New to-be dog owner, many questions! ^^

[Ivory]

Hi everyone, I have a lot of questions that I would like to be answered. I would appreciate it if some people here helped! Thanks ahead of time

1. At what age / how many weeks should begin doggy training classes or training your puppy in general?
2. Once you get your puppy, should you arrange a vet meeting as soon as possible?
3. How do people exercise their dogs during the winter when it's really cold or there is snow?
4. How do people clean their dog cages/beds during the winter when you can't air dry them outdoors?
5. I have read in a lot of places that you should put your new puppy next to you (in his cage) over night just let him feel secure for the first few days, is this true? I wouldn't want this to become a habit!
6. What do you do when you are gone for 2-4 hours at a time? Do most just keep the dog in it's kennel w/ some toys?
7. How do you get puppies/dogs used to riding in the car? I would like to take it to pet stores as well as the need to take it to the vet, but our car isn't big enough for a cage. We would have to leave it in the back. (How to ensure it will not have an accident? Especially while a puppy...)
8. What type of brush to use for a golden retriever? (Slick, pin, etc?)
9. Are all puppies spayed/neutered from the breeder you buy from? Like is it a requirement for the breeders to get them spayed/neutered + vaccine shots before they sell? Or is that our responsibility?
10. How many times to puppies need to fed a day vs. adult dogs? And at what times do puppies need to be fed in the day?
11. At what age should we put a training collar (static training) on the dog if we wanted to train it with the collar?
12. How many times per month should the dog be taken to the groomers?
13. How many times per month/week should we brush the dog's teeth?
14. How many times per month(s) should we take the dog to see the veternarian?
15. Do groomers also clip nails and brush teeth? Or just cut & dry?
16. If we use a flea "medicine" such as frontline, is it necessary to use a flea shampoo?
17. Is it recommended to use the flea prevention vacuum stuff on carpet and furniture?

Wow that's a lot of questions lol, sorry if it's hard to read! I feel like I have a lot more questions, and I am continuing to do research.

Thanks again everyone for reading this and for your answers!!

 

[joce]

1. At what age / how many weeks should begin doggy training classes or training your puppy in general?
**Begin training as soon as you get the pup. don't allow the dog ont he couch if you are not going to let it up when its older,start with sits etc. Puppy classes are offered through a lot of diffretn ages but I never liked taking mine till they were older to amke sure everyone was properly vaccinated.
2. Once you get your puppy, should you arrange a vet meeting as soon as possible?
**We have always had one within a few days but I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to get in right away. See what your breeder reccomends and if there are any clauses in there contract on it
3. How do people exercise their dogs during the winter when it's really cold or there is snow?
**What kind of dog do you want? My dogs all go out like they would any other time although I'll admitt a lot less since I hate the cold! running through the snow is great fun for msot dogs!
4. How do people clean their dog cages/beds during the winter when you can't air dry them outdoors?
**my dogs beds get their cases washed and dried. If there is a huge mess in a crate then I clean it out in the garage.
5. I have read in a lot of places that you should put your new puppy next to you (in his cage) over night just let him feel secure for the first few days, is this true? I wouldn't want this to become a habit!
**If you don't want it to become a habbit then don't do it at all. they will whine but it will be ok
6. What do you do when you are gone for 2-4 hours at a time? Do most just keep the dog in it's kennel w/ some toys?
**Yep-puppies get into too much,I'm usually pretty worried about what I leave in the cage though-it msut be puppy proof cuz dogs can choke on anything.
7. How do you get puppies/dogs used to riding in the car? I would like to take it to pet stores as well as the need to take it to the vet, but our car isn't big enough for a cage. We would have to leave it in the back. (How to ensure it will not have an accident? Especially while a puppy...)
**they do have accidents sometimes-you could try having someone hold it. My breeder sent my dobe home in a diaper.It would ahve been really messy if he had needed it though so I don't really reccomend it. Jsut start with short drives occasionally.
8. What type of brush to use for a golden retriever? (Slick, pin, etc?)
**I'm honestly not too sure what their coats are like
9. Are all puppies spayed/neutered from the breeder you buy from? Like is it a requirement for the breeders to get them spayed/neutered + vaccine shots before they sell? Or is that our responsibility?
**usually your responcibility,shots may be done but generally not a whole series
10. How many times to puppies need to fed a day vs. adult dogs? And at what times do puppies need to be fed in the day?
**my pups usually got three small meals a day. morning,noonish and dinner time
11. At what age should we put a training collar (static training) on the dog if we wanted to train it with the collar?
**do you mean a shock coller-if so i wouldn't really plan on it. start training early and you shouldn't even have to think about it
12. How many times per month should the dog be taken to the groomers?
**I never have so i don't know-jsut got my first dog that needs grooming and we haven't taken him in yet
13. How many times per month/week should we brush the dog's teeth?
**I jsut do it occasionally for my dobe,maybe twice a month
14. How many times per month(s) should we take the dog to see the veternarian?
**my dogs go maybe once per year-but as a pup they need more booster etc so they will set up a schedule for you.
15. Do groomers also clip nails and brush teeth? Or just cut & dry?
**I think it depends on what you pay for
16. If we use a flea "medicine" such as frontline, is it necessary to use a flea shampoo?
**Shouldn't be
17. Is it recommended to use the flea prevention vacuum stuff on carpet and furniture?
**Are fleas a problem were you live? We only got fleas once and after treating all the dogs with one of the drops(don't rmemeber which brand) we never had a problem again

