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Are Golden Retrievers Good House Dogs

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Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Train

Are Golden Retrievers Good First Dogs? ( Or A Bad Choice )

Thanks to Golden Retriever characteristics like obedience and intelligence, Golden Retrievers are easy to train and are often the top of their class in training school. Golden Retrievers are people pleasers and would do anything for some praise and a good snack. The only time youll run into a problem with training Golden Retrievers is with leash training. Start the leash training at a young age to prevent any leash pulling behavior, which can result in a variety of neck and spine issues.

The Golden Retriever With Children

If you are curious about whether or not your Golden Retrievers will be friendly to your children, don’t worry. They are one of the popular choices for households with children due to their trustworthy temperament.

One thing to keep in mind is that socialization is necessary for all dogs, including golden retrievers. You must socialize your dog with the children and watch over them while they are interacting. Their first interaction should be pleasant and in a good situation.

If your child is under five years old, never leave him alone with any type of dog. If your child is naughty and mischievous, teach him not to irritate the dog and build a good relationship. When children handle dogs gently and calmly, there is less chance of mishaps.

So To Answer Your Question: Is A Golden Retriever The Right Dog For Me

Well, Golden Retrievers are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in the Western world, but they really arent suited to everyone.

Dont get a Golden if you have a small home, simply must keep your home immaculately clean, prefer a sedentary lifestyle or are short on time or short on money.

Its important to remember that they shed a lot of hair, require a lot of time for exercise and are a 10 to 15 year commitment of this time and your money.

The aim of this article was not to talk you out of getting a Golden Retriever, but is a reality check for some who may have only considered the good side of Golden ownership.

Goldens are adorable in their looks, temperament and personalities. They really are the perfect family pet, life companions and friends. But you need to be prepared to handle the rough with the smooth.

Also Check: How Often Should You Wash Your Golden Retriever

Common Health Problems In Golden Retrievers

Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions.

Golden Retrievers are amongst a group of breeds classed as Category Two by The Kennel Club. These are breeds of dog that have been highlighted as having points of concern visible features which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future and cause health and welfare concerns. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight.

Some of the conditions Golden Retrievers are more prone to developing include:

  • Ichthyosis a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair.
  • Best Companion Dogs For Golden Retrievers

    Good looking Golden Retriever puppies for sale Offer

    Golden retrievers are known to be one of the most playful, fun, loyal, and affectionate dog breeds. These furry pets are incredibly cute, and they give off such positive and happy vibes.

    One of the most amazing things about these dogs is that they are so charming and gentle that they get along with everyone, be it little kids or other furry dogs. Everyone loves the golden retriever, and they return all this love with equal zeal and warmth!

    If you have a pet golden retriever, you might want to get another little furry companion for it. If anything, the two dogs together will fill your home with energy, liveliness, and laughter!

    Also Check: Average Lifespan Golden Retriever

    Goldens Are Naturally Protective Of Everyone

    An extreme example of an overly protective Golden would be one taking the side of a thief who is in trouble with an angry crowd. However, this is still possible with a Golden Retriever.

    This is especially likely if you have trained your Golden to be compassionate, which may come very naturally to these dogs. Golden Retrievers will spontaneously offer help to anyone who seems to need it.

    While teaching your Golden to be humane is a good thing, this may work against you and others when the Golden needs to identify and catch an impostor.

    We recommend you train your Golden to always refer back to you and take commands before acting in favor of a stranger. If thats what you teach them, a simple No will suffice to keep the Golden by your side.

    These traits arent deal-breakers at all youll just need to invest some time in training your Golden if you want them to become proper guard dogs.;

    Training And Exercising Golden Retrievers

    Golden Retrievers love a mental and physical challenge. Therefore, they are easily trained and can do very well in dog shows. Additionally, Golden Retrievers make great service and therapy dogs.

    Golden Retrievers love to please and are sensitive to harsh training. As such, always show patience and kindness to these big softies.

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    Golden Retrievers Have Scary Barks

    According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Charlie, a golden retriever from Australia, owns the record for worlds loudest bark.

    So if your golden hears a noise outside the house, they might not even need to protect you because their impressive bark may scare away potential burglars.

