, however, just pull and tug until they chock themselves, if your puppy is a "puller" we highly recommend the "Gentle Leader". While it slightly resembles a muzzle it is NOT, properly fit you pup can still retrieve a ball, eat a treat etc - but allows even a fairly young child to handle/walk the pet. It cost about $20 in most pet stores.

ITEMS HELPFUL TO HAVE ON HAND

* I strongly recommend staying away from leather collars! Golden's have thick fur and they love the water - if you use a leather collar it will retain dampness and this will cause little sores to form on the skin around the collar area which can lead to scratching/infections. Nylon collars go on/adjust quickly, and can be hand washed as needed.  

Of coarse there will be tons of other cute, fun things you'll find including clothing, but most of these are "extras" and not really necessary for the care and safety of your new family members.