have you found a breeder? this is a great read
http://chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=787

 

[BostonBanker]

1. At what age / how many weeks should begin doggy training classes or training your puppy in general?
You can start training your puppy right away! Obviously, you are going to work on house-training immediately. Other little things like teaching the puppy it's name start right away as well. As for classes, I know some people who recommend starting early - 10 weeks or so, and others who say to wait until your puppy is done it's puppy shots. It may be something you want to discuss with your vet so you can make an informed decision of your own.

2. Once you get your puppy, should you arrange a vet meeting as soon as possible?
Yup. Most breeders I know will recommend you get a "healthy puppy" check in the first few days.

3. How do people exercise their dogs during the winter when it's really cold or there is snow?
I do it while wearing a warm coat and boots. And snowpants if the snow is deep. The dog doesn't mind as much as I do, although she does wear a coat.
4. How do people clean their dog cages/beds during the winter when you can't air dry them outdoors?
You can clean those thing? Just kidding . My dog sleeps on my bed, so I just take the comforter to the cleaners. I think a lot of dog beds are machine wash/dry. I know Meg's bed in the car has a cover that I can take off and wash/dry.
5. I have read in a lot of places that you should put your new puppy next to you (in his cage) over night just let him feel secure for the first few days, is this true? I wouldn't want this to become a habit!
Why wouldn't you want it to be a habit? Where do you want the dog to sleep long-term? I do think it's easier to have the puppy in the bedroom so you can hear if they need to go out, but again, my dog sleeps on the bed!
6. What do you do when you are gone for 2-4 hours at a time? Do most just keep the dog in it's kennel w/ some toys?
Now that my dog is house-trained, she stays loose in the house. With a puppy or a dog who I didn't trust to leave loose, I would leave them in a crate with an "occupier" such as a marrow bone or a Kong toy stuffed with treats.
7. How do you get puppies/dogs used to riding in the car? I would like to take it to pet stores as well as the need to take it to the vet, but our car isn't big enough for a cage. We would have to leave it in the back. (How to ensure it will not have an accident? Especially while a puppy...)
When the dog is a puppy, I bet you can find a crate that will fit in the car. I have a pickup, and can squeeze a medium sized crate in pretty easily. You could also look into the seatbelt harnesses. I don't have any experience with those.
8. What type of brush to use for a golden retriever? (Slick, pin, etc?)
No idea!
9. Are all puppies spayed/neutered from the breeder you buy from? Like is it a requirement for the breeders to get them spayed/neutered + vaccine shots before they sell? Or is that our responsibility?
Most breeders will have you sign a contract that says you will spay/neuter the dog at an appropriate age. The breeder should have started the puppy shots and wormers, but you will have to continue with it (assuming you get an 8-ish week old puppy as most people do).
10. How many times to puppies need to fed a day vs. adult dogs? And at what times do puppies need to be fed in the day?
I think most people feed a puppy 3x/day. I feed my adult 2x, as I think most people do. You want to make sure your last feeding of the day isn't too late, or your puppy will definitely have to get up to "go" during the night!
11. At what age should we put a training collar (static training) on the dog if we wanted to train it with the collar?
I have no idea what a static collar is. An electric shock collar? Personally, I'd say never. You'll get a lot of discussion on this; it can be a touchy subject for dog trainers . I'll leave the real comments up to the pros.
12. How many times per month should the dog be taken to the groomers?
For a golden? I don't know any goldens who go to the groomer regularly.
13. How many times per month/week should we brush the dog's teeth?
Some people do it daily. A lot can depend on what your dog eats. Some foods will cause excess tarter build-up. I don't ever brush, but I feed some raw bones, which does the job for me.
14. How many times per month(s) should we take the dog to see the veternarian?
In the beginning with the puppy shots, it will be pretty frequently. My adult dog goes once or twice a year for a check-up, heartworm check, and vacccines/titers.
15. Do groomers also clip nails and brush teeth? Or just cut & dry?
When my Bedlington used to go to the groomers, she would do his nails. I don't think she ever did teeth, but some groomers may.
16. If we use a flea "medicine" such as frontline, is it necessary to use a flea shampoo?
I've only ever used a flea shampoo on a foster dog who had bad fleas. I just use a mild dog shampoo on my dog.
17. Is it recommended to use the flea prevention vacuum stuff on carpet and furniture?
I've never needed to.

