Puppy Selection Policy Explanation

"Welcome to our reservation process! To ensure you get the perfect puppy while maintaining the quality of our breeding program, here is how our selection works:

• Our Breeding Priority: We reserve the right to select puppies for our breeding program first. This ensures we continue to produce healthy, top-quality puppies.

• Your Selection: Once we have made our selections, you will have the opportunity to choose from all remaining available puppies in the litter.

• Gender Deadline (5 Days): If you have a specific gender preference, please notify us during application. If no selection is made, or if gender availability changes, one will be assigned based on your preferences.

• Premium Selection (1st/2nd Picks): If you have your heart set on a specific puppy, we offer 1st or 2nd pick spots for an additional fee. This premium option allows you to be at the top of the selection list. These spots are highlighted on your application until reserved." 

Why this Policy is Used (Context for the Buyer)

• Ethical Breeding: Reputable breeders keep the "best" puppies to improve their lines for the next generation.

• Gender Variability: It is impossible to guarantee the exact gender ratio of a litter before birth, making early selection or flexibility necessary.

• Fairness: "Pick" spots (1st/2nd) exist because many people want to choose first, and these spots guarantee that opportunity.

• Best Match: Often, breeders know the temperaments best and can help match the right puppy to your lifestyle. 

AKC registration supports health guidance, training programs, and search-and-rescue services. It also funds canine health research, helping us breed healthier, longer-living dogs. 

You’ve chosen an AKC‑registered puppy — and that comes with lifelong benefits.

Bringing a dog into your family is a long‑term journey, and AKC registration ensures you have support, resources, and peace of mind every step of the way.

Why AKC Registration Matters

Pedigree & Lineage
AKC registration provides official documentation of your puppy’s ancestry, giving you insight into their breed history and any potential hereditary considerations.

Access to AKC Events
Registered dogs are eligible to participate in AKC‑sanctioned events, including conformation shows, obedience, agility, and a wide range of performance sports.

Community & Education
Registration connects you with a nationwide community of dog lovers and provides access to valuable resources on training, health, and responsible dog ownership.

Breed Standards
AKC registration helps preserve breed integrity by ensuring dogs meet established breed characteristics and standards.

Optional Registration Packages
Depending on the package you choose, you may receive extras such as:

• An AKC collar tag with 24/7 lifetime recovery services

• A three‑generation AKC pedigree A one‑year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine

• A dog care and training video

Complimentary Benefits
Newly registered puppies may also receive:

• A 30‑day trial of AKC Pet Insurance

• A certificate for a complimentary first veterinary office visit

If you’d like, I can help you format this into a brochure‑style section, a website paragraph, or a more conversational message for your application process.

We take care of the AKC registration process for you to ensure everything is completed accurately and without stress. During your application, you’ll be able to choose the registration option that best fits your needs:

• Option 1: AKC Registration Certificate (Included in puppy price)

• Option 2: AKC Registration + Pedigree (+ $40)

• Option 3: AKC Registration + Pedigree + Special Gift Basket (includes embroidered blanket) (+ $110)

• Option 4 (Add‑On): AKC Puppy Teething Kit (+ $60)

Full AKC rights are available for an additional $3,000 and are offered only to approved breeders or families seeking show potential. Breeding always carries inherent risks, and no breeder can guarantee perfect outcomes in every litter.

Microchipping

Every puppy goes home with a microchip and lifetime AKC Reunite registration. For added safety, we place the chip subcutaneously in the left side of the neck rather than between the shoulder blades to help prevent migration.

Optional Upgrade: Personalized ID tag with QR code and silencer (+ $36)

🐾 Puppy Health & Vaccine Information

1. Vaccination Options (Customized Approach)

We aim to prevent over-vaccinating while ensuring maximum protection. Puppies are born with natural antibodies from their mother that protect them initially, but these fade around 16 weeks. We believe in giving you the choice regarding your puppy's healthcare as you invest in your puppy. The DPv vaccine is optional and it is not included in our standard pricing however is available to be administered prior to pickup upon request for a fee of $20. 

 You have three choices for the first DPv (Distemper/Parvovirus) vaccine: 

• Option A: We administer the first vaccine on the go-home date.

