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16 Posts
Hi everyone, I have read this forum for a while but just joined to make a post. I appreciate all your knowledge in everything golden retriever related! I am now at a point in my life where I can see myself getting a golden within the time frame of a year or so. I have always wanted a golden and have done lots of research about the breed and had hands-on experience that makes me feel confident in my decision. I have found multiple reputable breeders in my area with up-to-date OFA clearances through the help of this forum.
I work at a school and during the school day am gone from about 8:30-4:00 (this includes my commute). I fully recognize that this would be too long for a puppy to be by itself, and plan on hiring a walker to come at least once during the day for the puppy. I have already found a well-vetted walker in my area. Once the dog has its necessary vaccinations there is a doggy daycare very close to my work so I would like to take the dog there some days during the week. Is this realistic? I understand the attention that puppies need and am more than aware of and happy to meet the dog's exercise and training requirements after my work day is complete. I often dog-sit for friends and family and have spent many nights up with puppies every 2 hours, I am no stranger to the work and lack of sleep that raising a puppy requires. I also found a local dog training club where I am planning to take the pup for obedience classes. I want whatever dog I get to have as good of a life as possible, but I also don't want to let my work get in the way of something I have always wanted to do.
My other question is based off this - when reaching out to breeders, would it be viewed negatively if I specifically asked if they are planning any litters in the summer months? Since I have summers off, this would allow for me to have much more time with the dog and get a jump-start with training, have the ability to spend all day home with the dog, etc. I am looking more for next summer (2021) as I recognize that the breeders are likely booked up by now for this upcoming summer, and especially with the crazy times we are living in breeding may be limited. I don't want to seem like I am cherry picking, I would be open to a dog at any time once I start reaching out but this would be ideal. Would breeders already have litters planned for 2021? Many of the breeder websites I have visited do not have litter dates listed.
Thank you in advance! 🤗
I work at a school and during the school day am gone from about 8:30-4:00 (this includes my commute). I fully recognize that this would be too long for a puppy to be by itself, and plan on hiring a walker to come at least once during the day for the puppy. I have already found a well-vetted walker in my area. Once the dog has its necessary vaccinations there is a doggy daycare very close to my work so I would like to take the dog there some days during the week. Is this realistic? I understand the attention that puppies need and am more than aware of and happy to meet the dog's exercise and training requirements after my work day is complete. I often dog-sit for friends and family and have spent many nights up with puppies every 2 hours, I am no stranger to the work and lack of sleep that raising a puppy requires. I also found a local dog training club where I am planning to take the pup for obedience classes. I want whatever dog I get to have as good of a life as possible, but I also don't want to let my work get in the way of something I have always wanted to do.
My other question is based off this - when reaching out to breeders, would it be viewed negatively if I specifically asked if they are planning any litters in the summer months? Since I have summers off, this would allow for me to have much more time with the dog and get a jump-start with training, have the ability to spend all day home with the dog, etc. I am looking more for next summer (2021) as I recognize that the breeders are likely booked up by now for this upcoming summer, and especially with the crazy times we are living in breeding may be limited. I don't want to seem like I am cherry picking, I would be open to a dog at any time once I start reaching out but this would be ideal. Would breeders already have litters planned for 2021? Many of the breeder websites I have visited do not have litter dates listed.
Thank you in advance! 🤗