 

[Brattina88]

1. You should start training your puppy at home from day one. I don't mean drilling the puppy, but instead reinforcing rules (such as no furniture, potty training, etc) and being consistent. Puppies can be enrolled into classes as soon as 10wks - or whenever they're UTD on shots !!
2. I say Yes!
3. Bundle up and walk anyway My dogs wouldn't have it any other way! They burn more calories outside in the cold in a shorter amount of time. You can also play recall cames, hide and seek type, etc inside. . .
4. I wash and hang dog beds in my basement to dry. I also have an air fluff setting on my dryer that I can put even "do not put in dryer" items in. Of course, I much prefer washable/dry-able ones! Cages, wipe and dry lol
5. That's what I do. Why wouldn't you want it to become a habit? Where else do you want your dog to sleep?
6. Yep. Confined safely until reliable otherwise
7. Taking them often in the car ensures them getting used to it. They have small, soft, collapseable crates that can fit into most cares. A crate would be the safest way to go, that way you can focus on drying because the pet isn't moving around in the back, and if you get into an accident they can't be throw. Another option is dog seat belts. I'm not sure as to how one could get one for a growing puppy, though.
8. Pin brush or a slicker, I'd say
9. Spay or neutered, not necessarily. Vaccines, yes but you will need to finish them up and keep them updated
10. Depending on the breed I'd say 2 or 3 times a day. Smaller puppy breeds more often, because I know some who's sugar level has dropped due to not eating...
11. NEVER... there are MUCH easier, and positive ways to train a puppy!
12. Again, depends on the breed. Every 6wks is a good starting point
13. Once a day is ideal, but... I know that's hard sometimes lol
14. Once they're UTD on shots I'd say once or possibly twice a year, depending on when they're due, or if they need to go in for an illness or injury
15. My groomer does eyes ears and nails. Depends on the groomer, though. Never hurts to ask them!
16. No
17. I don't -- I don't want too many chemicals around! With the dogs covered I've never had problems with fleas in the carpet or on the cats

I hope that helps! Please read the stickies in this section, the puppy, and training section of the forum

 

[MafiaPrincess]

