Bathing Your Golden Retriever
As with brushing, bathing is the pet-owners bonding time and should be an enjoyable moment for both you and your Golden Retriever.
Because water flattens fur on your pets skin, bathing can also be done with a health inspection function in mind. Look closely for irregular bumps on your dogs skin or the presence of fleas or ticks.
One of the common questions any dog owner will ask is how often they should bathe their pet. Well, the answer to this question depends on a few factors:
Dogs with long fur will require more frequent baths compared to those with shorter fur. The obvious reason is that longer fur easily harbors dirt and makes it more difficult to shed it. But frequent bathing does not in any way mean every week.
If your dog spends more time indoors than outside, you may not need to bath it often. Dogs that are always engaged in outdoor activities may require a bath every time they are muddy.
- Dogs with skin conditions will need frequent baths as part of the curing process. However, consult with your veterinarian.
- In the absence of skin conditions or excessive dirt from extra outdoor activity, long-fur dogs like the Golden should be bathed at least once every three months.
- The most frequent you can consider bathing your dog is every two weeks . Anything more frequent than this can be potentially bad for your dogs skin and coat.
Nutrition & Coat Health
Okay, this isnt technically a grooming essential, but it isessential to a healthy golden coat. Without the proper nutrition, your Golden can experience excessive shedding, which can be a scary thing.
According to Roy Cruzen DVM, the number one reason for excessive shedding in dogs is a poor diet, or rather, a lack of essential nutrients. He says that most of the cheap dog food products barely meets the minimal requirements.
Some owners even opt to give extra nutritional supplements for their dogs. And one of the best for Golden Retrievers is salmon oil. This super fish oil will help keep the golden coat soft and smooth.
Other than a shiny coat, there are many more benefits to fish oil. Some of which, include better joints, healthier heart, better skin and a stronger immune system.
While there are proven benefits to this supplement, you should be aware of the potential negative side effects. As long as youre aware, the good far outweighs the bad. However, Id still consult with a vet prior to introducing any extra supplements into their diets.
Neutering Can Cause Health Issues To A Golden Retriever
Researchers at the University of California have discovered that neutering has negative effects on Golden Retrievers, increasing your dogs chances of getting joint disorders and cancer. In this post, Dr. Karen Becker talks about alternative methods of keeping your dog from breeding, such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation.
Even if you choose not to neuter your dog shes still prone to a long list of medical conditions, which include:
- hypothyroidism;
- eye disorders;
- skin problems.
If you own a Golden Retriever you need pet insurance that covers her for a wide range of health issues, besides accidents. This can increase your regular expenses, but its usually a good investment as Goldens are in the top of the most expensive breeds in terms of medical costs, with an average of $961 a year.
The Method Of Boundary Marking
The method is perfect when you want to teach your pooch what boundaries are required to be exhibited. Let your dog walk and recognize every corner of the house and familiarize yourself.
You should also make sure that your little doggo also understands the difference between protection and aggression. Use the reward method to teach your pooch what is expected and what is not.
Tooth Brushing: Step By Step
You can introduce tooth brushing to your dog by first making the dog used to feeling your finger in his or her mouth. Once theyre comfortable with that, it will be easier to open the dogs mouth and introduce a toothbrush.
Follow these four steps to brush your Goldens teeth:
- Place a small amount of pet-safe toothpaste on a toothbrush designed for use with dogs.
- Lift the Goldens lip to expose the gums and teeth.
- Use gentle motions to brush the teeth and gum, just as you would with an infant.
- Ensure you reach the molars and premolars because they are most prone to cavities.
As long as you use toothpaste made specifically for dogs, your Golden can ingest it without running any risks. And if your dog is anything like mine, hell try to eat the toothpaste.
For most dogs, its not going to be easy in the beginning. So, dont forget to reward your Golden after the brushing. Rewarding them with a treat or a good girl/boy message will make brushing easier next time. Positive reinforcement is key!
Are Guard Dogs Same As Attack Dogs
Even before determining the suitability of your golden retriever as guard dog, it is imperative that you understand the difference between a guard dog and an attack dog.
Indeed, many pet owners have often used these terms interchangeably when they mean different things altogether.
A guard dog refers to a dog that is trained so that it can alert its owner of any impending danger. This could range from a stranger in the compound to an intruder, among other dangerous animals such as serpents.
As soon as it spots anything that it considers strange and dangerous, a guard dog should respond by barking, growling or any other vocalizations that signal danger.
On the other hand, attack dogs are trained to perform all the functions of a guard dog but instead of responding by growling or barking, the dog will go ahead to attack the stranger.
Evidently, attack dogs are more aggressive and respond better to attack commands as opposed to guard dogs. As soon as they detect potential intruders or threats, attack dogs immediately spring into action.
