Also, keep in mind that it's your responsibility as a pet owner to adequately prepare before you bring the new pet home.
One of our favorite books for this preparation is:
I just got a puppy: What do I do? by Matthew Margolis. It's a quick read that offers great tips for the entire family.

We are members of the Golden Retriever Club of America. You can learn more about the breed at http://www.grca.org/

All our dogs are registered by the American Kennel Club. Their site provides excellent information on responsible pet ownership, health care tips and much more. For additional information check out akc.org

Stocking up for the arrival of your new puppy: These tips are provided in the AKC's publication, "New Puppy Handbook" which also offers excellent advice on puppy care, development and training.

• Food (our nutritional requirements/recommendations will be provided prior to pick up)
• Treats for training
• Food and water dishes
• Crate--to be replaced by bigger one as he grows--do not buy a huge crate for a puppy. A medium-sized crate offers the puppy more security when young. A smaller crate also keeps a puppy from eliminating in his crate while crate/potty training.
• Soft, adjustable collar (add new ones as he grows)
• Bedding
• Dog gate(s)
• At least one 4- to 6-foot leash, leather or webbing (an additional longer lead useful for training)
• At least 5-6 safe chew toys (the more the better, rotate toys) a note from us--beware of chew toys with preservatives and harmful chemicals--read our note on pig's ears, below
• A soft-bristle brush
• Brush and sturdy metal comb
• Gentle puppy shampoo
• Good-quality dog nail trimmer
  
  Below are some good sites we've found that are consistent with our thoughts on training, care and nutrition. Please copy and paste the addresses to these sites into your web browser address line.
  
  Must Reads Before Getting a Puppy:
  
  Your New Puppy. Great Resource for Most Puppy-Related Questions.
  Should be Read Before Getting a Dog:
  http://www.canismajor.com/dog/tpuppy.html
  
  Children and Puppies. Should be Read Before Bringing a Puppy into a Home with Small Children:
  http://www.petmaze.com/html/children.html
  
  Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog:
  http://www.kidstrainingpuppies.com/pages/should.htm
  
  Training Info & Pet Education:
  
  Some Good Training Tips:
  http://www.cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/lexi/pospup.htm
  
  Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Education and Catalog Link:
  http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=2
  
  Pets: A Good Thing:
  
  Pet Owners. On the Road to Better Health:
  http://www.mercola.com/2004/nov/17/dogs_health.htm
  
  Pets Help us Cope with Stress:
  http://www.mercola.com/2002/oct/9/stress_pets.htm
  
  Pet Health & Diet:
  
  Lawn Chemicals and Cancer in Dogs:
  http://www.covenanthealth.org/healthnews/reuters/20040421elin008.htm
  
  Lack of Vitamin C and Hip Dysplasia:
  http://www.cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/health/vitc.htm
  
  People Food. Is it good for Dogs?
  http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/8/antioxidants_pet.htm
  
  Dog Treat Health Concerns:
  http://www.mercola.com/2005/feb/19/pet_chew_treats.htm
  
  Pig's Ear Risks:
  http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/00vol26/dr2606ea.html
  
  Safe Pet Food Storage:
  http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/22/pet_food_storage.htm
  
  Are Grains Needed in a Canine Diet:
  http://www.mercola.com/2005/feb/5/pets_grains.htm
  
  Nutritional Deficiency a Link to Epilepsy:
  http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/healthydiet.html#NutritionalDeficiencies
  
  Canine Over-Vaccination:
  http://www.mercola.com/2003/apr/2/dog_vaccines.htm
  
  Parasites and Pets:
  http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~parasite/pets.html
  
  Animal Diseases and Transfer to Humans:
  http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/104_pets.html
  
  Thanks for your patience while we compile info and tips for this important section. In addition to the articles above, proper care, diet and health related topics are discussed in full at the time of pick up.