Nicker Barker Farm TM       

          Top QualityGolden Retrievers

Going Home

We provide two detailed packages of information to help you in the transition to your puppy's new home.  The first package is sent to the "parents" about two weeks after the puppy is born, and details how to prepare the home for a new puppy, from what food to buy, how to prepare any children in the home, how to crate train, etc.  The second package is given to the parents at the time of the puppy-pick-up, and provides copies of the pertinent pedigrees and clearances, AKC forms, NYS required notifications, health certification, and training tips. 

The pups are fully weaned, given the first round of shots, fully checked by our Veterinarian, and accustomed to a crate.  The pups will be oriented toward "going" outside, and ready for house training. 

 

Going Home Experiences

The following quotes and pictures are from recent pick-ups, and indicate typical transition experiences.

 

"Everyone stops us to look at Maggie....they can't believe how light she is!!!  yes she is as light as when we brought her home!  Her adult coat has been coming in the exact color as her puppy coat!  She is just amazing....the easiest dog to train....sits...stays...down...paw....come....walks off leash right between Michael and I.....never leaves our property....goes out to do her business and then comes flying back inside the home!  WE just love her to death!!!!!
 
She's absolutely beautiful and sweet and loving....very cuddly...."

"...she is amazing with (my daughter)....however I do feel that she is a Mommy's girl....as she'll follow me all over the place.  I just love her to pieces....she's so enjoying exploring the world outside....loves to go on walks....we've gotten into a great routine of taking her for two great walks a day...with a lot of play time in between.....she sleeps like a charm!  She's an absolute beauty....Muffin and Max did a fantastic job!!!"  C.&M.U., Avon CT

My husband said to me this morning, "I think we have a very special 
puppy,"  and I whole heartedly agree.  Teddy is a gem!  I am sure you 
are hearing that from all your owners-but we really think that we 
have the best little puppy in the world.  He has adjusted beautifully 
to life with us, and Tucker is really beginning to have lots of fun 
with him.  G.&P. B., Summitt, NJ

 

She is just the most adorable little girl, although we don't think she'll be very little for long (HA-HA). She has already become friends with our older cat Jasper, as you can see by the pics. Our younger cat Buzz is slowly warming up to her. He doesn't seem to like being jumped on and chewed very much. We've taken her for several car rides and she likes it a lot. She really enjoys meeting new people.  T.&B. C., Scotia, NY

Summer is amazing.  She is kind, listens and is so loving to all. She has become a great watch dog too.  She adores our little poodle Penelope. They watch for squirrels together.  The veterinarians think she is gorgeous.  Her profile is like Dan's. So gorgeous! She is big ,healthy and strong, but so so gentle.  We have always had labs, but Goldens have now stolen our hearts.  L.L., Glenville, NY
 

 

Thought you all might like to see some pictures of Abby and her big brother Angus.  . .

 
She's doing great!

A.M. & B. W., Andover, Ma.

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"The ride home went well, he cried off and on for about the first half hour, but settled down and slept most of the way home, he woke up as I was getting off the Thruway (10 minutes from home).  He seems to be adjusting quite well.  Cried off and on the first night, but finally settled down and slept.  Appetite has been OK, didn't eat a whole lot the first night, but seems to be doing fine now....eating very well.  He LOVES playing outside (I have a fenced yard...lots of room to play!) and is very well behaved in the house, no accidents so far, and he seems to be picking up on the housebreaking quickly.  I was surprised with how confident he seemed coming into a new environment.  We went out to the back yard as soon as we got home, and he proceeded to settle right in to play in the yard (after his quick bathroom break)...even ran right up to the fence to meet my neighbor who was out working in his yard.  He did just as well exploring the house....nothing seemed to phase him. 

 
Thank you so much for having such a great puppy for me and all the work you put into making the pups what they are.  I'm sure I will enjoy having Owen as part of my life, he seems like such a special dog already.  I will keep you updated on his progress, and will send pictures soon. 
 
Thank you again for everything,"

Hi. Just wanted to give you a quick update on Owen. He's doing great, a truly wonderful puppy. I'm having a great time with him! I get so many compliments on how well behaved and calm he is, especially for his age. Also get lots of compliments on his looks...everyone loves his face...so sweet and cute!

We start puppy classes this week. We have class once a week. I am going to the same trainer I took my previous golden to...lots of fun.

Hope all is well your way. Owen sends his love!

 

T.F., Fairport, NY

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The trip was long. Plenty of accident delays kept us on the road for 5 hours. Brodie was a little car sick but frequent stops with hugs and kisses made it easier for him. We introduced him to his new home without the girls around, ( less excitement ). The girls came home and were great with him. Emma ( 5yrs ) took to him immediately. Taylor ( 20m ) might take a day or two. He is a GREAT dog! Great features, Great coat, Great temperament. We love him!

