Follow up to my visit at Goldschein's:
I sent an email and asked some questions. Mind you, we're not super educated when it comes to breeders but, we're not ignorant, and know what to look for. After having 3 Goldens in our lives, we'd like to think so.
I messaged you regarding the older female Cream Color Golden we saw a few weeks ago. Would you be willing to give her up? I’d say sell but, it doesn’t sound right.
As far as your puppies:
Do you raise the puppies in a family environment? We saw them outside in a pen but, are they being handled regularly. This helps with socialization.
A puppy that is raised in a family environment is more likely to be friendly and relaxed. Puppies that have been raised isolated from humans are prone to anxiety, shyness or aggression.
Can we see both parents? Can you provide information about the physical and temperamental characteristics of both the male, and female, as well as full health information.
Do you provide a health clearance certificate? Are the dogs cleared for eyes, hips and other specific genetic conditions?
How many litters do the females have per year? And, how many litters, overall, do you have per year? And, how many litters do the females have before you’ve retired them, and at what age?
As you can see, I’m an educated consumer. We’ve had Goldens in our family. Purchasing a puppy is a big deal. And, if I’m to pay a high price, all the boxes must be checked.
His reply did not answer my questions. He did say
"Yes they are raised in a family environment and we spend a lot of time with them every day, just not when you came. Of course both parents are here, you can see them and even the grandparents from dads side."
He doesn't provide any health clearances.
I don't believe the pups are socialized a meaningful way. They seem to be in fenced-in areas. No way of telling which pups belong to which parents. With all the rain we've had, I can't imagine the mess they're running around in now.
We're not quite ready for a pup, yet. So, we'll keep looking for a decent breeder.