Puppy Care
2 Year Health Guarantee
We here at Hearts Of Gold believe SO strongly in Life's Abundance Dog food that we offer a 2 Year Hip Guarantee against genetic moderate or severe hip dysplasia, and retinal eye disease on all of our Golden Retriever Puppies that are kept on Life's Abundance Pet food & wellness supplements for their first 26 months of life. Click here for more
Online Puppy Training Course
EVERY Hearts of Gold Puppy Parent is given a Free 7 Day Trial to our highly recommended 8 Week Puppy Training Online Video Puppy Training Course ~ the Puppy Academy.
We highly recommend this course because you can start right the moment you bring your puppy home! You will have to wait 16 weeks, otherwise, for vaccinations before enrolling in another puppy class. The Puppy Academy Online course comes with 8 weeks of step-by-step video instruction, powerful visual aids, and activity sheets that will help you transform your nugget one lesson at a time! With this course, you will also be given access to our bi-monthly dog training webinars with one of our certified dog training experts, who will offer timely tips and advice and answer all your puppy training questions!
If you love the PuppyTraining Course (which we know you will), it is high value at an affordable cost of only $29.99/month. No contracts or hidden fees and you can cancel anytime!
What is included with your puppy:
Limited AKC Registration Application or Full AKC Registration if you have decided to purchase a puppy (with Hearts of Gold's approval) for breeding or showing, and a copy of your new puppy's pedigree.
Your puppy's vaccination/deworming records.
Personalized New Puppy Care Information Folder. We provide you with all the information you will need to continue providing top-quality care, nutrition, training, and love for your new puppy! You will also be provided information on spaying/neutering your puppy to protect his/her health and prevent unwanted breedings.
Dewclaws ~ We do NOT remove dewclaws as new studies are linking dewclaw removal to potentially causing arthritis problems in your puppy.
Lifetime support for the life of your puppy!
What we recommend when driving your puppy home:
If you are driving your puppy home we recommend the following for the drive home:
A travel crate for the ride home
Old towels or blankets to place in his crate to keep him warm and help him feel more comfortable. If you'd like us to rub one or two on his litter-mate, let us know. The smell often makes him adjust to the crate easier.
A water dish in case he/she needs a drink during the ride home. However, we don't recommend this unless the drive is more than about two hours. Also, unless the drive home is more than four or five hours, please don't feed him until you get home as he/she may get car sick and/or have to go potty.
You may want to bring along some paper towels and even some wet wipes in case of an accident on the way home.They do happen from time to time.
A couple of toys for the drive home may help keep him calm and cry less---sometimes not.
A collar to wear when you are not leash training. This is the collar that will have your puppy's ID tags on it.
You may wish to bring one or two gallon jugs with that we can fill up for you so you can mix it with your own water at home and make this change gradual as well. We have well water here that does not contain any chemicals whatsoever. A sudden change of water can make people sick, and can really cause problems with a little puppy.
What we recommend when flying your puppy home:
If you are planning on flying with your puppy, you will need the following for the flight home:
Airline approved soft travel crate.Veterinary signed
FDA Health Certificate, required to be allowed on a plane (we will provide this for you ~ just make sure you give us advance notice so we have this ready for you!)
Puppy Potty Pads (10-12)
Chew ToysPortable plastic water/food dishSmall Bag ofLife's Abundance All Life Stage Dog Food
NOTE: We can give you some great flying tips during our final Puppy Phone Appointment chat so you are sure to have an uneventful, successful flight home with your sweet puppy!
Items to have on hand in preparation for the big Go Home Day:
His food. We STRONGLY suggest you continue to feed him the best quality, most digestible food we've ever tried, Life’s Abundance Adult and Puppy Formula. If you choose to continue feeding Life's Abundance Nutritional System for the first 26 months of your puppy's life, we offer a solid 2-year Health Guarantee. Click here for details. We believe that these products provide the optimum nutritional benefits ensuring good health and longevity for the dog, which is why we are willing to stand behind this guarantee.
