From: sla54@cas.org (Sandra Augustine)
Subject: Re: golden retrievers
Organization: Chemical Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 16:19:43 GMT

In article <1993Jan6.152324.12354@mips2.ma30.bull.com> dorff@granite.ma30.bull.com (Laurie A. Dorff) writes:
>Hi all!
>
>I will be buying a golden retriever puppy in the spring (when
>the weather is a little warmer for a new puppy).  I have a few
>questions left (after reading several books on dogs and puppies.)
>
>First, one breeder has recommended Eukaneba (sp?) dog food for
>goldens.  Do they make a special puppy food, or just an adult
>dog food?  If they don't, should I use a puppy food until the
>puppy is bigger, and then switch to Eukaneba?
>
	Yes, there is a Eukanuba puppy food. In a recent survey published in
the Golden Retriever News, Eukanuba was listed as the most popular food with
golden owners/breeders. However, Eukanuba has TONS of calories, protein, and
fat. With most golden breeders recommending that the owners keep their puppies
from gaining too much weight too quickly, Eukanuba might not be the best choice.
In fact many golden breeders that I've talked to or heard about are switching
their puppies to adult dog food as early as 3 months of age to minimize the
stress on developing joints which is caused by rapid increases in weight.

>Second, I have a list of breeders in my area (from the Golden
>Retriever Club).  (I live in eastern Mass.)  Can anyone recommend
>one in particular?  I don't know much about any of them yet - I
>have just begun to call some of them and ask about breeding
>schedules.
>
>Third, a friend is going to help me build a dog house for this
>dog.  We are working on the dimensions and shape.  Any suggestions
>for dog houses which keep in heat well in the winter and are
>less drafty?  The dog (male) will eventually be about 75 - 85
>pounds and about 2 feet high at the withers (shoulders).
>
	I'm making an assumption now which might be incorrect, but it sounds
like your golden will be an OUTDOOR dog. ????? Goldens have such a strong
desire to be with their "people" that they make poor outdoor dogs. They like
to be where ever their "person" is, whether that is indoors or outdoors. A
golden retriever who spends most of his time outdoors without his "people"
could become a bored and destructive pet. The consequences of this could be
a dog who won't settle down acceptably when he is around people, digs
excessively, barks excessively, etc. Goldens are also very good at digging
under fences when not supervised. If you were planning on having your new
Golden stay in your yard when you're at work during the day, you might want
to consider reinforcing your fence so that your dog won't be able to dig
under it.

>Fourth, any suggestions for leashes that work well when jogging
>with a dog?  Some of the roads near my house are very quiet with
>not much traffic.  I also have access to miles of paths through
>the woods.  But a few of the roads are more trafficky and will
>require a shorter leash.
>
>Fifth, I live about 1/2 mile from a resevoir, where dogs and
>swimming are allowed :).  Will frequent swimming harm the
>dog or his coat in any way?
>
>Well, I have lots more questions, but I don't want to overload
>anyone.  If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!
>Meanwhile, my research continues.........
>
>Thanks!!!
>
>-Lauri
>
	Good luck with your new puppy. Goldens are a wonderful breed!

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Sandra Augustine  |Home of: Conformation, obedience, and field titled Golden
NORWOOD KENNELS   |Retrievers who do therapy dog work, a disobedient but
ems: sla54@cas.org|beautiful Siberian husky and a *cute* Norfolk terrier puppy
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	       The above opinions are not those of my employer.
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