A 7-week-old puppy is a 4-wheel drive
toddler with NO diaper that sheds. Everything is new
and everything is wonderful and everything goes in
their mouths. I mean everything! Children's toys,
children's pant legs, shirts, sleeves, hair, fingers,
toes nothing is sacred. Puppies also need to be
isolated from things that can hurt them, like
telephones or TV's they can pull down on themselves,
electrical cords, chocolate, poisons, household
cleaners, sponges etc. To isolate a puppy, you should
purchase baby gates. Pet catalogs now have them in some
pretty spectacular sizes to 8 feet.
Another thing to consider is
housetraining-while most puppies housetrain quickly
others may take a while longer. It's very
individualistic. Puppies may need to relieve themselves
as many as 30 times a day in the beginning. Things go
rather smoothly if you are consistent and dedicated.
Oh, yes, did I mention Golden Retrievers shed?
How about those first few nights?
Puppies, like babies don't sleep through the night
right away. Are you prepared for a few sleepless
nights? Did I mention they shed? Also, are your prepared to take on the
responsibility of training? Puppy Kindergarten, and 12
to 24 weeks of training? Actually, obedience training
is fun! Some folks get bitten by the Obedience Bug and
go on to be real competitors, even judges. If nothing
else it's good exercise for the both of you.
By the way did I mention
Golden Retrievers shed?
Other things to consider are DVM
expenses, grooming and food. Why you can even get
medical insurance for your new puppy now. You have
shots, worming, tests, heartworm preventative, varmints
like fleas and ticks to deal with or medicate for or
prevent. Food will Cost you about $30.00 every 45
days for a quality maintenance diet. If you choose not
to bathe your own dog, groomers may charge anywhere
from $30.00 to $65.00 per grooming.
Also, did I mention
Golden Retrievers shed?
When you pick up your new puppy, your breeder will have given
the puppy at least one bath with nail trimming. From
then on it's your responsibility to bathe the puppy as
need. Most folks brush their dogs, however, I have
found that a good combing does a much better job and if
done 2 to 3 times per week. Nothing, and I mean nothing
you do will prevent shedding. From the beginning
establish a routine grooming time and this will help
keep the hair to a minimum. As a matter of fact, I
saved all the undercoat from my Goldens for two years
and had it spun into yarn. Isn't that amazing? There's
actually a use for their shed hair. So, if after reading the above, you still
want a puppy and all it entails than go head and begin
your search with blessings!
Males VS Females
"Room decor for a Golden"
