Puppy Check List

NEW PUPPY CHECK LIST

VETRINARY INFORMATION:

Within 3 business days of purchase, you must take your puppy to your Veterinarian of choice for a second wellness check, including a fecal examination for parasites. Please bring your puppy’s folder, and have your vet confirm the microchip number while you are there.

Additional required vaccination shots:

  • 8 week old – “5 way” vaccination shot (Your puppy has already received their first “5 way” vaccination at 6 weeks old. Documentation for your vet is inside the cover folder).
  • 12 weeks old – “9 way” vaccination shot.
  • 4-6 months old – Rabies vaccination shots.

Please complete and submit your American Kennel Club (AKC) registration paperwork as soon as possible.  Their website (www.AKC.ORG) has recently been upgraded, and has a wealth of information! Sign up for ’My AKC’ while there.

Note: We have already microchipped your puppy, and the information (your contact information as owner, and our contact information as additional emergency contact) will be entered into the AKC Reunite data base (#1 data base for locating owners of lost/stolen dogs). We have already paid for this for the lifetime of the dog, no need to re-register every year. The number is located several places on your puppy’s paperwork/file folder.

Your County likely requires a dog license registration (Brevard County) Yearly licensing fees here are $18.00.  When your vet gives the rabies shot you will register your dog with Brevard County.

FEEDING AND NUTRITION:

Currently, the puppies are getting apx. 1/6 of a can of Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic Puppy Chicken & Rice (never any ‘grain free’), mixed with apx. 2/3rds to 1 of a standard coffee mug of Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy or Science Diet dry food (and a little warm water), twice a day. If they eat it all and are looking for more, increase some dry food for the next meal. As they grow, increase both canned and dry food accordingly. This can get up to ½ can and 1 & 1/2cups of dry puppy food per meal (6 -12 months old). If they are leaving food every meal, cut it back accordingly. We recommend keeping this puppy food regime for a minimum of 1 year, before switching them to adult food.

Anytime you transition food, transition from old food to new food gradually. Please follow directions on food products, and consult your Veterinarian.

To order the Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic Puppy Chicken & Rice canned food (by the case of 12), we recommend either Chewy.com or on Amazon.com. Both are also great sources for many additional supplies, toys, and treats.  We are now transitioning to Hill’s Science diet large puppy breed canned products for both our adult dogs and our puppies.

Your puppy has been eating Hill’s Science diet large breed Golden Retriever Puppy, dry puppy Food. You can also order the puppy mousse and gradually replace the Purina Pro plan with it. Like the canned food, this is the best puppy food we have found. We recommend having it shipped directly to your home, as finding it in local pet stores can be hit or miss, often being sold out. We recommend getting the biggest bag available. chewy.com is the easiest way

At one year you may with to Adult large breed of your choice. Of course should you have any questions, give us a call anytime.  Remember, during any transition from one food to another always do it gradually.  If you have a problems with their stool being runny keep a few cans of pumpkin on hand as it helps firm things up, just add a few tablespoons to their dry dog food.

Your puppy is also on a daily regimen of NuVet Immune System Builder nutritional supplement. For your convenience, you may order directly from the manufacturer by calling 800-474-7044

TRAINING:

Your puppy needs to start training as soon as possible. At 8 weeks, they are eager to please, and fast learners, and we need to take advantage of this window while we can. Once established, the new trainer will come to your home to begin training between 8 and 12 weeks, to get them started ASAP We do offer training as well. We have had great success and fun with getting all of the litter together into a joint series of classes, which can start at 12 weeks. The goal is to get them into the AKC Star Puppy program, and then the Good Citizen program after that. Once they have completed these two programs, they are eligible for training as Therapy or Emotional Support dogs (like our girl INDIGO), if you choose. You can find your local AKC trainers at the AKC website.

We can’t stress enough how important training your dog is. Like children, you get out of them what you put into them! Having a well-trained dog is a blessing at home, but even better when out in public.

REFFERENCE INFORMATION:

Additional information on the following can be found at: www.AKC.org/public-education/resources/

  • Are you prepared for a disaster?
  • Dangers in the backyard (or out in the ‘world’)
  • Hazardous & Fatal Plants
  • First-Aid starter kit
  • Pet Emergency information
  • The benefits of a ‘Trained Dog’

There is also a fun resource on Facebook at English Cream Golden Retrievers. There are over 5,000 members who are willing to answer questions, and share their experiences, and photos. You can also search their files for answers, since most questions are not the first time they have come up. Be sure to check it out!

Know the Breed You’re Buying

Why so many people love the Golden Retriever

  1. They’re simply beautiful
  2. They love us no matter what
  3. They give us comfort
  4. They are easy to train
  5. They make us laugh
  6. They help us get exercise
  7. They’re brave
  8. They increase our lifespan
  9. They are the most enthusiastic people we know
  10. They exude confidence
  11. They’re always in the action
  12. They’re extremely gentle
  13. They love to please
  14. They define loyalty
  15. They will be your best friend
  16. They fit well into Multi pet households

Predispositions to be aware of in this breed

Eye Problems – some of the genetic eye concerns include increased susceptibility to cataracts, entropion, which is when the eyelid turns inward causing the lashes to rub against the eye; trachealis and distichiasis, tow conditions involving abnormal eye lash growth; central progressive retinal atrophy, or CPRA for short, which causes the retina to deteriorate, impairing vision and sometimes leading to blindness.

