Litters
Click on a Dogs Name, to go to their own page.
Here at Honeylake we take pride in every litter we breed and spend much time stimulating our pups and socializing before they go to their new homes. We make sure they are ready for you and you for them!
Here are just a few things we do.....
PUPPY SOCIALIZATION CHECKLIST
Week 1-2 – The NeoNatal Period
Cuddle and talk to each puppy at least three times a day
Keep mom happy and relaxed
Play soft music
Week 3 – The Transitional Period
Increased individual cuddle/talk time with each puppy
Introduce a few toys
Place towels under puppy blankets to create obstacles
Vary music
Week 4 – The Awareness Period
First trip outside the puppy room
Introduce more and varied toys
Play with puppies as a group
First trip outside, weather permitting
Introduce puppy gruel and use this to begin teaching them to come when called
Gently bounce and swing puppies while handling
Take each puppy away from litter for a few minutes
Week 5 - The Awareness Period continues
Each day, introduce something new
Flashlight
Blow bubbles
Flicker room lights.
Play different types of music
A different flooring surface
Different rooms or different places in the yard
Create a mini-obstacle course
Lots of play time
Lots of outside time, weather permitting
Bring visitors to play with puppies at least twice during the week
Feed puppies in different rooms
Weeks 6-7 - The Human Socialization Period
Give each puppy group and individual time with visitors at least three times per week
Bring children to visit if possible
Take puppies to a friend’s house to play
Gently brush each puppy twice a week
First bath
Introduce crates
Begin separating puppies when gone
Complete the Rule of Sevens
During individual time, begin to introduce each puppy to basic commands such as sit and come (only 2-3
repetitions at a time).
Basic leash training
Car rides in groups and individually
Puppies spend time crated alone
More visitors
More new places
Lots of individual time with each puppy
Lots of visitors
Individual car rides
Have a "used" stuffed toy ready to go home with each puppy
Have each puppy potty on leash at least once...
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GETTING A GOLDEN
By Beth Skeen
THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!
The Golden Retriever is an American Kennel Club sporting breed requiring daily activity as an outlet of amazing energy. (And no...a short trip to the nearest tree from the front door for a potty break does not count as exercise.)
A Golden's thick coat in addition to a water repellent undercoat makes weekly brushing a requirement.
The Golden is NOT for fussy or fanatical housekeepers. Goldens shed and whether you call them fur balls, fur bunnies or tumbleweeds...they will be in plentiful supply across your living and dining room floors.
If there is water in the vicinity a Golden will find it... muddy or not!
If your yard harbors small sticks, leaves, etc...a Golden's coat will find it.(And inevitably drag into your house.)
Some of the larger headed Goldens bred for conformation tend to have a looser lip resulting in drooling. Our girls gave it a more technically scientific name..."being slimmed!" (It's amazing what we have learned to tolerate!)
Being a very social breed-Goldens are NOT suited for solitary backyard living or being chained to the dog house all day and night. Goldens tackle EVERYTHING with passion and zeal! They will not be satisfied with anything less than being part of the family. Whether it's a jaunt to the store down the road or a ten hour excursion to the beach - it makes no difference to them...as long as they are with their family! We call them the "pocket dog"- if you can't find your Golden just turn around... he is probably in your back pocket waiting to see what you want to do next.
Goldens are NOT guard dogs! Golden Retrievers are the most sociable creature on earth and probably invented the saying "I'm a lover- not a fighter!" They have NO enemies and NOBODY is a stranger. An invitation to a burglar to "come in and take a load off" would be more rational in a Golden's point of view than anything threatening or hateful. After all...the more the merrier!
The Golden's size in combination with their frolicsome playfulness make basic obedience (At the very least.) a necessity. Golden retrievers without basic knowledge of commands can lead to uncontrollable playfulness, exuberant jumping, etc. This is not only annoying and irritating (Not to mention rude.) but a dangerous situation for a child or elderly person...no matter how well meaning their intentions.
One more thing...don't let it be said we did not warn you about shedding!
Having said all the negative...for those willing to take the responsibility and commit to own a Golden Retriever you will not find a more loving, sweet, affectionate and devoted member of your family. (Not counting your spouse!)
Additional words of caution
The popularity of the Golden Retriever has lured thousands of careless, backyard breeders trying to make a fast buck on a popular dog. The result is poor quality producing behavioral and medical problems NOT TYPICAL of the breed. Contact the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) to receive helpful information concerning the Golden Retriever as well as a listing of reputable and responsible breeders in your area. Your local kennel clubs and training facilities can also be a wonderful source of information and support.
Now, Did I mention
those fur bunnies...
This Article was reprinted with permission by Beth Skeen If you would like to contact Beth please email : easkeen@bellsouth.net
