nicholberry goldens

It's a Family Affair

2011-12-01T09:05:00.001-08:00

One of the things I appreciate most about our Goldens is the way they bond our family together. Whether it's going on a walk together (one for each of us to walk!), or watching a movie while each holding a pup, our Goldens are an integral part of our family. And our little boys understand the importance of caring for them accordingly.

This morning, my 9 year old (Max) woke me up at 4:30a.m. to tell me that the power was out. He understood that with 14 day old puppies relying on a heater to keep them warm, this had the potential of becoming a crisis (since we live in the country, an absence of power relegates us to the status of campers - no running water, no stove top to boil water, and certainly no central heating).

I leaped out of bed and as they rubbed the sleep out of their eyes, both of my little boys jumped into action. One went to check on the temperature in the whelping box, the other sprinted to the camper to get lanterns so that we could see how the puppies looked. I began delegating tasks and within a short time, we had the situation under control and a way to heat the pups. My little boys (the 2 legged ones) were instrumental in the process and I can't help but wonder how the weighty responsibility of raising other family's pets is shaping who they become (in a profoundly good way). Yet one more reason to "love that dog..."

"I'm a Lover, Not a Fighter (or a rabbit killer)..."

2011-11-21T17:04:00.001-08:00

My husband has employed new tactics in attempting to convert Moses to his dog. Since I'm consumed with puppy & mama care right now, I notice that Moses is constantly at Brian's side (Brian thinks he is getting away with this constant companionship, but I see what he's trying to do). And he's even gone below the belt by starting a new game with Moses (as if a fun new game is enough to make Moses forget how much he loves me!).

He takes Moses to the fence that divides our property in half. This fence separates our dogs from their all-too-familiar front acre and the Holy Grail of smells in the back 2 acres. They are only allowed past the fence when accompanying one of us, and even then it's a rare treat (as they immediately begin digging for squirrels with their noses and rub off all that beautiful black pigment).

So the new game. He takes Moses to the fence and opens the gate. However, he requires that Moses sit at the gate and wait for a release command. I've seen him from the kitchen window, walking all the way to the barn and back while Moses dutifully sits, waiting to be released. When Brian finally says "Ok!", Moses does the fastest celebratory lap around the arena that you can possibly imagine. He's just so happy!

Today, something different happened. Brian opened the gate and like the incredibly obedient boy that he is, Moses simply sat (after a few days of this, he no longer has to be told to stay - he just knows. THE smartest dog.). It was early morning and the fog was heavy in the pasture, so when Brian released Moses, he was surprised to see him bolt straight past him towards the outside edge of the barn. Little did Brian know, but Moses had smelled a rabbit. Brian said he has never seen a dog move so fast. Within moments, Moses was back at Brian's side and guess what was in his mouth? You got it. The rabbit.

True to character, Moses did not eat the rabbit or run off with it or play with it. He brought it directly back to Brian and dropped it at his feet. Brian (possibly more stunned than the rabbit) stared at it for a moment and watched incredulously as Moses began to lick the rabbit (just like he licks the cat). He licked and then looked to Brian as if to say, "Want to try it?!?"

Shortly thereafter, the stunned bunny came to its senses and began to move off. Brian quietly told Moses to stay, which he of course did (have I mentioned how obedient Moses is and how much he longs to please?). Together they watched the bunny hop back to its hiding place at the barn (if bunnies could talk, this one would have a story to tell!).

Part of me wonders whether Brian planted that bunny just to win Moses' affection (after all, what Golden doesn't love chasing a bunny and bringing it back to his human?). I can see that I'm going to have to step up my game to make sure that my husband doesn't abscond with my dog while I care for these little pups.:)

Oh, how we love that dog...

Little Ms. Maisy

2011-11-20T09:30:00.001-08:00

Formerly known as "Ms. Fuschia" here at Nicholberry Goldens, Maisy had a very special temperament from the outset. Her forever family owns a preschool and Maisy spends her days with the children. You can only imagine how blissful it must be for her to be loved on all day long! Yet another wonderful family to whom a special puppy went - thank you Joanie, Allie and Hannah for giving this precious girl the kind of life she deserves!

Lil' LaLanne & His Girl Hope...

2011-11-19T17:35:00.001-08:00

Nothing makes me happier than getting videos from our Golden family. I received this from Hope's family (a Moses x Tessa girl) and had to share it with all of you. Aside from the fact that this little boy is about the cutest guy ever, I love the way his Golden is his best friend.

This is why I am smitten with Goldens. They are the quintessential family dog. As blessed as our Nicholberry families are by their forever dog, we are as equally blessed by the privilege of being able to bring their pups into the world. Thanks to all of you!

Hope All Grown Up

2011-11-18T01:45:00.001-08:00

I love getting pics of our Nicholberry Goldens, as it helps ease the pain of saying goodbye to our babies when they are 8 weeks old. This is Hope- a Moses/Tessa pup & one of my all time favorites. Isn't she just beautiful?

Titus: Enough Said

2011-11-13T16:21:00.001-08:00

I just snapped this photo of Titus while on our walk, & I must confess that some of my favorite walking moments are when my dogs "strike a pose" (free stack) like this. They're just so beautiful. Titus especially likes to admire the ducks & geese that are beginning to arrive for the winter. Isn't he simply striking? And better yet, he is an extraordinary companion. He is a quiet constant in my life & our family is better for having him in it. Love that dog!

Thea at 14 Months

2011-11-05T20:06:00.001-07:00

Here is little Ms. Thea at soccer this morning. Does she look like her brother (Moses) or what? She is seriously the sweetest girl ever and is ALL about the kids. She loves them! It was darling to watch her reaction to every child that approached her & there were many!). Her strategy today was to "wag and wait" - clearly she figured out that if she wagged her tail enough, it would magnetically draw people to her. And it did! As exciting as the game was, Thea was a star in her own way. We are delighted with the way this girl has grown & look forward to the day that Titus and she have a litter together...

Happy Belated Halloween

2011-11-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this. Jack (Moses x Tessa) as Poindexter on Halloween - I LOVE the look on his face! He has to be the most tolerant dog ever (and beautiful!). Happy Halloween Jack - you're such a good boy for putting up with your Daddy's antics... :)

Discounts to Petco & J-B Pet Supplies

2011-10-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

I awoke this morning to two nice discount offers in my Inbox and knew that you would all appreciate the savings too.

The first is from J-B Pet Supplies. The discount code is for 20% off every order including food! The code is 111028b and is valid through October 30, 2011.

The other offer is for Petco. It is for 15% off sitewide and free shipping on orders over $49. There is no discount code - it's just an offer available for 4 days. A 30 pound bag of Blue Buffalo Large Breed puppy food is $49.12, so it's on sale and you can get it delivered to your house for free - my kind of sale!! (If you are a Nicholberry puppy owner, this is what we feed our puppies and ask you to feed your pups once they go to your home).

Happy Shopping!

Fetchdog Discount

2011-10-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all - as promised, I am posting another discount offer. This one comes from Fetchdog - a retailer who has some really cool innovative products, but can be quite pricey. Today's deal is for 20% off Auto Seat Covers & Cargo Liners (some of my favorite products with our Goldens!). The Promotion Code is FSC1001 and ends today. Happy Shopping!

"What's So Exciting?"

2011-10-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

I just had to write a quick note about Moses' experience at the soccer games today. Admittedly, we've become a little more "zealous" with each passing season. The games when our boys were 4 and 5 were a very jovial, low-key event and I think Moses might have preferred those to that which he experienced today.

Our boys (the two legged ones) are now 9 & 8 and they are all about soccer! Thus, their games are particularly exciting to watch. I haven't taken Moses to a game this season, as I just haven't been able to make a bath happen for him on Friday afternoon. So today we decided, stinky or not, he was coming with.

Just as he would settle down into a nice patch of lawn, his humans would begin yelling and clapping, acting uncharacteristically wild. "Oh my! What could be happening?!?" was written all over Moses' face. He'd jump up and strike a pose, ready for whatever action was coming his way. His tail wagged furiously and he looked to us as if to say, "Look! I'm acting crazy too!"

Poor Moses. Little did he know that we were just rooting on our little boys as they sweated it out on the field (we won, by the way :) and that he would have to endure this behavior for two hours.

Finally, Moses realized that this shouting and foot stomping was going to continue intermittently without an end in sight, and he did what he does best: took a nap. When one of us would wildly shout, he ultimately did little more than raise an eyebrow and partially open an eye. And when it was all said and done, he joined the boys in taking a swim in our very "brisk" swimming pool.

Love that dog...

Saying Goodbye...

2011-10-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful video montage about saying goodbye to a loved pet, and opening your heart to a new one. Be certain to have a box of Kleenex nearby... Click HERE to view.

Hope the "Lap" Dog

2011-10-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. How cute is Hope that she allows her owner to still hold her like this? I know that Jack in Hollywood does the same thing with his owner too, so I'll post that one next. It's such an endearing trait of a Golden, because no matter how big they get, they still see themselves as a lap dog!

We always joke that Titus is like an iceberg, because he has a way of slowly moving onto your lap, and the guy is so big that you can't really stop him one he's decided to go into lap dog mode. Never has the principle of "a body in motion stays in motion" been truer than with our boy Titus! (Although with Titus, everything is sloooowwww motion - it's the Eeyore complex!).

Love that dog...

Happy Hearts

2011-09-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

While this video doesn't provide a close up shot of Callie's perked ears or Titus' beautiful face, I love it because of the wagging tails and the great time Max is having with them. There is little else I enjoy as much as seeing my sons playing with our Goldens. They are the quintessential family dog. Though our dogs have coarse hair from the pool and muddy paws from the pasture, there is no question but that they have happy hearts. And at the end of the day, isn't that what matters? Love these dogs...

Petco Discount

2011-09-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Perhaps today I'll wish for the Lotto numbers on here, because after posting yesterday that the best deal is Petco's, in came the very same email in my inbox today!

So, here you go. The sale is for 20% off sitewide AND free shipping on orders over $49 - hello good deal! Apparently you don't need a promotion code. You just shop and it's automatically applied. However, it's only good for 9/21/11 and 9/22/11, so get shopping! I'm going to order a truckload (literally) of Blue Large Breed Adult right now ...

Discount at JB Pet

2011-09-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

I've decided that since you all probably love a deal as much as I do, I'm going to start posting the coupon codes I receive for all things doggy. We are obviously big consumers of high quality snacks and food and supplements and toys and bedding and and and, so I will happily pass along the savings to all of you!

Today's deal: 25% off at JBPet. I have found that their prices are quite reasonable and they have a great selection. The COUPON CODE is 110920. This is a one day deal, so I'm sorry if you miss it! The one to watch for is Petco's screaming deal of 25% and free shipping on everything, including dog food! Oh, the beauty of having the food delivered to the door ... I'll certainly post that one the next time I receive it. Happy shopping! :)

Darla the Diver

2011-09-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Our dear girl Darla. She is CRAZY! We took her to Yosemite for her annual rock retrieval and she didn't disappoint. Oh, how I love this girl's enthusiasm! I took a series of pictures and if I were a little more techie, I'd be able to post them in sequence here for you all to enjoy. Oh well. These two photos will have to do! Here she is watching the rock fall to the bottom of the Merced River:

And after it settled, here she is retrieving it - she was under for 8 seconds!! (Perhaps it's a new 8 second sport - not as dangerous as bull riding, but every bit as entertaining ...):

There is no question that Darla would have done this all day long. Here she is, intently watching a rock and waiting for the thrill of the hunt!

And lastly, here she is with her Mama (Monique). They swam across the river together and found a great rock to dry out on. The Merced River in Yosemite is a magical place for our families, and even more so because of the added joy our Goldens bring. Thanks for a great day Darla! :)

"Little" Ms. Pink Grows Up

2011-08-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

Seriously. How adorable is this picture? (Even freshly shaved, this girl is beautiful!).

One of the biggest blessings for me as a breeder is the privilege of getting to know so many great families - the LaLannes are at the top of the list. I utterly adored Hope (Ms. Pink from a Moses/Tessa litter) and was a wreck the week leading up to her departure (that last week is always a bittersweet one). But the reason I am able to say goodbye to my "babies" is because they go to extraordinary families like this one. Hope is deeply loved by a kind, fun and affectionate family, including a darling one year old boy whose childhood memories will be filled with the sloppy kisses and wagging tail of a Golden Retriever. What an honor that I watched that pup come into this world and that I get to see the way in which she has become a part of this family. Oh, I how I love what I do!

Thanks to the LaLannes for sharing the picture, and for loving little "Ms. Pink" the way you do.

Like Father Like Son

2011-08-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a GORGEOUS boy Mr. Blue has grown into! This is Jackson, fresh and clean after his bath. He is a Moses/Tessa boy and aside from having Moses' beautiful head, he also got his Daddy's silly personality (his owner regales me with humorous stories of Jack's escapades - he is a clown to the core!).

Because I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking at puppy pictures, I might as well share Brix too! He is from a different Moses/Tessa litter and he is truly a blend of the two - another beautiful "Momossa" boy...