Here are some pics of his first day.
Talk to you soon,

M. & L. B., South Huntington, NY

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    Summer had a wonderful night!  I have 2 crates set up, one in the study for day time which her food and water is near by, and one next to our bed.  She cried at first and then the old memories of what we did years ago came back.  I slept with my arm down along the crate, and put a beautiful music box on.  One we used when our children were born.  She feel fast asleep.  I woke up at 2am to check on her just like a new mother would, took her out and she tinkled and went right back to sleep.
    She is the PERFECT dog, she goes to the door to go out, and we take here out approx. every hour. Not one accident.  She is eating great.  Drinking well!  Our little toy poodle Penelope, loves her.  We knew she would, she used to think our lab Amanda was her mother. They are playing right now.  Penelope is 5, and this is just what she needed.  They totally are loving each other.  All the cats like her too.  But like my husband says. We have so many animals, they are so used to being with many buddies, and they all always get along. You will see when you visit.
     My Kindergarten students came today, everyone was in awe with the farm.  Most of my animals are animals that people got sick of or something and they are all so loving because LOVE  and attention is all they know here!!!!  You'll understand when you come. 

THANK YOU again.  I will drop you a note often, when school gets out you have to come visit.  "Summer" has the Perfect home.  We are so lucky to have her. With Love, Lori and Family. 

PS: Our son Jack has fallen in love with her. He even said, Mom I can already tell I will really miss her when I go to college in 2 years. Will we bring her to visit.  BooHoo. 

L.B., Scotia, NY

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Thank you for everything. It was a perfect weekend and we arrived home today . We spent Saturday night in East Taghkanic. Lucy is wonderful!!!!!!!!! It was so hard to pick a puppy since they were all beautiful but we picked the right one for sure! Phoebe and her bonded instantly. They really like each other. She traveled so well in the car, has a good appetite, and we haven't had any problems at all. Attached is a picture. I'll send lots more thanks again for being such good caring puppy people.

Phoebe teaching Lucy to dive and swim...

 

L.L., Williston, NY

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The ride home was a little interesting.  Gunner got a little motion sickness and had an accident twice....  Once we got home we introduced him to my Scottish Terrier.  There was no confrontation between the two of them.  The overnight was fine, Gunner and I got up around 6 am and took a walk out in the rain because he had to go.  So far so good he is enjoying his new home. 

He ate some of his food once we got home, but found that Oreo's food tasted better.  He has been very well mannered and is a joy to have around the house.  He loves that snuggle puppy.  We let him on the bed with the snuggle puppy and he walked up and down the bed between us. 

BF, Salt Point, NY

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He is napping right now... adjusting very well... seems so happy... threw up on the way home but I am guessing it was car sickness .... ate dinner no problem... no accidents yet... number one and two outside.... he slept well ... short naps it seemed... but all is great... breakfast was served ... now its gone... he is doing sooo... well.... thanks again.... talk to you soon...

DR & CD, Rotterdam, NY

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We picked the best dog!!! He is such a good boy, so easy going and loving, the kids always wanted him "the big one, with the big paws" so they were beside themselves w/ delight. All of their baseball games have been cancelled yesterday & today so he is getting all kinds of attention! He loves them and they love him!!
 
As far as our trip home, no accidents, he cried on/off being in the crate but when I talked to him it calmed him down. He always goes when we take him out and we have only had a few accidents in the house but we are keeping a close eye on him. I did move him to my room last night and it seemed to help him knowing I was there and if he whined and I spoke to him he laid right back down. I did have to take him out at 2:30AM as he was quite restless, he peed and went right back to bed and then he was back up at 6:30 (feeling like I have a newborn again!). Will I need to do that late night walk for awhile? When do you think he can go all night w/o going out?
 
As far as the cats go they haven't showed their faces much, I have to believe they are not very happy w/ the intrusion but as time goes on they are starting to become more present when he is around. No hissing, or face offs yet....
 
He is eating about 1/2 of what you said he would eat (1.5 c dry 1.25 wet & cottage cheese, 1/2 of this) I think he is just getting acclimated and I have noticed his appetite increasing so I am waiting to give him the heartworm until I know he will eat it for sure.
 
Thank you for checking in, I promise to keep in touch!!
 

{Next emails}

We made it until 5am!!! Were getting there :)

I think he is just such an easy going dog it's not very hard, wish my kids were 1/2 as easy!!

D & P V, Baldwinsville, NY

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P. & T. F., Bedford, NY