What to Look for When Buying Golden Retriever Puppies?

A reputable breeder will have the puppies weighed regularly. A puppy that looks underweight or has a limp could indicate illness. You also want to avoid timid puppies. Shy dogs have difficulty adjusting to new environments and can be difficult to socialize.

1. Health

Golden Retriever puppies for sale are curious and can chew on things they shouldn’t. Their developing immune systems can make them sick from licking or eating something wrong, and their mouths can be home to bacteria that can lead to infections. They are also prone to bladder issues as they mature and often need to use the restroom several times daily.

Puppies need lots of exercise to stay healthy. Two to three daily walks and regular playtime are the best way to keep them happy and healthy. Guldens shed heavily twice a year for a week or so and must be brushed regularly throughout the rest of the year.

Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for genetic health conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases such as juvenile cataracts and pigmentary uveitis, and heart problems, including subvalvular aortic stenosis. Guldens are also susceptible to cancer and can suffer from osteoarthritis.

A good breeder will offer a health guarantee on their puppies, including an initial set of vaccines and deformers. You should not see a puppy for sale before it is at least eight weeks old and should have a certificate of vaccination from a veterinarian. Also, ask to see where the pups live and whether they are well cared for. Be wary of any litter that appears to be malnourished or unhealthy in other ways.

2. Size

Adding a puppy to your family is a significant decision, and deciding on the right one from a litter can be daunting. Fortunately, there are some easy guidelines to follow to help you determine the size of your golden retriever puppy. At 7 to 12 months, Guldens will be at the peak of their growth and may look a little slim.

This is normal as their brains and nervous systems are maturing while their bones are still growing. This is also when your Golden will start to develop their adult coat. While Guldens fast growth is healthy, it can be dangerous if your puppy becomes too large too quickly.

This can cause health issues like hip dysplasia, prevalent in larger breeds such as Guldens. You can prevent this by feeding your Golden high-quality puppy food and limiting their exercise to avoid rapid weight gain. Guldens are starting to mature mentally and physically at this age so they might test their dominance over other dogs or humans in the household.

They’ll be able to climb stairs and run much more freely, but you should still limit their jumping and running to reduce joint stress. This is also when they’ll start losing their puppy teeth, so don’t be surprised to see a brief burst of biting or chewing from them.

3. Temperament

Golden retriever puppies require a lot of attention. They are not good choices for people who cannot spend two hours a day walking, playing, and socializing with them. They also only tolerate being left alone for a short period and are not recommended for apartment dwellers.

Fortunately, they are relatively easy to train and will quickly adjust to the lifestyle of their humans. When examining the puppies, look for those who approach you without fear or shyness. Avoid those who hide in the corner or try to run away from you. These pups may have an extreme temperament that is difficult to live with.

Look for those curious about their new environment but avoid getting overexcited. These puppies will be easier to train and will make good family dogs. After observing the pups, talk to the breeder and ask about their health history. You will want to know if the parents have had any common genetic disorders or illnesses in Guldens.

Sit with the pups for ten minutes and see how they respond to noise. The one who ignores a loud sound and the others that run to hide in the corner are probably gun-shy. A timid puppy will be harder to train than one curious and willing to investigate.

4. Socialization

Puppies need to be exposed to people and other dogs at an early age. Socialization helps puppies to become well-mannered, comfortable around people and other dogs, and well-adjusted to noises and environments. It also helps them to bond with their humans and to recognize them as leaders.

Finding a responsible breeder who cares about finding the right puppy for each home is essential. It would be best to see the mother and litter and observe how they interact with each other and visitors. When observing the pups, pick one that looks interested in you and seems eager to be petted. Those are the best candidates for developing a strong bond with you.

The puppy should also be happy to follow you around rather than avoiding you or acting fearful or shy. This is because dogs evolved from wolves and are pack animals, so they must follow their human leader, who typically leads them to food and shelter and protects them from predators.

When interacting with the puppy, touch their paws and ears. A calm, happy pup should accept this, but if they are nervous or aggressive, you must work with them more closely to train them. When introducing the puppy to other pets, do so slowly and carefully. A frightened or aggressive puppy may bite, so you should always supervise their interactions and watch for signs of stress, such as crouching, licking their lips, yawning, or tucking their tail between their legs.