A Hot Summer Day

2011-08-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

This may very well be one of my all time favorite pictures. If I were to give it a name, it would be called "Happiness." Titus is leading the way with his little harem (Callie & Thea) through the sprinklers, and you can see that they are all just having the best time! These are the moments where I'm so very grateful for the joy that our dogs bring into our lives. They are silly and fun and affectionate and we don't take lightly the many ways in which they bless our lives. Love that dog ...

Thea's "Staycation"

2011-08-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Thea's humans went to the beach this week, so we are greatly enjoying her little vacation here at Nicholberry Farms. Since she will ultimately be courted by Titus, it is only appropriate that she get to know him a little along the way!

You can learn a lot by watching a dog's behavior in a new environment. Within nano seconds of her arrival, I could see that Thea is a very smart girl! (And definitely not one to be easily wooed, even by such a handsome boy as Titus!).

Unlike other dogs who run in wild circles when faced with uncertainty, Thea immediately sat. She found a nice little corner where she could tuck herself between the door of the pool room and a rose container, and there she sat. And sat. And sat. For 45 minutes, Titus intermittently barked at her, whined at her, rolled around next to her, and ultimately lay quietly down at her feet. Which is evidently what she wanted, because when he finally submitted, she stood.

"Dare I wag my tail?" wondered Titus (anyone could see this is what he was thinking), "or will it send her back to her corner?" Slowly, Titus began to thump his tail and when Thea gave him the signal (I don't know what it was - she clearly spoke in doggy language), he leaped with joy and began sniffing her like crazy. And she allowed it. Oh, is she a smart one!

They proceeded to spend the next hour darting around until Thea finally discovered the hidden Mecca of our back yard: the pool. She has now spent the bulk of her time laying on the top step (which is where she is in this picture). Somehow, this signaled Titus to begin licking her ears, which he has incessantly done since Thea planted herself in the pool (Titus typically spends his evenings licking the cat from head to toe, so he must have thought Thea would like the same).

Thea is growing into a beautiful girl and I am certain that the pairing with Titus will produce a lovely litter. They are both incredibly sweet dogs and emit very low energy (in fact, I had to bring Callie into the mix to get them moving again. The two of them were perfectly content to simply float in the pool together! Couch potatoes ...). It's still a ways off, but I can't wait to meet their pups. Love that dog...

The Bone Thief

2011-07-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am highly amused by the way in which bones move around our property. Tessa buries them. Callie carries them. Moses throws them. Titus devours them. It is cheap entertainment!

This morning, Titus discovered one of Tessa's buried bones and before anyone knew what was happening, he slinked off to the front yard and quietly laid in the sun, chomping through the bone. I caught this picture of him and you can see the look of surprise on his face, because I'm pretty sure he thought no one could see him! He was ready to bolt with the thing, but then realized I only wanted a picture and not the bone. Then he came bounding over to me (which I miraculously caught on camera too):

Nicholberry's Jewel of the Nile

2011-04-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Callie is 15 months old and growing into a beautiful girl with a lovely disposition. She is incredibly vocal, grunting whenever being pet and "asking" for attention from the closest human! Like her Mama, she dearly loves to have her belly rubbed and is the sweetest girl.

Mr. Titus

2011-04-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today brought a welcome break from our Washingtonesque rain and the first day of Spring soccer. The moment Zander ran out of the house in his cleats, Titus was at his heels, ready to hop in the car for the soccer game.

While Titus had spent the morning romping through the pond (thus smelling ever-so-special), I couldn't resist his pleas to come with us. No, he doesn't talk, but those of you with Goldens know that they have their own way of communicating through their eyes!

I'm so glad I took him. Aside from the fact that he did a wonderful job of pacing the sidelines with me while I screamed relentlessly for our team (hey - it's U8 soccer - serious stuff!), he was a delight with all of the kids who threw themselves all over him. He rolled on his back and stuck his legs in the air, perfectly content to have them rub his belly. Whenever anyone approached him, he immediately sat and waited for them to pet his head. And because he instantly points his snout in the air when being pet, everyone understood his request to have his chest and neck scratched. He's just SUCH a great dog!!

I can hardly wait for next Saturday - early morning soccer with a Golden Retriever at my side. What more could a girl want? Love that dog ...

Libby Goes to the Vet

2011-03-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

Libby had her first U.S. visit to the vet's today and she was absolutely perfect. We were there for quite some time, and she sat quietly in my lap, patiently waiting for her turn. She is the most cuddly, mellow, wonderful little puppy!

After 3 weeks of training with Monique, Libby is completely potty trained, crate trained, and leash trained. She literally goes potty on command and sits before everything (she quietly sits while having her leash put on, sits while waiting for her food, sits while waiting to come out of her crate, etc.). She does an extended down stay and she always looks her humans in the eye when they are talking to her. She is a VERY smart little puppy!

Though it's a looooooong ways off, I can't wait to see what kind of puppies Libby and Titus produce. They both have a quietness to their personalities that is really wonderful, and they are exquisite examples of the Golden Retriever breed. Love that dog!

Second Leading Cause of Death in Canines: Bloat

2011-03-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

I am catching up on some reading and came across this article at the Barking Bulletin
To my surprise, the second leading cause of death in canines is bloat! It is eerily reminiscent of colic in horses and I thought it might be of interest to all of you. And by the way, if you aren't a subscriber to this newsletter, it's worth getting. Always full of great information!

Our Girl Thea

2011-03-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

Since I posted Libby's picture, it would be unfair to omit Thea (pronounced Tay-uh). She is another rising star at Nicholberry Goldens and is living happily with a foster family here in Fresno (for more information on Foster Families, please email me at nicholberrygoldens@gmail.com). Her humans are dear friends of ours, which makes watching Thea's growth even more special.

Thea has the same daddy as our boy Moses, so when Thea grows up and is ready to get "married" (as my kids think the dogs do), Titus will be her "husband". :) Oh, they will have glorious puppies! Thea is an incredibly sweet and friendly girl, with beautiful structure and the kindest eyes. Titus also has remarkable eyes, soft and kind, set into a wonderfully masculine head.

But that is many moons away. For now, we will continue to enjoy watching Thea grow into the lovely girl she is destined to be, and promise to do better in posting pictures!

Nicholberry Goldens Newest: Libby!

2011-03-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

We are all aflutter here over our latest arrival: little Libby. Libby hails from an incredible pedigree. Her father is Inassicas Coriander, who was reserve Crufts 2004, and Milbu Laurella, who qualified for Crufts (and traces back to Dewmist Silk Symphony, whom I find to be exquisite).

When first setting eyes on Libby at L.A.X., I could not get over the size of her legs and feet. Though I knew she had tremendous structure, it astonished me to see her in person! She is as close to a little polar bear as a puppy can get. Pictured here at 9 weeks of age (with my son Max barely holding her up!), it is clear that this is one well-built girl.

She is also full of life. And smart! She has mastered sitting and though she is still recovering from her overseas journey, she is settling in beautifully. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to my business partner, Monique, who is conducting Libby's training. Monique is a gifted trainer and I know that by month's end, Libby will be crate trained and capable of doing many commands (sit, down, extended down stay, potty on command, etc.). She will also be showered with love and praise and have the best start a puppy could imagine. Thank you Monique!

I will do my best to keep pictures coming of "little" Libby. She's sure to be "big" Libby in no time!

Little Miss Josie

2011-02-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

I don’t know that anything could more accurately capture Josie’s willingness than this picture. Perhaps a little explanation is necessary. As mentioned before, Josie lives with my business partner, Monique. Monique has an incredibly creative daughter named Hannah.

Hannah is in a prestigious science program and in one of her assignments, chose to study the effect of dog urine on grass. Thus, an entire matrix was established at their house, wherein each dog was given a small patch of grass upon which they were required to do their “business.” Thus, this picture of Josie.

Upon hearing the words, “go potty”, Josie immediately squats and pees. It doesn’t matter if it’s on a strange patch of grass confined by a rope perimeter – it only matters that her humans asked her to do something! It is in her very DNA to comply. Quickly. She is such a sweet and good-natured girl that she’ll do anything for the praise of her humans.

As for the science experiment, it turns out that grass doesn’t turn brown after one week’s worth of dog urine. (Although there are wonderful little tabs to prevent it from ever turning brown!). But how wonderful to have dogs that comply so willingly with such an experiment!

Love that dog…

Our Boy Titus

2010-12-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that Titus will turn one this month - where has the time gone? It's also hard to believe what an amazing boy he has become. We have nicknamed him "Eeyore" and before you go feeling sorry for him, hear me out.

This blog will reveal a glaring absence of Titus' picture over the course of the last year, and though I have been a negligent blogger, there is another reason for this: it is impossible to take Titus' picture. Well actually, taking his picture isn't the problem, as he is my velcro boy and is constantly at my side. But taking his picture and actually getting a good picture, that's a different story. NOTHING perks his ears. Not the squeaky duck, not the prospect of a treat, not the variety of funny noises I make that work on every other dog. NOTHING.

Nothing, that is, until Titus discovered birds. As these pictures reveal, Titus is suddenly aware of the existence of these flying objects and FINALLY, he perked his ears!

Short of birds in the sky, there isn't much that phases Titus. He moves as if he's 80, patiently standing at the side of the nearest human, almost audibly saying "Thanks for noticing me!" He is the most gentle, serene, affectionate, wonderful dog and though we all poke fun at his uber laid-back nature, the truth is that our family is crazy about him. And, he's not hard on the eyes either.

We are working on Titus' certification for Therapy Dogs International and are thrilled at the prospect of enrolling him in the Tail Waggin' Tutors program. In short, he is a superb dog and we love him so! Enjoy these pictures of our mellow boy...

Darla the DiveBomber

2010-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

I confess. I am a slacker. I can scarcely believe how long it's been since my last post! I hope that the pictures in this post make up for it, as we just had a spectacular week in Yosemite and I've decided that there's nothing quite like the sight of an English Cream Golden Retriever swimming in the Merced River. (Note the covered bridge in the background - the very bridge that was used to traverse the South Fork of the Merced River back in 1857).

Darla was the dog of choice for this trip, and I think she would agree that she was the luckiest canine in the world! Our campsite is literally on the banks of the Merced River (the benefit of camping with horses - it's the best campsite in Yosemite!), and I'm certain that Darla could smell the water from the moment she set paw to ground. She immediately looked in the direction of the river and would consider nothing else until she got to swim. And swim she did!

Darla is blessed to live with my dear friend Monique, who takes her swimming every day in the canal that runs by her house. As a result, Darla is shockingly fit and could swim for days. She is also relentless about retrieving. As is evident in the pictures, she will zealously seek out any thrown item bearing a human scent, including the rocks that the kids were skimming across the water! (Imagine our surprise when Darla literally stuck her entire head under the water and came up with the rocks we had thrown).

Darla was also our resident deer scout, alerting us to the presence of strange animals in our midst (another unexpected benefit of having a dog with us!). She experienced a lot of "firsts" and took it all in like a trooper. From sleeping in a tent to crossing the covered bridge, she acted as if she'd been doing this all of her life. It was a treat to have her with us, and I can hardly wait until the next trip when it's Moses' turn to explore Yosemite!

Soaking Up the Sun

2010-05-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

It is without question my favorite time of year here in the Central Valley of California. Everything is in bloom, the days are hot enough for a t-shirt but cool enough for jeans, and the promise of summer is evident in the glow of the morning sun.

My wonderful English Cream Golden Retrievers seem to sense the onset of warmer days too, most noticeably by testing out all of the pool furniture! I think Moses feels it's his personal responsibility to take all new puppies under his wing (paw?) and expose them to a fabulous discovery: human furniture. When he was 9 weeks old, Moses struggled mightily to climb onto all outdoor furniture, even if it meant falling over backwards in the process. Something in his regal lines just compelled him to be free of the lowly ground of common dogs!

And so, he has passed this determination on to all Nicholberry Goldens. As is obvious in this picture, he hasn't taught the boys to be gentlemen, because they are letting poor Tessa lie on the ground! But I have noticed that what was once Moses' bench (under the kitchen window) is now the Tessa/Callie bench, so I guess he has relented in some areas.

At any rate, I couldn't help but snap this picture of my dirty, but oh-so-content, golden retrievers soaking in the morning sun. I think they love this time of year as much as I do!

Our New Girl "Josie"

2010-03-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

After the loss of Darby, we began to look carefully for a female to add to our breeding program. We searched far and wide, but ultimately returned to Raynox, the kennel in Germany from whom we purchased Moses. We were thrilled to discover that there was a girl available from Raynox, and better yet, that her dad was "Steele" from Dreamkeeper (Titus' home). This little girl just seemed to have God's fingerprints all over her, so it was clear that she would be our new girl.

Again, Raynox did not disappoint! Josie is a delightful little thing, happy to be held by any available human. She is a little sassy, so I wonder if she'll give Tess a run for her money as Alpha when she gets a little older. It's going to get interesting around Nicholberry Farms!

She's now 3 months old and is growing into a lovely dog. We think she may have the lightest coat yet, and appears to be favoring her dad. She's a delight, and we are grateful to Cornelia Gutmann for blessing us with another wonderful dog!

