Main FAQs
What breed of dogs do you have?
Our dogs are all purebred golden retrievers that meet the AKC standards for the breed. They are American golden retrievers, not English (although many of our dogs are light in color). We do not produce any mixed breed variations such as golden doodles. We only breed dogs from reputable, established kennels thus breeding lineages that should be bred.
How much do your puppies cost?
Our puppies currently cost $2,950. For puppies purchased in Minnesota and Wisconsin sales tax is also charged. Montana pups do not have sales tax.
Do your dogs do therapy work or hunting?
Our goal is to produce healthy, smart, beautiful dogs that are well-suited to be family pets and/or do therapy work. We work with several therapy organizations and regularly place puppies who become service or emotional support dogs. We strive to produce calmer dogs and typically do not produce high-end performance dogs. Some of our puppies do learn to hunt, but that is not our primary goal.
What health screenings do your dogs have?
We follow the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals health screening recommendations for golden retrievers. EVERY DOG has hip, elbow, eye, and heart clearances on our breeding dogs which is recommended by the OFA, as do several generations back. ALL of our dogs also have complete genetic testing to screen for health concerns.
Do you allow breeding?
No. Our contract strictly prohibits any breeding.
Additional FAQs
Why do you require a waiting list deposit?
Having a waiting list deposit allows us to have a more accurate waiting list of people who are seriously interested in purchasing a puppy. This allows us to give customers a better estimate of when they can purchase a puppy. The non-refundable waiting list deposit of $100 is applied to the purchase price of your puppy.
How long will it take to get a puppy?
Spring and Fall are usually our most requested periods for getting a pup. It all depends on how many litters are clustered together, the sizes of the litters and the number of people on the waiting list. We can not give guaranteed dates but keep our website updated with an approximate timeframe.
Can I pick which litter and puppy I get?
We do not take requests for specific litters before pups are born. We have no idea if the pregnancy will take, the litter size, or the sexes of the pups until they are born. Rather, we put everyone on a waiting list. Everyone on the waiting list is notified when a litter is born. Anyone can request a pup from a litter they are interested in. Reservations take place over a 3-day period shortly after birth. If 10 pups are available and 20 people request pups, the 10 available pups will go to those who are most senior on the list that requested pups. YOU choose the litter and sex of the pup. We select which specific puppy each family will get from the litter based on the puppy’s personality and family’s needs described in our Puppy Preference Form. This makes more sense since we interact with the pups on a daily basis, rather than selecting one you think is best after seeing them for a few minutes. Every pup has its good and bad days- we are looking for consistent behaviors and personality traits.
When should I spay or neuter my dog?
Our contract states that pups must be at least 9 months old before spaying or neutering. Most often, we suggest 10 months but you may wait until the dogs are 2 years old. This article by Rhonda Hovan includes some things to consider. You should also consult with your vet for their recommendation.
Should I shave my golden retriever?
No! Shaving your golden retriever does not eliminate shedding. It can also cause serious issues such as difficulty controlling body temperature and excessive matting and shedding when the coat grows back.
How do I potty train my puppy?
We have found that people who use the crate-training method are most successful in potty-training their puppies. In this method, you take the puppy outside to go potty, give them a treat when they potty, bring them inside and play with them for 30 minutes to an hour watching them closely for the entire time, then put them in their crate to take a nap, when they wake up carry them outside to potty, give them a treat and repeat the process (except at night you skip playing with the puppy). Focus on potty training and this process for the first week or two that the puppy is home. This way they are going outside when they actually HAVE to potty and will learn faster than having numerous accidents in the house.
How do I introduce my new puppy to my current dog?
Remove any high-value treats or toys from the environment first. If possible, try to have your first interaction occur outside. Then we recommend putting the puppy on a leash and letting your current dog come and go as they wish. Begin allowing supervised off-leash interactions as your older dog becomes more comfortable and accepting of the puppy. It is not always love at first sight. It might take a week or so before your dog fully accepts the pup into its home. Closely supervise the interactions for the first week or so. We always recommend feeding dogs in separate rooms.
What kind of food do you recommend?
We use Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Food. We recommend that you use this food for the first 9-12 months of your puppy’s life. Once your puppy is one year old you will switch to an all-life stage food. There are many good options to choose from, including 4-Health Chicken and Rice from Tractor Supply, and Kirkland Chicken and Rice from Costco. You can refer to dogfoodadvisor.com to research the quality of food options.
What toys do you recommend?
Golden retrievers love to chew! Our favorite toys are Dogwood bones, Nylabones, tennis balls, and durable stuffed animals (such as Tuffy). We do not recommend rawhides, or any animal products, as they can cause stomach upsets as well as resource guarding.
When can I introduce my puppy to other dogs?
We recommend waiting until after your puppy’s second set of vaccinations before introducing your puppy to dogs outside of your household.
How much should golden retrievers weigh?
The AKC standard for golden retrievers is 65-75 pounds for males and 55-65 pounds for females. Our line of golden retrievers is within this standard.
What is the slow growth plan and why is it important?
We follow Rhonda Hovan’s Slow Growth Plan and strongly encourage our buyers to follow this plan. This plan focuses on monitoring weight and food intake to ensure that puppies grow at a slow, steady pace. It also helps prevent overweight puppies. This helps reduce the likelihood of hip dysplasia and some cancers later in life.
Do you allow puppies to fly?
We will not ship puppies, but people can fly their puppies home in a carrier under the seat. It is important to let us know if you plan to fly before purchasing a ticket as different airlines have different requirements and check the age restrictions as well! A typical fee is $125
Should I take my puppy to training class?
Yes! We recommend that people take a training class after their puppy has their second set of vaccinations. We also recommend that people take another training class when their puppy is older (6-9 months) to learn even more! It is far better for YOU to take your pup to class rather than sending them off for training. 50% of the training is the top end of the leash (YOU).