LEARNING CENTER

DCM is a disease of a dog's heart muscle and results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and heart valves may leak, which can lead to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen (congestive heart failure). DCM has been linked to grain-free dog foods. The following 2019 article, written by the FDA, provides the top dog food brand names that were most frequently associated with DCM cases.

Embark DNA is the most scientifically advanced canine DNA test. Embark screens a dog's DNA for over 210 genetic health risks, over 35 physical traits and for coefficient of inbreeding. These facts enable breeders to make educated decisions when choosing a breeding pair.

No, Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a condition that begins in dogs as they grow. CHD is not present at birth. Canine Hip Dysplasia does have a hereditary component and is especially common in larger dogs. Even so, many environmental factors also play a role in CHD developing. Factors such as an excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight, and unbalanced nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition. Scientists have been trying to determine which genes may be responsible for CHD for decades without success.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is a recognized certifying body who evaluates and determines if a dog will have problem hips/elbows. By participating in OFA screening, breeders can make ethical decisions in their breeding practices so that every puppy has the best chance of living without this painful disease.

We complete OFA preliminary hip & elbow screening between 7-12 months old in order to determine if a dog will fit into our breeding program. We want to know as early as possible if a dog has signs of Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). When screened between 7-12 months old, OFA states that what we see at one year is indicative of what we will see at 2 years old at a 93.8% rate.

Our preliminary certifications are not listed on the OFA website. We are happy to provide a copy to you upon request.

1) Puppy proof your house! Puppies love to chew and most will eat everything they can. 2) Purchase & set up supplies (don't forget a bag of dog food, food/water bowls, a leash, some toys, a kennel, and lots of paper towels for potty accidents!). 3) Plan to keep the house calm and stress free for 3-7 days after bringing a puppy home. 4) Follow the guidelines on our "Puppy Go Home Instructions" handout provided when you take possession of your puppy. Side note: Our experience has been that our puppies adjust better when we are able to be home with them for a couple days while they transition. You may want to consider this option as well.

Blue Moon Acres Golden Retrievers recommends Purina Pro Plan dog foods. We choose to feed Purina Pro Plan because it is a WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) compliant food, that is highly recommended by veterinarians. Additionally, Purina maintains a team of nutritionists, behaviorists, veterinarians, and other specialists to continually test and innovate their products. Purina is thorough in tracing every ingredient back to its sources, including performing thousands of safety and quality checks. We also love that 99% of their pet products are crafted in the USA! Golden Retrievers are considered large breed dogs, as they will be over 50 pounds when fully grown. Large breeds have very different nutritional needs than small or medium breed dogs. This means they benefit from a large breed dog food. Large breed puppy formulas were designed to encourage a more gradual growth rate and they have a more appropriate calcium to phosphorus ratio that a large breed puppy requires. Our Health Warranty requires that your dog start off eating a large breed puppy food for at least the first year of its life. Many veterinarians recommend keeping a Golden Retriever on large breed puppy food for 15-16 months of age; however, please follow the advice of your veterinarian. As an adult dog, large breed adult diets can be helpful, as they have different calorie densities, and they often support joint health more than regular adult foods. Your puppy will go home with a few days’ worth of Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food - Chicken & Rice Formula.

Gently exposing puppies to a wide variety of people, places, and situations makes a huge, permanent difference in a puppy's temperament. We will provide you with a Puppy Socialization Guide so that you can continue to build upon the foundation that your puppy has gained through their first 8 weeks of curriculum at Blue Moon Acres Golden Retrievers. Just check off the items as you complete them!

Your puppy will be ready and eager to learn the day that you take it home. You should begin potty training, crate training, and sit immediately. We recommend a full Basic Obedience Training from a professional as soon as your veterinarian says it's safe. Additionally, AKC provides a wealth of knowledge on training at: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-training/

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a series of handling activities performed on each puppy daily, from days 3-16. ENS allows each neonate puppy to cope with and recover from small amounts of stress at an early age. This produces adult dogs with an increased tolerance to stress, as well as stronger immune systems, heart rates, & nervous systems. Long term resulting in a more consistent temperament.

Early scent introduction (ESI) is a program where neonate puppies are exposed to scents from 3-16 days old. The area in the brain that processes the data picked up by the nose is 40 times larger in dogs than humans. Dogs that participate in ESI have a greater ability to identify and react to scents.