2010-02-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

Meet Titus. Seriously, do I have to say more? We have long been an admirer of Dreamkeeper Kennel in Canada, and words cannot express how delighted we are at the honor of having one of their boys join our family. He arrives tomorrow morning into L.A.X., and our entire family is abuzz with excitement! Knowing how fabulous Dreamkeeper is, I already know how wonderful this puppy will be. And absolutely breathtaking. Stay tuned for many more pictures and stories about this rising star!

A Boy and His Dog

2010-02-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite shows when I was a kid was Lassie. I loved that Lassie performed miraculous and heroic acts, understanding the needs and commands of her owners as if she spoke English. Through the years, I have marveled at the real-life stories of canines who performed miraculous and life-saving acts. One of my favorite quotes is on the home page of our website: "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, until the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
This morning, there is a heartwarming story about just such a dog - a golden retriever, in fact - who faithfully protected and saved her 11 year old master from a cougar, even to the last beat of her heart. Her name is Angel and she certainly lived up to her name this morning. It's worth the read!!!

Tessa's Puppies are Here!

2010-01-28T13:28:00.001-08:00

Well, it has been a loooooong two days, but all very well worth it right now. Tessa is sleeping in her whelping box with her 5 little puppies, all of whom are nursing well and have already had their dewclaws removed. It has been a very busy day!

"Big Boy", who sports a royal blue ribbon, came at 1:11 a.m. She then had 2 others quite quickly (another boy, Mr. Yellow, and a girl, Ms. Fuschia). Oh, they are simply irresistable! Then she took a rest and delivered her next girl an hour later, Ms. Pink. One more hour, and we had little Ms. Green, who is the most voracious eater I have ever seen! She puts Moses to shame ...

I will update with pictures later, but just wanted to let everyone know that all is well here. Even as I write, they are making sweet little puppy noises and our 8 weeks together is already going by too quickly. I am so thrilled that these very special little pups will be going to very special homes, so if you're reading this and you're one of them, thank you in advance for loving these precious little babies! You'd be proud of your puppy's mama - she did a great job and is already a full-service milk bar. She's such a good girl. Love that dog ...

Nicholberry's Little Rascal Darla

2010-01-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

I just had to post this picture of our little rising star Darla. She is an impossibly sweet puppy, easy to train, eager to please and incredibly affectionate. Plus, how can you resist those ears? She's already living up to her retriever lines, zealously fetching a ball (as well as the coveted squeeky duck).

We are safely exposing Darla to the world, taking her on many car rides and introducing her to lots of new experiences. She is 12 weeks old, so we have 4 more weeks in her maximum socialization window. Our goal is to introduce her to as many experiences and people as possible, and even though some people are slightly put off by our requests that they not touch Darla, most people are content to just look at her sweet face and chat about the wonder of golden retrievers. They are the perfect dog!

"Husband and Wife" English Cream Golden Retrievers

2010-01-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

This is so cute that I just had to add it on here. Yesterday Moses was laying at one end of the kitchen, Tessa at the other. Zander walked in and went to pet Moses. I was in the other room, but could see him. He pet Moses for awhile and then he said, "Are you looking at your wife?" Oh, the precious things my little boys utter! So, here's a picture of the "Husband and Wife" in the pasture this morning. They had both stuck their head in a squirrel hole just moments before this picture, so please excuse the dirt! Squirrel hunting is certainly a hobby that this married couple enjoy .... :)

Puppy Countdown

2010-01-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

Moses, Moses, Moses. This boy is so silly, and so wonderful! He spent the morning on the flagstone wall, watching invisible bugs fly to and fro. Occasionally he snapped his mouth at them, but ultimately he put his big ol' head on his paws and watched the show. Now he is laying at my feet, sleeping soundly. And as is so vintage Moses, he issues intermittent groans of contentment, stretching his giant paws out as far as they can reach. He is such a fabulous dog.

Meanwhile, Tessa hasn't moved. She found a patch of sun on the kitchen floor this morning, and even though the sun moved on, she didn't. Her body is busy baking those little pups and I can see it in her sleepiness. Other than the amount of time she is spending on the floor, things haven't changed much with her. She's always been perfectly content to come in the house and observe the madness of it all. I just know that she is going to be a wonderful, confident, calm mama. Her puppies are going to be simply incredible. We found out yesterday that she is expecting five pups, which is the perfect sized litter for a first time mom. They should all be well nourished in utero, and they should all easily find a place at the milk bar when the time comes. 10 days-ish and counting ... can't wait!

Swimming in the Sun

2010-01-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

After endless days of gray and heavy rain last night, the sun finally broke through this morning. Hallelujah! It seemed like the perfect opportunity to play a little fetch with Moses and Tessa. While Tess is moving much more slowly than usual (and looking rather droopy in the middle!), she still loves to fetch. And Moses, well Moses is always up for anything!

The thing that was making me laugh today is that I would throw the toy in the pool, Moses would jump in to retrieve it, but within a nanosecond of exiting the pool, Tessa would run off with the toy. While I'd like to chalk this up to canine chivalry, there's no escaping that Tessa is the alpha of our pack! And Moses is so mild that he would never pick a fight over anything, including a hard-earned toy. I guess in a way it is chivalry. He is SUCH a gentleman.

We are anxiously counting down the days for the little "Mossa" pups to be whelped. Between these two, we are going to have some spectacular puppies. Blocky head - check. Creamy soft white coat - check. Laid-back, mellow personality - check. Loyal, loving, lifetime companion - check. We simply can't wait!

A Bump in the Belly

2010-01-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

Tessa is settling into this final trimester of pregnancy quite beautifully. She is gaining weight and is definitely "showing!" If possible, she has become even sweeter, following me relentlessly from room to room and blocking my path by laying in front of me and rolling on her back. But based on the size of her belly, I'm not sure how much longer that's going to be comfortable for her!

She surprised me this afternoon by laying at the back door as the boys ran out to gather eggs (they do this every afternoon and Tessa always accompanies any trips to the barn). She wanted to go out, but only to stand guard and wait for their return. So even though she is still zealous for a game of fetch, she is certainly slowing down!

We've had some neighbors over this afternoon (3 darling little boys), and they keep wandering into the kitchen to give Tessa loves. She is simply irresistable! Right before I snapped this picture, the youngest one observed, "Boy. She sure is good at sleeping!" How right he is!

Pony Boy on the Mend

2009-12-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

This post will be a departure from my normal golden retriever reporting, but trust me, nothing happens on our little farm without 3 creamy white golden retrievers tagging along!

Our precious little paint pony, "Pony Boy", began signs of colic on Monday afternoon. This is "the" thing that many horse owners fear, and often results in the loss of the horse (we lost our precious horse Troubles to colic last July). Once colic sets in, there is little that can be done. If a blockage is sitting in the horse's intestine, it will either work its way out or kill the horse.

After two restless nights, I am DELIGHTED to report that my piggy little Pony Boy is moving with vigor and if he could talk, he would be shrieking: "FEEEEEEED MEEEEEEE!!!!!!" (We have had to withhold food since Monday night). Oh, praise God!

Here is where the English Cream Golden Retrievers come in. I have trudged through the mud countless times in the past two days to go check on Pony Boy in the barn. The trek brings back painful memories of Troubles' death, altogether too reminiscent of the many times I walked to the barn to check on him when he was colicking. However, this time I had three faithful companions who not only walked to the barn with me, but sat faithfully at my feet as I pet Pony Boy and prayed for his recovery. I'm pretty sure they were praying right along with me.

We are not completely in the clear yet, but of all the horses I have known to colic, Pony Boy is doing better than any of them. He is Max's pony (my 7 year old dog trainer, as evidenced by the videos on our website!) and is extremely special to all of us, so if you happen to stumble across this post within the next few days, please say a prayer for our wonderful little pony!

AKC Event at Fresno Fairgrounds

2009-12-14T21:04:00.000-08:00

If you've ever wanted to attend an AKC event in the Fresno area, now is your chance! There are two shows coming up at the Fresno Fairgrounds. One is on January 20, the other is on February 5. We plan on being there, so we will keep you posted with details as they come up!

Hello Mud!

2009-12-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

"Exactly WHY can't we come in?"

In case you didn't know it, I actually own white golden retrievers, not brown! But these English Cream Golden Retrievers LOVE the mud! I think this is why Moses loves Tessa so much - she's beautiful when cleaned up, but this girl isn't worried about her pedicure. She'll get as dirty as the rest of them!

Differences in English Cream Golden Retriever Puppies

2009-12-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

I have received some questions about the difference between all of the English Cream Golden Retriever puppies available on the internet, particularly the difference in pricing. I think it's worth addressing, so here goes ...

I believe you are basically paying for 3 things in an English Cream Golden Retriever puppy: health, socialization, and breeding lines. I have addressed all of these extensively on our website (www.nicholberrygoldens.com), but I wanted to put a Reader's Digest version here.

First, health. If you've ever lost a Golden Retriever to cancer, it's an experience you never want to repeat. Unfortunately, the Golden Retriever as a breed is riddled with cancer. According to a 1998 study, over 60% of Golden Retriever lost their lives to cancer. While organizations such as the Golden Retriever Foundation and the Golden Retriever Club of America are committed to promoting research to help reduce the terrible toll that cancer takes on our breed, it is a very serious concern for a potential buyer to consider.

In addition, the popularity of this breed has unfortunately lead to questionable breeding practices and “puppy mills.” As a result, many Goldens are prone to various inherited diseases, one of the most common of which is Hip Dysplasia, a condition in which the head of the thigh bone no longer fits firmly in the "cup" provided by the hip socket, causing loss of mobility and arthritis-like symptoms. A reputable breeder will have the parents of a litter examined for hip disease before the puppies are sold.

The second and often overlooked criteria for English Cream Golden Retriever Breeder selection is SOCIALIZATION. This is an area close to my heart, because I believe so firmly in the absolute necessity of proper socialization. I have written at length about this on our website and highly encourage you to read the full article, but suffice it to say that you simply CANNOT overstate the value of proper socialization, even in a breed as affable as the English Cream Golden Retriever. The 8 weeks that your puppy spends with the breeder will shape who your puppy becomes. If the puppy is left to its pack, as is the case with many breeders, it will forever be stunted in its ability to socialize with your family. Our dogs are part of our family. A Nicholberry Golden, including all of our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies, spends its life with its human family. Our dogs sleep inside, our dogs rotate in and out of our house every day, and our dogs run errands with us. It is VITAL that you check into the socialization that your puppy is receiving - growing up in a kennel with occasional human visits is NOT enough to maximize the potential of an English Cream Golden Retriever Puppy. However, it allows breeders to breed more litters, sell puppies for less and make a better profit. But you get what you pay for ...

Lastly, you must consider the lines of your potential English Cream Golden Retriever puppy, and you must understand pedigree basics. Get familiar with the most respected kennels & lines (Dewmist, Dream Max, Tallygold, Ritzilyn, Galans, etc.). Get familiar with reading a pedigree and understanding the breeding of your potential puppy. Yes, champions DO make a difference. Yes, breeding DOES matter. Yes, you do need to understand this!!

Wisteria Sleeps, English Cream Golden Retrievers Wake Up!

2009-12-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Wisteria is sleeping for the season and the English Cream Golden Retrievers are just waking up! There is something about the frozen ground that makes my wonderful Golden Retrievers go WILD! They love the brisk air and the crunchy ground, running mad circles around each other every morning.

While I love watching my creamy white English Goldens execute this new morning routine, I must admit that I’m with the Wisteria – when the ground is frozen, it’s best to go to sleep!

English Cream Golden Retriever Darby

2009-11-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like our English Cream Golden Retriever Darby is just about ready to go into heat. If you've done any research on English Cream Golden Retrievers, you have no doubt come across Silvermine Kennels. They are a large producer of English Cream Golden Retriever puppies and though there is some controversy on the internet as to whether they are a "puppy mill," there is no question that they have produced some lovely dogs.

One of the common names you will see on Silvermine Kennels pedigree links is Ceasar Guy July. This is a highly accomplished golden retriever, who has sired many litters. Our Darby girl is out of Ceasar Guy July (though we did not buy her from Silvermine Kennels). She is a wonderfully sweet dog, preferring petting over fetch, swimming or even eating!!! "Affectionate" does not begin to describe our girl Darby.

Though Darby is a pure English Cream Golden Retriever, she does not share the same creamy white coat as our other English Cream Goldens. She has gold "highlights" down her back and darling gold ears. The English Cream lines are evident in the rest of her body, where she is mostly creamy white. I can hardly wait to see what Darby's puppies will look like!! I wonder if they will pick up any of her gold, or whether they will come out mostly white. Time will tell!

If you are looking for an English Cream Golden Retriever Breeder in California, we are centrally located in Fresno. We are about 3 1/2 hours from Los Angeles (southern California) and also 3 1/2 hours from San Francisco (northern California). And if you are farther away than that, we are happy to ship our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies to qualified homes throughout the country. Please call at 559-322-8859 or email nicholberrygoldens@gmail.com with any questions!

Great Vet Recommendation

2009-11-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

If you are local to the Fresno area, I highly recommend Waterhouse Animal Hospital. The staff is friendly, there are a variety of specialists, and our English Cream Golden Retrievers like going there!