• Option B: I prefer to do vaccinate with my Vet.

• Option C: Pick -up planned for 16 weeks of age. I accept the vaccine to be given & will do the booster in 3 weeks with my vet. - I will pay the fee of $20 additional that will be added to final price. 

💡 IMPORTANT: If you choose Option A (vaccine on pick-up day), do not allow your vet to give another booster at the initial wellness exam, as this can over-vaccinate your puppy and make them sick. Please ensure your vet looks at the records we provide! 

2. Preventative Care & Supplements

• Worming: We start deworming our puppies at 2 weeks old to ensure they are parasite-free.

• Vitamins & Diet: Puppies are given vitamins and Diatomaceous Earth starting at 10-14 days old to support their immune systems and gut health until they go home. 

3. Vet Health Check

Before coming home, your puppy will have a thorough, head-to-tail vet exam. The vet check also includes; 

• ❤️ Heart (listening for murmurs)

• 🦷 Dentition (bite/teeth alignment)

• 👀 Eyes

• 🍒 Scrotum (for males) 

Note on males: Sometimes testicles are not yet found at this young age. This is normal, but they should be re-checked at your next follow-up appointment. 

BEFORE YOU OPT TO VACCINATE PLEASE CHECK OUT LINKS TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.

Get The Facts About The DHPP Vaccine For Dogs - Dogs Naturally  

The Truth About Dog Vaccinations 

Goody Bag To Go

• On pick-up day we send each puppy home with a 4 lb. bag of dog food.

• A folder with birth certificate.

• Microchip.

• Vet health exam record, record of first DPv shot if you selected option, and worming.

• Current schedule sheet.

• A blanket with Mom and litter scent!   

• Crate you selected. You will need space for crate at pick up.

Taught to go Outside to Potty

   At the age of four-weeks we start training the babies to go outdoors in a closed in area on a routine schedule. By the time they are seven-weeks, they know the routine.

Crate Training 

   At the age of 5-6 weeks we start training the babies to go in crates for night time, then day & night after a few days if requested. By the time they are seven-weeks, they have adjusted to being in a crate and because the crate goes with them they already have a familiar place with scent to help the transition into their new home.

Puppy Health Chart.

   Each puppy comes with a health chart record.  The health record shows what your puppy was given and on pick-up day we will go over all details. 

Wormed

 Our puppies' are wormed at 2,4,6,8, weeks and 10 and 12 weeks when with us and will require a fecal exam as per your contract to see if another treatment is needed by your vet.

Your puppy is currently eating Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food paired with Perna-flex2 vitamins. You can find recommendations on our [Dog Food Page], or buy a 28lb starter supply directly from us when you pick up your puppy. Plus, you’ll receive a 4lb bag included!

• Our Golden Retriever puppies are raised right in our home — never in a kennel. We believe that a loving, hands‑on environment gives each puppy the best possible start. Here’s what their early weeks look like:

• Weeks 0–3: Early Care in Our Master Suite
  Puppies are born and cared for in our master suite in a whelping box/kiddie pool setup. This keeps Mom comfortable and allows us to maintain a clean, safe, and easily accessible space during these critical first weeks.

• Week 3+: Socialization in the Heart of the Home
  Once they’re a bit older, the puppies move to a secure pen in our main living area. Here, they begin experiencing the sights and sounds of everyday household life. We use blankets to create a cozy, private den where they can rest and feel secure.

• Week 3.5+: Environmental & Confidence Building
  We gently introduce the puppies to grass, different textures, and a variety of everyday noises (through controlled recordings). This helps them grow into confident, well‑adjusted companions who are ready for the world.

• Going Home at 7–8 Weeks
  By the time they leave for their new families, our puppies have been well‑socialized, lovingly handled, and thoughtfully prepared for their next chapter.

"We encourage families to review our Temperament Testing page and Breeder Philosophy for a deeper look at our approach. My priority is raising confident, healthy puppies and preparing them for success in their new homes. Because of this, I’ve moved away from traditional 7‑week temperament testing and instead focus on hands‑on training during this important developmental window.

Why I focus on training instead of one‑time tests:
A puppy’s personality is still developing at seven weeks, and many traits shift once they settle into their new home. Rather than relying on a single assessment, I spend this time teaching practical skills that make the transition easier for both puppy and family. This includes crate comfort, predictable daily routines, early potty training habits, and confident eating and sleeping patterns.

