What are Golden Retrievers like?
Aside from being known for their beauty, Golden Retrievers are happy, friendly dogs, that love to fetch, do tricks, and play in the water. They are eager to please you, and will attempt anything if it gets them attention and praise. Cons? Goldens typically are not good guard dogs, as they are most likely to greet an intruder. They do have long hair, which is best given a good brushing once a week. About twice a year they will shed their coat for about a week or two – you have to brush daily then. Goldens are bird dogs, so they must be watched around chickens. It is possible to train them to leave them alone though; they are very smart, and we have done it!
How big do Golden Retrievers get?
It varies with individuals, but generally a Golden will be 21-23″ tall, and about 60-80lbs.
What are Beagles like?
Beagles are handsome sturdy little hounds who because they are extremely friendly and gentle make great companions and family dogs, they have happy-go-lucky, energetic, curious natures and love to play and explore outside, but are also quite happy inside with you. Their Cons? Beagles are scent hounds with wonderful noses which they like to follow everywhere so we highly recommend a fenced back yard. Also they howl when they smell an interesting scent. Beagles are easily trained with treats and are very smart when they’ve a mind to be. 😉
Are Beagles and Goldens good family dogs?
Yes! We can personally testify to this.
How are our puppies raised?
Our puppies are whelped and raised indoors for the first few weeks of life. In those weeks they are weighed daily, closely monitored, and held and cuddled constantly. 🙂 We use daily ENS (early neurological stimulation) for the first 3 weeks of puppy hood.
After this they move out to an outdoor run where they can really stretch their legs and explore the outdoors. The kids take them out to run in our fields, and they get introduced to other dogs, cats, water, and real grass.
Are our puppies potty trained?
No, they are not, but it shouldn’t take long for them to catch on. Here they learn to keep their bed clean, and go outside.
Are our puppies registered?
Yes, all of our puppies come with their own AKC limited registration application. Limited registration, aka “pet registration”, basically means without breeding rights. But you can still compete in most AKC events like rally and agility.
Are our dogs health tested?
If health testing has been done, it will be noted on our adult dog’s page.
What medications do our puppies receive, and what are still needed?
Our puppies get a full round of dewormer and also receive their first five way vaccination. We recommend the final booster vaccination be administered at about 12-16 weeks, but please talk it over with your vet. Your pup should visit the vet within the first 76 hours to validate our health guarantee, but please wait to visit public areas till after their final booster shot when their immune system is stronger.
How do I reserve a puppy?
Contact me through our Contact page and I can answer any questions you have and send you an application form that has simple, non-intrusive questions that will help with puppy selection. This will get you on our “announcement list” or “wait list”, then, once the puppies arrive you can reserve a puppy through selecting via pictures and videos around 2 weeks.
What comes with a puppy?
We send our pups home with a folder for the papers and a puppy bag. The folder holds their AKC registration application, health record, and our health guarantee paper. The puppy bag has fun things like a treat, ball, bowl, and leash in it, along with a small bag of their current food for easy transition. Also included in the bag is a small scented blanket to help ease the transition.
How should I prepare for my new pup?
Before you do anything I recommend reading some articles on your particular breed, and at least one good dog training book if you are new to puppies: we have linked some recommendations at the bottom of this page. Make sure you have all necessary puppy life supplies (dog bowls, food, a good collar, bedding/blanket, training collar, treats, etc.), and a place in your home for the pup. I recommend acquiring a wire crate for travel and to use as a bed. Puppies love having a “den” to retreat too.
Read this blog on Puppy Prep
Will a puppy get along with my current dog(s)?
If your current dog is okay with it, then yes! Puppies love to play and should readily accept a new buddy. Especially when introduced at an early age. All our pups will have been introduced to the adult dogs on the property before going home.
Should I Spay/Neuter?
Yes, life with your pet will be easier if you do. We recommend waiting till they are at least a year old, or after the first heat for females. This allows for more complete maturing, and may also reduce the risk of dysplasia. But be very careful to avoid an accidental neighbor dog litter!
Can I ask more questions?
Feel free! We’d love to hear from you now, through the puppy buying process, and throughout your puppy’s life!
Helpful Links:
Golden Retriever Breed Descriptions:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever
https://www.grca.org/find-a-golden/begin-the-search/is-a-golden-retriever-right-for-you
https://www.grca.org/about-the-breed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI4EbABtJQ0
*AKC is America’s most recognized dog registry, and the GRCA is the recognized Golden Retriever Club of America.
Beagle Breed Descriptions:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle
https://www.nationalbeagleclub.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAf7lcYEXag
Puppy Training References:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information
Our Blog Article: Puppy Training Tips
Crate Training Tips
More Crate Training Tips (+ Night Tips)
Puppy Schedule Tips
Puppy food guarding tips
Puppy biting
The teen monster age!
How to prevent food guarding
How to register your puppy:
https://www.akc.org/register/dog
Rosehaven Homestead 