Buying an English Cream Golden Retriever Puppy in California

2009-11-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

We have been working feverishly on our new website, which will be live at http://www.nicholberrygoldens.com/

However, until the website is active, you can reserve an English Cream Golden Retriever puppy by contacting me at nicholberrygoldens@gmail.com or calling 559-322-8859.

It is important to us that our precious puppies go to the right home - we have to take into consideration the temperament of the puppy (each of our English Golden Retrievers have very different personalities and temperaments!), the dynamics of the future family, and of course the future living environment! If you live near Fresno (Central California), we'd welcome a visit to our little farm. Right now the pomegranites and lemons are heavy, along with plenty of farm fresh eggs, so visitors never leave us empty-handed! We are a short three 1/2 hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Once you have made the decision to buy an English Cream Golden Retriever puppy from us, we will need a deposit of $500 to guarantee your selection. We accept all major forms of payment, including Visa, Master Card, American Express and Paypal.

We look forward to meeting you and helping you adopt the newest member into your family: a golden retriever puppy!

The Fifty Yard Rule

2009-10-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Apparently, my dogs have been conspiring with my children and they’ve settled on the “Fifty Yard Rule.” I can just imagine them now…

Max: “ Listen, if she’s more than 25 yards away from us, we can pretend we don’t hear her!”

Moses: “No, no, no. 25 will never work. She knows us too well for that!”

Darby: “Do you really think it’s a good idea to disobey?”

Zander: “Oh yeah! If we can get away with it, I think we should try it!”

Tessa: “Well, I’m only going to disobey under certain conditions. Like a chicken. Or a neighborhood dog. Or maybe that lab Rocky down the street …”

Max: “Focus everyone! Okay. 25 is too close. What about 50 yards? You think 50 would work?”

And that’s how it happened. The Fifty Yard Rule. Now when any of my herd are more than 50 yards away, they give it a whirl.

Take yesterday. Yesterday, I got out of the shower and heard a very unfamiliar sound work its way through the bathroom window. It was something like “Cluuuuuuuuuuuck! CluAAAAHHHHHuck!” The cries of a panicked chicken. That poor chicken had been chased by my “trained-not-to-chase chickens” dogs all the way from the chicken coop, across the pasture and up to the house. It was running for its life (literally), and was doing a pretty good job of it.

I threw open the window and immediately began shouting at the dogs. Ah, but I had forgotten: The Fifty Yard Rule. I whistled, I shouted, I even tried to bribe with a nicely cooed “Want a treat?” Nada. Dripping wet, I found the closest pair of shorts and a t-shirt and, hair in towel, ran outside. What a scene. Me chasing the dogs chasing the chicken. With a towel on my head.

Fortunately, once I crossed into the 50 Yard perimeter, Tessa promptly laid on her back in submission. Darby forgot all about the chicken and did her best to trip me while trying to sit on my feet (she thinks if she sits on my feet, I will pet her). And Moses. Moses, with chicken feathers hanging out of his mouth, kept chasing the chicken! Naughty boy. (Oh, but who can be mad at Moses?)

Alas, I saved the chicken. It’s actually a rooster, despite the fact that we ordered all hens, but that’s a different story for a different day. I saved the chicken, my dried-under-the-towel hair made me grateful for baseball caps, and my English Crème Golden Retrievers are getting re-acquainted with the word “Come.” Especially from 50 Yards away…

Let It Rain

2009-10-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

Oh Hallelujah! The skies opened up and we were blessed with a very heavy rainfall yesterday. While this made for some VERY muddy puppies, we are in desperate need of rain here in the Central Valley of California. We are entering our 4th year of a drought, which has severely affected our community.

Personally, our neighborhood is seeing water wells dry up. Prior to moving to the country, I would never have understood what that meant. How can people be without water? How can a well just dry up? But now I get it. Too many people, too little water. A lack of conservation. Dry wells.

As a household, we have dramatically changed our water useage. There's the obvious changes - short showers, HE washer, turning off the water while brushing our teeth or washing our hands (you wouldn't believe how much water you can save just by turning the water off while you scrub!). Then there are the not so obvious. Not a drop of water goes down the sink - when a pan is hand-washed, the rinse water goes into a house plant. When a bottle of water goes stale after sitting in the car, it's taken to a thirsty outdoor plant. When it rains, water is collected in collection barrels under the gutters. And of course, when a dog is washed, it's washed on brown patches of grass (there are many of those!).

So you see, when precious water drops out of the heavens, our household breaks out into a little rain dance of our own! Including the dogs. They celebrate the rain by turning their glorious creamy white coats brown with mud, running and rolling in the muck. They look ridiculous, but they make me laugh. Laugther and water - what more could a girl want?

My Sidekick

2009-10-07T16:32:00.001-07:00

Oprah has Gail. Regis has Kelly. I have Monique. While I expected a lot of joy and a lot of work when we got our first English Crème Golden Retriever, never did I imagine the perk of a real live sidekick!

Monique has been my dear friend for many years now, and though we had grown to know each other very well, I somehow wasn’t aware of just how dog-crazy she was until one English Crème in particular arrived: Darby. As I’ve mentioned before, Monique often reminds me that Darby really belongs to her; she just happens to live here! (And she’s right, too!).

For example, last night. Last night my family was sitting at the dinner table, enjoying the fading sunlight of a beautiful Fall evening. Eating dinner at our house is like eating inside a fishbowl – we can see everything happening on the street, and the street can see everything happening in here (it’s the price I pay for giant windows and unobstructed light!). I noticed a runner coming down the street, and particularly noticed that she looked like Monique. Indeed, it was!

Now this is another unique feature of Monique – she is a committed athlete. As in, Ironman. Seriously, she has competed in several of them and I am here to tell you, Ironman training is not for the faint of heart! So the fact that she ran three miles to my house wasn’t surprising. Nor was the fact that she ran here just so she could take Darby on a walk. That’s what I mean by “dog-crazy”! She just loves that girl so much.

What a blessing Monique is to me and to my dogs. She is their Dog-God-Mother, visiting them during the day and often taking them on impromptu walks. She cares for them when we go out of town and she even has Darby over for slumber parties! (No, I’m not kidding). We often have coffee and just chatter incessantly about the antics of these wonderful canines. They don’t know it, but just by being them, they revealed a new dimension of an already rich friendship. Thank you, my English Crème Golden Retrievers!

The Fetcher

2009-10-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well, the game of fetch has certainly changed here at Nicholberry Farms! Somehow, that little puppy who used to sit on the sidelines and merely watch Darby as she ferociously chased any thrown object, that little sideline puppy has become “The Fetcher.”

I don’t even know when it happened. There has always been a fetching hierarchy and unless I separated my English Cream Golden Retrievers, Darby was the only one who would fetch in a group. I would throw the ball, and neither Tessa nor Moses would move. Only Darby. Then one day, I threw the ball and Tessa bolted from my side like a launched missile. Meanwhile, my formerly neurotic fetcher (Darby) got the message and stood dead still. In their own doggy way, they changed the rules.

Fall has finally arrived here in the California Central Valley (was it just me, or did you hear the chorus of “Hallelujah” too?). That means plenty of cool weather to play fetch and hang out in the appropriately warm sunshine. The newest morning game is “Sandstorm Fetch.” Be warned. This is not a game for those who disdain dust! I throw the tennis ball with all my strength, and Tessa kicks up a shocking amount of pasture dust as she chases the ball. Darby sits at my side, leaning against my leg, and Moses stands somewhere in the middle. They all have their role to play, and I must confess, I love being a part of their pack. It is SO much fun and such a great way to start the day! Golden Retrievers … they are the best.

Moses Parts the Water (of the swimming pool, that is!)

2009-10-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s official. After a summer of swimming in the horse trough and exploring every waterhole on our property, Moses discovered the Golden Retriever mother lode: the pool. My first clue was the massive amounts of sand settled at the bottom of the pool (apparently there’s something VERY gratifying about going in the pool, rolling in the pasture, and then going back in the pool). That, coupled with the wet paw prints across the pool deck, produced one name in my mind. Moses.

Somehow, miraculously, we have kept our English Crème Golden Retrievers out of the swimming pool. We were told by our pool company that their hair will bring the filter system to its knees, and I suspect that the chlorine would be very hard on their skin. We therefore have never allowed them to set paw in the pool.
Alas, we are now embarking upon the “Teach Moses to Stay OUT of the Pool” program. Never have I been more thankful for a teachable dog! After a few stern scoldings, he now just stands longingly at the pool’s edge, raising his brows and staring into the pool. I’m certain he is reminiscing about the refreshing sensation of jumping into that cool water!

To Darby’s and Tessa’s credit, they still have not ventured into the pool. Bless them!! They love the pond and the lake, but I guess the pool is just a little too refined for them. May it always be so! And may Moses, as pictured here, be content with his own personal splash pool …

2009-07-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

In the Central Valley of California, we are regularly into days of 100 degrees and over. It is therefore very important to keep our English Cream Golden Retrievers cool! In fact, right now we are planning out our "puppy cottage," which will have both heating and air conditioning (more to come on that!). For now, I keep the dogs in the house on a cool tile floor, where they can get some reprieve from this relentless heat!

There is a great article on the AKC website this month about keeping your dog cool in the summer heat. It's worth the read!

Maintaining Your Dog's Weight for Health

2009-07-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

As is evident throughout our blog, our breeding focus is on HEALTH and on TEMPERAMENT. There are a lot of gorgeous English Cream Golden Retrievers advertised on the internet who, despite their beauty, will lack either health, temperament, or both. This is an animal who will be part of your family and who should be with you for many years, so do your research!!!
As for a healthy dog, one of the most vital issues is maintaining your dog at a healthy weight! (Yet another human trait shared by the English Cream Golden Retriever!) Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight can lengthen your dog’s lifespan, while reducing risk of arthritis and other conditions. But how do you know whether you are feeding your dog too much? Here are three simple rules of thumb. When a dog is at its ideal weight, the ribs are easily felt, the abdomen is tucked (no sagging stomach), and there is a visible waist when viewed from above. While you may love indulging your dog, don’t risk her health in the process!!

An English Cream Morning

2009-07-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

I was reminded again this morning why I fell in love with English Cream Golden Retrievers. At 0 Dark Hundred (a phrase I must credit to a dear friend of mine), my 5 year old son tiptoed into my room and wanted to know if we could go feed the horses. How can a mommy resist a question like that? We quietly crept down the dark hall together and got Tessa before heading to the pasture.
I’m almost certain that Tessa gave me a complicit smile when she saw me coming – her eyes lit up and everything in her face said, “Oh! This looks like fun!” She is a quiet dog and rarely barks, so the only sound she made was the “swoosh” that came from her wildly wagging tail.
The three of us headed to the pasture and I marveled at what a beautiful dog Tessa has become. She has a lovely blocky head, perfectly punctuated with dark chocolate eyes. Not even one yet, she already possesses a wide chest and powerful legs. Her coat has remained creamy white and soft, despite the layers of dirt from the dry pastures of Nicholberry Farms (she gets a weekly bath, but I can’t possibly deprive this girl the sheer joy of running freely through our property!).
Best of all, Tess is a mellow girl. My 9 month old golden retriever puppy ran up to my little boy and greeted him nicely – no jumping, no nipping, no naughty behavior. She just said “Good Morning Little One!” in her relaxed, English Cream way. Oh, how I love my English Cream Goldens!

Choosing a Puppy

2009-06-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Nicholberry Goldens is a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America. For those of you looking to purchase a puppy and wondering how to choose between the many different puppies available, I thought this excerpt from the GRCA site might be helpful:

"Your puppy's purchase price may be a smidgen of what you spend over its lifetime. Think ahead to 10-12 years of veterinary bills and the importance of choosing a puppy whose ancestors have been screened for common health issues which have a genetic basis. AKC registration simply means the sire and dam of your Golden Retriever are the same breed. It does NOT guarantee health, temperament, structural soundness or breeding quality. The best source of a healthy, well-socialized puppy is a conscientious breeder with a long-term commitment to the breed and a reputation to uphold."

Supplements for Older Dogs

2009-06-19T07:23:00.001-07:00

If you make an investment in an English Cream Golden Retriever, you are going to want to do everything you can to maintain your precious pet's health. Practicially speaking, they are a more expensive breed, but more importantly, your English Cream Golden Retriever will integrate into your family in a way that many breeds cannot - their personality, temperament and affection render them semi-human status!

To that end, I read a short blurp in the Bottom Line about supplements and I thought it was worth posting here:

"Supplements for older dogs help slow the effects of aging. Vitamin B complex ... counters fatigue. Vitamin C reduces inflammation and enhances immunity. Vitamin E may help prevent skin disorders. Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine improve the strength of the heart muscle. Dimethylglycine (DMG) stimulates the immune system and works as an anti-inflammatory for joints. Alpha lipoic acid promotes ocular health and slows degenerative neurological conditions. Best: Talk to your veterinarian about which supplements may be best for your older dog."

Pet Airways for First Class Travel

2009-06-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

This is an excerpt from an email I received from PetAirways. It is a pet friendly airline dedicated to pet friendly travel. I haven't checked the price, but thought it would be worth posting it on here for anyone interested in alternatives for shipping their English Cream Golden Retriever puppy from California to their home state. We typically use cargo shipping, but this may very well be an affordable alternative!

