Puppies

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 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 Gotcha Day?

A: Gotcha Day is the day you bring your puppy home.

When is Gotcha Day?

A: The day when the litter turns 8 weeks old

Q: Where will Gotcha Day be?

A: Gotcha Day will be help right outside of our home in the puppy play area. We are located in Kerman, CA. Exact address will be provided to you via email or text prior Gotcha Day.

Q: When should I arrive on Gotcha Day? 

A: Please arrive promptly at your designated appointment time (see above schedule for your time; look for your initials). 

Q: Where should I park?

A: We will be in the puppy playground right under the tall palm tree. You may park on the road right in front of the playground as it is a private residence. 

Q: Who can I bring to Gotcha Day?

A: You may bring family members and/or friends. Please note that children should be taught proper manners on how to handle puppies and behave around them before they arrive. Also note that puppies do not have their full shots yet so please refrain from visiting a vet clinic/hospital, dog park, or any place that dogs frequent before coming to minimize the pups' exposure to pathogens such as parvo. 

Q: What should I bring for the puppy on Gotcha Day?

A: Small bowl and water, a pee pad, baby wipes, poop bags, a small trash bag, toys, and old towel or blanket. Also, you can either bring a crate for the pup to travel in or a small bed. Some people choose to hold the pup on their lap instead. It is up to you. Just note that if the crate is in the back of an SUV or van without good air circulation, the puppy may get car sick and throw up. Try to have the pup where there's good AC flow to keep him/her cool. Do not feed the puppy during the car ride as he/she will likely throw up. You can feed the puppy when you get home.

Q: What will the puppy be going home with on Gotcha Day?

A: The puppy will be going home with a collar, medical record with proof of shots, deworming dates, microchip number, and vet exam letter. The pup will also go home with a small bag of current food, and a small blanket with the litter smell. 

Q: Will there be a restroom available to use on site?

A: Unfortunately, no. There will not be a restroom available to use as our downstairs bathroom is in our whelping room so please plan accordingly. Let us know if you need help finding rest stop locations. 

Q: What will happen if I'm late to my appointment? 

A: Each appointment time is alloted 1 hour. If for some reason you're not able to come within that hour, you may have to choose your puppy virtually (videos, photos, or facetime) before the next appointment time so you don't lose your place in pick. If you haven't chosen your puppy by the next appointment time, we will choose your pup for you. 

Q: What if I can't make it to my appointment on Gotcha Day?

A: If you can't pick up your puppy on Gotcha Day you may reschedule to pick up your puppy at a later day (boarding fees will apply) but you will need to select your puppy virtually at your original Gotcha Day appointment. If you're unable to choose a puppy at the original appointment time, we will choose one for you. The full puppy price must be paid at your original appointment time whether you're picking up your puppy that day or later. If you do not pay the full price on Gotcha Day at your appointment time, your deposit will be forfeited.

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. They offer 10% off if you buy the bag online and pick up surbside, and your 9th bag of dog food is free. 

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: Typically, every 2 hours but much sooner after food and water. Pups usually go potty shortly after eating and even sooner after drinking water. Pups would do a double-poos and mulitple pees before finally settling down. It usually takes about an hour (sometimes 2) for puppy to fully potty after having food and water. Keep track of their potty breaks as this will be important to know while crate training and house breaking. Consistency is key. Puppies thrive on consistent schedules.

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 6:00AM, lunch around 12:00PM, and dinner around 6:00PM. Give or take an hour.

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 NuVet Plus for immune system support as that is what our dogs are using. A sample will be given to you on Gotcha Day for your puppy to try. 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. We supplement our growing puppy with glucosamine and chondroitin to ensure they have the maximum support while growing. 

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.