1. At what age / how many weeks should begin doggy training classes or training your puppy in general?
We took puppy class after the 16 week shot that had rabies with it.
2. Once you get your puppy, should you arrange a vet meeting as soon as possible?
I would. I want to know it's healthy and fine, even being flown with a vet certificate.
3. How do people exercise their dogs during the winter when it's really cold or there is snow?
You can't avoid exercise for a winter, dog will bounce off walls. If it's that cold, get a coat and boots for it.
4. How do people clean their dog cages/beds during the winter when you can't air dry them outdoors?
Washer and dryer...?
5. I have read in a lot of places that you should put your new puppy next to you (in his cage) over night just let him feel secure for the first few days, is this true? I wouldn't want this to become a habit!
Dog's should sleep with their pack. cider's crate is in my bedroom even if it is rarely used now.
6. What do you do when you are gone for 2-4 hours at a time?
Do most just keep the dog in it's kennel w/ some toys?
I have a 2 year old.. she lays on my bed and watches the traffic.
7. How do you get puppies/dogs used to riding in the car? I would like to take it to pet stores as well as the need to take it to the vet, but our car isn't big enough for a cage. We would have to leave it in the back. (How to ensure it will not have an accident? Especially while a puppy...)
Potty before getting in the car, I have a harness seatbelt.
8. What type of brush to use for a golden retriever? (Slick, pin, etc?)
9. Are all puppies spayed/neutered from the breeder you buy from? Like is it a requirement for the breeders to get them spayed/neutered + vaccine shots before they sell? Or is that our responsibility?
No, that's up to you to do generally. Dependign upon age, how many shots they have had. Likely you will need to do one or two sets.
10. How many times to puppies need to fed a day vs. adult dogs? And at what times do puppies need to be fed in the day?
I fed 3x a day as a pup, 2x a day at 6 months till now
11. At what age should we put a training collar (static training) on the dog if we wanted to train it with the collar?
What type of collar?
12. How many times per month should the dog be taken to the groomers?
6 weeks is usual for higher maintenance breeds.
13. How many times per month/week should we brush the dog's teeth?
I feed raw bones
14. How many times per month(s) should we take the dog to see the veternarian?
Shots, hw, annual check up, when dog gets sick
15. Do groomers also clip nails and brush teeth? Or just cut & dry?
Depends what you arranged
16. If we use a flea "medicine" such as frontline, is it necessary to use a flea shampoo?
I wouldn't touch flea shampoos. Many have sketchy ingredients.
17. Is it recommended to use the flea prevention vacuum stuff on carpet and furniture?
On the dog has been sufficient for us.

 

[Ivory]

Thanks everyone for your answers, they have all been very helpful!

 

[bubbatd]

Just saw this ...congratulations on your puppy to be !!! You'll find a Golden very easy to train , if started out right from a good breeder . When do you get him and at what age ?? Go through the stickies and get a good book . I recomment " How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With "..Rutherford and Neil . I'm sitting my 5 month old Golden " grand-pup " right now . He slept for a while with his Mom and Dad so they knew when he needed to go out . He went out 2 nights and then slept through the night . Let us know more !!! Pics when you can !!! Grammy , a Golden owner for 60 years !

 

[Ivory]

bubbtd -

I'm getting one this summer, so I have more time to spend with him/her in the puppy stage Thanks for book recommendation, I'll check it out! I'll try and post pics as soon as I can!

Thanks again everyone for the welcomes and replies!!!

 

[coteyr]