Bathing Tips for Your Golden Retriever

2009-05-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

I recently read a great article on dog grooming and wanted to share the highlights with all of you. The articleEve Adamson (author of The Simple Guide to Grooming Your Dog)was in the most recent AKC magazine, "Family Dog." This magazine is really helpful and can be ordered on the AKC website at http://www.akc.org/

I LOVE a clean dog, particularly one that cleans up as beautifully as an English Cream Golden Retriever. Their creamy white coats are simply gorgeous when clean! However, I have often wondered how much bathing is too much. Well, I was delighted to read the following: "...if you use a natural, detergent-free shampoo without sulfates, parabens, or other harsh ingredients, then frequent bathing can actually add moisture to the coat and skin. You could bathe your dog every day and he would probably be just fine. ..." Hallelujah!!!

The article also gave some really helpful hints on getting your dog to actually enjoy its bath - I have written about this before, and I truly believe that nearly any dog can come to tolerate, if not enjoy its bath. As Ms. Adamson says, "Routine trumps dislike." Bathe your dog at the same time in the same way on the same day every week, and you'll be amazed at the turn around in your bath-adverse dog.

Foxtails, Stickers and a Thick Coated Dog

2009-05-24T15:53:00.001-07:00

It is late spring, and inherent in living on acreage here in California's Central Valley is the unavoidable explosion of foxtails and stickers. They are EVERYWHERE, including imbedded into all puppy parts: paws, ears, bellies, mouths. My beautiful English Cream Golden Retrievers are truly riddled with the darn things.

As such, we spend an inordinate amount of time checking between their paws and in their ears to make sure that nothing has burrowed its way in, because a painful infection can follow. http://www.aztecanimalclinic.com/foxtails.htm While Moses had a foxtail inside his ear and Darby had one deeply lodged between her "toes," our diligence has protected the dogs from any serious harm.

While searching the dogs' coats for stickers, I am reminded yet again that dog ownership is a serious committment. Our dogs need us. A lot. In the busiest month of the year, filled with award ceremonies, garden preparation and swim parties, I have spent an amazing amount of time sitting with my English Cream Golden Retrievers, sifting through creamy white fur, pulling and sometimes cutting out these stubborn weed seeds. As always, they sit patiently, amazing me with their gentle and sweet nature. Yes, they are a lot of work, but they are so worth it!!

Mud and Puppies

2009-04-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's bath day today, so before getting our English Cream Golden Retrievers back to their glorious white coats, I decided to go play in the mud with them. Though Summer is knocking on the door (which means high heat and hard soil here in the Central Valley of California), we can always find some wet area of the pasture that's perfect for running, rolling and fetching. As this picture shows, our mission was a success!

We are trying a new brightening shampoo today - one that is specifically formulated for creamy white coats like that of an English Cream Golden Retriever. I will let you know how it works and if it works as well as it claims, this afternoon's post will have a picture of three gleaming puppy and the name of the product! (We have tried two others and haven't been sufficiently satisfied to endorse the product here). We'll keep you "posted" ...

English Cream Outings

2009-04-03T17:09:00.001-07:00

Spring is in the air and the weather is so nice here in the Central Valley (California) that we find ourselves taking at least one of our English Cream Golden Retrievers with us everywhere we go! Yesterday Tessa accompanied me to my son's school, rolling on her back for a tummy rub from every willing child.

Tessa has an incredibly light, almost white coat and a wonderfully blocky head - she is a tremendous example of the European golden retriever. And yet as beautiful as she is, no better example of a golden retriever's temperament exists than Tessa's. She is loving, affectionate, sweet, willing, intelligent and mellow to the bone. My five year old has always walked her on her leash and never once has she dragged him or tugged against him. She is a deeply sensitive and sweet golden retriever.

As for Moses, he had a fabulous day, because he got to spend the day with my husband! Now that he is safe to venture out, he was able to make sales calls with my husband and visit construction sites (we own a construction company). As expected, Moses was a prince! Much like Tessa, his temperament is unbeatable. Though he is still a pup, he acts like the most confident and seasoned older dog. We are crazy about this guy!

Darby's turn is next ... I'll keep you "posted!"

Mellow Moses

2009-04-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

Moses. I am convinced that a mellower puppy has never walked the earth. Well, okay, that might be just slightly dramatic, but honestly - this is one laid back little puppy. In his short time since arriving to California from Germany, this English Cream Golden Retriever puppy has watched countless people come and go: the horse shoer, the washer repairman, the cleaning crew, the gardeners, the five kids from next door and the countless number of teenagers who are constantly flowing through this house. Just yesterday the refrigerator repairman (yes, both the washer and the refrigerator went on the blink in the same week!), who had been in and out of the house several times, stopped in front of Moses and said, "I swear - I have never seen a more mellow puppy!" And that's the truth.

I have written about it before and I will say it again: the early weeks of socialization that happen in the breeder's home are VITAL to a puppy's temperament. Moses is proof positive. I cannot adequately thank Cornelia of Raynox Goldens www.raynoxgolden.com for this AMAZING puppy!

And aside from his socialization, he grows more beautiful by the day. The hallmarks of an English Cream Golden Retriever are a light, creamy coat with pigmented skin and jet black nose, paws and eyes. This boy has it all! He is stunning. I can hardly wait to see what he'll look like fully grown, and yet, I will miss life with this exceptional puppy.

Giving Puppy a Bath

2009-03-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Moses received his first bath yesterday and as with everything else, he took it in stride. He hasn't been phased by the vet or the other dogs or even the flight from Germany - he is one confident and bold little English Cream Golden Retriever!

As I've said before, I can't overemphasize how critical these early weeks are in a puppy's life. Regardless of the activity, much of the puppy's socialization has been locked in by 16 weeks of age. As a result, it is VITAL that the early experiences are varied and pleasant! Such is true of a bath. If you want a dog who doesn't fight you during his bath, you must make his first few baths as pleasant as possible!

I know, I know - what's pleasant about giving a bath? Actually, done properly, it can be fun for both you and your pup. (And especially rewarding with an English Cream Golden, whose creamy white coat is like a polar bear's when clean!).

First, make sure your house is calm. Get two towels and some gentle shampoo (I use Johnson's baby shampoo www.johnsonsbaby.com as it is gentle and non-irritating). Use warm water and start at the back of your puppy - you will thoroughly wash and rinse his whole body before ever getting water near his head! Then use your hands to press down his ears (you don't want water getting in his ears) and gently allow water to flow over his head. Wash and rinse it and then wrap one of the towels over his head. He will love this part! Let him shake off and then gently rub him dry. And here's the last important part: don't let him dry outside unless it is VERY warm. Though California can have moderate weather for much of the year, even the slight breezes of March can chill a puppy.

Done properly, your dog will learn to sit still for his bath and actually enjoy it! And once dry, you will marvel at how soft and white an English Cream Golden Retriever's coat is. Simply wonderful!

A Word on Tessa

2009-03-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

It is fun to see how different each of our three English Cream Golden Retrievers are from one another. In many ways, dogs are like children. Each has his own bend and it is our job to "parent" according to that bend. The proverb that says "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not part from it" is also true of dogs.

Take Tessa. Since Day One, Tessa has been the most sensitive of our English Goldens. Because she is so programmed to please, she is both highly trainable and submissive. She will roll on her back, legs in the air, if she detects the slightest reprimand in our voices. It's just the way she is. (She'll also throw herself in our paths, legs up, hoping for a belly rub!).

We have therefore been very intentional in our training of Tessa. It would be easy for such a sensitive dog to be overly-corrected and to fear training. What a shame that would be. So we have always handled Tessa differently, bearing in mind that she is "quick to listen." As a result, she is growing into a fabulously mellow and happy golden retriever!

Nicholberry's Newest Has Arrived!

2009-03-10T09:26:00.001-07:00

It has been a loooooong ten weeks since Moses was born, but he finally arrived last night. I have to confess, I am astonished at how relaxed he was when we took him home. After spending so many hours from Germany to San Francisco, I expected him to reflect some small amount of shock. But I can tell already, this is a confident, bold and happy English Cream Golden Retriever! SO many thanks to Cornelia Gutmann and Raynox Golden Retrievers in Germany www.raynoxgolden.com ...

He is everything we hoped for - nearly white coat (although technically, golden retrievers that are this light are really classified as "cream" not white) and softer than imagineable. His black features are striking against such a white backdrop and as always, my favorite is the blackness of his eyes (although he has a wonderful black nose). His head already favors his father, Utrillo www.of-first-choice.de/Rueden/utrillo/Seite3.htm, and promises to be blocky and big. His structure is fantastic - such a strong back end for a little guy. He is simply wonderful!

We have decided to name this little guy Moses. If you've ever studied the Old Testament, Moses was an amazing leader. We expect the same from our new little English Cream Golden. Though he is so very tiny now, he will one day lead the Nicholberry pack and we are delighted that he is ours!

Smart Dog Clean Up Solution

2009-02-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

After my last posting, I realized I omitted one important item: the doggie dooley! This is perhaps the most excited I've been about a dog product in a long time. Essentially, the doggie dooley is an easy to install, underground "septic" system for dog poop. I saw this product sometime ago in another catalog (maybe www.fetchdog.com), but it was quite a bit more expensive than at www.drsfostersmith.com

I promise that I'm not getting a kickback from the foster smith catalog - I just love a good deal and like to share it when I find one!! I also love innovative products that give me more time for loving on our english cream golden retrievers. We are lucky to have such mild weather here in central California, and I am praying for rain as much as the next person, but these recent rains certainly make the "dog-poop-bag-run" much less pleasant! I'm looking forward to being able to just drop it in the hole in the ground and be done with it!

Dog Products Catalog Tip & Coupon

2009-02-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

I have found a new catalog that I think has really good prices and an unbelievable selection of products: Doctors Foster and Smith. The website is www.drsfostersmith.com and I even have a coupon code for $5.00 off your first order (K=3395/4070). The prices on flea and tick preventatives are fantastic and quite timely, considering all those little creatures will be coming back to life soon, looking for a friendly golden retriever to accost! Even though we have never had any fleas, we are vigilent to check our English Cream Golden Retriever's coats and to use a flea product (except when they are pregnant or nursing). It's simply not worth the risk, particularly if you live in an area with ticks (which is certainly the case for many parts of central California).

The other benefit of the website is that you can also order horse products! I'm always looking for a way to save on shipping, so I am pleased to be able to order both equine and canine products from the same website.

Hunting with Golden Retrievers

2009-02-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that golden retrievers were bred to retrieve water fowl! When my men return from hunting (that would be my husband and my two little boys), our English Cream Golden Retrievers become frantic at the scent of the ducks and geese. It is interesting to observe which dogs are most enamored with the birds and who is most inclined to become a hunting companion. Honestly, we cannot keep the ducks away from Darby. Many a time I have seen a creamy white dog streaking across the pasture with a small boy in tow, yelling at her to return with his duck! While this is not the best training for Darby as a hunting dog, it is so darn cute to watch. My husband is certain that Darby is going to grow into an excellent hunting companion, and based on her tireless love of retrieving, her fearlessness in water and her longing to have a duck in her mouth at all times, I don't doubt it!

If you are interested in training your retriever to hunt, there are some truly excellent training videos on www.ducksunlimited.com You can't underestimate how important it is to start your training early.

As an aside, we are strong supporters of Ducks Unlimited and encourage anyone interested in wetlands conservation to join DU.

AKC Standard for Golden Retrievers

2009-02-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

The following is the breed standard for the Golden Retriever as set forth by the AKC:

A symmetrical, powerful, active dog, sound and well put together, not clumsy nor long in the leg, displaying a kindly expression and possessing a persnoality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Primarily a hunting dog, he should be shown in hard working condition. Overall appearance, balance, gait and purpose to be given more emphasis than any of his component parts.

For more information on the breed standard, visit the AKC website at www.akc.com

The Critical Periods in Your Golden Retriever's Life

2009-02-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

At Nicholberry Goldens, we are utterly committed to giving our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies the very best start possible. Scientific studies have shown that there are five critical periods in a dog's life, all of which occur before the dog is SIXTEEN WEEKS OLD!!! The dog that does not receive proper socialization and training during these first sixteen weeks will never achieve its full potential. We promise to do our part during the first eight weeks, and then it is up to you to pick up where we leave off!

Don't waste this important time in your puppy's life by waiting for it to "grow up." Don't buy a puppy during a time of year when you are particularly busy at work, are planning a vacation that will necessitate boarding the puppy, or when extremes in weather will curtail your activities with the puppy significantly. Once past, the critical periods are irretrievable.

Caring for Your Golden Retriever's Skin and Coat

2009-02-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

One of the nice features of a proper Golden coat is its "self cleaning" quality. Mud and muck allowed to dry will brush out easily, and you will not have to bathe your dog often. I am often astonished at how dirty my English Cream Golden Retrievers are at the end of a day, and yet how quickly they clean up and their creamy white coats reappear from the muck!

You should brush your Golden about twice a week. Proper brushing constitutes getting down into the undercoat, stimulating the oil glands in the skin, and cleaning out dead hair. Starting with a back leg, "part" the coat to the skin and hold back the top portion with your left hand. With your right hand, use a slicker or pin brush (available at www.petsmart.com) to run from the skin to the tips of the hair. Then "part" another section immediately above the place you have brushed, and continue until you have groomed the whole dog from rear to front. Use firm strokes, but don't dig into the dog's skin. If your dog is shedding heavily, the steel comb may be more efficient at removing dead undercoat.