Joint problems – Dogs like the Golden Retriever, like a good number of other large dogs, are genetically predisposed to certain joint problems.  Hip Dysplasia is a main concern.  This is joint deformity in which the top of the thigh bone doesn’t sit right in the hip socket.  Golden Retrievers are also prone to the similar condition, elbow dysplasia, which as you might equate to, is when the elbow joint doesn’t fit together properly.  Both conditions also raise the risk of developing arthritis.

Cancers – Their genes leave them at increased risk of developing mast cell tumors, bone tumors called “Osteosarcoma”, aggressive blood vessel tumors called “Hemangiosarcoma”  and cancer of the lymphocyte cells called “Lymphosarcoma.’  It’s not known for sure how big a role genes play in these cancers, but a hereditary factor is obvious from their disproportionately high rates in Golden Retrievers.

Other Conditions – Ear infections, allergies, and allergic skin conditions; hot spots, more formally known as “Pyotraumatic dermatitis;” obsessive-compulsive disorder; the seizure disorder “Epilepsy”; hypothyroidism; gastric torsion, or “twisted gut,” and heart disease in the form of a condition called “Sub aortic Stenosis.”

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have been given a list of verbally and written, on predispositions related to my breed of choice, the Golden Retriever. My breeder has educated me on congenital and or hereditary/genetic conditions associated with Golden Retrievers. I understand the risk and financial responsibility related to pet ownership

What You Need To Know Before Bringing Your New Puppy Home

The Golden Retriever Club of America encourages all breeders to spend time with each client educating them on various topics related to responsible pet ownership.  Furthermore, the GRCA states that it is the ethical responsibility to help buyers understand the specific breed they are buying.  Buying a Golden Retriever is a long-term commitment and shouldn’t be an impulse decision.  As with all pure-bred dogs, there is a long list of wonderful qualities that come with each breed.  However, there are also a list of genetic predispositions that each individual breed is known for.  Ethical breeders should be a recourse for buyers to best protect them and their pet.

Here at River Down Goldens, we are here for you for the lifetime of your pet!

Please review and bring this following information, and initial that you have read and understand the following:

  • I have read the New Puppy Checklist packet.
  • I have received the articles educating me on the importance of delayed spay and neuter.
  • I understand that Golden retrievers can sometimes have more sensitivity to chicken as an adult.  Should you pup be one of them, please consult your veterinarian and also please let us know as well.
  • I understand the importance of carrying pet insurance on my pet for his/her lifetime.  Veterinary care can be both costly and unplanned.  Pet insurance provides coverage for the treatment and care of my pet’s future injuries and illnesses.  Pet insurance is a requirement for the first 30 days and this is provided by Trupanion Pet Insurance.

The AKC courtesy insurance through Trupanion must be enrolled immediately and before training starts which should be right after you take your puppy home.  Although continued coverage is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended for my protection as River Down Goldens does not reimburse for veterinary expenses. This is in your AKC registration information and documents. Nationwide also has a good program.

  • I understand that my dog should be on prevention protocols for Flea and Heartworm year round.  My veterinarian will guide meon the appropriate treatment.
  • I understand that keeping my puppy out of public places and also out of the ocean or intercostal until completing the puppy vaccination series (which will be about 12 weeks), is best to decrease exposure to parasites, protozoa, bacteria, and viruses.  I will also limit exposure to other dogs as you never know who hasn’t vaccinated their pet (often transmitted by nose to nose contact).
  • I understand that I should keep my dog lean.  An overweight dog is at high risk of joint problems and heart disease.  A lean dog would be considered a 3-4 on a veterinary body condition rating.
  • I understand that I did my due diligence to purchase a dog from a breeder who practices breeding with care with help from their vet as well a team of genetic specialist who guides on who we should breed with who, as well as eliminating any who do not have the health that is required for breeding after screening.  This however does not eliminate the chances of dysplasia from this breed and or my puppy.

Genetic screening only decreases the probability of progeny developing conditions during its lifetime; health screening for breeding stock does not diminish the possibility of offspring developing a condition in the future.  Hip dysplasia is the number one predisposition in Goldens Retrievers. Hip dysplasia cannot be bred out of the breed at this time as geneticists have not identified how to do so; it is a worldwide breed problem.  The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals reports that 1 in 5 Golden Retriever radiographs submitted for scoring came back with some degree of hip dysplasia.  I understand that pet insurance can help offset the expenses related to joint dysfunction if my puppy is one day diagnosed with a congenital or environmental induced condition.  I understand that most dogs who develop a mild to moderate joint dysfunction can live a perfectly normal life with very little medical intervention.

  • I understand the environmental precautions I should take to decrease the risk of joint problems in my puppy:  Jumping, stair climbing, running (especially on slick floor surfaces where they may slip causing a possible tear in joint tissue  this means no “get the puppy to chase me games” indoors,) long leashed walks, diet, spay/neuter.
  • I understand I am buying a pet and NOT a breeding dog.
  • I feel educated and prepared to take my new puppy home.
  • All of my questions have been answered by my breeder.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have been given verbal and written instructions and information on how to best care for my new puppy, and can contact my breeder for help anytime.