A Day in the Life: Golden Retriever Breeder, New Puppies & Homeschool Mom
Life on our farm looks a little different when we have a brand-new litter of Golden Retriever puppies in the house. The days are full, the nights are shorter, and everything moves with a gentle, intentional rhythm. Add homeschooling and family life into the mix, and our days become a careful balance of stewarding our home, caring for our dogs, and discipling our children.
This is a true DITL (Day in the Life) during puppy season—what our actual schedule looks like as a Golden Retriever breeder and homeschool family.
Early Morning: Quiet Beginnings
Our day starts before I even get out of bed. My husband is an early riser, so he heads out first thing in the morning to let mama dog out and quietly check on the puppies. This first check sets the tone for the day—making sure everyone is settled, safe, and content.
A little later, I get up before the kids and start my day the same way I always do: with a cup of coffee and time in the Word. This quiet morning routine grounds me before the house comes to life and reminds me where my strength comes from.
Morning Wake-Up: Breakfast, Cartoons & Puppy Care
As the kids slowly start waking up, I head into the kitchen to make breakfast. While they eat, I let them watch a short window of old cartoons—a simple, nostalgic way to ease into the day.
Once breakfast is underway, I head back outside to let mama dog out again. I check the puppies, change bedding if needed, and make sure everyone is nursing well. Afterward, mama goes right back in with her puppies so she can settle in and rest.
These early puppy checks are calm and unrushed, which is exactly how I want the puppies’ first days of life to feel.
School Time Begins
With puppies settled, we come back inside to officially start our homeschool day. Once everyone is working on their assigned tasks, I move through the house doing a quick tidy—dishes, laundry, and resetting the kitchen.
When the house is in order, I sit down for an hour or two to answer emails, respond to puppy applications, and communicate with future puppy families. Staying connected and transparent with our puppy buyers is an important part of my role as a breeder.
Midday: Lunch & Rest
After a productive morning, we break for lunch together. Once everyone is fed, I put the baby down for her nap, and the older kids take what we call their “long break” for the day.
This built-in rest time keeps our afternoons chill and prevents burnout for everyone.
Afternoon: Puppies, ENS & Finishing School
During the long break, I head back outside to let mama dog out again and care for the puppies as needed. This is often when I work on early neurological stimulation (ENS) with the puppies, depending on their age.
After puppy care is finished, I head back inside to wrap up the rest of our school day and begin prepping dinner. Afternoons tend to be steady but calm, with everyone easing toward the evening.
Evening: Family Time & Final Puppy Checks
The last puppy check of the day is usually handled by my husband. This is also when he feeds all of our other dogs and makes sure everyone is settled for the night.
Then we all come together around the table for dinner, followed by family worship (Our favorite family worship guide)—hands down the kids’ favorite part of the day. Singing, Scripture, and prayer close out our evenings and re-center our hearts after a full day.
Night: Winding Down
After family worship, we get the kids ready for bed and tuck them in for the night. Once the house is quiet, we do one final puppy check together before heading to bed ourselves.
Puppy season requires flexibility and endurance, but it’s a season we cherish. Each day is full, purposeful, and rooted in gratitude.
Final Thoughts
A day in the life as a Golden Retriever breeder with a new litter of puppies and a homeschool mom is not flashy or fast-paced—but it is rich. It’s built on faith, family, and faithful work done day after day.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1).
This is the rhythm of our days during puppy season—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you choose to make a purchase through these links. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and believe add value to ethical dog breeding, homeschooling, and family life.