Introducing Your Golden Retriever to Water

2009-02-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Water is part of the heritage of any retriever. While a few dogs need no introduction to it, hurling themselves into the nearest pond or lake at the first opportunity, most need a formal introduction. An unpleasant experience at the first encounter can turn off even an eager prospect.

Make the introduction to water as pleasant as possible. A warm day and a clean pond or a quiet stream with a firm bottom no deeper than the puppy’s elbows is perfect. Throw a few short retrieves with a favorite toy on shore (or use a training bumper, available at www.tbicatalog.com), and then toss it just far enough into the water that the puppy has to get his feet wet. With more play, encouragement from you and the company of a gentle older dog, the puppy should soon be racing through “running water” (water that is shallow enough to run in, as opposed to “swimming water”) without any hesitation.

The next step is to toss the toy a few inches beyond the puppy’s reach, so that he finds himself floating with the last push to get the toy. Praise, praise, praise!!! Repeat this process and then watch out – you won’t be able to keep him out of water!

A Day in the Life of a Golden Retriever

2009-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's a glorious February morning here in the California Central Valley (www.weathercity.com), and as I look at my contented pups soaking up the morning sun, I am grateful to have found such wonderful companions. Tessa's creamy white coat looks simply beautiful against her jet black eyes (I just snapped this picture not five minutes ago), and she is such a mellow little puppy. Darby is resting a few feet away, also enjoying the golden glow streaming in the windows.

Though still very young, these two English Cream Golden Retrievers spend every morning relaxing at my feet, laying contentedly on the family room floor. No furniture chewing, no potty accidents, no mischief. How can I possibly describe what a delight they are? Mellow. Mellow, mellow, mellow. And when I sit on the floor in the morning to give them a good brushing, they climb into my lap like little newborns, curling up to make their growing bodies as small as possible. They possess the perfect blend of affection, submission, intelligence and loyalty. I cannot overemphasize how much I adore the English Cream Golden Retriever!

I Vote for a Golden Retriever in the White House

2009-01-23T15:52:00.001-08:00

Now that the Obamas are officially moved in to the White House, I would like to suggest that they get a GOLDEN RETRIEVER for their first Presidential dog! Loyal, friendly, and happy, I can't think of a better choice. There is a fun site that lists all of the pets the previous 43 Presidents had, including the one that shocked me most: an alligator! (Owned by John Quincy Adams). Here's the site: Dogs in the news. I have had much "robust" debate with my brother and sister over this new administration, and I hope all of you are enjoying the same. While we can't agree on politics, our family concurs that there's no more faithful, peaceful, and forgiving dog than a golden retriever!

Tessa's First Outing

2009-01-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

Tessa had her last set of parvo shots last week, so our little girl was ready for her first field trip! We chose Millerton Lake - a beautiful man-made lake in central California http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=587 Even though it’s cold to us, we knew it would be perfect for our little English Cream Golden Retrievers.

First obstacle to overcome: vomiting in the car. Because Tessa’s only destination has been the vets, she has developed the habit of throwing up every time she gets in the car. Many dogs do this, so I knew that we had our work cut out for us when Tessa could finally go someplace fun. The only solution as far as I know is to take the puppy to many fun places, thereby teaching her that a car ride doesn’t always end in a trip to the vet.

We loaded up our two golden retrievers and headed to the lake. As I've said before, the collapsible crates work great. (In fact, when it was time for the human picnic, we put the crate on the sand next to us, loaded the dogs and let them take a little nap while we ate). The crates are available at http://www.pets2bed.com/site/1405195/product/SPP53-soft-dog-crate

I wish I could say Tessa passed her vomit test, but alas, she threw up on the way there AND on the way home! But in between, she had the time of her life! English Cream Golden Retrievers are water dogs, and our two girls LOVED retrieving sticks from the lake and playing along the water’s edge. And did they ever sleep well when we got home!

Here's the good news: today I took Tessa to my son's school for show and tell and she made it, sickness-free, both ways!! Another wonderful adventure stored into her memory bank, so I expect that soon Tessa's car sickness days will be over. Whew!

Nicholberry's Newest

2009-01-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

For several months, we have been searching for an English Cream Golden Retriever who possesses a unique set of attributes. As a stud dog, he will be the sire of many litters. While there were many “good” candidates, we were challenged to find any GREAT ones. Truly, we were on the hunt for an exceptional male. After such extensive searching, our best Christmas present was the birth of our little male English Cream Golden!!

So what makes this as of yet unnamed guy so unusual? First and of primary importance is his health. While many breeders advertise based on a “creamy coat” or “white golden,” our focus is not on color. It is on health, then temperament, then physical appearance. Which is why we are so excited about this particular golden! His parents are of astonishingly high quality with exceptional health clearances. His lines are simply incredible. His pedigree reflects multiple international champions on both sides, including Dewmist Silk Symphony www.Dewmist.com , Of Course of the Hellacious Acres www.hellaciousacres.com, Chardine Blue Monday (out of Kerrien) and Hummingbird van de Beerse Hoeve – truly, his pedigree is a Who’s Who of English Cream Golden Retrievers. We are blessed to have found such an tremendous pup.

And here’s the kicker: he is going to be stunning. His parents possess a regal conformation, boasting a blocky head and creamy white coats. One judge described his father as having “strong firm body, strong neck flowing into excellent shoulders, super depth, good spring of rib, well angled quarters, drives himself from the rear, strong hocks, good forward reach, strong topline, and good tail carriage.”

Quite simply, his parents are gorgeous, as can be seen in the pictures here (sire is Utrillo, Dam is Joyous Blue Vanga). Our little boy promises to be extraordinary and we can hardly wait to get him. He will have to make a big trek to get here, for he’s coming all the way from Germany. But when he arrives, he’ll find a home full of children and animals, all so very excited to shower him with love and affection. Truly, utopia for a Golden Retriever!! We can hardly wait …

Sea Salt and Horse Manure

2008-12-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

I discovered the perfect food this holiday season: chocolate caramels with sea salt. Being a chocolate aficionado as well as a salt-a-holic, this delectable little candy is food heaven. Even my husband, whose culinary weaknesses lean toward the carbohydrate side of the ledger, admitted that there is something strangely delicious about this combination. We have a tin of these sinful confections in the cupboard, and I find myself irresistibly, robotically drawn to that corner of the kitchen. Every few minutes, my mind wanders back to my own version of Turkish Delight.

While nearly finishing off the box today, it occurred to me that my English Cream Golden Retrievers feel about horse poop exactly the way I feel about these little caramels. While I can’t possibly conceive of how hay that has endured miles of horse intestines inspires a lip-smacking, tail wagging reaction, the fact is, it does. Like their human counterpart’s magnetic draw to the kitchen corner, my puppies are irresistibly, robotically drawn to the one unfenced area of the pasture that allows them passage to their own manure Mecca. They sniff out the freshest pile, savoring every morsel as if it’s just been created on Top Chef. There is something very wrong about these gorgeous creamy white puppies hunkered over horse poop as if they’ve just discovered Nous’ bones. Their coal black eyes take on a gleeful shine, reflecting none of the shame that we humans experience when gorging ourselves with something much more civilized (chocolate caramels sprinkled with sea salt, perhaps!).

Much like my salty caramel obsession must come to an end, so must the dogs’ daily gathering of canine manna. When the fence is repaired next week, they will longingly look through the metal checkerboard, fondly remembering the Christmas of 2008. Visions of organically reconstituted alfalfa will dance through their heads and even when they’re old and white, they’ll fondly reflect upon the Christmas of yore when they feasted like Royal Canines.

And I, I shall stand in the treat aisle at Target, forlornly gazing at the metal tin of caramels that represents a quick five pounds on this frame of mine. Like the puppies, I must forever remain separated from this food I have come to love (well,” forever” might be a little dramatic …). Maybe we’ve forged a new tradition. Maybe Christmas of 2009, I will buy a box of sea salt caramels and instead of shamefully hiding them in the farthest corner of the kitchen, I will leave them on the counter and run to them whenever the fancy strikes. And maybe, Christmas of 2009, I will “forget” to close the gate to the pasture and allow these Golden Retrievers of mine a little indulgence of their own. After all, what is Christmas without a little sea salt and horse manure?

Children and Golden Retrievers

2008-12-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

“Example isn’t the main thing, it’s the only thing.” Somewhere along the way, this is a phrase we picked up and have seen proven in our own lives. Whether it’s singing while baking, reading when it’s raining, or praying when I’m anxious, I have seen my children copy my example a thousand times over.

How happy I was then to see my five year old so quickly pick up the basics of dog training! When we were in the early days of potty training Tessa (our darling little English Cream Golden Retriever), he watched her carefully and frequently opened the door for her, shouting “Good girl Tessa!” whenever she went potty outside. There he was, copying me with remarkable precision.

Imagine my surprise when this little boy said a very firm voice, “Load!” and both Tessa and Darby soared into their crates in a flurry of streaming white coats and flying black paws. No question, they respected the command from even the youngest among us! They promptly sat down and looked up at my son with wonderfully expectant eyes. (Oh, how delightful are the happy shiny eyes of a Golden Retriever!). Treat in hand, he ordered them to stay and then put his hands up with the command he’d seen me use hundreds of times. Again, there was my boy mimicking me with astonishing accuracy.

And now, as I write this, this same child is happily playing with a truck on the floor, measuring the dogs’ response to the noises he makes, watchful to avoid scaring them. “Look mommy, she’s not scared” he says to me. And indeed, she’s not. She trusts this boy who gives her treats, takes her potty, and shows her leadership. My little Alpha boy. Yet again, another unexpected blessing inherent in raising Golden Retrievers.

Puppy Pet Insurance

2008-12-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

When you register your new English Cream Golden Retriever with the AKC www.akc.org, you will receive an offer for health insurance from Pet Partners Inc. at www.petpartnersinc.us, as well as a discounted price and a 60 day free trial.

If you’re considering purchasing an English Cream Golden Retriever, your investment is sizeable enough that this policy makes sense.

In short, the Pet Partners plan offers the following:
• Choice of five affordable annual AKC Pet Healthcare Plans with coverage of up to $13,000 per year
• Essential coverage for Accidents, Injuries and Illnesses
• Wellness options for shots, annual physical exam, flea/tick controls, annual dental cleaning and more - the richest wellness options available today, 80% of costs covered after deductible
• Accident Plus coverage, a lower-cost option for Accidents and Injuries only
• All breeds rated equally
• No vet records to sign up
• Monthly or annual payment options
• Available in all 50 States and DC.
• Cats can be covered too.

Great Golden Retriever Gifts

2008-12-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

If you are a Golden Retriever lover, particularly of English Cream Golden Retrievers, there are many great gift ideas! There are calendars at http://www.browntrout.com (with some GORGEOUS English Creams), collectibles like ornaments and notepads at http://www.yourbreedstore.com/Category2168/Golden_Retriever_Gifts.html?Dep=Your_Breed_Store&gclid=CPvsoK7B1ZcCFQv7agodb2D_Dw, and even Golden Retriever car mats at http://www.gearforgoldens.com

But if your family is as nutty about your English Cream Golden Retrievers as we are, you’ll not find a better gift than an enlargement of your favorite photo stretched across canvas. You can get great deals at www.canvasondemand.com or even at www.costco.com (although the sizes are limited).

If your golden retriever has a beautiful creamy white coat with coal black eyes, the sepia or black and white enlargements are striking. If your golden retriever is a little more on the gold side or ultra blonde, go with color – you won’t be disappointed with how beautiful the color translates on a giant stretched canvas.
Happy shopping!

Pedigree Matters

2008-12-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of Golden Retrievers advertised in the newspaper and on the internet. Golden Retrievers are an incredibly popular breed and with good reason – they are simply wonderful family dogs. But what is the difference between them all?

We can only encourage you to do your research, for the differences are vast. There is of course the obvious difference in colors – advertised Golden Retrievers range from dark red, dark gold, light gold, blonde, platinum blonde, ultra blonde, blonde/cream, creamy white and white. Truly, full English Cream Golden Retrievers aren't really WHITE, though they may look it. While the AKC has very specific breed standards, (see http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/ ), the fact is that available puppies vary quite drastically.

So how do you choose a puppy? First, you simply MUST trust your breeder. They should be knowledgeable about the pedigree of their dogs and be able to explain to you the different health ratings that Golden Retrievers receive. Hips, eyes, elbows, etc. Second, you must have your priorities clear before purchasing a puppy. Some people are willing to compromise health for color, and this makes absolutely no sense to us. If you’ve ever lost a dog to cancer or watched a dog suffer due to hip dysplasia, health would be your number one priority!

At Nicholberry Goldens, we breed only full English Cream Golden Retrievers and we breed with two goals: health and temperament. We have carefully selected our dogs based on their pedigree, not their color. Though we live in California, we selected our dogs from a variety of international lines and are ecstatic about our stud, who we imported from Germany and who has an impeccable pedigree. Both of his parents have the highest hip ratings possible and the fact that they are gorgeous, creamy white Golden Retrievers is an added bonus!

