FAQ

The vaccinations and dewormers that we use are listed in the following list:

1. @ 5 weeks* they are given their 1st round of Neopar.
2. @ 6 weeks* they are taken to our licensed veterinarian for a health checkup.
3. @ 6.5 weeks* they are given their 1st round of NeoVac.
4. @ 7.5 weeks* they are given their 2nd round of Neopar, 1st round of Pyrantel/Marquis, and their 1st round of Ivomec.
5. @ 9.5 weeks* they are given their 2nd round of NeoVac DA2.

What is NeoPar?

• NeoPar^® induces protection against Parvovirus, the most lethal and prevalent viral disease of dogs
• Stimulates antibody production in the presence of existing maternal antibodies
• Provides maximum protection and a long duration of immunity
• Modified live virus
• Injectable vaccination

What is NeoVac DA2?

• NeoVac^® DA2 provides protection against canine Distemper and Adenovirus Type 2
• Stimulates antibody production in the presence of existing maternal antibodies
• Provides maximum protection and a long duration of immunity
• Modified live virus
• Injectable vaccination

What is Pyrantel/Marquis?

• Pyrantel/Marquis is a mixture of Pyrantel and Marquis which are used to prevent various worms and microrganisms.

What is Ivomec?

• Ivomec is used for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

*The age that our puppies receive their vaccinations and dewormers is not a date that is set in stone and is subject to change*

Hips – Canine Hip Displasia (CHD) merits concern by all Golden Irish breeders and its prevalence may be reduced with selective breeding.  CHD is caused by a poorly formed ball-and-socket joint in the hip.  The quality of this joint may be screened by x-ray and can then be certified by either the OFA or PennHip organizations.

To select for new parents at Golden Ridge Hi-Breds, they are either OFA certified or have been screened by PennHip.  We carefully select the parents for each litter of puppies to ensure their offspring will have healthy hips.

Heart – A second health issue affecting the Golden Irish are heart murmurs.  Heart murmurs come in two different forms.  Many puppies, like human babies, can have heart murmurs that go away around 16 weeks of age.  A more severe heart murmur may not go away and develop into an adult dog health issue.  If adult parents have heart murmurs, there is a good chance that a percentage of their puppies may also have heart murmurs.  

All the Golden Retriever parents (Charlie) at Golden Ridge Hi-Breds have had their hearts screened.

Eukanuba Puppy Growth Puppy Food

Treats-small soft ones work well.  For an extra special treat, use cheese or small pieces of cooked ground beef or chicken.

A copy of Jan Fennel’s book or DVD of “The Dog Listener”.  This book is a must read/watch for any dog owner who wants willing cooperation from their pet.  If you only read one thing-be sure this is it.  Here is a link to Jan’s site where you can learn about her methods.  Buy her book on Amazon. 

Stainless-steel non-tipping food and water bowls   

I.D. Tags with the contact information for yourself and your veterinarian   

A collar (8 to 12 inch size) and a 6-foot leather or nylon leash   

A 37- 42 inch wire crate with an adjustable divider in the center so you can grow the crate with your puppy.

Dog shampoo  (preferably the hypoallergenic kind)

Brush and comb, – A pin brush goes over the top of the coat to make it look smooth, and a steel toothed comb works great for going deep into the coat.

Nail clippers

Cleanup supplies such as a stain remover, paper towels, deodorizing  and odor neutralizing spray (like Natures Miracle)  

Chew Toys (Kong is one of my favorite brands.) Do not get any rawhide chews.

This is a list of the basic necessities.  Your trainer may have additional items.  There are many other helpful and fun products available at pet supply stores.

A Golden Irish is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Irish Setter. There are many different variations of this breed but most of our Golden Irish puppies are the first generation (F1) cross between a Golden Retriever and an Irish Setter. This means that our most of our puppies are 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Irish Setter.  The F1 hybrid is the healthiest cross possible due to “hybrid vigor”.  It is our desire to raise and promote this hybrid.  We carefully select each purebred parent for the characteristics that would result in puppies with the most desirable pet qualities.

