Is a Golden Retriever puppy right for you?

Choosing a Golden Retriever or any family pet
Okay. You've decided to add a pet to your family, but the decisions are not over. Consider these points:  A Golden Retriever's lifespan can be 12-15 years. Are you ready to commit to this amount of time? Do you live in an apartment and work long hours? If so, a fish, bird or cat may be your best choice.  Find the right breed for your personality and lifestyle: Golden Retrievers need to have exercise and should be walked daily. Golden retrievers like to chew. This is their way of calming themselves. Chew toys, Quality dog food (not sold in supermarkets) and the added expense of Veterinary cost should also be considered. The cost of a quality bred golden from an ethical breeder can also cost more then you thought. Remember the adage "You always get what you pay for" A lower cost Golden Retrievers may cost more at the Veterinary then you ever bargained for. Much worse is poor health or the early loss of your companion.

How to Choose the 'Right' Dog Breeder
If you are starting out without a particular breeder in mind, lists of breeders by individual breeds can be found in dog magazines, on the internet, veterinary clinics, breed clubs, groomers, breed directories, etc. The best method of selection, however, is through referrals from friends, your veterinarian, or other acquaintances.

All dog breeders are not alike
Dog breeders, just like dog breeds, come in all varieties. At the high end of the spectrum, top quality breeders work hard to accentuate lines with good genetic traits. They will not breed dogs they know have 'bad' genetic characteristics, such as hip dysplasia. Many quality breeders care little about the money earned, but honestly strive to continually produce puppies that conform to a higher standard as to their abilities, behavior, and physical attributes. This group is referred to as highly ethical breeders. If you could always determine who they were, this is where your new dog would come from The cost of a quality bred golden from an ethical breeder can seem expensive compared to a breeder with little regard to the potential problems they might be passing on to the new owner. If you consider the cost you may incur for hereditary problems or poor health it is always better to buy from an ethical breeder. What you don't pay for in price now you will later and that same breeder you thought was a bargain counts on your emotional attachment so the dog is not returned. If the cost is more than you can commit to, maybe an animal from your local shelter is your best option.

Choosing your new pet wisely is an important first step in making it a part of your family
Now, get ready for your new family member. Prepare! Get the family ready first. Discuss needs and responsibilities. Talk to younger children about proper handling of a pet. Set expectations. But remember, all newcomers need time to settle in. Get the right gear: collars, leashes, proper identification, bowls, bedding, and toys. Find the right quality food for your pet's age and lifestyle. Choose a location for your pet's bathroom area outdoors so that you do not have to clean up the entire yard. Pet proof your home. Electrical cords, shoes, plants, and household products should be moved out of the pets reach. Your dog should not have the run of the house only a designated area and only when he/she is supervised.

Choose a veterinarian 
Visit him or her as soon as possible for an overall health check, stool sample and necessary vaccinations. Consider the financial undertaking you are committing to.  Arrange to have it spayed or neutered as soon as it is old enough. Sign up for puppy obedience class to help make your new pet a well-behaved family member. You'll find the time it takes is well-spent in terms of having a pet you will enjoy. Look forward to loving and being loved by your new friend. The relationship between humans and pets is like no other. As you care for your pet, it will reward you with unwavering friendship and loyalty that will last a lifetime

"Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative."  - MordecaiWyattJohnson