One last thing. People mistakenly believe that pedigree only matters for those who show their dogs in AKC events. This could not be farther from the truth. A high quality pedigree, which includes proper breeding practices, vastly increases the likelihood of a high quality dog! Even if you never plan to set foot in a show ring, a high quality dog will provide your family with a healthy dog and spare you the heartache that comes with poorly bred dogs. So do your homework – I promise it will pay off!

Taking a Great Dog Picture

2008-12-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

I have become obsessed with getting fabulous pictures of our English Cream Golden Retrievers. I have noticed that often, their coloring comes up different in pictures than it is in real life. Sometimes it is due to dirt, but frequently their creamy white coats look much darker in a picture than they really are. This is especially so with Darby’s ears. Admittedly, her ears are a light sand color. However, depending on the background and the lighting, they can look significantly darker than they really are! She looks like an American Golden Retriever in her ears and an English Cream Golden in her body! And yet, I am looking at her right now, and her ears are in fact only slightly colored. So, she is my picture challenge.

There is a good website on getting great dog pictures. It’s www.my-dog-picture.com I have extracted a small portion of one of the tips, and if you’re as interested in taking great dog pictures as am I, I promise you’ll find valuable information on the site itself:

The golden rule for a good dog picture is..... Get Down to Your Dog's Level.
If you can't get down, get your dog up! Put it on a chair, a bench, stairs, a mound, the side of a hill ...... Be creative.

This will produce a more interesting picture and show your dog's true beauty.
Fill the viewfinder with your dog to create real impact. If you have a zoom use it so you don't have to get in your dog's face. If you don't have a zoom get close and intimate!

If you want to show the size of your dog or want to show a bit of perspective or you want to include some wonderful background scenery, step back a little. Instead of putting your dog in the centre of the picture try offsetting it a bit to give your shot a more "artistic" look.

Head on shots - eye to eye contact - create very engaging shots. But try different angles to bring out the personality - the aloofness, the shyness, the devilment etc.
Bottom line - get down and dirty and be creative to get that special dog picture.

Puppy Training 101

2008-12-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

There is some great basic information on puppy training and owning a dog at www.peteducation.com
Below is an excerpt from an article regarding basic puppy training:

1. The First Rule of general training is Always Be Consistent. There should be no exceptions here if you want the training to go as rapidly and as easily as possible. This relates to your actions and words. From the very start you need to decide exactly what you are trying to teach or control and how you will do it. If you are going to use a certain word or phrase as part of a command or in conjunction with a certain point you are trying to make, always say the exact same thing in the same tone of voice. This is important for all the members of a household or anyone else working with the puppy. Everyone that is involved in the training should know and use the same expression. As an example, let us think in terms of the "Come" command. It obviously will not make things go faster if you use the word "Come," your spouse uses the word "Here," and one of the children uses "Yo, Boy." All of this simply confuses the dog. Remember, we are trying to train him in our language; we cannot expect the puppy to be multilingual at 8 weeks of age.

Every time you give a command or are working on a training point, consistently carry it through to completion. Do not tug on the check cord for the pup to come to you and then become distracted and forget what you are doing. If you start pulling the animal in but then stop with him halfway to you, he becomes confused. The puppy is supposed to come to you, all the way to you. If you do not ensure that happens, the puppy may think that it is okay, when given the 'Come' command, to only come in part way to you or completely ignore the command.

Should I Microchip My Dog?

2008-12-22T06:09:00.000-08:00

We microchip our English Cream Golden Retrievers with HomeAgain. Here is the information from the HomeAgain website at www.trainedpet.com
HomeAgain is an advanced pet identification and retrieval system. A microchip with a unique identification code is implanted between the shoulder blades of the pet. The pet is enrolled with the HomeAgain Pet Recovery Service. HomeAgain maintains a national database and is available 24-hours daily, 365 days a year. When a lost pet is found, it can be scanned at an animal shelter or the clinic of a participating veterinarian. The animal’s identification number is called into HomeAgain (1-866-PET-ID24), and the pet owner is notified immediately.

Pets enrolled in the system also receive collar tags to wear with their HomeAgain identification number and our toll-free number. The tags alone help identify lost pets, but tags/collars can come off easily. A microchip provides permanent identification that remains in place.

All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their owner or veterinarian, but tags can come off. Tattooing pets with a number - often the owner’s social security number - is another method of identifying pets, especially dogs. However, veterinarians and pet rescue experts say tattoos can blur over time, making them difficult to read, and they can be altered. It’s possible that duplicate tattoo numbers exist. A microchip provides a permanent form of identification with a unique number that cannot be altered.

Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

2008-12-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

It’s raining. It’s muddy. It’s cold. It’s the ideal day for a Golden Retriever! It never ceases to amaze me how much Golden Retrievers like to play on a day like this. Perhaps it’s their inner water dog discovering just how much fun “wet” is. Perhaps it’s the feel of the sticky, slick earth gushing between their paws. Or perhaps it’s the opportunity to shake off any last trace of domestication and to just be a dog.

In many ways, these puppies remind me of my little boys – the dirtier the play, the better! Their creamy white coats are caked in dirt, they smell like muck, and they couldn’t be happier. In fact, just a short while ago, my six year old was on his hands and knees, gleefully digging holes in the pasture. Next to him splayed two equally gleeful puppies, digging with all their might. How does the saying go about little boys being made of puppy dog tails? “What are little boys made of? Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails!” I’m beginning to see the connection!

Unlike my English Cream Golden Retrievers and my two young sons, I am tucked inside my warm house, thanking God for such a spectacular display. My boys aren’t worrying about getting their nails dirty and my dogs aren’t worried about how they’ll smell. They are simply in the “now.” Oh, how I envy them all!

Soon enough, we’ll have a trail of paw and boot prints tracked through the house and I might not be as grateful when I find myself on my own hands and knees, cleaning it all up. But for the moment, for the now, I again find myself silently thankful for the animals and children who bring so much joy to our lives.

Potty Training Victory

2008-12-16T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have known great delights as a mommy: my son’s first word (“itty” for kitty), his first belly laugh (uproariously at my daughter’s silliness), the loss of his first tooth. These are moments seared into my mind in a wonderfully permanent way.

Would it be completely bizarre to admit to similar “mommy” moments with a puppy? Perhaps. But I must confess I’ve had such moments recently with little Tessa. There is something so eager in her eyes that when she looks at me, I feel like there’s a depth of understanding that exceeds that of a normal D.O.G. I know, I know – that’s just crazy talk, but you might need to look into her eyes yourself before you write me off as completely loony!

Anyhow, my proud mommy moment with Tessa was this: the bark at the back door. Potty training is not for the faint of heart. It requires incessant supervision and unwavering commitment to very frequent backyard trips. So when the moment arrives where your little pup walks to the back door, sits and looks at you intently as if to say, “Hey Lady – how ‘bout a little bladder relief?,” this is a momentous occasion!

And thus, my proud mommy moment. I can say with near certainty that little Tessa is now potty trained. First she sits and looks at me with those coal black eyes (which, incidentally, is one of my favorite features of an English Cream Golden Retriever). Then when I look back and feign stupidity, she barks with a “get a move on it!” attitude. Oh, how fabulous it is to see your puppy insist on going outside to potty!

So maybe I am a little loony. It could be worse. I have a weakness for creamy white golden retrievers with liquid black eyes and for jet black Tennessee Walking horses with the same. I do cartwheels when the former goes outside to pee and when the latter takes rapid steps backward at the shake of his lead line. I’m all about celebrating the little victories along the way! (And trust me - not having to take Tessa outside every 15 minutes in the middle of a particularly cold Fresno winter is no small victory!).

So if you’re in the throws of potty training, comfort yourself with this thought: this, too, shall pass. One day soon, your little pup will take a seat at the door and give you your orders. And if you’re not doing cartwheels at that, maybe I’m not the only loony one!

Darby's Field Trip

2008-12-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I took Darby on her first “field trip” to my son’s school in Fresno. She is such a mellow puppy that I was curious to see how she would do with all of the little people who would want to pet her. She is at a particularly cute stage right now – she is getting her “big girl” hair down her spine, which is slightly wavy and tinted with a light sand color. This is an absolutely gorgeous dog and I can hardly wait to see how she’ll look fully grown! Her head is nice and boxy, her hair is mostly white (cream) and the slight sand color to her ears is simply darling. Her coal black eyes are extremely expressive and kind. She is all you could want in an English Cream Golden Retriever.

I loaded Darby into her travel crate and off we went! (The travel crate is a collapsible crate that is very convenient. Our crate is similar to the one at Remmer.com. When we arrived at the school, Darby eagerly walked onto the campus, vigorously wagging her tail. One thing about this little golden is that she is wonderful on a leash. No pulling or resisting. Once again, can I say what a difference there is between the temperament of the English Cream Golden Retrievers and American Golden Retrievers? This is not condemnation of the American Golden Retrievers! They are wonderful and brought many years of joy to my life, but American Golden Retrievers are a more high-strung dog than English Cream Golden Retrievers. (I would say the same thing of Labrador Retrievers). Even people at the school marveled at how mellow Darby is. No jumping, no barking, no tugging. While some of this has to do with training, much has to do with breeding and temperament.

We arrived before school was released, which gave Darby some time to get familiar with the campus before the kids came streaming out of their classes. My five year old walked her around, doing an excellent job of leading his little puppy. (What a wonderful site – there is something very Norman Rockwell about a little boy and a golden retriever!). Then the bell rang and out they came – bodies flying, backpacks swinging, voices shouting! But my little golden took it all in stride, enjoying the new sights and smells and especially loving the many little hands touching her. In a sea of children, I could spot my little white puppy, tail wagging her body around the school yard. Yet again, I reminded myself, this is one of the many reasons why I love golden retrievers! They are so wonderful around children and possess such a sanguine personality.

All in all, our little field trip was a big success. Darby discovered that riding in the car can mean BIG FUN, she was exposed to lots of new noises and smells, and she was given truckloads of affection. I can’t wait to do it again today!

Puppy Hide and Seek

2008-12-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Darby is my little five month old English Cream Golden Retriever. I think in some other language, Darby must mean “little shadow who is always by my side” or “faithful canine with coal black eyes.” She is my Velcro puppy! I must confess that I love her constant awareness of my presence – in this way, she is the quintessential golden retriever. Faithful, joyful and ever eager to please – what a delight it is to live with these dogs!

As always, I took Darby with me to feed the horses this morning. It was gray and foggy and cold; the perfect winter morning. I am astonished by the speed of this little pup. She flies across the pasture like a racing greyhound, ears flat against her head and dirt spraying out behind her. If she could talk, she’d be whooping, “Yee Haw!!!”

She finally wanders from me, lured by the stew of smells buried beneath the soil. There’s a whole world out there unknown to my human nose. Alas, it is my chance to sneak away for a fun game of hide and seek. I quickly sprint down the fence line, hoping to reach the trunk of the apple tree before Darby notices my absence. I make it. I crouch down in place, peeking through the branches as I let out three short whistles. Instantly Darby’s head pops up, ears forward as she scans the pasture for her pack leader. She begins to sniff, standing dead still as she uses her senses to find me. I watch her for a moment, then whistle again. Like a cannon, she is off at breakneck speed, galloping in the direction of my call. I’m 50 yards away, but I know I’m caught. I try to lean farther into the tree, but she comes barreling around the corner and as recognition fills her eyes, she kicks into yet another gear and skids to a stop at my feet. She is deliriously happy. I praise her abundantly and off we run to the warmth of the house, and of course, a little treat.

Here’s the wonderful thing about playing games like this with your puppy: sometimes it’s hard to tell who is having more fun – you or your dog! So stick a treat in your pocket, don your inner child and go play puppy hide and seek!

Worms and Your Puppy

2008-12-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

A serious but often undetected danger to your dog is the many different kinds of worms that can take up residence in your dog's intestinal tract. There are six major intestinal parasites in dogs: hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, giardiasis, and coccidiosis. For more details, see PARASITES ARTICLE. From the half-inch long hookworms to the flat, segmented tapeworms that can reach three feet in length, parasitic worms are as common as fleas to dogs. They are especially common in puppies!

While worm detection is typically easy and treatment is effective, it is important to pay attention to all possible symptoms of infestation. (For a list of commons symptoms, see www.natural-pet-care.com/natural-pet-health-blog/dogs-puppies/symptoms-of-worms-in-puppies/). Worms can cause serious damage and sometimes, in severe cases, death.

There is another danger to consider regarding worms: people can be infected! Since we have small children who, regardless of how much reminding we do, still put their fingers in their mouths or eyes after playing with the puppies, we are vigilant about worm prevention in our dogs. (For an explanation as to how worms are transmitted to people, see www.thepetcenter.com/exa/worms.html or http://www.petplace.com/dogs/intestinal-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx).

Although some worms are visible to the naked eye, others are only detected when a fecal sample is examined. It is extremely important that you regularly submit a fecal sample to your vet! Your vet will tell you, based on your environment and your family, how often a fecal sample is necessary. Don’t skimp on this expense. It is an important part of responsible pet ownership and may very well save your dog from serious illness!

