Terry Albert - Your Golden Retriever Puppy Month by Month: Everything You Need to Know at Each Stage to Ensure Your Cute and Playful Puppy Grows into a Happy, Healthy Companion

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First American Edition, 2015
Published in the United States by DK Publishing
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Copyright 2015 Dorling Kindersley Limited
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Published in the United States by Dorling Kindersley Limited.

ISBN: 9781615648856

This digital edition published 2015
eISBN: 9781465450364

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This book is dedicated to my friend Howard Falberg, and in memory of his wife, Carol, in honor of their lifelong devotion to their beloved breed, the Golden Retriever. Terry

INTRODUCTION

One of the top 10 breeds in America for the last two decades, Golden Retrievers are loved for their outstanding temperaments and stunning beauty. The superlatives about these dogs youll hear from owners are endless: good-natured, great family dogs, eager to please, easy to train, superb athletes, friendly toward all varieties of animals and people . These same traits have made them ideal dogs for helping people in many different roles: assistance for the physically handicapped, search and rescue, therapy visits, and more.

A Golden Retrievers devotion to his family is deep and endless. Wanting nothing more than to be by your side, this happy-go-lucky dog is always ready to play hard or just sit with you by the fire. But like any dog, Golden Retrievers need loving care, guidance, and discipline to grow into a well-behaved member of society. Thats where this book comes in. Whether youre just beginning to research breeders near you for available puppies or youve adopted a rescue Golden Retriever, youre in for quite an adventure.

In This Book

Each chapter in this Book covers a month of your Golden Retriever puppys development. You learn what you can expect from your pup and how to deal with each stage of growth. Its easy to be overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a puppy, and we hope this book helps you through the first 12 months of this big adventure!

You learn what goes on at the breeders during your puppys first two months and how the care she provides affects your pups future. You also discover how to choose the right breeder and pick the perfect puppy for your family. Then, you read about how to prepare for his arrival and, once you bring him home, make him comfortable with his new family.

Further chapters explain the various aspects, month by month, of your puppys physical development, health care, nutritional needs, grooming, socialization, behavior, and training. Each chapter ends with a special section dedicated to building your friendship with your new Golden Retriever puppybecause after all, isnt that one of the most important things?

Although no two Golden Retriever puppies mature at exactly the same rate, the process is the same. If your pup grows faster or slower, it doesnt necessarily mean something is wrong. Hell catch up or slow down and turn out wonderfully normal!

The Extras

Throughout the book, we share additional information to help you raise your Golden Retriever puppy. Heres what to look for:

DOG TALK

These sidebars offer definitions of words you might not know.

HAPPY PUPPY

Look here for ideas on raising a happy and contented puppy.

TIPS AND TAILS

These sidebars share hints and helpful advice on dealing with the challenges of puppy raising.

Acknowledgments

I couldnt raise a dog or write a book without assistance from countless helpers. Special thanks to my advisers, Alan Gunther and Deb Eldredge, DVM, who offered valuable input and carefully reviewed every word. Also thank you to the many breeders, trainers, Golden Retriever owners, and other experts who shared their knowledge and experience: Tonya Struble, Michael Schooley, Robin Bowen, Jane Jensen, Jennifer Masterson, Laura Franci, Susan Maloch, Pat Schaap, Rebecca Barney, Dave and Catherine Geiser, Linda Barlow, Michael and Kathy Bogner, Judy Maraventano, and Lianne Morrison. Terry

The Littermate

Congratulations on selecting a Golden Retriever to join your family! Even before your puppy is born, hundreds of outside factors influence her future health and happiness.