This is why they are commonly used by law-enforcement officers such as the police and security guards. However, it is important to remember that attack dogs will not always attack; most actually wait for an attack command by their handlers.
Careful training is important for both attack and guard dogs, especially for attack dogs since they can respond impulsively and harm an intruder.
Qualities To Look For In A Guard Dog
First and foremost, it is important to remember that a great guard dog is not one that reacts out of pure aggression, fear or anxiety.
Instead, the dog should only be territorial or protective of the owner and the owners property .
While it exhibits all these traits, the dog should also demonstrate profound loyalty and obedience to its owner.
Another thing you might want to look out for in a good guard dog is confidence. You do not need a dog that will be easy to frighten.
Confidence enables the dog to carefully discern the intruder and establish whether or not they could pose a serious threat to their owners.
Confidence will also spur the dogs curiously, enabling it investigate any new person. It takes months of training and socialization to make a dog easy with people.
Assertiveness is yet another great trait of a good guard dog. Assertiveness is a means through which the dog broadcasts its power over its territory.
Assertive dogs do not just bark to send a warning to strangers, they will also maintain their position even in the face of imminent threat from the intruder. If it really comes down to it, they will advance and try to scare away the stranger.
Sociability and trainability are also some major traits to look out for in a guard dog. Your golden retriever needs to be well-socialized for him to instinctively recognize a suspicious intruder.
Golden Retrievers Are Obedient
Golden Retrievers are always eager to please their owners. Theyre highly receptive to training which is why its common to see them working as different types of service dogs.
The first three dogs that won the American Kennel Club Obedience Champion title were Golden Retrievers. They have won lots of other obedience championships and came out on top 6 times in American Kennel Clubs Obedience Championship from 2010 to 2019.
Golden Retrievers Are Just Too Friendly
According to the AKC, the Golden Retriever ranked as the third most popular dog breed in 2018.
Their most distinguishing characteristic?
Other adjectives listed in the official breed description are:
- Eager-to-please
- Joyous
- Playful
A Golden Retriever is most likely to walk up to a stranger and invite them to play rather than growl menacingly.
Remember, a good guard dog should be intimidating in their appearance, distrustful of the unknown and highly vigilant.
Reasons Why A Golden Retriever Makes A Good Guard Dog
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s dive a bit deeper into what this breed has to offer in the protection department. Like any other dog, Golden Retrievers are unique. T
hey all have distinct personalities. But, all dogs of this breed share some intrinsic qualities that make them a suitable choice for guard duty.
Are Golden Retrievers Good Guard Dogs Will They Protect Their Owners
Bringing a family dog home means looking for a dog that is going to both be a companion to your family and also protect both them and your house. In essence, youre looking for a guard dog.
Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are not good guard dogs. They are personable and gentle dogs by nature and they have other modes of protecting themselves rather than being aggressive. However, Golden Retrievers are great watchdogs.
Below, youll learn more about whether or not Golden Retrievers make good guard dogs, the reasons why or why not, and how to properly train your Golden to protect its turf.
You can find more information on guard dogs versus watchdogs as well as the traits of a good guard dog, and the good and bad parts of your Golden as a guard dog. If you do decide you want your Golden Retriever to be a guard dog, you can also take a look at some training tips for them, as well as some general reminders for your Golden as a guard dog in the long term.
Its hard not to love a sweet and affectionate golden retriever. Not only do they come running up to greet you, but they are friendly even towards a complete stranger. They are undoubtedly the most-beloved dog breed. Theyre the third most popular breed of dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. Known for their loyalty and friendly nature, theyre quick to befriend anyone.
Will All Golden Retrievers Protect You
No.
Keep in mind that although Golden Retrievers are individuals, there are breed-specific behaviors that are generally common across dogs in a breed. The Golden Retriever is a gentle, friendly, and tolerant breed for a reason. They make excellent service and therapy dogs for a reason. Its their nature.
Of course, some individual Golden Retrievers are more protective than others. After all, they are unique individuals in their own right. But generalizing a heroic act or defensive action of a few dogs to all dogs in the breed is not a fair generalization.
Golden Retrievers will avoid a confrontation in most circumstances. Its just their good nature. Fearlessness, vigilance, and an ingrained protective instinct are not traits they possess to any significant degree.
The Golden Retriever is a love sponge. Friendly, trustworthy, and joyous, with a love of life and people. Great with kids and pets. That is the Golden Retriever.
Most people get a Golden Retriever for those very reasons, not because they expect the dog to guard the home and protect them from intruders. Its because theyre so friendly and loving.
Golden Retrievers Can Be Protective
Although golden retrievers arent typically the first breed you think of when you think of a protective dog, golden retrievers can be protective.
Because of their loyalty, intelligence, and their size, yes, golden retrievers can protect you.
But their friendly and gentle nature may not make them the best candidates for when it comes to defending you.