Desensitizing Your Puppy

2008-11-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are having a mellow day, hanging out with no agenda (which is SUCH a nice departure from the usual business that daily life entails). It's a drizzly day here in the Central Valley, which is also a nice departure from the typically sunny Fresno Thanksgivings. The boys are out hunting geese, so I figured I’d take a minute to do a little update on our English Cream Golden Retriever, Tessa.

This morning I spent some time “desensitizing” Tessa, who is our youngest puppy. I held her in my lap and went over every square inch of her body – stuck my fingers in her ears, looked between each claw on her feet, opened her mouth and felt around, rubbed her belly and lifted her tail. She is such a mellow puppy that none of it phased her, but this is an important part of the puppy process! My goal with my puppies, as with my horses, is that they surrender any “don’t touch me” areas to my leadership. It should never be a fight for me to clip my horse, just as it should never be a fight for me to clean out my dog’s ears. If you start this kind of desensitization early on, it pays off tremendously in the long run!

The other crucial part of desensitization is to mess with your puppy while she is eating. “Have all family members do things to distract the puppy while he is eating. Pet him, rub him and gently pull on his tail and legs. This will serve to desensitize him to human contact while eating and make him less likely to be protective during these times.” (see www.canismajor.com for more details). I touched Tessa all over, requiring her body to relax while she ate and submitted to me. Ultimately, I want to be able to put my hands in the bowl and move the bowl without a trace of aggression from her (Tessa has not shown any aggression, but it’s important to do this process slowly, as some dogs will). Tessa must recognize me as her pack leader, and this is just one of many ways to establish that relationship. She must also learn to trust that she has nothing to fear from hands while eating, whether they be the little hands of my children or my own. Of course, one of the many reasons I simply love a golden retriever (and especially our mild-tempered English Cream Golden Retrievers) is their non-aggressive, non-protective nature. I simply can’t imagine one of them showing aggression!

At any rate, that is this morning’s lesson. Just a little training every day produces a balanced, obedient, happy dog. Who could ask for more?

History of Golden Retrievers

2008-11-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

The Golden Retriever is a hardy, no-nonsense breed who will go through life with relatively few health problems (providing that you buy from a quality breeder!). While I am biased, it is safe to say that once you have lived with a golden retriever, you will never want to live without one! They are hard-working, loving dogs with consistent temperaments and an endless desire to please.

Historically, Retrievers were not seen until the late 19th century. There were no standardized breeds and they were mated for their working ability, not for their looks. Truly, Golden Retrievers owe their development to the change in the sport of Shooting. In the 1800’s, estate owners hunted with their Setters and Pointers, using muzzle-loaded guns to shoot sitting birds. The shotgun changed everything. Estate owners made great sport of shooting flying birds and shooting became linked with status, wealth and fashion. By the late 1800’s, sportsmen needed a specialized retrieving dog. Thus, the birth of the Golden Retriever breed.

The man whose early breeding created the Golden Retriever was the first Lord Tweedmouth. He moved in the highest echelons of Victorian society and built a sporting Mecca for the Victorian aristocrats. The quality of gundogs on the estate was as important as the estate itself, and Lord Tweedmouth took his “hobby” breeding very seriously. He also kept detailed records, which allows us to know with certainty the development of the Golden Retriever breed.
In the 1860’s, Lord Tweedmouth purchased a yellow-colored retriever from a cobbler. His name was Nous (Gaelic for Wisdom). In 1868, Nous was bred to a Water Spaniel named Belle. They produced a litter of three yellow puppies: Crocus, Cowslip and Primrose. This litter formed the foundation of Goldens as a distinct breed.

From that first litter, breeding was planned very carefully. In 1904, a Lord Harcourt bought two puppies from this line and began his own breeding program. Ultimately, the Golden Retriever was founded on Lord Tweedmouth’s line via the Culham Kennel of Lord Harcourt. In fact, Culham Copper, owned by Lord Harcourt, appears in the extended pedigree of virtually every Golden Retriever in the world.

For more details on the history of the Golden Retriever, go to: http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/history.cfm
For a good general overview of Golden Retrievers, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Retriever

Protecting Your Puppy From Parvo

2008-11-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Recently I was in a boutique pet store in California and I saw a woman with a darling silky terrier puppy. In comparison to our English Cream Golden Retreivers, this puppy looked like a newborn! I asked the proud owner how old she was and she said 10 weeks. A big red warning light went off in my head: PARVO ALERT!

Then the conundrum. Though the owner was friendly, I worried that she might be offended were I to broach the subject of her puppy’s safety. I walked around, mulling this over while searching for the perfect Kong (if you don’t have one of these yet for your puppy, get one! They are virtually indestructible and provide much entertainment for growing puppies!). Finally, I decided that the puppy’s safety outweighed anything else, so I went back over to the owner and gently asked her whether she knew about the risks of Parvo. Perplexed, she looked at me and simply said that she had "heard" of it. Yikes! What kind of breeder sells a puppy (and a small breed at that!) and doesn’t educate the owner about the risks of Parvo? I explained that until the puppy has her last set of immunizations, she is at risk for contracting the highly contagious virus and that it is often fatal and INCREDIBLY costly to try to save the pup. (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=467 goes in to great detail about a puppy's window of susceptibility). Much to my amazement, the store owner had been listening and confessed that she hadn’t realized that puppies needed all 4 vaccinations in order to be protected. Wow! From here on out, every owner who enters that boutique with a young puppy will be educated – confirmation enough for me that it was the right thing to speak up!

So here’s the skinny on protecting your puppy from Parvo: First, don’t take your puppy to a public place! It’s just not worth the risk. The virus can be transferred on hands, clothing, and especially shoes. (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=467 says that it may also be transmitted by insects). At home, we are careful to wipe the bottom of all shoes with diluted bleach and also to take the puppies to a “puppy safe” area of the yard (certainly not the front yard, where stray dogs may have roamed). Remember that the virus can live for a very long time – it survives heat and cold. The only thing that kills it is BLEACH. Aside from being spread by shoes, it is also carried in a canine’s fluids (drool, blood, feces, urine). We live on 3 acres and over the years, various foxes have made their home in and around our barn. As a result, the barn is not a safe area for young puppies!

The other thing is, VACCINATE your puppy! She needs her Parvo shot every three weeks after the first shot, so calendar it! And when you take your young pup to the vet, carry her in and verify with the office staff that the examining table has been properly cleaned. I know, I know – this sounds totally over the top. But I know how hectic office life can become and all it takes is one forgetful person … your puppy’s health is on the line, so though it may be uncomfortable, ask! (http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/dognz/a/parvodog.htm gives a comprehensive list of Parvo-related symptoms).

There is no doubt that it is difficult to isolate a vigorous puppy for so many weeks of its young life. They want to run and play and that’s hard to do when their “safe” space is so restricted! But hang in there – it’s worth it in the long run. You’ll have many years to enjoy the company of your canine everywhere you go, so give her the protection she needs now. You’ll be glad you did!

For more information, go to:
http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=467

Question About Puppy Barking in Crate

2008-11-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

I recently was asked what to do if your new puppy barks incessantly in her crate. We experienced this with one of our English Creme Golden Retrievers and found the following method to work: Move the crate next to your bed (this is just for a short time, so if you don't want the puppy permanently in your room, worry not!). Remember that the puppy is in a foreign land and doesn't speak the language - she needs to feel reassured! She has been removed from her littermates and her mommy and some whining/barking can certainly be expected. However, you will see that your puppy will quickly move past this! Allow her to sleep in your room, preferably next to your bed. She will feel comforted by your presence and your scent.

After a few nights, move the crate away from the side of your bed. Now that the puppy has had some time to settle in to her new home, she won't feel so desperate to be right next to you. If you make it through a few nights like this, you can continue to gradually move the puppy out of your room and into her permanent crating location. Though this "new puppy phase" feels like one long endless night, you will be surprised how quickly your puppy learns to love her crate! (And to stop interrupting your sleep with barking/whining). Remember, your goal is for your dog to rest calmly in confinement (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1379).

Detailed First Day of Crate Training

2008-11-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

We picked Tessa up from the airport in Fresno, California on Monday. Though it was difficult for everyone to not squeel with joy, we knew the best thing for her was for us to remain calm and project a calm energy to her (for an excellent explanation on "energy," explore Cesar Millan at http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/). She lay quietly in the crate as we carried her out, and was also quiet in the car ride home. When we got home, we immediately put her collar on her and took her to her "potty spot." This is the location where we will take her every time she goes out to potty. It's astonishing how fast puppies figure out what they are supposed to do in their potty spot!

We sectioned off a tiled area in the kitchen/dining room and put Tessa's crate in there. We put a towel in the crate, but were prepared to remove it if Tessa had multiple accidents (which she did not - she has learned VERY quickly!).

In order to give you an idea of how Tessa's first full day went, I have put her schedule below. We put her to bed at 9p.m. the night before and set our alarm to get up at 12:30 a.m. to go potty, but she beat us to it and woke us up with whining at midnight. I picked her up from her crate with no fanfare, took her to her potty spot and said, "Go potty." Much to my delight, she immediately went! I picked her back up, took her back to her crate and said, "Load." I closed the crate and walked away with very few words. I didn't want to excite her or indicate in any way that it was playtime. Middle of the night potty times need to be quiet and matter -of-fact.

I woke up at 6a.m. and repeated the process. Then this is how the rest of the day went:
6:15 a.m.: Put food out for 15 minutes

6:45 a.m.: Potty time - Tessa peed immediately! Then I walked her around a concrete path in our back yard. You want to combine exercise/play with potty time so that the puppy associates potty with play (otherwise she will try to hold it in order to prolong her outdoor time). Tessa's play area is in a separate place from her potty area - once she goes potty, we leave that area to go play.

7:15: I placed Tessa in the crate and said, "Load." I had an appointment that I HAD to get ready for and though Tessa's cried the entire time, I did not take her back out. DO NOT reward your puppy for howling, because they will learn to howl in order to get out of the crate

8:30: Remove puppy from crate (pick her up and carry to potty spot). I said, "Go potty" and again, she immediately went. Again, heavy praise from me! "Good girl!!" We went for another walk and this time she pooped, so more praise. I tried to tire her out before putting her back in her crate.

9:00: Crate ("Load Tessa")

11:30: Unfortunately, I couldn't get home before 11:30. This was the only day that I wouldn't be able to make it home within two hours, which would be ideal. But Tessa's crate was dry when I arrived and the second I walked in the door, I picked her up and took her to her potty spot. Now she gets it! She peed, and then took off for her play area!

12:20: Lunch - set bowl out for 15 minutes

12:50: Tessa was sniffing and it had been more than 15 minutes since lunch, so I took her out. Watch your puppy like a hawk and the second she starts sniffing, take her out!! Sure enough, Tessa peed and pooped, then lots of play!

1:30 Back in the crate ("Load, Tessa"). This crate time was to show the puppy that I won't always leave when she is in the crate. My 5 year old and I played catch within her view (outside), and she howled nearly the whole time. Don't give in to the howling!

1:45: Potty and play - the puppy pees each time now without fail.

2:15: Crate ("Load Tessa") (We all have a life that requires our attention - I had to pick my son up from school. Your puppy will begin to settle in to your schedule).

3:15: Potty break and back in crate - more errands ...

4:00: Potty and LOTS of play! Tessa stayed out of her crate until 6p.m., with lots of fetching and cuddling and one more potty break in between.

6:00: When our family sat down to eat dinner, I placed Tessa's food bowl in her crate and left the crate door open. She could see us while she ate, and she seemed very happy with that. Then, while we were eating, she settled down in her crate. Big victory! You want your puppy to choose her crate as her safe den. Tessa is a smart pup and has figured this out after only one day.

7:00: Potty outside and then I placed her into crate ("Load Tessa"). This time, no whining - she was tuckered out and ready for a nap.

9:00: Potty and play

9:45: Crate for night ("Load Tessa").

You will need to get up with your puppy once during the night - plan on it! Then put the puppy back into the crate calmly and walk away. She will probably fuss for a little, but then go back to sleep.
For more crate training tips, visit:
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crate_training
http://www.cratetraining.net/

Crate Training Your Puppy

2008-11-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

We are crate training a new puppy and thought it would be helpful to walk through the process for those of you who choose to crate train. We advocate crate training for many reasons - it gives your puppy its own “den,” providing a sense of security in her new surroundings. It makes car trips easy and enjoyable for your dog (whether it’s a trip to the vet or to the beach!). It allows your puppy to grow without engaging in destructive habits, such as chewing furniture, shoes, linens, etc. It keeps your puppy safe while you are away from home … I could go on an on! Some people consider crate training to be unfair or inhumane, but implicit in that perspective is a misunderstanding of the crate. Even the Humane Society agrees with this statement (visit http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/crate_training.html)The crate is NOT to be used as a cage or an endless containment for your dog! If you are considering using a crate for this purpose, you should re-consider getting a dog. But if you love your dogs the way we do, you will spend plenty of time playing with and exercising them, as well as spending “down” time with them in your home. Ultimately, the crate becomes a refuge for your dog. If this appeals to you, read on! We are committed to documenting the daily process with our new puppy, Tessa, so that you can feel confident to do the same with the newest member of your family.