Please order your puppy's food ASAP, so you'll have it in time for his/her arrival at your home. The website to order your Life’s Abundance Nutritional System is www.PetNutrition4U.com. Or you may call your Life's Abundance order in at 1-877-387-4564, but you will need to give them our Representative ID numbers, 20973596. We recommend “Auto-ship” every 8-10 weeks, based on the weight of your Golden Retriever. Remember to place your order on Auto-ship, as this will save an additional $17.77! To feed your adult Montana Mist dog weighs 70 pounds, it will only cost you approximately $78.44 a month to feed your dog the very finest premium dog food and vitamins on the market today, We challenge you to find a healthier commercial dog food and vitamin supplements for less money! You won't, so why not just stick to what your puppy is already used to and doing wonderfully on he/she will have one less thing to adjust to when he/she leaves our home to become a member of your family.
However, should you choose to switch to a different brand, please mix it with the bag of food we send home with him to avoid too much stomach upset or loose stools. Also, make sure it is a completely digestible food that DOES NOT contain CORN, WHEAT or SOY!!! These ingredients are only fillers which will cause excess and often loose stools. They are not good for dogs--ever!! Plus, these ingredients can cause severe allergic reactions in dogs, even if there is no history of allergies in the lines.
Good quality treats for training and rewards. Use only in small amounts, as too many can cause digestive problems and/or diarrhea. Also, poor quality treats can contain unhealthy ingredients, much like feeding a newborn baby French fries. Remember also, it's not the size of the treat that you give your puppy, it's the fact that you were happy with him and let him know by rewarding him with a treat. A tiny piece is PLENTY!! Life’s Abundance also sells excellent quality dog treats, which we recommend, so you know you're offering a healthy treat that your puppy will LOVE!! Here are just a few of the quality treats we use and highly recommend you have on hand for your new baby's arrival:
Ceramic or stainless steel food and water dishes.
A large 36 to 42 inch crate for house-training. Don't bother buying a smaller one as Golden Retriever puppies grow very quickly and will outgrow it in no time at all. We prefer and recommend wire crates over plastic ones. For one thing, most of them come with dividers that allow the crate to grow with your puppy and make housebreaking quicker. Also, your puppy will not feel like they are being punished just for existing if they can see you and not feel separated from you. Goldens are very social dogs and the last thing he/she ever wants to be away from you. Also, remember that ALL PUPPIES will chew. You won't want to give your puppy free roam of the house until he/she is passed this stage. Not only can they wreck your new shoes, but they WILL chew electrical cords, which can be extremely dangerous--and expensive to replace. You'll want to keep him crated whenever you are not able to supervise him. A puppy is a lot like a 12-18 month old baby. Even human babies need to learn where to go potty and what they shouldn't put in their mouths. Please do not expect your new puppy to act like a dog!!
Old towels or blanket that can be washed easily or thrown out should they become soiled or chewed up. Don't waste your money buying a cutesy bed for your puppy, as it'll likely be chewed the first night. Wait until he/she is at least 12-18 months before trying to use something you'd like to last more than one night. When a puppy is bored, he'll chew....
Speaking of chewing... LOTS of chew toys. We've found that puppies love little stuffed animal toys that squeak. Rope toys are also a favorite, as are rubbery squeaky toys. Tennis balls are another favorite. Raw-hides are not recommended as they can cause choking hazard if puppy is able to bite off pieces.
A good collar for when you are NOT leash training your puppy. You should also get him an ID collar tag that contains your contact info, in case he should get lost—your new puppy will also be micro chipped for additional identification protection. We also recommend using a martingale collar for leash training. The results you will achieve when you use one of these will amaze you. Plus, they are safer than the old fashioned choke collars, and are absolutely safe for your puppy as long as he is in your sight when wearing this collar. You do not want your puppy getting caught up or tangled with this special collar if he were to get out of your sight.
