What You Should Know About Owning a Golden Retriever

We all recognize Golden Retrievers. They are an incredibly popular breed, and with good reason! If you want a dog that’s smart, snuggly, laid-back, and lots of fun, you can’t beat a “Golden”. They make great pets for anyone of any age, and they’re also good working dogs. You’ll often see Golden Retrievers guiding the blind or helping handicapped people and, of course, as hunting dogs.

Whether you already have a house full of pets and kids, or you are looking for your first dog, a Golden Retriever is a good choice. They’re laid back and easy to get along with, and they usually get on with pets and kids just fine.

Now, I said that Goldens make great pets for anyone, and that’s true, but remember that no dog likes to be left alone. If you don’t have a reasonable amount of time to spend with your dog, a Golden is not the dog for you, and you probably shouldn’t get a dog at all.

Golden Retrievers are extra sociable dogs and they are known for being very devoted and loving. They like to play and get lots of attention, so if that’s not something you can commit to, you shouldn’t get one.

If you have a Golden Retriever, you’ll need to plan on trips to the park to play fetch and chase. If you have a good dog park in your town, that’s even better. Goldens love to pal around with their canine friends.

Obedience classes are good for socialization, and they provide you and your Golden with socializing and bonding opportunities as well as the opportunity to learn new things. The better communication you have with your dog, the more satisfied you will be. A well-trained and well-behaved dog is a happier dog than one that doesn’t have clear communication established with its person.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that Golden Retrievers are pretty long haired dogs. You’ll need to have good grooming equipment and make some commitment to grooming. Generally, Goldens need to be brushed a couple of times a week and bathed about once a month depending on what kind of activities you do. If you spend a lot of rough and tumble time in the woods, it may need to be more often than that.

Remember that dogs with ears that fold over need to have their ears cleaned. When you brush your Golden, just take a warm, damp wash cloth and wipe out the ears gently.

If you like active outdoor activities like duck hunting, swimming, hiking, cycling, and going for long walks, a Golden Retriever makes a great workout and adventure buddy. Like all dogs, Goldens love to spend time with their people.

Because they were bred originally to hunt fowl, Goldens also like to be useful, so be sure to have your Golden learn to do little doggy jobs like bringing in the paper and fetching your slippers! Whenever your Golden pleases you, be sure to praise, praise, praise!

Golden Retrievers are real chow hounds, and it’s easy for them to put on too much weight. Be sure to feed the right amount of food, and always feed a good quality dog food. As your dog matures, be sure to step up to the correct age-appropriate food to keep your best friend at the best weight.

Get a good quality dry food and follow the directions on the bag. If you experience any problems, consult your vet to get your dog settled on a proper diet.

Like all dogs, Goldens love to chew! Be sure to provide plenty of good chew toys, especially when you have to be at work or away. Chewing is a great way for a dog to fight boredom, but not if it means you lose all your shoes!

If so, head on down to your local animal shelter! You will be surprised by how many nice Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes you will find there! Sadly, we live in a throw-away society, and many people think nothing of getting a dog just for fun then letting it run loose, abandoning it, or dumping it off at the shelter when it becomes inconvenient.

There are lots of lovely dogs (Golden Retrievers and otherwise) just waiting for you to come and love them. Take your time to get to know the dogs at the shelter to choose just the right dog for you and your family. If you have your heart set on a Golden Retriever, you are sure to find one with perseverance.

If a Golden Retriever mix steals your heart, go for it!. They are often the very best dogs. Don’t be a snob! This is your opportunity to save a life!