How to Select the Best Golden Retriever Puppy From a Breeder
You have committed to your final choice of Golden Retriever breeder and are ready to select your puppy.
This is a very important step as you will be selecting a dog that will be sharing your home for the next 10-12 years.
We will cover all the options you need to consider when selecting the best puppy you can at the breeders kennel.
Step #1: Observe the Litter Carefully Your first step will be to observe the litter playing.
Watch each of the puppies closely and you will be able to see their different character traits.
One will be the leader, some will be shy and others quiet.
This is not a guarantee of their personality but usually a good indicator.
Also look at how they interact with their breeder and react to any noises.
A well-balanced puppy will be startled by any loud noises but regain their composure quickly.
Ideally you want to select one or two of the brightest and most well balanced puppies to inspect further.
Step #2: The Table Examination The next step is to examine your selected puppies for signs of any health problems or defects.
With the help of the breeder you need to get the puppy onto a table so that you can inspect him further.
This is a standard practice that the breeder will be used to - you may need to give the puppy a tasty treat to keep him still! The puppy should be well rounded but not overweight and his skin should be loose.
Look behind the ears and under the belly for signs of eczema or irritation.
Examine the jaw closely - if the lower jaw appears to project out then that is a likely problem.
Finally observe how the puppy runs - he should be well coordinated and move freely.
Step #3: Collecting Your Puppy: Once you have committed to a puppy he will usually be marked if you are not taking it home on your current visit.
If you change your mind at any time about the puppy it is vital to let the breeder know early.
It is an inconvenience but a necessary one considering the commitment you are undertaking.
The breeder will give you a diet sheet so that you can get the puppy's food ahead of the pickup day.
When you collect your puppy you will sign the registration papers to transfer the puppy to your name.
The breeder should have also had the puppy vaccinated.
When carrying him home ideally you will have someone to hold the puppy on their lap - if you are travelling alone he will have to be carried in his crate or carrying box.
This is a very important step as you will be selecting a dog that will be sharing your home for the next 10-12 years.
We will cover all the options you need to consider when selecting the best puppy you can at the breeders kennel.
Step #1: Observe the Litter Carefully Your first step will be to observe the litter playing.
Watch each of the puppies closely and you will be able to see their different character traits.
One will be the leader, some will be shy and others quiet.
This is not a guarantee of their personality but usually a good indicator.
Also look at how they interact with their breeder and react to any noises.
A well-balanced puppy will be startled by any loud noises but regain their composure quickly.
Ideally you want to select one or two of the brightest and most well balanced puppies to inspect further.
Step #2: The Table Examination The next step is to examine your selected puppies for signs of any health problems or defects.
With the help of the breeder you need to get the puppy onto a table so that you can inspect him further.
This is a standard practice that the breeder will be used to - you may need to give the puppy a tasty treat to keep him still! The puppy should be well rounded but not overweight and his skin should be loose.
Look behind the ears and under the belly for signs of eczema or irritation.
Examine the jaw closely - if the lower jaw appears to project out then that is a likely problem.
Finally observe how the puppy runs - he should be well coordinated and move freely.
Step #3: Collecting Your Puppy: Once you have committed to a puppy he will usually be marked if you are not taking it home on your current visit.
If you change your mind at any time about the puppy it is vital to let the breeder know early.
It is an inconvenience but a necessary one considering the commitment you are undertaking.
The breeder will give you a diet sheet so that you can get the puppy's food ahead of the pickup day.
When you collect your puppy you will sign the registration papers to transfer the puppy to your name.
The breeder should have also had the puppy vaccinated.
When carrying him home ideally you will have someone to hold the puppy on their lap - if you are travelling alone he will have to be carried in his crate or carrying box.
