Golden Retrievers: Healthier Pups, Happier Homes with AKC's Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program

Looking for a Golden Retriever puppy? The AKC's Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program can help you find a breeder dedicated to raising healthy, happy pups.

What is the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program?

This program signifies the AKC's commitment to responsible breeding practices across all breeds, including Golden Retrievers. Breeders who participate demonstrate their dedication to:

• Health: Prioritizing genetic health by testing breeding stock for hereditary diseases in Golden Retrievers. This ensures a higher likelihood of healthy litters.

• Education: Continuously learning and applying best practices in breeding, canine health, and behavior through AKC-provided resources.

• Accountability: Operating with transparency by adhering to AKC's breeding guidelines, fostering trust with potential puppy owners.

• Responsibility: Providing exceptional care for their dogs, encompassing physical, emotional, and social well-being throughout the breeding process.

• Tradition: Respecting established breeding practices while embracing advancements in canine health and breeding techniques.

Benefits for Golden Retriever Breeders:

Being recognized under the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program sets a breeder apart, signifying their commitment to ethical and responsible breeding. This recognition highlights:

• Breeder Integrity: Demonstrates a focus on the well-being of Golden Retrievers and the future of the breed.

• Expertise and Dedication: Showcases a breeder's commitment to continuous learning and best practices.

• Confidence for Potential Owners: Provides peace of mind to those seeking a healthy, well-bred Golden Retriever puppy.

Finding a Golden Retriever Breeder with H.E.A.R.T.:

The AKC website can help you locate Golden Retriever breeders participating in the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program. Choosing a breeder who prioritizes these principles increases the likelihood of finding a healthy, happy Golden Retriever puppy who will become a cherished member of your family.

Sun & Sand Goldens Embraces Top-Tier Training with Top Dog Academy

We're excited to announce our enrollment in Top Dog Academy, a leading institution renowned for its innovative, science-backed dog training methods. At Sun & Sand Goldens, we're dedicated to continuous improvement, and this program empowers us to elevate our breeding program and enrich the lives of our canine companions.

Top Dog Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on modern, humane training techniques that utilize positive reinforcement to cultivate good behavior. Led by the esteemed Dr. Ian Dunbar, a pioneer in developing positive and effective training methods that strengthen the bond between dogs and their families. Dr. Dunbar's world-renowned expertise in behavior and training provides a valuable foundation for both new and experienced dog trainers.

Through this exceptional training, we aim to seamlessly integrate these cutting-edge practices into our breeding and training protocols. This ensures that our puppies not only excel in health and pedigree but are also well-equipped to become well-adjusted, social members of your family. Our commitment to top-tier training reflects our broader dedication to the overall well-being and behavioral fitness of our dogs.

The Best Part? You Can Learn Too!

Want to experience the power of Top Dog Academy's methods firsthand? Great news! Anyone can sign up for a free 1-month trial using our exclusive link: https://dunbar.info/SunAndSandGoldens

Follow us as we share insights and progress from our journey with Top Dog Academy. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to raise the bar for ethical breeding through education and compassion.

The Compassionate Breeder Revolution: Nurturing Healthy, Happy Companions

The landscape of animal welfare is undergoing a transformative shift. The Compassionate Breeder Program isn't just another breeding program; it's a movement redefining responsible breeding and elevating the lives of animals.

Prioritizing Wellbeing Over Profit:

This program shatters the mold, placing the health, well-being, and temperament of animals above all else. It fosters the concept of pets not just as commodities, but as cherished lifelong companions with exceptional qualities.

Ethical Breeding Practices:

The foundation of the program rests on ethical practices. Rigorous screening of breeding pairs ensures optimal health and genetic diversity. This focus eradicates common breed-specific health problems, leading to hardier and healthier animals.

Transparency & Accountability:

Transparency is paramount. Every breeder adheres to strict ethical guidelines and is held accountable for animal welfare. This includes regular check-ins, comprehensive health records, and open communication with potential pet owners.

Educating for Better Outcomes:

Informed decisions lead to better lives. The program invests in education and outreach, providing future pet owners with resources and guidance on responsible ownership, nutrition, training, and veterinary care.

Tackling Pet Overpopulation:

The program actively combats pet overpopulation. Promoting responsible breeding and discouraging irresponsible practices directly reduces the number of animals in shelters, fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership.

Join the Movement - Nurture Excellence:

The program invites individuals, breeders, and organizations to join the movement for responsible breeding. Together, we can create a future where pets are cherished family members.

Elevating Breeding Standards:

In a world focused on breed popularity over animal well-being, the Compassionate Breeder Program stands out. It prioritizes excellence in every aspect of breeding, going beyond conventional norms.

A Health-Centric Approach:

Genetics significantly impacts an animal's health and lifespan. The program meticulously screens breeding pairs to eliminate hereditary issues, not only enhancing breed quality, but ensuring each animal has a healthy and fulfilling life.

Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond:

The program recognizes the profound and reciprocal connection between humans and animals. It prioritizes temperament and socialization, fostering strong and positive bonds between pets and their owners. This emphasis on the human-animal bond sets a new standard for responsible breeding.