What you can expect at 7 weeks:
Your puppy will come to you with a wonderful foundation. They’ll already be familiar with a schedule, which you’ll continue at home to support full potty training and smooth adjustment.

The adjustment period:
Remember, they are still babies. Your patience, consistency, and gentle guidance will help them settle into their new environment and continue building confidence.

Next steps for continued success:
I strongly recommend enrolling in a positive‑reinforcement puppy class once your puppy is home. Ongoing training strengthens your bond, builds good manners, and sets your puppy up for a lifetime of success.

Crate Training Program Options

Every puppy receives individualized crate training and is prepared to join their new family around 7–8 weeks of age.
Families can choose from several training levels depending on how long their puppy stays and the amount of structure they want established before going home.

Choice 1: Crate Introduction (5‑Day Starter)

• Introduces the puppy to the crate for five consecutive days before their scheduled go‑home date.

• Helps them become familiar and comfortable in the crate.

• Reduces early crying and accidents once they go home at 7–8 weeks.

• You will continue the training at home after pickup.

Choice 2: Day & Night Crate Training (Stay Until ~10 Weeks)

(Most popular and most effective option)

• Begins around 6 weeks of age.

• Establishes a consistent daytime and nighttime routine.

• Puppy stays with us until approximately 10 weeks old.

• You continue the routine at home after pickup.

Choice 3: Extended Day & Night Training (Stay Until 11–13 Weeks)

• Puppy stays with us until 11–13 weeks of age.

• We provide full day‑and‑night care and training.

• Once the puppy is developmentally ready (typically after 10 weeks), we begin teaching them to enter the crate with treats and positive reinforcement.

• You continue training at home, and we recommend enrolling in training classes to build on their progress.

Choice 4: Advanced Crate Training (Stay Until 16 Weeks and Older)

• Puppy stays with us until 16 weeks or older.

• Includes full day‑and‑night care and age‑appropriate crate training.

• As with Choice 3, once they are ready (usually after 10 weeks), we teach them to enter the crate using treats and positive reinforcement.

• You continue training at home, and training classes are recommended to maintain progress.

Crate Requirement

We require each family to purchase a crate from us, and this crate will go home with your puppy. This ensures the transition is already underway with a familiar, comfortable space your puppy has been using here. The crate price is based on the option you select in your application.

Crate training has proven to be extremely beneficial for our families. It supports potty training, creates a predictable daily routine, and helps your puppy adjust more smoothly to their new environment by giving them a familiar place to return to. Many returning customers have shared how much easier the transition has been since we made crate training a key part of our program.

Based on current veterinary research and our own experience with canine reproduction specialists, we believe it is healthiest to breed our females every heat cycle rather than every other heat. Scientific studies indicate that continuous, uninterrupted breeding reduces the risk of serious uterine infections (pyometra) and reproductive cancers. 

However, we do not believe in overbreeding. We ensure our girls are in top physical condition and at a healthy weight before breeding again, and we make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Our females retire early, usually by 5-6 years old, and are spayed upon retirement to live out their lives as pampered pets. 

Thank you so much to everyone who wants to visit our home. We truly appreciate the excitement and love people have for our puppies. We work hard to create an environment that keeps our moms, pups, and adult dogs comfortable, safe, and thriving.

Many families have heard that a good breeder will allow visits, and it’s very common for people to wonder if they can meet, pick out, or play with the puppies before they are ready to go home at 8 weeks old. We completely understand the anticipation — but the answer is no, and it’s for very important reasons that protect both our dogs and your future puppy.

For new moms, having unfamiliar visitors is extremely stressful while they are caring for their newborns. That stress passes directly to the puppies. And while you may be just one family hoping for a peek, we have many families waiting for puppies — plus others who simply want to “see the babies.” If we allowed everyone to visit, the moms’ routines would be disrupted, which can affect their ability to care for and feed their litters.

Young puppies are also incredibly vulnerable to illness. Their immune systems are still developing, and even a harmless‑seeming visit can expose them to dangerous germs carried on shoes or clothing. Parvo, for example, can wipe out an entire litter within 48 hours and can be picked up unknowingly from parks, sidewalks, or schoolyards. We simply cannot take that risk with our puppies or with yours.

