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Q: Do you provide any training for the puppies during the 8-weeks that they are with you?
A: Our pups are whelped and raised in our home with our family. We do Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) from days 3-16. Our pups are exposed at an early age to different sights, sounds, and smells on a daily basis. They are also handled by family members, including children. Socialization and desensitization are our main focus points during the pups' first few weeks. We provide them with an indoor and outdoor play area with stimulating toys and play equipment that are enriching while also allowing them to work on their balance and coordination. We start introductory crate training with our pups as soon as they are weaned, which is around 5 to 6 weeks old. By the time the pups go home, they've had experience with the crate and will usually sleep in the crate at night with minimal to no whining. Our goal is for the pups to have a smooth transition at their new homes. Check out our videos on social media to see how we raise our pups.
Q: Do you temperament test?
A: Yes, we temperament test at Day 49 using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. We post results on our website under the litter's info page.
Q: Will the pups be vet checked?
A: Yes, the pups will be vet checked before going home, usually at 6-7 weeks old. They will also receive regular dewormings, their first shots, and will also be microchipped with paid subscription.
Q: Is the pup AKC registered?
A: Although our dogs are AKC registered, puppies that are sold as companion pets will not go home with registration papers. This is to discourage any future breeding. We have a spay and neuter requirement at 2 years old.
Q: What is the puppy currently eating?
A: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Lamb and Oatmeal Puppy formula. We buy the 24 lbs. bag from Petco.
Q: What size crate is the puppy using?
A: The pups begin their crate training in 18" metal wire crates. Typically, by the time the're 8 weeks old, they have transitioned to a 24" crate.
Q: What size crate should I buy?
A: If you plan on using the crate long term, we always recommend buying an adult size crate with a divider and adjust the size of the crate as the puppy grows. An adult female golden retriever would fit a 42" crate. Although an adult male golden retriever may fit in a 42" crate, a 48" crate would be more comfortable. Please keep in mind that these are large size crates and occupy a lot of space.
Q: How much room in the crate should I allow the puppy during potty training?
A. We recommend to allow enough room for the pup to be able to stand, do a 360-turnaround, and lie down flat. Too much room where the puppy can walk around in the crate may encourage potty accidents. Dogs typically don't like going potty where they sleep so allow just enough space for the pup to sleep comfortably. Typically, when the pup has to go potty, he/she will appear restless in the crate and would constantly shift around, whine/whimper, or bark. If you take too long to take the pup out, the pup may potty in the crate so try to be swift in the process.
Q: What other things should I buy for the puppy?
A: Stainless steel feeding bowls or ceramic bowls for food and water. If your puppy is eating too fast, you will need to get a slow feeder bowl. Poop bags, puppy toys, dog bed, name tag, leash, collar, harness, brush, nail clipper/grinder, dog toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, play pen enlcosure for inside the house, potty tray of grass (if needed).
Q: Where should the puppy go potty?
A.: The puppy should go potty in your fenced backyard. If you have a balcony or patio, ensure that you have a proper potty area for the pup before bringing him/her home. A potty tray with artificial grass or real grass outside in your balcony or patio would be ideal. We do not recommend setting up a potty area for the pup inside the house as that can actually delay house breaking. You want to associate the puppy to going potty outside of the house, not inside.
Q: How often do 8 week old puppies need to potty?
A: potty training is all about creating good habits. Young pups have very small bladders and very little bladder control so they need to be in the right place when nature calls. To potty successfully in as short a time as possible, you must take your puppy to the yard or designated potty area:
• When they wake
• After eating
• After taking a drink
• Before, during, and after a period of activity
• When you come in
• Before you go out
• Before bedtime
• And every twenty to thirty minutes in between unless they are asleep. During periods of activity, change that to every ten to twenty minutes.
Go outside or go to the designated potty area with your pup. after the pup elimiates, quiet praise is enough. no need for treats. Once pup has eliminated, you can either stay out and play or go back indoors. If you stay out to play, then the pup will often need to go again before you go back indoors, so stop the play and stay out for a while longer to give the pup a chance to go again. If puppy doesn't eliminate outside after a few minutes then take pup back in and sit pup on your lap, wait about five minutes and try again. It is imperative that you do this, because if you put the pup down or in the crate, it will have an accident. Repeat if needed until pup goes potty. Give pup zero opportunity to go wrong. If your puppy goes potty in the house, don't scold the pup because it is not the pup's fault. You just have to take the pup out quicker next time. Be diligent in taking the puppy out on time and eventually your pup will get the hang of things. they're fast learners and they pick up on things very quickly.
Q: How many times does the puppy eat?
A: At 8 weeks old, the puppy will likely be eating 3x a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) but will need to transition to eating 2x a day (breakfast and dinner) in a few weeks, depending on the puppy as some pups are bigger and some are smaller. Using kibbles to train during the day will replace the lunch meal.
Q: What time do I feed the puppy?
A: Breakast around 7:00AM, lunch around 1:00PM, and dinner around 7:00PM.
Q: Should I take my puppy to the vet?
A: Absolutely! The pup and all littermates will be vet checked prior to going home but you should get your puppy checked as soon as possible or ideally, within 3 days of bringing puppy home. This is to ensure the puppy is healthy to give you peace of mind but also to get your pup started on flea & tick and heart worm preventative and also have the next shot and deworming scheduled. Also, you want to ensure your puppy has a clean bill of health during first vet visit as this is important if you're getting pet insurance for your puppy.
Q: Should we get pet insurance?
A. Getting pet insurance is always recommended, especially for emergencies. Puppies can get in all kinds of mischief so it's best to be prepared. Paying a small monthly premium may save you thousands in the long run.
Q: Is the puppy microchipped?
A. Yes, the puppy will be microchipped prior to going home. We will register the puppy's microchip with AKC Reunite and pay for the fee after you bring your puppy home. You will receive an email from AKC Reunite on how to log on. You will have full ownership of the puppy but we will remain as the alternate contact on the microchip, just in case your dog is lost and they can't get ahold of you. This is to ensure the dog never ends up in a shelter.
Q: What supplement do you recommend?
A. We recommend Dogzymes Complete. You can get it from Nature's Farmacy. This supplement is in powder form. We also recommend NuVet Plus for immune system support. We find that Nuvet in the wafer form is easier to give to pups than the powder supplement. You may call NuVet at 1-800-474-7044 to order your pup's monthly supply - Use code 874212. NuVet also offers NuJoint which is a joint supplement that will help with your growing pup's hips and elbows. You may call the same number above and use the same code.
Q: What shampoo is the puppy using?
A: Our dogs and pups use the Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo (purple bottle) from Costco. Yes, it is for humans, but it is PH neutral and vegan. It was recommended by a vet a few years ago and we have been using it ever since. It has worked great for us so far and leaves our pups smelling so good. Another brand that we recommend and something that was specifically made for dogs is Isle of Dogs Tearless Gentle Puppy Shampoo.
Q: How do I transition to a new food?
We recommend keeping the puppies on their current food until at least when they're done with all of their shots and dewormings. The formula is mild on their stomachs and would help with gastrointestinal side effeects they may experience. When you do transtion, we recommend slowly introducing the new food over the span of 13 days. For the first 4 days, you would give 75% of the old food, and 25% of new food. For days 5-9, you would give 50% of the old, and 50% of the new. For days 9 to 13, you would give, 75% of the new food, and 25% of the old. By day 14, you would give 100% of the new food.
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