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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have another question that is not on this list, please e-mail us.
Q1. What does it mean to "socialize" a puppy?
Puppies go through a critical phase of development between five and twelve weeks of age, in which they mature very rapidly. If raised in an isolated setting, barred from almost any interaction outside of with their mother and littermates, they often grow into fearful adults. It doesn’t matter if the setting is a family home, professional kennel, or vacant building – isolation can be a significant detriment to the proper social development of pups, and avoiding that requires dedication and effort on the part of those raising the pups.
How does Recherche Goldens ensure our English Golden pups are well adjusted and meet all kinds of people and animals with calm, assured confidence and friendliness? The key is to ensure our pups encounter all of the common scenarios and people groups that they are likely to experience throughout life with their forever families. Regular car rides, trips to the vet, trips to the store, meeting strangers old and young, meeting other dogs, loud city and household sounds – all these are woven into their daily lives here, giving them numerous opportunities to learn the art of encounter and adjustment and to ingrain in them the confidence that something or someone new is not meant to be a source of fear, but of delight.
We are proud to have built a proven track record of successful, well-adjusted pups that fit seamlessly into the lives of their new families.
Q2. Would an older puppy have a hard time bonding with its new family?
No. There are two main reasons why this is not a worry. First, our breeds are one of the best breeds in the world at social interaction and bonding with humans. Many people say that Goldens, Labs, or Beagles are loyal to their owners, but the truth is that they are loyal to the human race! They should never be thought of as true watchdogs because they will bond with strangers naturally.
Secondly, one of the four pillars of our Puppy Training Institute is socialization. We take our puppies on weekly field trips and regularly introduce them to various children, teens, and adults – both on and off of our property. They are trained to be fearless of strangers and to be comfortable in new surroundings. We have never had a client complain that their trained puppy did not bond with them.
Q3. Are your dogs registered? If so, to what registry?
Yes. Our dogs are dual registered with the Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in their country of origin.
Buyers receive a copy of their limited registration paperwork when they pick up their puppy. The final copy will be mailed to the buyer after we receive proof of spay/neuter. Each of our adults has had their DNA profile completed with the registry. This may be seen on each individual dog’s webpage.
Q4. What is the difference between 'limited' registration and 'full' registration?
Limited Registration means that the dog is registered but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration. A dog registered with a Limited Registration shall be ineligible to be entered in a breed competition in a licensed or member dog show. It is eligible, however, to be entered in any other licensed or member event. These events include Obedience, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Agility, and Earthdog.
Breeding is a very complicated and serious decision. So many people have decided to breed dogs because of the financial benefits. An ethical breeder does not breed to make income- they breed to advance only the healthiest Goldens to the happiest homes.
Hip Dysplasia and many other eyes and heart diseases have been spread by irresponsible breeders. Because of the intense dedication, it takes to breed appropriately, 99% of our pups will only be sold as pets. BEWARE of any breeder that is willing to advertise selling FULL registration to ANYBODY that pays extra. Once again, that breeder is not breeding for the betterment of the breed but simply for profit.
As a rule of thumb, if a breeder is breeding for profit then they will cut corners in every way possible to save money.
Q5. What health clearances do your dogs have?
Each of our puppies has had their hips and elbows checked by the OFA or the BVA (British Veterinary Association). They also have been checked by an ophthalmologist yearly and a cardiologist/veterinarian and have been cleared with the OFA for their heart and the OFA/CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) for their eyes. For individual information please see their individual web pages.
Q6. What type of shots and tests are given to each puppy?
We spare no expense in making sure our pups are healthy and up-to-date on all their shots. Every puppy is treated for kennel cough, giardia, coccidia, and roundworms. Each puppy is also micro-chipped. How long the pup stays with us before going home will determine what other shots they will receive.
Puppy Academy pups are given 2 sets of “puppy shots” which is Duramune Max 5, the vaccine for coronavirus, parvovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2, and hepatitis. Canine College pups will be given a final 2 sets of puppy shots and rabies vaccines. Doggy Doctorate pups will be given a monthly dosage of k9 Advantix II for flea and tick and also a monthly dosage of Ivermectin (Heartguard), a heartworm preventative.
Q6. How long should I wait to visit my veterinarian after picking up my puppy?
Each of our puppies comes with a warranty which requires you to have your puppy checked by a vet within 72 hours after picking up your puppy. Your vet will need to check for any communicable diseases during that period. Your vet will also recommend a time to get follow-up “puppy shots” if you picked up your puppy at 12 weeks of age. Most vets recommend that puppies be re-vaccinated every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks old.
Q7. What is NuVet/NuJoint?
NuVetNuVet is a powerful antioxidant that gives a tremendous boost to the immune system to prevent skin and coat problems, creates a defense against over fifty major diseases including hip and elbow dysplasia, and extends the life span of your dog.
