We (inc my husband, 3 children - girl almost 12, boys almost 9 and 4) are getting a GR puppy (female) in two weeks time. We have had a GR before, but got him at 18 months, therefore missing the puppy stage. He was quite nervous, maybe something that happened before we got him? Anyway, that is why we have decided to go for a puppy and the hard work involved in the hope that the dog and children have the best possible chance of getting along together. I would welcome any advice on the three following points:

1. We just cannot settle on a name. The family, with the exception of our 4 year old, have been going through names from every source imaginable. We are back in Scotland after living in New Zealand and wondered about a name associated with either country. We can get 3 out of 4 to agree on Poppy or Maple. There was also Fern and numerous others. Although we will all love and look after the dog it is primarily for my 9 yr old son. The males in the house are frightened to have a too "girly" sounding name.

2. Asked the breeder about buying a good book. She didn't offer any suggestions, though she did think classes a good idea. I had already planned on doing that but is there a good one, perhaps to do with golden retrievers? I've noticed on your site a lot of people mentioning "The Perfect puppy" by Gwen Bailey so I'll try and find that.

3. Again I've waded through the views on crates and am still unsure. Husband is  against, plus we don't have much room in the kitchen to fit a large crate. I feel that it might be good to give the puppy some peace and quiet when it is tired; to teach our 4 year old to not disturb the puppy when she is in it and to only use it when answering the door, showering, ironing, taking children to school etc. I must stress that, like a playpen for an infant, I would only use it for these situations,for her own safety. After all I want the dog to interact with us and vice versa and be a part of the family. Perhaps I should also add that we have 2 indoor (ragdoll) cats.

Apologies for the length of this post. Many thanks 

1.  I think most families have problems agreeing on a name that they all like.  Bet you had the same when choosing the children's names.  I can remember when we got my son his first dog at age 11.  He was a crossbreed - all white with a black patch over his eye and one on his bum.  My husband said we should let Steve choose his name and I said "fine as long as he doesn't call him Patch".  Patch lived to the ripe old age of 17. ;)  I think Fern is a lovely name. :)

2. The perfect puppy is an excellent book.  Buy two copies in case puppy chews one up.  Only joking.  Classes are a good idea.  Try to go and visit all of the ones in your area before you get puppy.  Don't just go for the nearest (or the cheapest)  There should be a calm atmosphere, not lots of barking and shouting, happy dogs and owners, obviously, puppies learning with praise and reward, not being scolded or pushed/pulled around. 

3.  Crates.  You've read all the views.  I think they are a good idea with a new puppy, especially if you have children.  It will make it easier for the younger child to understand that puppy is having a rest now and shouldn't be bothered.  A crate will also keep puppy safe if you have to go out and cannot take her.  Retrievers are notorious for having to have something in their mouth so best if it is an approved and safe item. :) 

Children and puppies can be wonderful together or they can be a nightmare.  Some of the common problems that young families have with pups or adolescents could be easily avoided.  Always supervise 100% dogs and young children.  Don't let the younger ones pick up puppy.  Hugging and kissing puppy, as tempting as it is, is not a good idea.  Chasing games and play fighting will encourage unwanted behaviour in a pup.  Best games are hiding toys, treats.  Retrieving games (children sit still, puppy retrieves) and of course teaching puppy stuff like roll over, give paw as well as the normal sit down stay etc.  One other thing when you do choose a name don't let the children wear it out.  I can always tell which pups in my class have children at home because they ignore their name. ;)  My youngest dog is called Kim but I haven't told my 2 year old grandaughter that yet.  As far as she is concerned his name is puppy puppy puppy puppy pup................

And I think that everyone who gets a puppy should have a ragdoll cat as a calming influence. :)

Hi,

May I suggest for reading,

"A Dog Owners Guide to Golden Retrievers" by Mrs Marigold Timpson published by Salamander Books

"Golden Retrievers An Owners Companion" by Mrs Lyn Anderson published by Crowood Press

Puppy training classes are excellent,Golden Retrievers are by nature bouncy,friendly who love everyone.*BUT* they grow into bouncy strong adults weighing almost 6 stone!!They MUST be taught to,

1) Walk quietly on a lead without pulling
2) Not jump up at everyone
3)Not jumpall overyou and all your furniture
4) Come when called
5) Go to bed when told
6) Not to beg or greed from the table

There are many training classes held in villages throughout the UK.Ypo do not need to be an asppiring obedience champion to take part.An obedient,well adusted dog that is partof the familyand welcome evrywhereshould be your aim.

I hope you have many golden years together and much fun ,an excellent choice of breed.

Regards Briony:-)

I really like Maple as a name :)

On the name front - dogs do seem to respond better to the 'eeeeeeeee' sound (I have Bonnie and Missy!)

Did anyone mention 'The Perfect Puppy' By Gwen Bailey?

Puppy school is ESSENTIAL - but more harm than good can be done by a bad one - many still allow a total 'free for all' at some stage in the procedings, and this can end up with a nervous pup who resorts to aggression to remove a perceived threat :(

As well as the basics already mentioned you should get your pup used to being handled and restrained occasionally, and all the sorts of things a vet might need to do - examine teeth, paws, ears, abdomen, under the tail etc.  Slowly and gently doing all these sorts of things with plenty of gentle praise and rewards will get the pup used to this kind of thing.

Have fun with you pup!

What about 'Isla' or 'Iona' for a name.. scotts, short  and easy to learn ...and pretty too. :-D