7 puppies born March 24, 2024! (all have a new home)
Our next little will be at the end of September 2024.
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The First Few Nights
Welcoming your new little Golden into your home is exciting for you, but it is overwhelming your puppy. Adjusting to a new environment, unfamiliar faces, and possibly other pets can be a big change, especially considering it might be their first night away from their littermates. Your puppy started sleeping in a crate as its bed at around four weeks (first with no door). Dogs naturally seek out snug, enclosed spaces when anxious or uncertain, and crates provide the perfect cozy retreat. Plus, as your puppy grows, it may continue to find comfort in its crate during stressful times. You also have a blanket with mom’s and sibling's scent. Use this the first few nights.
Feeding Your Puppy
We send a small bag of Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Food with you. If you choose to keep using this, it is available at PetCo, Pet Smart, Amazon, and directly from Royal Canin. We have only used this food since we got our first golden retriever. However, if you choose to use a different dog food, it takes time to switch a puppy to new food. Start by mixing 75% of the old diet with 25% of the new diet on Day 1 and Day 2. On Day 3 and Day 4, mix 50% of the old diet with 50% of the new diet. On Day 5 and Day 6, mix 25% of the old diet with 75% of the new diet. On the 7th day, you can feed the new formula exclusively. This allows your pet’s digestive system to smoothly adapt to the new food.
Puppies need four meals a day until they are twelve weeks old and three times a day until they are six months old. You can then transition to twice a day.
Activity Level
Golden retrievers puppies require regular exercise. Puppies and adolescents have a lot of energy, and if not given the proper outlet, they may engage in destructive behaviors. Remember, a tired puppy is a well-behaved one!
Activities like short walks, swimming, playing fetch in a safe area, and interacting with other dogs can help burn off excess energy. However, avoid activities like jogging or biking until the dog is at least twelve months old, and consult the vet before starting.
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Potty training
We will have started potty training at our home, but all puppies advance in their own time and can take up to 6 months to be trained.
Start when you get home. Take your puppy to the same outdoor spot for potty breaks and follow a consistent schedule, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.
Use positive reinforcement: When your puppy goes potty outside, reward good behavior with praise, treats, or playtime. This routine will help them associate the act with positive experiences and encourage repetition.
Please pay attention to your puppy’s body language, like sniffing or circling, which may indicate it needs to go potty. Take your puppy outside immediately when you notice these signs to prevent accidents. If an accident occurs, DO NOT SCOLD THEM ; just take them outside even if they do not have to go. Remember, it is like potty training a toddler; they can not always control their bladder or bowels.
Your Puppy and Children
Bringing a puppy home is like welcoming a new family member, requiring time and attention, similar to having a toddler. While it may feel overwhelming, with proper guidance, it can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Puppies thrive on interaction, especially with young children. While their enthusiasm can sometimes lead to excitement, supervision, and gentle guidance can help foster positive interactions.
Socializing and Training
Golden puppies develop quickly, similar to toddlers.
Socialization and training are crucial during the first 2-4 months. Exposing the puppy to various experiences like car rides, visitors, walks, grooming, and public places helps them become well-adjusted adults. Puppy training classes can also be beneficial, teaching owners effective interaction and training techniques.
These activities are essential for turning a lively puppy into a well-behaved companion.
Unsupervised or Home Alone
Preventing unsupervised misbehavior is essential when you can't be with your puppy. Crating your puppy when you're not actively supervising is important, whether you're away or busy with other tasks. Your puppy will go home used to a crate.
While crating or confinement should be part of the daily routine, it shouldn't be the entire routine. Puppies need naps and social interaction. They can handle approximately 1-4 hours of confinement if they're tired after exercise and have emptied their bladder and bowels. However, leaving a puppy alone for extended periods, such as an entire workday, may require alternatives like doggie daycare, hiring a dog walker, or going home to let your puppy out, especially for very young puppies.
Remember, when you return home, your puppy will be ready for interaction, playtime, training, and exercise, regardless of how tired you may be.
Living with the Family
Golden retriever puppies are inherently people-oriented and thrive on being with their human companions. Whether you're an outdoorsy person or prefer indoor activities, your golden puppy will want to be by your side. Integrating them into your home as cherished members of the family is crucial to ensure their well-being and happiness.
If you have any questions, we are always here to help.