answeres

1. At what age / how many weeks should begin doggy training classes or training your puppy in general?
As soon as you get the puppy start with simple stuff. Come and Sit are extreamly important and you should start that at day one.A good way to keep the puppy safe.
2. Once you get your puppy, should you arrange a vet meeting as soon as possible?
Yes/no depends on the source. I encourage you to look at the animal shelter first. Save a dog if you can. I got Oscar there and he's a dream. The shelters in the area give you 10 days to see a vet and cover the first visit free. If the breeder has a recent medical record then you may not want to go right away. All depends.
3. How do people exercise their dogs during the winter when it's really cold or there is snow?
Live in Florida, so we just go outside lol
4. How do people clean their dog cages/beds during the winter when you can't air dry them outdoors?
Oscar uses a blanket and my bed for sleep at night. In the day its a beech towel and his crate. Wash the towel with the laundry and there are some enzyme cleaners for the crate if a mess was made (shouldn't happen, if it does YOU did something wrong) Food and water just use a paper towel
5. I have read in a lot of places that you should put your new puppy next to you (in his cage) over night just let him feel secure for the first few days, is this true? I wouldn't want this to become a habit!
Think carefully about getting a dog then. Dogs are not a "on my time" pet there full time. if the puppy sleeps over night in the crate (this is normal for some pups/dogs and is fine) expect him/her to still have to be taken out about as often as you feed a new born. At 4-6 Months the pup should be able to go all night.
6. What do you do when you are gone for 2-4 hours at a time? Do most just keep the dog in it's kennel w/ some toys?
Oscar currently is left in his crate while I am at work, the house is too dangrous for him (theres alot of electrical stuff he "might" want to chew on, can't risk it) He does ok for 8 hours (one time ten, sorry oscar) with a raw_hide, a full Kong, and his blanket. The important trick is to play both before and after so he gets his energy out.
7. How do you get puppies/dogs used to riding in the car? I would like to take it to pet stores as well as the need to take it to the vet, but our car isn't big enough for a cage. We would have to leave it in the back. (How to ensure it will not have an accident? Especially while a puppy...)
oscar was easy to train for car rides. I taught him sit/stay then did that in the car. At first Ihad someone rideing with us to keep the car safe (keep him from climbing on me when i am driving) but after a few trips he got the hang of it. Now he lies down in the seat. Or sits up if he wants to see something.
8. What type of brush to use for a golden retriever? (Slick, pin, etc?)
I would think the prickely metal ones but I really don't know.
9. Are all puppies spayed/neutered from the breeder you buy from? Like is it a requirement for the breeders to get them spayed/neutered + vaccine shots before they sell? Or is that our responsibility?
Pups from breeders usually are not. theyy can not be altered before 5-6 months I think, and most people prefer to wait until sexual maturity first. Oscar was nutered at 5 months because I got him from a shelter. There are many sides to this question.
10. How many times to puppies need to fed a day vs. adult dogs? And at what times do puppies need to be fed in the day?
When they are very young 3-4 times (usally 3) As they get older twice. some larger breeds can get away with once a day but I don't like this idea.
11. At what age should we put a training collar (static training) on the dog if we wanted to train it with the collar?
If by static you mean computer static (never changing i.e. normal everyday collar) then right away. Its helpful to start early. If you mean electric/shock then I say right away too, just put it on your self and every time the pup messes up shock your self cause YOU were wrong not the pup(remember this and the training will go so fast)
12. How many times per month should the dog be taken to the groomers?
Oscar is a short haired breed, I never take him. My grandmother Pom get a home hair-doo about one every 6 weeks more frequent during the spring and fall when shedding occurs
13. How many times per month/week should we brush the dog's teeth?
I never do, I use dental toys (there deta-bone or something like that that works well) When ever you see build up though go ahead an brush.
14. How many times per month(s) should we take the dog to see the veternarian?
When shots are needed. Tag renewal. Here you have to get the tag renewed once a year. That enough for an health adault dog in my opnion (and it's just that, an opnion), as a puppy shots will be pretty frequent, so that will set your sechdule. Dont hesitate to go ASAP if you think something is wrong. Pet-Smart has bentiful vets. They are always knowladgable and ready to assist, usaly they will even take a quick peek and say, oh that scratch is fine, or oh that might need a stich, or that looks infected lets have a look. Most vets probably do this too.
15. Do groomers also clip nails and brush teeth? Or just cut & dry?
Have not seen a groomer brush teeth, but hey I'm sure they are out there. for the record, you can do all three
16. If we use a flea "medicine" such as frontline, is it necessary to use a flea shampoo?
ask the vet, pups usually don't tolarate the "medicine" well and the shampoo less. If flees are a problem in your area add a garlic suplement to you dogs diet. The diffrent smell in their sweat(you can't tell) does not attract flees, if the pup already has flees then the vet would know best (again they usualy don't charge for this type of info) (garlic is salty just so you know)
17. Is it recommended to use the flea prevention vacuum stuff on carpet and furniture?
again the vet knows best. I never ever had to.
Wow that's a lot of questions lol, sorry if it's hard to read! I feel like I have a lot more questions, and I am continuing to do research.
Questions are good
Thanks again everyone for reading this and for your answers!!

 

[bubbatd]

Great Ivory !! It will give you time to check out the book and know that the breeder is doing right by him . Will also help you through puppy testing to help you choose the right one for you ! Anxious to hear !

