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:) Sorry you now seem to be feeling that it's impossible - Not impossible - but Impulse isn't the way to go, either . You have planned and have good things in mind for your new pup - and yes, it's your choice . what makes a good family dog? eek? How long's a piece of string? this is a very individual situation .. for some families, it's a small dog - others, one who is rambunctious and an exercise fiend ..or large and goofy .. What has led you to choose a goldie or lab?

they are very different! , Labs & Goldens ....... No idea of the breeder you mentioned - the thing about buying a pup is to do your research! Research the lines - check as to what the temperament is like ... what have these dogs done ? Have any of teh family been shown - worked- trained as assistance/guides or anything? Word of moith is a wonderful thing when seeking a breeder !! maybe check out who has labs on here - what breeder they got them from, and how happy they are ??? :) some are just way too boisterous to have around young kids .. labs , in my experience tend to go 'through' people/kids rather than go 'round' ... Don't forget too they shed 26 hrs day ;)

..I thought you wanted a Golden Retriever?

The growl/under the tongue needs to be FIRM ..and to be uncomfortable ...

Oh, Gosh - I had no idea :( Thinking of everyone . INFO SITE HERE

Sounds ok :) ..or you can always just walk out the room for a minute ;)

A lot of it also comes from the parents - ;) some more homework for you ............. HERE A puppy is born with its own temperament/personality . What happens with the raw material is then dependent on its upbringing. :) Not all pups are the same - which is why, at around 6-8 weeks , an ethical experienced breeder can match a puppy with a family/home :)

better the kids be disappointed now than a year down the track if pup showed behavioural/health probs and there was no support from the breeder .... I also hate confrontation --- just 'rip the bandaid off quick' and send an email .....

Chey - agree , email the breeder and just say that you are aware that you will forfeit the deposit , but circumstances have changed , and you will not be buying the pup. you need not go into detail ... just those facts ....and ignore any please/deals etc which may follow !! Then breathe deeply .....

these puppies will find homes , for sure ..some of them will be desexed and well loved, some may even be bred from 'because they are such wonderful dogs' .... that's the way it goes.

..and here is a thread in which all things Golden are discussed - incl potential health problems ... and the wonderfulness factor :) CLICK HERE

have a read of some of these listings , and see some of the things which may come with buying this way ... LINK

:) thanks for the update...and glad pups will be staying for a while longer - it really is so important ! "Stigma" ? not really a stigma - more like buying from a registered breeder is trying to obtain a puppy from the best possible source, and have the best possible help -

Clever ! Curling is also my fave :)

It is sad, and makes it hard for you The breeder may well now try& make you feel very guilty ... DO NOT take it to heart . it is NOT your fault - You got caught up in getting a cute puppy .......... and paying a fortune for one from an unknown family line ....... That's happened lots . Now you feel awful , and I understand ... Breathe .. and put it down to experience .....

.. I'm sorry you got caught . When you refuse this puppy - the breeder gets a strong message that what they are doing is NOT the right thing to do. Hopefully it will be a lesson for them , in that THEY need to be responsible . The puppy will no doubt find a home with someone else .. it doesn't know what it may be missing .... When paying big money for a pup - YOU deserve the best you can get ...

I'll be generous and think perhaps inexperience and a degree of panic may have been a factor ..... unacceptable - but possible .

Cheys - be aware that if you DO decide to take this puppy - it brings with it all sorts of extra risks- both healthwise, and temperament wise. is the breed such that there are no others available ? was it a special colour/type? really - if you can , walk away, and spend some time looking for another breeder who can provide you the best available puppy ....

No way. It must be hard for you - having your heart set on 'your' pup - but it is the BREEDER's responsibility to raise happy and healthy pups until they are 8 weeks old , when they can then be legally rehomed.

also- these tips may help :) LINK LINK

:D Great news!!

LOL!!

a chain LEASH ..not just a bit of chain ... a nice smooth fine linked leash... is actually nice to use :) ..and I usually only have to use it a few times - just until pup discovers that chain is not nice to play with ;)

any help ? LINK