Well there's a lot to know about having a dog.  They are not just appliances that you turn on when you're ready to play.  They are intelligent animals with emotional, physical and intellectual lives of their own and you need to recognize that in order to make the most of your relationship to your new family member. Here are some links to provide you with some information that will help guide you in choosing and raising your new dog. Description of a Golden Retriever The AKC provides a nice overview of the golden retriever breed giving size, coloration and even a little bit on temperment.  It also gives a little history of how the breed came to be established.  The Golden Retriever Club of America  is also a rich source of information regarding goldens. Choosing a Golden Retriever Ah, yes.  Just look at those faces.  See the beauty of the flowing hair as the dog moves and the proud flag of a tail happily wagging.  Why wouldn't you want a golden retriever?   Well.....many reasons.   Look at it this way; no pet purchase should be an impulse buy.  It's not fair to you and, more importantly, it's not fair to the pet.  If you can't provide for the needs of a golden retriever (exercise, attention and grooming... to name a few) then perhaps another breed is for you.  The pet purchase should be a considered decision matching your expectations with a pet's requirements and abilities so you are both happy. Here is some information to guide you in your decision process. The AKC breed finder and breed listings. Breed selectors can be found on the internet, each with similar questions to be answered, that will help you understand the breeds that might best suit your expectations. Finding a Golden Retriever Okay, you've gone through the decision process and now know that a golden retriever is the dog for you.  If you're here, then you found us and if we have puppies to be placed,  feel free to contact us.   If we don't have any puppies at the time you're looking, here are a couple of resources for finding other breeders. The Garden State Golden Retriever Club for New Jersey The Golden Retriever Club of America for the rest of the country Golden Retriever Rescues for New Jersey.   Once you have a Golden Retriever Now you're the proud, happy owner of a golden retriever.  Make sure you've got the information (books, websites, etc) you need to take care of your new family member.  Food and water are the most obvious things to get right but don't forget about exercise, obedience training and healthcare.  We won't go into all those details here as there are numerous books that cover the topic in a comprehensive manner but we felt it prudent to remind the new owner that dogs will need their shots and it is important to know the schedule for this important part of healthcare. BARF/Raw-feeding We feed our dogs a raw diet of meat, bone, liver, fruit, vegetables and yogurt. We believe our dogs are healthier on this diet. They produce healthier puppies with better bone and teeth. There is plenty of information about this diet on the internet. Agility Those are the basics but you might want to have more fun with your golden.  A few of our goldens have enjoyed success in Dog Agility.  You know, tunnels, ramps, hoops, teeter-totters, etc.   It's actually quite a lot of fun for the dog and the owner.  For more information check out: JAG (Jersey Agility Club of Central New Jersey)

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