 

[Sunnierhawk0]

1. At what age / how many weeks should begin doggy training classes or training your puppy in general?
I dont start puppy classes (conformation in my case) until they are done with all thier puppy shots. Its not worth the risk of your puppy catching something from someone else's sick puppy.
2. Once you get your puppy, should you arrange a vet meeting as soon as possible?
I would say yes. Make sure your puppy is healthy and most of your reputable breeders will state in thier contract you have a 72 hr period to get a vet check on your puppy.
3. How do people exercise their dogs during the winter when it's really cold or there is snow?
Being in Texas, I dont deal with snow, but it can get cold out. I would stand outside with your puppy until they go, it might be cold, but I would NOT recommend leaving a puppy out in the cold/snow by itself.
4. How do people clean their dog cages/beds during the winter when you can't air dry them outdoors?
Good ole washer and dryer. Most of your dog beds will usually be machine wash/dry. If not, its something to make sure of when you buy one.
5. I have read in a lot of places that you should put your new puppy next to you (in his cage) over night just let him feel secure for the first few days, is this true? I wouldn't want this to become a habit!
Like someone else said, if you dont want it to be a habit, dont start now. There are lots of things you can do to make your puppy feel comfortable without the puppy having to be beside you. Some people will set a ticking clock for the puppy to fall asleep to, or leave the radio on. Puppies do cry, but it doesnt last for long!
6. What do you do when you are gone for 2-4 hours at a time? Do most just keep the dog in it's kennel w/ some toys?
I leave my puppy in the crate with a water bucket, thier bed, and a puppy safe bone I know they cant chip off peaices of and swallow.
7. How do you get puppies/dogs used to riding in the car? I would like to take it to pet stores as well as the need to take it to the vet, but our car isn't big enough for a cage. We would have to leave it in the back. (How to ensure it will not have an accident? Especially while a puppy...)
Make sure the puppy has pottied before the car trip, and take short rides. Dont go very far at first, but as the puppy gets more confident and older start making your trips a little longer.
8. What type of brush to use for a golden retriever? (Slick, pin, etc?)
I'm not really sure about this, I am sure there are golden people on the board that can help you out
9. Are all puppies spayed/neutered from the breeder you buy from? Like is it a requirement for the breeders to get them spayed/neutered + vaccine shots before they sell? Or is that our responsibility?
I assume your buying a pet, not a show dog, so I am sure a spay/neuter aggreement will be in your contract, and that is your responisblilty.. Usually a puppy will have its first or even second set of shots when it comes to you, but you will be responisble for continued shots as well.
10. How many times to puppies need to fed a day vs. adult dogs? And at what times do puppies need to be fed in the day?
Sometimes the breeder will have the puppies on 3 times a day( morning, noon, nite) or 4 times a day ( morning, noon, mid afternoon, and nite)
11. At what age should we put a training collar (static training) on the dog if we wanted to train it with the collar?
If your talking a shock collar, then there is NO reason to use it on a puppy, and I really have a hard time condoning it for adult dogs as well. There are far better methods, esp for a puppy.
12. How many times per month should the dog be taken to the groomers?
Depends on your needs and your dogs needs. I do all my own grooming, so thats never been a issue.
13. How many times per month/week should we brush the dog's teeth?
Maybe once or twice a month?
14. How many times per month(s) should we take the dog to see the veternarian?The puppy will go alot at first, like every 3-4 weeks for puppy shots, and when they get older they should only need to go maybe once or twice a year for boosters, and occasional checkups.
15. Do groomers also clip nails and brush teeth? Or just cut & dry?
16. If we use a flea "medicine" such as frontline, is it necessary to use a flea shampoo?I def. recommend some form of flea/tick/heartworm preventative for your puppy. There is too many diseases going around not to have some sort of protection, esp for heartworms.
17. Is it recommended to use the flea prevention vacuum stuff on carpet and furniture? If you use something for fleas/ticks/heartworm you shouldnt have to use the vacuum stuff on the carpet/furniture.

 

[hedwig]

i dont no wheather this has been mentioned already but when choosing a puppy take a vet with you or a friend that noes what to look for health wise in a pup,
you dont want a vets bill waiting to happen

 

[Gempress]

i dont no wheather this has been mentioned already but when choosing a puppy take a vet with you or a friend that noes what to look for health wise in a pup,
you dont want a vets bill waiting to happen

I have to disagree with this bit of advice. If you go through a reputable breeder with a health guarantee, that's not necessary at all.

But kudos to you for doing all your research in advance!

 

[bubbatd]

^^^ agree .......

 

[Whisper]

I have to say I agree with Gempress.

