Nicker Barker Farm TM        

             Top Quality

Golden Retrievers

Puppy Pickup

Typically, the following will have been done when you pick up your puppy:

-    initial checkup by our veterinarian performed at 3 days of age

-    the dew claws will be removed (this prevents future problems)

-    familiarization with the outdoors (the start of potty training)

-    second veterinarian checkup, typically at 7 to 8 weeks, including shots and precautionary worming

In addition, we will give you

-    a new puppy "owner's manual" with tips on feeding, care, training

-    copies of all pedigrees, certifications (OFA, etc.)

-    a kit with goodies, medical records, heartworm chewable

You should prepare by

-    buying a good puppy book -- our favorite is The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete, Little Brown publishers; for those who are looking for more detail on Golden Retriever puppies, we really like R. Ann Johnson's The Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook, published by the Darwin Press, Inc.

-    if you have children, review the rules and puppy needs carefully with them

-    buy the necessary equipment and supplies -- we recommend that you

        >    crate train your puppy

        >    slowly change any diet

-    pick a place for the puppy to

        >    eat

        >    sleep

        >    handle nature's call (we recommend that you 'salt' the location with a few early droppings)

Before you know it, you'll be heading home...