Bekkah.... I really couldn't have summed that up any better. I came across this website by accident, and was cringing as I was reading down through this. Looking for a puppy newborn to 6 weeks, wanting to buy a 4-7 week old pup for under $180, I want a pup for my 8 year old brother, breeding goldendoodles.. oh, I don't even know where to start. Quite frankly it is sad and upsetting to read some of this stuff on this site. I realize a great deal of dog owners are very misinformed and unprepared for the responsibility of dog ownership. For one were you informed, you would not even consider purchasing a pup under 8 weeks of age.
It's really sad that so many people are so uninformed and unprepared. Which would explain why so many dogs get dropped off at human society's each year. Getting a dog is basically the same as having a kid. When you bring an 8 week old (and not a day younger!!) pup into your life, you are now responsible for a little bundle of fur that solely depends on you for everything. It's not a feat fit for a small child to take on. It's hard work, and a 24 hour a day job. At least if you don't want that cute little bundle of fur to grow up into a huge 80 pound unruly dog that has no manners. Thus why many dogs end up being given up. People jump into dog ownership. They see a cute little golden retriever puppy that is rolly pooly and a bundle of fur and fun. And they are. I am the proud owner of a 7 month old male golden retriever. But that cute little fuzz ball pup that I started out with is growing up fast, and getting big, and starting to shed! Without the proper guidance instead of being a well mannered adolescent, my young man could be... well, use your imagination. I researched for about 5 months before buying my dog, and then had to wait another year for my breeder to have a litter. I called various breeders, talked to them, ASKED questions about the breed, future health problems, train-ability, got ASKED questions. A good breeder that cares about their dogs will ask you more questions about yourself than you will probably ask about the dog your interested in. They want their pups to go to good homes, that will take the time and energy to mold their young pup into a well mannered adult dog. Reputable breeders will not think of selling a dog under 8 weeks old, and often will not sell GR to families that have young children. As far as cost,I have spent more money on my dog than I even care to mention. He is my million dollar baby. He was not cheap to buy, nor is he cheap to care for. The vet bills to have his shots, and have him neutered were not cheap. He requires daily exercise, daily brushing and had to go through obedience class in order to develop well needed manners. Small pups, especially goldens really need constant supervision while young. They are great at finding trouble, and then chewing it to bits, swallowing socks, and getting into things that they shouldn't.
I realize that the majority of you on here are adults and capable of making your own decisions, and will probably feel offended by my "lecture". I'm not trying to offend anyone, just hand out some free advice, and perhaps make someone think twice before jumping into something that they are not ready for.
Please, please, please.... research the breed, research breeders, remember you get what you pay for! (getting your golden from a BYB can and mostly likely will increase your chance of your pup having costly health problems later in life). And like bekkah said... getting a dog is a 12-18 year investment. It's not something that should be taken lightly!! Make sure you are really ready for the time, cost and energy it takes to raise one of these magnificent dogs.
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