Q8. How do I train my puppy?
Every puppy from Recherche is automatically enrolled in Puppy Academy. To summarize quickly, every puppy is potty trained, spot trained, crate trained, leash trained, stair trained, obedience trained, car trained, and much more. We have 4 extended programs as well, Canine College, Master’s Program, Doggy Doctorate, Doggy Double Doctorate. Every buyer will receive a “Report Card” specifically designating your puppy’s performance in every area of training. You will also be given instructions on how to continue with the training.
We have many tools that help transfer the training from our family to yours. The best book on training that we have found and which we recommend highly is “The Art of Raising a Puppy” by the Monks of New Skete. Another great book put out by the Monks of New Skete is “Divine Canine.” This book deals with handling issues of excessive shyness, dominance, and separation anxiety.
Q9. When's the earliest we can pick up our puppy?
Puppy Academy pups graduate at 12 weeks, Canine College pups at 16 weeks, Master’s Program pups at 20 weeks, and Doggy Doctorate at 6 months of age. Pups can be picked up earlier if it works with your schedule or up to 3 days later with no charge. We never stop training your pup so if you need us to keep a pup over 3 days after graduation it would incur a daily charge for boarding and training. We do this quite often and are happy to work with your schedule.
Q10. Can we come and visit your dogs and see your facility?
YES! This question is very commonly asked of breeders. The answers that are given by other breeders quite frankly are shocking. Many breeders refuse for you to visit their kennel until the pups are 6 weeks old. By that time the buyer has already committed emotionally and financially to that breeder. Recherche understands that parvo and other diseases are a very serious threat.
However, simple precautions can be made to eliminate that threat. We ask that if you choose to visit Recherche please do not visit another kennel beforehand. Also, please try to stay away from any unfamiliar dogs just in case they have any diseases. Many breeders hide behind “trying to protect their dogs” as a motive for keeping their facilities concealed. The American Kennel Club recommends that you find a breeder who has nothing to hide and is actually desirous of meeting with you.
Q11. What do I need to bring when picking up my puppy?
We recommend that you bring a travel crate (~20 in. high for 12 weeks, 24 in. high for 16 weeks, and 26 in. high for 6 months), some large bath towels, a small collar or body harness, a basic leash (NOT a retractable leash because they fear them at first), paper towels, garbage bags, some chew toys, water, and a food and water dish.
Q12. How do you get your puppy home?
We are very flexible with when you get your pup. We always highly encourage you to make sure not to have a lot of chaos right when you get your pup. You want the first few days to be very calm and relaxed with a very consistent schedule. This will help your pup adjust to your home and learn the routine. The potty training will transfer much easier if there isn’t a lot of change in the first couple of weeks. The date of your pup’s graduation is flexible. If that date doesn’t work then you let us know when you want your pups (Monday-Saturday) and we’ll do it. If it’s between training programs then we simply pro-rate the price difference (after a 3 day grace period).
Please take time to read this email sent to us on January 13, 2013
Dear Freedom Puppies,
With great interest, I looked at your stunningly beautiful and detailed website, featuring your gorgeous puppies and I am not at all embarrassed to admit that I cried because I did not have the good fortune to purchase my puppy from your kennel. In my overwhelming joy and anticipation of owning one of these beautiful dogs, I acted too hastily and was not selective enough and realized too late that I was dealing with a breeder who offered no information, made no photos, gave no ancestry details, and did not ask one single question about us, caring little or nothing about his pup or what kind of home we were going to provide for it.
We paid just a little less than what you ask for your pups, but I would gladly have paid just a bit more in order to know that we would receive a “new member of the family” from an integrative, caring, and supportive breeder, who has the best in mind for his dogs and their prospective owners. I am impressed with the in-depth care you are willing to provide from the time your pups are born until they go to their forever homes. The training, the exposure, the excellent food and vitamin regimen, all are a guarantee for happy, healthy, and well-socialized dogs, making the transition from breeder to new owner so much easier.
I would have loved a few photos, a memento of my dog’s very first weeks, but I was not that lucky! My pup was one you describe on your website, one who was born in a kennel, lived outside until she came to us and who had to compete for her food and water with other siblings and other litters. To this very day she still gulps down her food in unbelievable haste, not chewing it and vomiting it up later, always worried someone will beat her to the bowl and afraid she will have to do without. She was terrified of stairs, any stairs, be it at home or in town and the very beginning principles of toilet training were completely unknown to her. With lots of reassuring, calmness, and encouragement I trained my dog to believe that there always will be enough food, that it is o.k. if someone looks in your ears or touches your paw and that we take vitamins every day.
Thank you for the treat of looking at your beautiful website, which contains all the information any prospective puppy owner ever could wish for!