A fenced in yard. We require all of our puppy parents to have a securely fenced yard to ensure a safe and happy environment for their new puppy. Golden Retrievers are active, curious dogs who love to play and explore, and a fenced area gives them the freedom to do so safely. When our moms have puppies, they and their little ones stay inside our home for quite a while, but once they’re ready to explore outdoors, the fence keeps everyone protected while they learn their boundaries—something Goldens pick up on quickly because they’re such smart dogs!
The First Few Days at Home:
Just a little advice on what to plan for and expect for the first few days living in your home:
The first few days can be quite stressful for your new puppy, as everything is a change for him! He will already be weaned off of his mother, but will still be very used to sleeping with his littermates so will be a little lonely and likely cry at night when in his crate. We strongly encourage you to drape a sheet over the entire crate so that he can’t see out. This creates a den type atmosphere in which he will feel safe. Expect some fussing for the first two to three nights, the first night of course being the worst. If after he falls asleep for a while, he wakes up again and starts to cry, he probably needs to go potty. When you take him out to go potty, keep it all business, NO playing or praise whatsoever. If it's no fun to get up in the middle of the night, he'll soon decide it's not worth it and just sleep through the night for you. However, if you make it fun, he'll look forward to that special playtime and continue to wake up to play at 3 a.m. for months! Remember, you're the responsible one and have to make the rules. If you let him call the shots, he will and they likely won't be what you have in mind. Typically they can sleep for several hours at night. If they hear you get up, plan on taking them out. So keep those late night trips to the frig quiet. haha
I usually throw some kibble in the crate to get them to like going in. I will often times feed them their meals in the crate. You will find them racing to their crate and jumping in expecting to be fed.
All of our puppies come with:
Health Records
2 Year Hip Guarantee against genetic moderate or severe hip dysplasia, and retinal eye disease**
Shots & Wormed (appropriate with age)
Limited AKC Registration Application
Puppy Packet filled with tons of information
Lifetime support for you and your new family member from us. :)
Name of Sire: Name of Dam:
Date of Birth:
Breed: Golden Retriever
Gender: M or F
I, hereby certify that on Date:
I (we) purchased the above-noted dog from Pamela Edwards of Hearts of Gold.
Holding Agreement: A $500.00 deposit is required to hold your puppy. The seller assigns the buyer the guarantee that the dog will not be sold to any party other than the buyer as long as the buyer adheres to the Picking Up Your Puppy guideline. The $500.00 deposit is non-refundable and will be applied to the purchase price of the dog when the buyer assumes physical possession of the assigned dog. You may send a personal check, a money order, or you may go to our website and place your deposit via PayPal or with a credit card. The remainder of the puppy/dog price will need to be paid with CASH, in full before puppies are released to their new home. Puppies may be picked up at Hearts Of Gold, at 8 weeks of age, only after full payment has been received.
Guarantee: This puppy is guaranteed to be in good health, to the best of the seller’s knowledge. The buyer has 48 hours, from the date of ownership, in which to have the puppy checked by a licensed veterinarian. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT CANNOT BE RECTIFIED, you may return the puppy to us, at your expense, on the day following the vet exam, along with a veterinarian’s statement stating the problem. You will receive a full refund of the purchase price of the pup, less any shipping fees. (Exclusion: This does not include the presence of parasites and also does not apply to a health problem resulting from an injury or accident due to your negligence), The following provisions will be honored. All medical expenses are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
Viral, bacterial colds, or infections such as Coccidia or Giardia (bloody stools) are a form of worms which are easily treated and are not covered in the health guarantee, as they are natural things puppies can pick up. Umbilical Hernias, also referred to as “outie” belly buttons, are also not covered in the health guarantee. Puppies are naturally at risk for coccidia Giardia or worms, which is often brought on by the stress of a new home, new food, new people, or just a change in environment. 2 Buyers Initials:
Another thing that may show up when a puppy is taken to a new environment is kennel cough (Bordatella- a raspy cough may be a sign of this), which is common when puppies are transported to their new homes and is usually caused by bacteria. Kennel cough is self-limiting, and like the common cold, it must run its course. Full recovery is expected, and kennel cough, coccidia, and Giardia on their own are not life-threatening. All puppies are treated and vaccinated for distemper, parvo, influenza, and worms before they leave our kennel. However, you need to be aware that these things can arise and that they are usually not serious (even though seeing blood in the stool appears serious) and are easily treated, and we will not cover the treatment for them.
