| "> | | | | The parents of a puppy should have OFA |
| Who does not adore a golden retriever puppy? The | | | | certification for hip dysplasia. Also look for Orthopedic |
| perfect family dog is also the perfect family puppy. | | | | Foundation for Animals certification for knees and |
| Perhaps you want the perfect exercise partner or | | | | heart, and CERF certification for eyes. Finally, |
| hunting companion? Perhaps you want to groom the | | | | breeders may offer a puppy guarantee, so if you are |
| perfect service or guide dog, or an agility or | | | | not satisfied, you can return your pet. |
| obedience champion? Then you want to learn more | | | | How do you choose the right puppy? It is a |
| about golden retriever puppy adoption. | | | | tremendous advantage to spend time with a puppy's |
| Do you want to buy or adopt a golden retriever | | | | parents. That way you can gauge the future look, |
| puppy? Can you adopt a pure bred puppy? Goldens | | | | personality, and health of your puppy. A golden |
| are such a popular breed, that it is easy to adopt a | | | | puppy will typically have a lighter coat, and by looking |
| pure bred puppy. There are even organizations such | | | | at his/her ears you can determine the color of your |
| as shelters and rescue groups that specialize in | | | | future dog. Which puppy do you choose? By |
| rescuing goldens and making them available for | | | | spending time with the litter, you can gauge the |
| adoption. Other good places to begin your search are | | | | personalities of the puppies. Look for puppies in the |
| the ASPCA and Adopting a dog usually involves a fee | | | | center of the group, who aren't acting overly |
| from $100 to $300, and puppies are generally more | | | | aggressive or submissive. Which friendly puppies run |
| expensive. However, this fee is cheaper than the | | | | toward you? Finally, spend time alone with each |
| cost of buying a puppy, and the money will go to the | | | | puppy. With care, pick up your puppy and try petting |
| shelter. Most shelters are non-profit organizations, so | | | | him/her. Does the puppy enjoy your company? Do |
| your fee will help keep up the shelter and will help | | | | noises and sudden movements scare him/her? |
| other needy animals. Also, shelter dogs most often | | | | Prepare for your puppy's arrival. Golden retrievers like |
| have had a medical check-up and some degree of | | | | to chew, so have some chew toys ready ahead of |
| socializing. | | | | time. Puppy proof your home at your dog's height by |
| Why would you buy from a breeder? Buying a | | | | removing toxins and sharp objects. Goldens like |
| golden retriever puppy from a breeder is more | | | | exercise and human interaction, and remember your |
| expensive. If you get lucky, you could find someone | | | | puppy will grow into a large dog. Older goldens can |
| selling golden puppies for as little as $150. A breeder | | | | be given to over-eating, but growing puppies need |
| might start selling puppies for $250 at the low end of | | | | their food. Don't be afraid to feed your puppy real |
| the scale. If you want a light cream golden retriever | | | | meat; some owners even recommend it over |
| puppy with champion blood lines from a reputable | | | | commercial dog food. Be prepared for weekly |
| breeder, you could pay over $2,000. Buying from a | | | | brushing; goldens are not ideal dogs for people with |
| breeder will allow you to examine the pedigree of the | | | | sensitive allergies. Goldens are known to be smart |
| dog you are buying. This is especially important with | | | | dogs, and learn faster with positive training. Finally, |
| goldens, since their most common health problems | | | | look after your best friend's health. Start with an |
| are genetic in nature. A reputable breeder will have | | | | annual check-up with the veterinarian. |
| paperwork certifying the health of his/her goldens. | | | | |