We are currently asking $2,400 for a puppy. Our total puppy price breakdown is as follows. A non-refundable deposit of $500, then a final payment of $1,900 (plus $168 IN sales tax when you meet me in person) If you have your puppy shipped, we require the final payment before we ship the puppy. If you want/need shipping, we charge an additional $375.

We offer up to $200 in rebates. $100 will go toward your puppy getting spayed by 9 months (female) or neutered within 6 months of age (male).  You need to have these papers back to me by the time your puppy is 1 year old to be eligible for this rebate.  I need The second $100 will go toward your puppy obtaining his Canine Good Citizen certificate (CGC).  There is no age restriction for the CGC rebate.  The way to receive these rebates is to send me a copy of your receipt/certificate and you can expect a check in the mail within 6-8 weeks or sooner.

A more detailed description of the CGC certification is as follows: The American Kennel Club (AKC) features a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program which is a 10-step test that certifies dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.  CGC is an excellent program, and one we wish to promote and encourage.

Our deposit is $500 which reserves your puppy from Golden Ridge Hi-Breds and your pick in line for the litter. For those of you who pay the application fee, the deposit is $425.

There is the thought out there that portrays the airlines as a death trap for puppies where they go in and never come back. I want to tell you that I have never seen or heard an airline employee do anything that would be harmful to our puppies. From my experience the airline employees are usually very friendly and love our puppies! The airlines would not put an employee in their pet service departments if they were not going to be pet friendly. With the thousands of pets that fly every day across the country, the airlines can not afford bad publicity in the media or otherwise. We (the customers) would quit shipping our puppies on an airline that had staff that was unkind to our puppies. I have been helping my parents ship puppies for over 10 years and we have never lost a puppy. Of my own puppies, I have only had one instance where a puppy didn’t make a connecting flight and it had to wait in Houston, TX overnight in the airline’s fully staffed kennel. If this were to ever happen to your puppy, you can rest assured that they are in good hands. These airline kennels are staffed with veterinarians and other technicians who are fully trained to take care of dogs/puppies. I try very hard to get your puppy on a nonstop flight to minimize the amount of time our puppies have to be in the airline’s hands.

Our puppies are usually pretty trusting and flying does not stress them out too much. There is some stress but is not much different than if we were to go to someplace new and not know anyone or anything. We have our moments and so do our puppies.

To sum this all up: shipping our puppies is something that is a nonissue with me.  It is a safe method to get your puppy from our place to yours.

Our puppies will most likely fall into the 50-80 pound range. It is very hard to determine what size a puppy will be when they are younger than 7 weeks of age. After they reach that age, it is a little easier to cast a judgment as to what size they will be full grown. We still can’t be for sure though and so that is why we give a range.

The training your puppy receives in its first 8 weeks can last a lifetime.  Thus socialization is not taken lightly at Golden Ridge Hi-Breds.  Following is a general schedule each litter follows while here:

• 0-3 weeks — The puppies are maternally socialized.  This simply means they are cared for and taught by their mother.  Human contact is limited to healthcare and frequent but short contacts. Such as getting them used to our scent.
• 3-6 weeks — The puppies are imprinted to human contact with petting/holding and light play as well as continued training from their mother.
• 6-8 weeks — The puppies spend time meeting different aged humans (primarily children) and are placed in different environments to accustom them to change.  They will also interact with other adult dogs and see and hear various other animals.
• 8-12 weeks — The puppies are now ready to go to their new homes and start their skills training.

Socialization never ends.  As puppies join their new packs, they will instinctively seek their level in the family hierarchy.  Although we love them dearly, they must be trained and taught that they are at the bottom of the family hierarchy.  A very big help to learn how to communicate with your puppy is to enroll him or her in a puppy basic obedience course as early as allowed by the instructor.  Classes are offered at most pet supply stores and canine schools in your area.  This class not only teaches your puppy skills, but continues your puppy’s socialization to you, other people, and other dogs.

The importance of beginning to train your Golden Irish as soon as he comes to your home cannot be over emphasized.  Just a few minutes each day spent in fun interaction and training with your puppy will reap life long benefits.  By learning how to interact with your puppy, and understanding how a dog’s mind works, potential behavior problems will be avoided.  Help your puppy understand what your expectations are through obedience training.  A well mannered Golden Irish puppy is one who will be loved by all and welcome everywhere!