**2 Year Hip Guarantee against genetic moderate or severe hip dysplasia, and retinal eye disease. Because 60% of all canine hip dysplasia is related to poor nutrition, we require that your precious puppy continue with the Life's Abundance Nutritional System for the first 26 months of his/her life to qualify for this 2-year health guarantee. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! If you continue with Life's Abundance Nutritional System for the first 26 months, this dog is guaranteed against genetic moderate or severe hip dysplasia and retinal eye disease until it is 26 months of age.
The OFA is the sole and only judge in determining hip dysplasia. A CERF certified veterinarian must confirm any hereditary eye defects. Purchaser is to spay or neuter (unless already done) the Golden Retriever, BUT NOT BEFORE 1 YEAR OF AGE and keep him/her as a companion. Limited AKC Registration Puppy Contract Details below will apply.
The buyer(s) shall provide proper nutrition, vet care, shelter and exercise. The pup shall be socialized properly after all immunizations given, to include other people outside the family, other dogs, and strange places. Obedience classes are recommended before the pup is 1yr old. Remember if you purchase the "Puppy Academy Training Course", you can start your training immediately at home.
In regard to hereditary defects, there are never any guarantees that a dog would be free of a genetic disorder from past generations. But since we may not know if there are any potential weaknesses in a dog, we believe that the diet and lack of vitamins can exacerbate these conditions if found. Therefore by providing the dog with quality food and supplements, we are hoping to reduce the chance of these potential weaknesses from hindering their quality of life, should this ever occur.
In the case of sudden death of a puppy, breeder must receive a written notice of puppy’s death from owner’s vet, along with a necropsy report indicating cause of death. We also reserve the right to acquire a DNA sample from the puppy to determine the dog or puppy as one of our lineages.
Limited AKC Registration Puppy: This puppy is being purchased as a pet and therefore the following applies:
Provided this puppy is kept on the Life's Abundance Nutritional System for the first 26 months, this dog will be guaranteed against genetic moderate or severe hip dysplasia, and retinal eye disease until it is 26 months of age. The OFA is the sole and only judge in determining hip dysplasia. A CERF certified veterinarian must confirm any hereditary eye defects.
The original buyer of the dog has the right to a replacement puppy from the next available and comparable litter considering the following criteria have been met:
The original buyer must own the puppy.
The puppy must not have sired or whelped a litter.
The puppy must not have been overfed or over-exercised!
Buyer must show veterinary statement of diagnosis of hip dysplasia by the OFA or retinal atrophy (progressive) by CERF., along with a copy of the x-rays or vision exam results prior to the 26 months of age and a spay or neuter receipt stating dogs name, description and microchip number
Buyer must have fed this dog the Life's Abundance Nutritional System for the first 26 months.
Picking Up Your Puppy: Your assigned puppy needs to be picked up by 8 weeks of age. If your puppy is not picked up by the 8th week and no prior arrangements have been made with the seller, Hearts Of Gold has the right to void the Sales Contract and find another buyer. If prior arrangements have been made, they will be so noted at the bottom of this contract in other. All fees are to be paid in full with cash before the puppy will be released to the buyer. Shipping is available for an additional charge which will include the crate and health certificate. Puppies cannot be shipped until they are at least 8 weeks old.