If protection is one of the top attributes youre looking for in a dog, then you might be better off going with a doberman or German shepherd.
However, if you want a family dog thats big and loud enough to scare most threats off and has the potential to protect you, then a golden retriever might be for you!
Lets look a little more at what actually makes a good protective dog.
Characteristics Of A Good Watch Dog
A good watchdog does not just bark mindlessly. Most of us have heard those and they drive the neighborhood insane. Thats not what you want.
And in any case, thats not a good watchdog but this is not the place to go into reasons why dogs bark for hours on end.
Remember the story about shouting Wolf! Wolf!?
Thats what happens when you have a dog that just barks and barks. You stop paying attention because you know there is nothing out there that may be a threat.
A watchdog barks when there is something to be barked at. That does not include its shadow.
You need the following traits in a dog for it to be a good watchdog:
- Excellent hearing.
- Loud bark.
- Protective towards owner and family.
- Ability to distinguish between regular and irregular activity the postman comes every day and is harmless. The courier may be harmless but does not come every day, so he deserves a bark.
Would My Golden Retriever Protect Me
If youre wondering whether or not your Golden Retriever would protect you, this post will show you whether or not it would do it.
So, would my Golden Retriever protect me? If your Golden Retriever has not been trained to protect you it is difficult to tell whether or not it would protect you. However, it would likely act as a deterrent, it would likely alert you to the danger and it would be more likely to protect you from other animals.
There are a number of things that you can consider when trying to figure out whether or not your Golden Retriever would protect you. There are also a number of options that you have when getting it to be more protective.
How Do You Feed A Golden Retriever
Feeding your Golden Retriever does not differ from that of another dog breed. It should always start with choosing the best dog food that is very suitable for its life phase.
Starting with puppies, the only food for Goldie puppies in the first month of life should only be replacement breast milk or puppy milk.
Are in cases where the mother cannot feed. By the 5th week of experience, you can start adding solids to your food. You can start with high-quality wet or canned puppy food because the softer texture makes it easier to consume and can give lumps, but you may want to moisten it a little.
You can feed your puppy four times a day until it reaches its 9th week.
This will continue to feed your Goldie for the rest of its life unless directed otherwise by your vet.
Some pet parents feed their Goldies only once a day. Although this is possible, we do not recommend it because frequent small feeds are much better to prevent bloating, a condition known to Golden Retrievers and other large dog breeds.
Golden Retrievers Are Loyal
All dogs are loyal if you give them enough love, but the Golden Retriever is one of the most loyal dog breeds that exists. Goldens just cant stand seeing their owner in pain and will do anything to keep them safe and protected if they feel they are in danger. Theyre not just a good guard dog, but also a good friend.
Can A Golden Retriever Be A Guard Dog
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When I got my Golden Retriever, I had no idea what to expect. Ive seen them in pop culture as these loving, docile dogs, but I didnt know what that meant as far as protection. So, I started to do a little research about Golden Retrievers habits when it comes to being a guard dog. Turns out, they are so easy to train that they can be great guard dog without even realizing it.
Smart Obedient And Watchful
Goldens are also very smart and observant dogs. They love being a part of everything going on and you wont find them snoozing in the corner in the middle of the action. They expect to be included in everything, too, so nothing will get past them.
Golden Retrievers are also notoriously obedient and will listen to any commands that you give them. These traits mean that your watchful and intelligent dog will be on the lookout and if you ask a dog to attack, he will attack.
Golden Retriever First Heat: Things To Know
Youve just got your first golden retriever, and its a kid! Shes cute, playful, and shes coming from a long line of golden retrievers. The heat period of a female golden retrievers life is a significant occurrence. Its important to know when your gold will go into heat and how long their heat will last. You will learn about the golden retriever first heat in this article. Read on to learn more!
Well, most female puppies will not enter their heat cycles until six months or so . Golden retrievers are more likely to have their first heat period at around 10 to 14 months, with giant breeds beginning at 18 to 24 months. Bear in mind, these are ranges, and they may be sooner or later, as every dog is different. Its crucial to keep track of when your dog has its first heat cycle. Mostly, their timing is expected to become normal after the first cycle.
Golden Retrievers Are Exceptionally Obedient
Known to be people-pleasers, Golden Retrievers are exceptionally obedient, which makes them perfect for training to be all types of service dogs, including a guard dog.
Did you know, owing to their obedience, that Golden Retrievers were the first three dogs to achieve the American Kennel Club Obedience Champion Title? This is no coincidence.
The first among these 3 was Morelands Golden Tonka, a female Golden who won the title on July 23, 1977, scoring more than the required 100 points. Tonka set the standard high for the rest to follow.
In canine history, Golden Retrievers have been consistently recorded as the best breeds in the agility and obedience rings. No other breed has more obedience championships.
