When planning a litter, we first start with the health of our Sire & Dam. Our active breeding dogs are all fully health and genetically tested. They are also on special nutritional supplements for health, presentation and to aid in the development of their puppies. All of our dogs and puppies are also on premium dog food. Our mamas receive delivery assistance and special care.
Puppy’s environment
All Bear State Golden's Puppies are born & raised in the home. The puppies have their own temperature controlled room inside of our home and this is where our Mamas whelp. This safe space is also where our puppies spend most of their first 8 weeks of life. During the first few weeks they are kept away from other animals or guests and in a sanitized environment that protects them from the possibility of diseases entering. Mama appreciates this as she feels comfortable and secure!As the puppies grow.. their living space expands for plenty of playing room. Additionally, after their first vaccine they are allowed lots of outdoor time to romp around(weather permitted).
Puppy raising
Our puppies are raised the BAB(Bad Ass Breeder) way. We introduce ENS(Early Neurological Stimulation) & ESI(Early Scent Introduction) from 3-16 days of age to ensure that they are off to the best start possible. ENS is believed to improve cardiovascular performance, stronger adrenal glands, stronger heartbeat, greater resistance to disease and more tolerance to stress.
Desensitizing & Socialization
Our puppies receive weekly nail trims, regular baths and are introduced to a blow dryer as a start to condition them to be comfortable with grooming. We desensitize our puppies to loud and common indoor/outdoor noises. Our puppies are immensely loved on and handled regularly throughout puppyhood. We introduce our puppies to friendly adult dogs and cats to help socialize and prepare them for new environments. We sometimes introduce our puppies to playing in a baby pool filled with water when weather permits.
Handling
Our puppies are handled by the us, by children and our close family members regularly. We also implement a 10 step daily handling exercise to increase touch tolerance and compliance in our puppies. The 10 step handling exercise involves a massage that kindly increases pressure weekly which includes the eyes, nose, inside of the puppies mouth, ears, down the back, tail, around the collar, tummy and paws.
Temperament testing
At 7 weeks of age, we temperament test our puppies with a 10 step test and this has been proven to be accurate. This test helps to determine which puppy is best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Training
We start litter training at 2-3 weeks of age, this gives the puppies a designated area to potty and overall helps with the transition to potty training. At first their potty area is 100% of their living space for their first 2 weeks of life, over time their potty area expands but never larger than their living and playing space. By 6 weeks old our puppies are diligently using their potty area with a 85-90% success rate. Our puppies are trained to learn the word "No". They are also introduced to crate training, collars and car rides!
Health & Vet care
We deworm our puppies at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks & 8 weeks of age.Our puppies are also vaccinated twice before they go home. They receive a Parvo specific vaccination at 4-5 weeks old and their second vaccination is a 5 in 1 booster at 7-8 weeks old. Our puppies will need at least 2 more vaccinations for Immunization to take full effect and to be able to walk them in public(when administered in 3-4 week intervals). Last puppy booster should be given at 16 weeks/4 months along with their first rabies vaccination.Our puppies are microchipped with free registration for life (Bear State Goldens is automatically secondary contact).Our puppies receive a complete wellness exam and fecal tested at 7 weeks by a licensed veterinarian before they go home.
When our puppies go Home
Our Puppies go home at 8-9 weeks of age. We provide their Vaccination record and Veterinarian Exam Copy. They go home with a 12 month Health Guarantee Contract including the agreement to SPAY/NEUTER only from 18-24 months old or after. They are sent home with a complimentary 30-day Pet Insurance starting from pick up day through Trupanion. You must activate our special offer within 24 hours of receiving your puppy. Our puppies also come with a Loaded Puppy Pack including small bag of food, registration paperwork, puppy pads, toys, blanket with mom & siblings scent, helpful information for a smooth transition and more! Additionally, you will receive Lifetime support from us. Feel free to reach out to us and we will do our best to help you. See recommended puppy buys for more information on what you will need when you bring your puppy home with you.