How to Catch a Swarm: A Practical Guide for Beekeepers
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

How to Catch a Swarm: A Practical Guide for Beekeepers

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of spotting a swirling cloud of honey bees and realizing you’ve found a wild swarm. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned beekeeper, learning how to catch a swarm can be both thrilling and incredibly beneficial for your apiary.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what swarms are, why bees swarm in the first place, and how to catch a swarm of honey bees using simple tools and a little strategy. I’ll also share my favorite bee lure—Swarm Commander—and a few affiliate links so you can get everything you need in one place.

Read More
5 Things That Make a Golden Retriever a Perfect Family Dog
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

5 Things That Make a Golden Retriever a Perfect Family Dog

When families visit our small farm to meet our dogs, they often say, “There’s just something different about the way your Goldens are raised.” And we smile, because we know exactly what they mean. Raising Golden Retrievers here, alongside our children and chickens, in the rhythm of farm and family life, isn’t just what we do—it’s part of who we are.

Read More
Yes, Health Testing Matters—But It’s Only Part of the Story
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

Yes, Health Testing Matters—But It’s Only Part of the Story

When I first started down the road of breeding dogs, I thought I had it all figured out.

Spend the money. Buy the “health tested” dog. Secure the best bloodlines. Cover all the bases. Protect the future.

I spent thousands—thousands—on dogs from truly incredible lines, full of champions and sparkling health clearances, convinced I was setting up my breeding program for bulletproof success. Only to have my heart broken when they failed their own health testing, sometimes miserably.

Read More
First Nights with a New Puppy—What to Expect & How to Prepare
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

First Nights with a New Puppy—What to Expect & How to Prepare

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the sweetest, most exciting experiences for any family. After all the anticipation and planning, your home is finally filled with tiny paws and that signature puppy smell. But while the first night is full of joy and cuddles, it’s also a big transition—for both your puppy and your family. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference in starting off on the right paw.

Read More
Why a Well-Bred Puppy is Worth the Wait
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

Why a Well-Bred Puppy is Worth the Wait

When you’re on the hunt for a new puppy, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and impatience. After all, who wouldn’t want to bring home a sweet, cuddly puppy as soon as possible? But there’s something important to consider when searching for your future four-legged family member: the breeding process.

Read More
Farm Life in Spring: Homeschooling, Gardening, and Golden Retriever Puppies
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

Farm Life in Spring: Homeschooling, Gardening, and Golden Retriever Puppies

As the days grow longer and the sun lingers a little higher in the sky, there's an undeniable sense of excitement on the farm. Spring is always a season of fresh starts, but this year, it has come with its share of bittersweet moments. From unexpected changes in our breeding program to the excitement of new life on the horizon, our March has been full of both reflection and anticipation.

Read More
The Importance of Early Socialization in Family Dogs (Why Those Early Weeks Matter)
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

The Importance of Early Socialization in Family Dogs (Why Those Early Weeks Matter)

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for any family. The snuggles, the puppy breath, the tiny paws—it’s a special season filled with joy. But beyond the adorable moments, those first weeks of a puppy’s life play a crucial role in shaping their temperament and behavior for years to come. Early socialization is one of the most important aspects of raising a well-adjusted family dog, and it’s something that responsible breeders and owners should prioritize from day one.

Read More
Crate Training: Why It’s Not Cruel, It’s Kind
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

Crate Training: Why It’s Not Cruel, It’s Kind

There’s something so special about bringing home a Golden Retriever puppy. The soft fur, the tiny paws, the way they look up at you with complete trust—it’s a season of life that’s as sweet as it is fleeting. But as wonderful as those early days are, they also come with a learning curve. One of the most beneficial tools for both you and your puppy during this time is crate training. Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception that using a crate is cruel. In reality, when done properly, crate training is one of the kindest things you can do for your puppy—and for your family.

Read More
What to Expect the First Week with Your Golden Retriever Puppy
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

What to Expect the First Week with Your Golden Retriever Puppy

Bringing home your Golden Retriever puppy is an exciting and memorable experience—one your whole family will cherish. That first week is full of sweet puppy snuggles, laughter at their silly antics, and a few moments of adjustment as everyone settles into a new rhythm.


Read More
Why Choose a Family Breeder?
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

Why Choose a Family Breeder?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably dreaming about bringing a golden retriever into your home—those wagging tails, soft ears, and eyes that just melt your heart. But here’s the big question: where should that puppy come from? You’ve got options—from your local dog kennel, to places like puppies.com, the options today can seem endless and overwhelming. But maybe i can help. In this post, I’ll let you in on why we think raising pups at home, with our kids and our everyday chaos, makes all the difference.

Read More
Homemade Sourdough Banana Dog Treats: A Nutritious Snack for Your Pup
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

Homemade Sourdough Banana Dog Treats: A Nutritious Snack for Your Pup

Whip up these healthy homemade sourdough banana dog treats using simple, nutritious ingredients! A great way to use sourdough discard, these easy DIY dog biscuits are packed with bananas, peanut butter, and oats—perfect for your furry friend. Try these all-natural dog treat recipe today! 🐶🍌 #homemadedogtreats

Read More
How to Stop Puppy Biting: Training Tips for a Gentle Dog
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

How to Stop Puppy Biting: Training Tips for a Gentle Dog

Tired of sharp puppy teeth? Learn how to stop puppy biting with proven training techniques that teach your Golden Retriever to be gentle. Get expert tips on redirecting biting, setting boundaries, and raising a well-mannered pup!

Read More
The Benefits of Breeding Your Female Dog Back-to-Back: What Science Says
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

The Benefits of Breeding Your Female Dog Back-to-Back: What Science Says

One of the most debated topics in dog breeding is whether to breed a female dog back-to-back (consecutively) or skip heat cycles between litters. While many assume skipping heats gives a female’s body time to recover, research and veterinary science suggest that breeding back-to-back can actually be healthier in many cases—as long as the female is in good condition and bred responsibly.

Read More
The Joys of Being a Golden Retriever Breeder
Rose n' Thistle Farm Rose n' Thistle Farm

The Joys of Being a Golden Retriever Breeder

Few things in life compare to the profound joy of working with animals, and as a Golden Retriever breeder, I experience the beauty of creation, the satisfaction of a well-raised litter, and the privilege of connecting families with their forever friends every day.

Read More