As a matter of fact, from 2010 to 2019, Goldens won AKCs obedience championship 6 out of 10 times! If a Golden Retriever didnt win first, they were probably 2nd place.
Help Him See Which Intruders Are Good And Which Are Bad
You dont want him attacking and injuring little kids who skateboard onto your driveway, after all. Help your pooch understand a good threat from a bad one. This really comes down to obedience training. If your pooch doesnt listen when you say no or easy and attacks anyway, hes not obedient enough to be a trustworthy guard dog.
Sure, you want his first response to be guarding first, but only just enough to get your attention. He shouldnt attack without your direct command of attack unless someone is clearly causing you or your loved ones bodily harm.
Grooming A Labrador Retriever
Like the Golden, the Labrador also has a double coat. It consists of a soft undercoat that protects the dog in cold weather, and a top coat that is shorter in length than the Goldens. Also like the Golden Retriever, the Lab does shed its undercoat in warm weather.
Is grooming a Lab easier than grooming a Golden? Labs dont have the feathery furnishings on the ears, neck, and tail like Goldens, so those areas will need virtually no trimming. However, while their coat length is short, they do have a double coat that needs maintenance.
Labs require an undercoat rake to remove the dead hair from the undercoat. You can then use a slicker brush for an overall grooming, and some Lab owners like to use a comb on their dogs as a final step in the grooming process. Like Goldens, the coat of a Lab should never be shaved.
Nail trimming and ear cleaning should also be a regular part of your grooming routine. Labs generally need to be bathed less frequently than Goldens, which reduces the number of regular grooming tasks for potential owners concerned about overall maintenance time. In non shedding season Labs coats are less maintenance than Goldies, but what about moulting?
Examples Where Golden Retrievers Have Been Used As Guard Dogs
Yes. Golden Retrievers have been recently trained to guard and protect in all types of jobs. Check out this article on Bud, the first working Golden Retriever for the Navy. Bud protects the Navy base perimeter and searches cars. He does this while still keep the Golden Retrievers trademark friendly attitude.
Golden Retrievers have also recently been enlisted to work with police forces in the United States as support animals, but in India, these dogs have recently been added to their K-9 units. Golden Retrievers have been enlisted because of their hunting skills, intelligence, and good reputation.
Are Golden Retrievers Good With Kids
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Our first kid was our Golden Retriever and once we decided to have children of our own, we were curious if Golden Retrievers were good with kids. If you are reading this, you too are probably wondering how this breed does with kids as well.
Best Dog Food For Adult Golden Retrievers
If you are looking for the best dog food for Golden Retrievers that are more than 12 months old or are transitioning from puppy food to adult food, it is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can help determine your Goldens current body condition score. With this in hand, you can decide which maintenance adult diet is best.
Normal Body Condition Golden Retrievers
A great place to start for an active, normal body weight/condition Golden is . This adult formula is excellent for adults over 15 months of age to 7-8 years of age.
Many Golden retrievers suffer from dry, itchy skin and ear problems. This food can help. As a veterinarian, when I see a first-time itchy Golden in my clinic, I recommend this food.
Golden Retrievers are more prone to dry and itchy skin, most commonly caused by atopic dermatitis or inhaled allergens. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet potato and fish is a fantastic choice for supporting your Goldens skin and coat health.
This formula contains ingredients that may help your Golden be less itchy. It is packed with highly digestible carbohydrates, high-quality salmon and an omega-3 fatty acid boost.
Only 15-40% of itchy dogs actually have a food allergy. The majority of dogs with itchy skin have atopic dermatitis, an itchy skin condition caused by environmental allergens like pollen or mold.
Very Active/Hunting Golden Retrievers
Low-Active/Couch Potato
Senior Golden Retriever Dog Food
Can It Be A Guard Dog
A quote from Trixie – Am thinking about bacon. Bacon is very good. I am good too, me, Trixie Koontz, dog. People call me “good dog, very good.” Bacon is very good. But I am not bacon. Why not? Mysterious.Faith, CGC, Delta Society Pet PartnerJun 25, 2007Mom to Bama, Daisy, Pawley & ShelbyJun 25, 2007http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh_1toD6xtcJun 25, 2007Jun 25, 2007Jun 25, 2007Jun 25, 2007actuallyJun 25, 200712/31/03 – 3/20/13
FlyingQuizini said:IMO, no pet dog should be TRAINED to guard. That’s taking on a huge liability.ALL DOGS, regardless of size, will be territorial to some degree. Even my Whippet will bark when she sees somebody walking in the courtyard of my complex who doens’t live here.The fact of the matter is that ANY dog will deter a non-serious criminal and any SERIOUS criminal will just have some means with which to disable the dog ahead of time .It is OUR responsibility to protect our dogs – not the other way around.