Preparing For The Arrival Of Your Golden Retriever Puppy
Scheduling
A Vet Visit
Most veterinarians want to see a puppy within 48 hours of leaving
the breeder’s or kennel; a clean bill of health is necessary to properly begin
house training your golden retriever puppy. This would be a perfect time to get
flea prevention medications, wormer, or any vaccinations your puppy may need.
If you are going to spay or neuter your puppy now, it would also be a good time
to speak with your veterinarian about that.
Preparing Your Family And Other
Pets
Your family no doubt shared in your decision to purchase a golden
retriever puppy; if they haven’t actually met the breeder, puppy, or puppy’s littermates
now would be the ideal time. Teaching especially children how to handle the new
puppy is also a good idea, especially if this is their first puppy. The puppy
will love the attention children will lavish upon it, but it is good to be sure
that manners are being instilled as well.
Other pets will not understand
you simply telling it a new puppy is coming; if the breeder will allow it, perhaps
you could bring your other dog to meet the golden retriever puppy. If your other
pet is a cat, there isn’t anything you can do, but give the cat a way out so it’s
less likely to lash out at the puppy. Putting out the puppy’s dishes and other
items that will belong to them may be another way to acclimate your other pets
with your pending new arrival.
Finishing Up With The Breeder
The
breeder will want to settle accounts, complete all agreed upon paperwork, and
give you last minute instructions and/or advice concerning your golden retriever
puppy. Make sure to read and retain copies of everything you sign. If you have
any deviations from the agreement, put it in writing as well. If there is some
reason registration papers are not given at this time, it should be indicated
in writing why, and signed by both parties. You should never be charged for these
papers, it is illegal. If someone tries to charge for them report them to the
AKC.
In the instructions, the breeder will likely remind you of food and
exercise the golden retriever puppy will require and about your vet visit. They
should also be sure you have set up and are going to the veterinarian’s office
within the next couple of days. Finally, they should assure you that if, for any
reason, things don’t work out with their puppy, to please return it to them, no
matter how old the dog is. The breeder will also likely make themselves available
to you after the sale for questions and tips for taking care of any hard spots
that may occur in training.
Preparing Your Home
All the best plans
are truly tested in the completion of these tasks; how well you puppy proof your
house will become evident shortly after returning home with your golden retriever
puppy. It is best if you can make the puppy its own space within and outside of
your house. Training can be a long process, but consistency and positive reinforcement
will make the process faster. Creating
a living space for your golden retriever puppy will make his transition from
the breeder to your family easier.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Golden Retriever,
get a copy of this Golden Retriever Guide
NOW!
