Golden Meadows Retrievers / Tim & Barbie Hoke Unethical Breeder Sells UN-Trained Puppies Formerly Somis, Now Moorpark California

Just letting everybody that is in search of a puppy know that any dog breeder that has been AKC inspected means that they have numorous litter of puppies on the ground each year as in a "PUPPY MILL" which is why AKC goes out there to do inspections. So many AKC registered puppies throws up a RED flag to them so they go inspect the premises. Buy a puppy from one that is not AKC inspected.

Golden Meadows Retrievers Kennel in Moorpark has passed its American Kennel Clubs compliance inspection certifying that it remains a top-notch facility.

The AKC inspector passed Golden Meadows "with no issues."

According to the AKC website, "The AKC is the only purebred registry in the United States with an ongoing routine kennel inspection program. The AKC has a dedicated team of field inspectors who visit kennels to ensure the proper care and conditions of AKC-registered dogs and verify that breeders are maintaining accurate records for their dogs. In 2007, AKC field inspectors conducted approximately 5,600 inspections nationwide. The AKC dedicates nearly $6 million annually to its compliance programs to ensure the accuracy of its registry and the care and conditions of dogs raised by breeders of AKC dogs.

AKC inspectors check the dogs, their identification records and their breeder records. "Inspectors enforce the AKC Care and Conditions policy to ensure that dogs have access to adequate food, water and shelter and that kennel space provided them is appropriately constructed and not overcrowded. If a dog appears to have a health issue, inspectors make sure it is being addressed."

"We are thrilled with the results of this inspection," said Tim Hoke, co-owner of Golden Meadows. "The inspector told me she loves coming here and seeing dogs that are healthy, happy and well taken care of."
Golden Meadows Retrievers is the happy home to dozens of Golden Retrievers and Vizslas. The kennel, located north of Moorpark, has been breeding op quality Golden Retriever puppies for more than 18 years. All of our Golden Meadows Retrievers come from excellent pedigrees with champion lines, sweet temperaments and great looks.

Golden Meadows puppies are trained and come with a two-year health guarantee against genetic hip, heart and eye defects. The puppies are loved from day one and given the greatest care and respect

Golden Meadows also has a few 12-week-old Vizslas puppies in training. These beautiful and statuesque dogs are being named after the Los Angeles Dodgers. Come and see ManRam and his teammates.

Tim and Barbie Hoke of Golden Meadows Kennel, located in Moorpark, pride themselves on their White Golden and Light Golden Retrievers and Vizslas. They train the dogs themselves (along with the help of a few on-site trainers) starting at three days old. Also, as stated on their website, "We specialize in choosing & matching the right puppy for your family." This is how Brad Johnston, a 10-year-old autistic child, ended up with his dog, Costner. Golden Meadows Kennel's amazing training helped Brad and his family be able to have a dog.

Brad was a quiet kid who had trouble interacting with others. "He did not engage in give and take communication or idle chit chat. He did not know how to play with peers or even involve himself with them," said Brad's mother, Rebecca. But thanks to Golden Meadows Kennel, Brad is a changed boy. He now loves to go out places with Costner. Costner brings Brad a sense of relaxation and confidence. Costner also brings Brad closer to other children. When the two go out together kids will ask Brad if they can play with him or what his dog's name is. Brad now feels invited into the groups he once felt excluded from.

The reason the dogs at Golden Meadows Kennel were a good match for Brad and his family is simple: the training. The trainers at Golden Meadows Kennel start with early neurological stimulation at three days old. This trains the puppies to deal with stress, and strengthen their immune systems. At six weeks they move onto crate training and potty training. Three to four weeks after that the puppies begin sleeping in crates, which give them a sense of protection. At eight weeks the puppies begin basic obedience training and by four to six months, they are fully trained. However, with a dog from Golden Meadows Kennel, the training does not end there. In fact, with a Golden Meadows dog, the training is never finished, as Rebecca Johnston learned while purchasing Costner. Rebecca was taught how to train Costner herself, first in a DVD sent to her by Tim and Barbie prior to picking the dog up, then again when she arrived at Golden Meadows Kennel.

The amount that Golden Meadows Kennel trains their dogs was a major factor in the Johnstons' choice of Costner. With Brad's challenges, they did not have time to train a dog. Brad, like many children with autism, has a problem dealing with sensory overload. The stability Costner received from his training has given Brad a sense of stability as well.

I do not live in California and therefore had to really do my homework before deciding to purchase from Golden Meadows.  I called the office several times and was able to speak with a handful of people, all of whom were friendly and competent.  I asked for a list of references (past customers) and was able to call several satisfied Golden Meadows clients.  In addition, the Golden Meadows client portfolio list includes known Animal Activists like Pamela Anderson.  I also asked for numerous photos to be taken of the puppy I had interest in, his environment, and the training methods being used.  I even received an email from one of the hired trainers who gave me a 'report card' of sorts for how the puppy was learning commands, behavioral traits, etc.

After much deliberation, I went forward in acquiring the puppy.  From the day I picked him up at the airport my experience has been as advertised.  The 'report card' was on point - the dog was crate trained, knew how to sit, lay down, and stay.  He has been wonderful with my 2 young children and overall we are very satisfied with our experience.

I would recommend any one considering a puppy do the same thing. Do your homework, take the time to call people, ask for pictures, videos, and information.  I have and will continue to recommend Golden Meadows to those who ask my opinion.