Innovations in Care and Nutrition:

The program's influence extends beyond breeding into care and nutrition. Collaboration with veterinary professionals and nutritionists ensures animals receive the best possible care from birth to adulthood, setting a precedent for holistic well-being in the industry.

Community Engagement and Advocacy:

The program actively engages communities to raise awareness about responsible breeding practices. Educational seminars, advocacy initiatives, and community events inspire a shift towards more ethical and compassionate treatment of animals.

A Call to Action - Redefining Standards:

The Compassionate Breeder Program extends a call to action for breeders, animal lovers, and enthusiasts to redefine breeding standards. They envision a future where every pet is a testament to the highest standards of care, love, and commitment.

Join us in raising your empowered puppy! 

Unleash Your Puppy's Potential with Early Stimulation Techniques!

Give your new furry friend the best start in life with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI)! These science-backed techniques provide a powerful foundation for a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dog.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): Building a Strong Foundation (Days 3-16)

ENS gently exposes young puppies (between 3 and 16 days old) to a series of mild stressors through five short exercises. These exercises, like gentle holds and positional changes, are designed to stimulate the nervous system without causing harm.

Benefits of ENS:

• Improved Physical Health: ENS can strengthen the heart, boost the immune system, and promote better stress management in adulthood.

• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Early stimulation is thought to improve neurological development, leading to better learning and problem-solving skills.

Early Scent Introduction (ESI): A World of Discovery (3 Weeks Onwards)

ESI introduces puppies to a variety of safe and interesting scents (like herbs or spices) starting around 3 weeks of age. These brief but repeated exposures broaden the pup's olfactory world.

Benefits of ESI:

• Supercharged Sense of Smell: A dog's world revolves around scent! ESI refines their ability to smell, a crucial tool for exploration and learning.

• Training Powerhouse: For working dogs, a keen sense of smell is essential. ESI lays the foundation for successful training in search and rescue, detection, or other scent-driven tasks.

• Smarter Pups: Exposure to various scents stimulates brain development, promoting overall cognitive growth.

• Confident Canine: Familiarity with different scents can make puppies more comfortable and adaptable in new environments.

The Powerful Combination:

When used together, ENS and ESI have a profound impact on a puppy's development. These techniques create well-rounded, healthy, and adaptable dogs with exceptional physical and cognitive abilities. This is especially valuable for service dogs, therapy dogs, and working dogs who will rely heavily on these skills.

Investing in Your Pup's Future:

ENS and ESI are valuable tools for maximizing your puppy's potential for a happy and fulfilling life. Talk to your veterinarian or breeder to learn more about incorporating these techniques into your puppy's early development plan!

About Our Golden Retrievers: A Commitment to Excellence

Here at Sun & Sand Goldens, we are passionate about breeding beautiful, healthy Golden Retrievers. But our commitment goes beyond simply producing puppies. We are proud members of the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA), the largest parent club for Golden Retrievers recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

What is the GRCA and Why Does it Matter?

The GRCA is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the Golden Retriever breed. Membership signifies our commitment to upholding the breed standard, promoting responsible breeding practices, and ensuring the health and well-being of Golden Retrievers.

Benefits of GRCA Membership for Our Breeding Program

As a GRCA member, we gain access to a wealth of resources that benefit both us and the Golden Retrievers we breed:

• Expertise and Education: Through the GRCA's bi-monthly magazine, the "Golden Retriever News," we stay current on best practices in breeding, health research, training methods, and more.

• Breeder Community: The GRCA fosters a network of experienced breeders. This allows us to connect with others who share our passion, exchange knowledge, and collaborate for the betterment of the breed.

• Shaping the Future: The GRCA plays a crucial role in shaping the breed standard, health initiatives, and breeder ethics. Our membership allows us to contribute to the continued well-being of Golden Retrievers.

What This Means for You

By choosing Sun & Sand Goldens puppies, you can be confident that you're getting a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder who is dedicated to excellence. We prioritize the health, temperament, and well-being of our dogs, ensuring they meet the breed standard and become cherished members of your family. **I have not done OFA testing on any of my breeding dogs yet**

Anyone can sign up to join the Golden Retriever Club Of America 

Committed to Continuous Learning

I'm passionate about providing the best possible care for animals, and that means staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in animal health and welfare. Here's a glimpse into my ongoing educational journey:

Formal Education:
Bachelor of Science in Canine Science
Associate of Science in Veterinary Assisting
Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technician

Advanced Studies:
Animal Health and Welfare (CDC)
Consequences of Foreign Animal Disease (Tulane University)
Animal Emergency Preparedness (Train)
Animal Genetics and Breeding (Wageningen University)
Maddie's Fund (ASPCA)
Animal Health and Welfare (Dunbar Academy)
Veterinary Science (Alison)
Animal Sciences with a Focus in Pre-Veterinary Studies (Penn Foster)
Veterinary Science (Coursera)

Professional Development:
Veterinary Technician Specialist Programs (vet Meds)
Implemented Protocols for Specific Infectious Agents (ProVetLogic)
Certified Reiki Practitioner
ASPCA Poison Control Center Seminars
AKC Canine College
Certified Infection Prevention Leader (vetmed)

This list is a testament to my dedication to continuous learning and improvement. I believe that ongoing education allows me to better serve my puppies and their families.