Principles of Care
At Council House Goldens, we focus our energy on creating the best outcomes from our pups, and we rely on their owners to carry on with care.
Idaho English Cream Golden Retrievers
Our dog breeding standards are set at the highest level of achievement in canine care.
We focus our efforts on sustaining the success of the breed, proper grooming and training, health and diet, and proper vaccinations.
The Breed
According to AKC registration statistics, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Our Goldens have proven to be loyal, kind and eager to please.
They get high marks in intelligence, and if trained properly will be the delight of the new owner. This means fewer misunderstandings about where their bathroom should be as well as many more positive habits and skills. These dogs want to be obedient and they want to please you!Goldens are energetic and need daily activity. Be prepared to commit time each day for a walk or playing catch. They love to run so please consider what that might look like with your lifestyle when planning for the perfect dog for your family. Be prepared for a dog that loves your company, sits quietly at your feet and is always happy to see you. If true companionship is what you long for in a dog, the Golden Retriever is for you.
Grooming
Golden Retrievers have a water repellent double coat that will shed seasonally and requires regular grooming. We love grooming our dogs here at Council House and have found many great tools to help us get the job done.
For grooming tools of exceptional quality, and the shampoo and conditioner we use, go to chrischristensen.com. Our favorites are the Spectrum Ten Shampoo and Conditioner, and Ice on Ice Shampoo and Conditioner. You’ll love either choice!
Diet and Health
We cannot stress enough the importance of diet and preventive care for good health.
Carefully researched use of natural remedies and the use of vaccines can go a long way in respecting and protecting the natural immune system of our dogs and, we believe, contribute to a long life with exceptional health. Below are some resources to help you make an informed choice in your dog’s diet and veterinary care.
Online News & Magazines.
• Dogs Naturally Magazine
• Bark and Whiskers
Books
• Food Pets Die For, Shocking Facts About Pet Food by Ann N. Martin~ Amazon ~ Google ~ Borrow from BSU
• The BARF Diet by Dr. Ian Billinghurst~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
• Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
• Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs by Lew Olson, PhD ~ Amazon ~ Google
• Switching to Raw by Susan K. Johnson ~ Amazon ~ Google
Information on Vaccines
Our research has led us to agree with the vaccination schedule suggested by Dr. Jean Dodds. Your puppy will come to your home using this vaccination schedule for his appropriate age listed below:
Dr. W. Jean Dodds Minimal Vaccine-use Protocol: The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and personal choice.
9 – 10 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus – Modified Live Virus (e.g. Intervet Progard DPV)
14 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus – Modified Live Virus
16 -18 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus – Modified Live Virus (optional)
20 weeks +: Rabies (if allowable by law)
1 year: Distemper, Parvovirus – Modified Live Virus
1 year: Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)
Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus annually thereafter. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.
To help you in the search for a veterinarian that is a good fit for you, visit Alternative Pet Health.