1. At what age / how many weeks should begin doggy training classes or training your puppy in general?
At home, as soon as possible. Same with classes, but I'd wait until the pup was vaccinated fully at 16 weeks of course.
2. Once you get your puppy, should you arrange a vet meeting as soon as possible?
I would, no matter where the pup came from, just for peace of mind, and knowing you're getting off to a good start health-wise.
3. How do people exercise their dogs during the winter when it's really cold or there is snow?
My dogs, even my little one, love to go outside at pretty much any time, especially when there's snow. A dog with sensitivity to the cold can use a little jacket or sweater and maybe little booties. There are some indoor games you can play with your dog, too.
4. How do people clean their dog cages/beds during the winter when you can't air dry them outdoors?
Dry them indoors. Washer and dryer for my dogs' beds.
5. I have read in a lot of places that you should put your new puppy next to you (in his cage) over night just let him feel secure for the first few days, is this true? I wouldn't want this to become a habit!
Can I ask why not? My dogs like to be with me and I like to be with them. They sleep next to me or with me and it's something I don't want or need to eliminate.
6. What do you do when you are gone for 2-4 hours at a time? Do most just keep the dog in it's kennel w/ some toys?
Lucy gets put into her kennel with a varity of chew toys and treats to keep her occupied if I'm going to be gone for a couple of hours. Millie has free range and her dog bed but has toys and things to occupy her available as well.
7. How do you get puppies/dogs used to riding in the car? I would like to take it to pet stores as well as the need to take it to the vet, but our car isn't big enough for a cage. We would have to leave it in the back. (How to ensure it will not have an accident? Especially while a puppy...)
The more frequent, good experiences in the car, the better. You could try a harness seat belt? Make sure to have the pup potty before you leave. Stops may have to be made on some trips. A puppy may have an accident, though. It's just a reality of puppy ownership.
8. What type of brush to use for a golden retriever? (Slick, pin, etc?)
Try different ones. I'm not sure, really.
9. Are all puppies spayed/neutered from the breeder you buy from? Like is it a requirement for the breeders to get them spayed/neutered + vaccine shots before they sell? Or is that our responsibility?
That's usually up to you and depends on whether the dog is show or pet quality. Most reputable breeders put pet quality pups on a spay/neuter contract. It's a matter of opinion if pups are to be spayed early or later in life. Usually the first set/s of shots are done, but you finish them up to the last initial set.
10. How many times to puppies need to fed a day vs. adult dogs? And at what times do puppies need to be fed in the day?
Up to you. I feed puppies 3 times a day usually, and when they get older I feed adolescents and adults 2 times a day.
The time is up to you as well. I feed in the morning and in the evening.
11. At what age should we put a training collar (static training) on the dog if we wanted to train it with the collar?
IMO, not at all. There are many ways to train a puppy without using things like that. In the training section there's lots of great advice that can be extremely effective without even touching one of those.
12. How many times per month should the dog be taken to the groomers?
Depends on the breed and coat type. I've never known a golden that had to go to the groomers. Owners can pretty much do it themselves.
13. How many times per month/week should we brush the dog's teeth?
Some people do it daily, others weekly, others do it "as needed" and still others use raw bones and other dental treats and toys that keep teeth nice.
14. How many times per month(s) should we take the dog to see the veternarian?
After the shots are UTD, usually about once or twice a year and as needed.
15. Do groomers also clip nails and brush teeth? Or just cut & dry?
It depends on the groomer and what you are paying and asking for.
16. If we use a flea "medicine" such as frontline, is it necessary to use a flea shampoo?
I would say no. . .
17. Is it recommended to use the flea prevention vacuum stuff on carpet and furniture?
I've never known it to be necessary.

 

[Lizmo]

