faq
Q: What is the best age to
take a puppy?
A:
Anytime from 8 weeks. However, some puppies go through a fearful period
at that age. I feel that puppies that have been raised with human
contact and have been dewormed, inoculated and have learned to eat well
by themselves will be able to leave the mother from 8 weeks.
Q: Why are the hips and eyes
of the parents x-rayed and tested, but not the pups?
A:
A test on both the eyes and hips can only be done once the puppy has
reached the age of one year, when it is considered to be fully grown.
Vets will only perform these tests once a dog is one year of age.
Q: Why would my puppy not eat the first few days at his new home?
A:
A puppy will eat with the rest of the litter and thus have competition
to eat as quickly as possible. If your puppy does not eat his full
three meals a day, lessen the amount of food, but if your puppy in any
way does not look healthy, take him to the vet immediately.
Q: Should I get a male or a
female?
A:
That is a very special choice. Both make excellent companions. However,
if you are only looking for a companion and do not intend to breed,
having a male is a better choice as they do not come into season every
six months. Having a male neutered is also less expensive.
Q: Should I have my dog spayed
or neutered?
A:
This depends on you. Spaying your female
will prevent her from coming into season every six months, which is as
much an ordeal for the animal as it is for you. If you do not intend
on breeding with your female, have her spayed. In both females and males
having them spayed/neutered will also make them much calmer animals.
Vets also encourage having this done since it prevents them from
getting certain illnesses like testicular cancer and infections in
these parts.
Q: How should I go about if I
wanted to show my dog?
A:
All shows are listed with KUSA. Contact KUSA for more information about
shows that are taking place - when and where. Also feel free to contact
the Golden Retriever Club which is always willing to help with
information regarding questions on shows etc.
Q: Should I train my
dog?
A:
Golden Retrievers are easily trained and respond well to obedience
training. If you train your dog you will also form a close bond between the two
of you. This I can tell from experience. It is good to have a dog that knows the basics of
obedience training. When friends or family come to visit it is always
good to have a polite dog that does not jump up and which responds to
your commands. Training your dog or taking your puppy to socialization
classes will render a more self confident dog. Please contact your vet or breeder
on information on dog training classes in your area.
Q: Is it difficult to groom a Golden?
A: Not at all! One good weekly brushing will be sufficient.
Should they be muddy you can just towel them dry, they have natural
"scotchguard". However they do love to be groomed. A good bath with a
registered dog shampoo once a month will suffice .
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