By protecting all of our puppies from unnecessary stress and exposure, we are protecting your puppy. Imagine how heartbreaking it would be if someone’s well‑intentioned visit brought in an illness that caused a litter — including your future puppy — to be lost. Our strict bio‑security isn’t just for us; it’s for every family waiting for their new companion.

We pour our time, energy, and hearts into raising healthy, confident puppies. This is what we do best, and we take that responsibility seriously. We know the wait can feel long, but we promise it will be worth it when you finally take your puppy home.

To help you stay connected during the journey, each litter has a private Facebook group and Instagram updates where we share photos and videos from birth until pickup day. This allows you to enjoy every milestone without compromising the safety of the puppies or our pack.

We kindly ask that you honor our program — and ultimately, your puppy — by respecting this policy. Your understanding means the world to us and helps ensure every puppy

We are absolutely not a kennel or puppy mill. We are a small, family-based breeder passionate about Golden Retrievers. Our dogs are cherished members of our family who live inside our home, not in outdoor runs. We believe proper socialization, health, and temperament are only achieved through constant, loving care in a home environment. 

We want to ensure a safe, comfortable journey for your puppy! We highly recommend flying and meeting us at DFW International Airport ($300 fee), with the puppy traveling in the cabin with you. While this prevents long drives, we can discuss other options if needed. Please note that all health records, paperwork, and crate fees are additional and due when reserving. Contact us at least 6 weeks in advance to arrange, and note that the puppy must be paid in full prior to travel.  

We love using Good Dog, but please be aware that they now charge 6.5% plus state sales tax, which does make your total cost higher. These fees are not charged when you pay us directly.

However, Good Dog offers great benefits like payment plans and credit card options if you qualify. You can pay through their site even if you don't have an account!

Please note: If you choose to use Good Dog but are buying additional options listed on our application, those must be paid via Zelle. Additionally, because we have yearly limits on credit card transactions, please text us for approval before choosing that method.  

Yes, we offer two ways to make owning your new puppy more manageable:

• Option 1: Third-Party Financing (Klarna)
  After your initial down payment is paid in full, we provide a link to apply for financing through Klarna. This option allows you to select "Pay Later" to split your remaining balance into installments. Please note: This includes additional processing and protection/support fees.

• Option 2: Structured Breeder Payment Plan
  Designed for limited registration (pet-only) puppies, this plan requires a $1,000 down payment to secure your spot on our reservation list.

  • Schedule: Weekly payments of $160.00 begin the following Friday for 21 weeks.

  • Final Payment: Due 10 days prior to pick up.

  • Note: All payments must be made via Zelle (rangelfamilygoldens@outlook.com) or Cash App ($jrgoldens).

Important: Please email or text us upon submitting your application to confirm you want to be set up on a contract payment plan. Additional services or delivery costs must be finalized at the time of contract and paid 21 days prior to pickup.

Payments for puppies can be sent through various apps. however  we prefer you to Zelle  RFGoldens@outlook.com .

By approval we can take Cash App or Venmo payment through personal account (friends/ family) only.

Final payment for puppy from customers who have low limits for Zelle must make multiple payments at 1 payment each day until paid or if not enough allowable time balance will be required in cash(large bills only) at pick up.

After submitting a payment, I will verify payment and hold your place for puppy and send you reservation receipt contract receipt.

Male vs. Female Golden Retriever: Which is right for me?

Selecting a puppy often comes down to personal preference, but here are the key differences:

• Size & Appearance: Males are larger and stockier (65-95 lbs, 23-24 inches) with thicker "manes." Females are smaller and more refined (55-75 lbs, 21.5-22.5 inches).

• Temperament: Males often stay in the "puppy stage" longer and can be very affectionate, "velcro" dogs. Females tend to mature mentally faster, making them slightly easier to train early on, but they may be more independent.

• Training: Both are highly trainable, though males may take longer to mature, while females can sometimes be more determined or "bossy" (a "feisty" side).

Ultimately, individual personality varies more by puppy than by gender. We recommend visiting to see which personality fits your lifestyle best!