First Right of Recovery: If buyer is unable to care for or chooses to change Hearts Of Gold retains the right of recovery of the puppy at the buyer’s expense. The buyer must notify Hearts Of Gold as to the change in circumstances and give the seller first right to the dog before any other action is taken. This includes and is not limited to selling the dog to another buyer. Buyer agrees that if this puppy/dog is offered for sale or trade at any time in the future, it will first be offered to us. If the puppy/dog is being sold it will be offered to us at a purchase price not to exceed the original price of puppy/dog.
A determination will be made within thirty (30) days whether or not we wish to purchase back the
puppy/dog. This pup must NEVER be sold to a pet store, broker, puppy mill, surrendered to a shelter, or sold out right to anyone. Breeder must be notified immediately of any problems that arise or if buyer cannot care for puppy/dog anymore.
Buyers Initials:
We hope the Buyer will enjoy your puppy for years to come. We have taken steps to ensure that your new puppy is healthy by feeding a premium puppy food and vitamins.
Buyer’s puppy has been raised on Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food. Buyers can buy it online at www.lifesabundance/heartsofgoldedwards.com It is a holistic dog food with no wheat, corn, soy, or by-products. Please note: providing a higher nutritious valued food, helps to prevent fast growth, fewer bone problems, fewer vet bills, and promotes longer life.
Buyer’s puppy has also been given Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplements. If you continue with Life's Abundance Nutritional System for the first 26 months of his/her life you qualify for our 2 year health guarantee. To take advantage of this offer, you will need to order through our website at
www.lifesabundance/heartsofgoldedwards.com , so that we can track your use of the products.
Buyer Acknowledges and affirms that Breeder has recommended, for the benefit of the puppy, Life’s Abundance Dog Food and Supplements; however, the use of these products is merely a recommendation of the Breeder, not a guarantee of their effectiveness or efficiency.
All shipping costs related to any dog being purchased, as well as in relation to any dog being replaced for any reason, are the responsibility of the Buyer.
The breeder is in no way responsible for any vet bills made after the puppy/dog leaves the care of Hearts Of Gold.
Breeder shall not be responsible for death or injury of said puppy/dog due to negligence or carelessness of the Buyer, any airline, live animal carrier, it’s agents or employees.
The breeder has the right to, at any time; decide to stop breeding Golden Retrievers. In this case, no replacement puppies shall be given and this contract is null and void.
Breeder makes no guarantees regarding the loss of the puppy due to accidental death, theft, sickness due to lack of vaccinations, etc., or any other loss beyond the Breeder control except as stated above.
Breeder will not refund money in whole or part for any reason other than stated in the guarantee.
Buyer also certifies, by signing this agreement that he/she is not acting as an agent in this purchase; that
the Buyer will not resell this puppy to a puppy mill, commercial breeder, pet store, or medical research facility.
We have the right to rescue this puppy/dog if we find that it is being mistreated, neglected, or abused and you do not voluntarily return it. Also, any mistreatment, neglect or abuse of the animal automatically voids all guarantees given by us.
I acknowledge that this is a legal & binding contract and have reviewed and agree to the terms listed above. The buyer will also maintain up to date vaccines, wormings, and to keep the puppy/dog in humane conditions and provide proper food, water, and shelter. Failure to follow the above contract completely will result in “A Breach of Contract” and shall make this contract null and void. This contract applies only to the original purchaser and is NOT transferable. When a deposit is received by Hearts Of Gold, the Purchaser automatically agrees to the terms of this contract, even if both the Breeder and the Purchaser have not yet signed the contract.
Date:
Deposit:
Balance Due:
Signature of Purchaser:
Printed Purchaser's Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Cell/Work:
Email:
Signature of Breeder:
Printed Breeder Name:
Other Conditions:
Hearts Of Gold
475 Swanson Rd
Sycamore, IL 60178
© Copyright 2026. Pamela Edwards. All Rights Reserved.