1. At what age / how many weeks should begin doggy training classes or training your puppy in general?
You can start training as soon as your puppy gets home. But by that I mean, putting your dog on a regular skedual, that way he/she knows when it's time to go out or a potty break, feeding, ect. It will make it soo much easier while potty training. But you really can't start going to classes till he is 16 weeks of age and done with his shots.
2. Once you get your puppy, should you arrange a vet meeting as soon as possible?
Depends on where you are getting your puppy. From a responsible breeder, no. Just do a full exam when you take him for his shots. If you go with a dog from a shelter or rescue, YES!
3. How do people exercise their dogs during the winter when it's really cold or there is snow?
What breed of dog are you getting? One that will have a good fur coat you don't really need to worry about. If you see that your dog is cold you can always put a doggie coat on him. But some dogs love to play in the snow. I love in AL so I don't have to worry about that very much.
4. How do people clean their dog cages/beds during the winter when you can't air dry them outdoors?
Wash them in your washer and dry. Works great.
5. I have read in a lot of places that you should put your new puppy next to you (in his cage) over night just let him feel secure for the first few days, is this true? I wouldn't want this to become a habit!
Yes, you should for the first few months. Then slowly move him away from your bed side...and then if you want even out of the room. But why?
6. What do you do when you are gone for 2-4 hours at a time? Do most just keep the dog in it's kennel w/ some toys?
A small puppy can't stay that long without going to the bathroom, and if you leave him that long and he does go to the bathroom it will set you guys back in potty training. But yes there are lots of things you can do for your dog while crating. You can stuff a king with yummy treats, and leave safe, puppy toys with him to play/chew on.
7. How do you get puppies/dogs used to riding in the car? I would like to take it to pet stores as well as the need to take it to the vet, but our car isn't big enough for a cage. We would have to leave it in the back. (How to ensure it will not have an accident? Especially while a puppy...)
Slowly. Start off by just having him in the car. Making each time a positive fun time. Then take a ride around the block. Then go for a 5-10 minute ride, and just keep slowly increasing the time. Now for riding, you can get a doggie seat bealt.
8. What type of brush to use for a golden retriever? (Slick, pin, etc?)
I'm not sure.
9. Are all puppies spayed/neutered from the breeder you buy from? Like is it a requirement for the breeders to get them spayed/neutered + vaccine shots before they sell? Or is that our responsibility?
Your breeder will probably sell this dog on a spay/nueter contract, meaning that at the right age you will have to pay to get him/her s/n. At the age you will get your pup he is too young to be s/n. And yes, it is your responsibility to finish your dogs shots. And keep them up to date.
10. How many times to puppies need to fed a day vs. adult dogs? And at what times do puppies need to be fed in the day?
I think puppies should be feed 3 times a day. You could do one in the morning, noon, and then evening. Adults only need to be fed twice a day.
11. At what age should we put a training collar (static training) on the dog if we wanted to train it with the collar?
What kind of collar?
12. How many times per month should the dog be taken to the groomers?
Per Month? What will he be getting at the grooms? Like a bath and full groom? Or just a bath?
13. How many times per month/week should we brush the dog's teeth?
That really depends on what you feed and how his teeth take to eatting dry/canned food. Or if you feed RMB that will take care of most of it.
14. How many times per month(s) should we take the dog to see the veternarian?
Most of the time, they only go once a year for shots.
15. Do groomers also clip nails and brush teeth? Or just cut & dry?
They do all that is listed there.
16. If we use a flea "medicine" such as frontline, is it necessary to use a flea shampoo?
No.
17. Is it recommended to use the flea prevention vacuum stuff on carpet and furniture?
No, we never do and I am have never heard of doing this. But if you are having problms, by all mean, yes!

Good Luck with your new puppy! Good for you for asking questions BEFORE!

 

[Dreeza]

just wanted to say good for you for asking all those questions!!! This forum is a fantastic resource.

I just wanted to answer #11: if you ARE referring to a shock collar, you should absolutely NOT be using this. My dog has one...and I am against you using one...we did not get him as a puppy, nor was he from any kind of reputable breeding. Please, please, please, please do NOT use one. Postive reinforcement training is a bajillion times better!

 

[hedwig]

even with a very good bloodline you can throw some bad eggs so to speak.
my friends horses were the same and i used to breed rabbits and i have had this problem with it and i am at the moment working for a giant rabbit breeder and he also have these problems.

i am not saying its major and most people dont but if it were me i would want to be on the safe side xxx

 

[Dreeza]

I think the point is a good breeder will know if a puppy is a 'bad egg', cause they would have already HAD vet look at them and what not...

and a good breeder would alert a potential buyer to this...

(but i am just assuming thats what Gempress meant...)

 

[Ivory]

WOW I didn't expect that many responses, thanks guys!
About the shock collar, I will definitely look some more in the training section here, now that I know that shock collars aren't the best choice! Thanks for all the great advice.