Buying a golden retriever is task that requires a great deal of thought and caution. But the joy the puppy brings is worth all the effort. The first step is to gather all the information you can. A potential buyer should attend dog shows and meetings of dog clubs to know more and more about the breed. Golden retriever owners can provide valuable insights about the disposition of the breed.

The second step is to look for a reliable place to buy the puppy. One should never go for a pet shop or a backyard breeder. A serious hobby breeder is the best source for a well-bred puppy. A list of reputable breeders can be obtained from the Golden Retriever Club of America. After you have come to an informed decision about the right breeder, you might have to wait for some time before the litter of your choice is born. When the litter is born, you and the breeder can mutually decide on a puppy that is suitable for your home.

Once you have found the puppy you have to take care of a few things before you buy it. It is better to buy a puppy that is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). An AKC registration provides a certain degree of assurance about the pedigree of the puppy. It has to be made sure that the puppy has received proper veterinary care- it should be appropriately vaccinated and de-wormed. The puppy should be adequately socialized so that it can easily become a part of your family.

A puppy is ready to be brought home once it is seven to eight weeks old. At the time of buying one should make sure that the breeder provides written instructions for training and care of the puppy. One should make sure that adequate paperwork is done for the transaction. It is best if the breeder can provide a written warranty against development of hereditary disorders.

One has to pay a reasonable price for a healthy, well-bred puppy. One should never compromise the quality and health of a puppy for a lower cost.

Before you bring the puppy home it is very important to puppy-proof your home. Make sure that your house is safe for your puppy. Make sure that there is adequate fencing. Also, make sure you have a cozy little place where your little puppy can sleep.