Buying A Pup - Advice Appreciated

[paflytyer]

Hi all...looking for some advice.I am in the market for a new hunting companion.I want a golden retriever as this pup will serve not only as my hunting partner but also as a replacement to a dearly missed old pup.

Since the most my old dog did was go with me and watch, I would like to do this one right. Admittedly I never trained her properly so am also looking for some advice about training...maybe a good book or website on the subject? I do waterfowl, dove and pheasant. Willgoldens flush?Also, what might I look for as I shop breeders? I've never bought one before as I inheiretedmy previous dog when she was a pup. I've often heard the term "papered dog" and I am a bit embarrased to say I am not quite sure what this means. Am I to see some official AKC document on a pup or it's parents, perhaps that tells me the bloodline is there? I am brand spankin new to purchasing so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Would love to hear from anyone who hunts with goldens for upland and waterfowl...good, bad or indifferent.

Thanks in advance
The PA Fly Tyer

[Doc E]

Good questions.
Yes, Goldens are Flushers (not pointers).
As far as "papered" --- that only means they are registered with AKC. Goldens have some health issues, so make sure that the parents of the litter are tested for Hips, Eyes, Thyroid and Cardiac.

A great book for the "newbie" trainer would be the "10 Minute Retriever" by John and Amy Dahl.

Take a look at the classifieds at www.retrievertrainingnet.com for Goldens that might be available. (most all of the breeders that post there are top notch).



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[camelcluch]

I used a book from Ducks Unlimited with my last dog. It was written by the guy that owns Wild Rose Kennels. It was an easy read and work well on my lab and a buddies chessie. Sorry, I don't remember the name of the book but I'm thinking the author's name is Mike Stewart. I would get some program before the pup. It will give you a plan and that worth it's weight in gold. Good Luck!