    Im always amused at how Oliver can go from being a goofy golden laying on his back getting belly rubs one moment, to letting off a string of terrifying barks when he hears the mailman outside the next moment.

    Although I dont love it when he barks, its comforting knowing that if a burglar was outside, Olivers barking would probably make him think twice before coming in.

    The Cast Against Goldens

    Golden Retriever Dog Breed Guide

    Put down the pitchforks! Golden retrievers are great, but they aren’t the only type of pooch that can fit fantastically into a family. PetMD cites bulldogs, beagles, bull terriers and Newfoundlands as being typically great with kids, and that’s by no means a comprehensive list.

    As Petfinder puts it, you really “can’t go wrong with a dog that has a gentle demeanor, friendly attitude, trainable nature and an ability to keep up with your family.” And that dog can belong to many breeds.

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    Reason #5: Golden Retrievers Have Lots Of Energy

    Golden retrievers were bred to hunt in the fields all day, so they naturally have tons of energy especially puppies.

    Earlier in this post, when talking about why golden retrievers are good with kids, we talked about how one of those reasons is that theyre calm.

    But that calmness doesnt really settle in until theyre adults.

    They can be quite the handful when theyre rambunctious puppies, and they mature slowly, so they may stay in this puppy stage until theyre three or four years old!

    It might seem overwhelming to deal with a high-energy dog, but here are four ways to use up some of that energy:

  • Train them. Mental challenges are exhausting for dogs.
  • Give them puzzle toys, which also mentally wear them out.
  • Play games like fetch and tug to physically wear them out.
  • Take them on puppy playdates to let them romp around with other dogs.
  • Potty Training With Pee Pads

    Some people may decide to use pee pads to potty train their dog.

    Ive never used pee pads, so I cant make any comment on how to use them, but I have heard many people dont recommend them or regret using them.

    You might not have an option, but at least do lots of research and careful consideration before choosing this route.

    Also Check: How To Make My Golden Retriever Gain Weight

    Joint Diseases In Golden Retrievers

    Golden Retrievers suffer from high rates of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.

    The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 148,000 Golden Retrievers and found 20% dysplastic. Over 42,000 elbow X-rays were evaluated and 11% were dysplastic. For comparison, Flat-Coated Retrievers have a 4% hip dysplasia rate and less than 1% elbow dysplasia rate.

    Other common orthopedic health problems in Goldens include luxating patella and osteochondritis.

    Goldens are prone to tearing or rupturing the cruciate ligament in their leg. Repairing it is an expensive surgery with a long recovery time.

    Panosteitis can occur in young Golden Retrievers.

    Why Golden Retrievers Are The Best Family Dog

    Golden Retriever, great family dog (With images)

    If youve ever been blessed to have a dog as part of your life, then you know that theres something about a dog that makes you a better person. Choosing to add a dog to your family is a big decision, and if you have children, then there are even more factors to consider.;

    Of course, you want to find a dog that is good with kids, but you most likely are also looking for a pup that will quickly become their best friend. Golden retrievers have enjoyed a long reputation as a great family pet, but what exactly is it about this breed that makes them such a good family dog?

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    Golden Retrievers That Need A Home Now

    By Andrea Powell

    There are hundreds of benefits to owning a dog. If you are looking to add to your fur family, consider adopting a dog. You will save the life of that dog and allow another to come into the shelter to be saved.

    Golden retrievers are well-mannered, loyal companions that love to play. They love meeting new people, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Goldens make great family dogs and hiking partners.

    Check out all 25 golden retrievers looking for their forever homes and share with a friend.

    He Should Be Large And Intimidating Looking

    Theres a reason that there are no such things as chihuahua guard dogs. Sure, they can be vicious and bite like no ones business, but they can easily be managed by putting them in a pillowcase. Not exactly a good thing for guarding.

    Guard dogs should be large enough that they are hard to contain and also intimidating enough that, combined with their trained behaviors, they are intimidating enough to deter some of the less sure threats.;

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    Introducing A New Companion Dog To Your Golden Retriever

    There is nothing more exciting and pleasurable than bringing home a second pet dog, especially for new pet owners. Considering that you already own a golden retriever, you are likely to be ecstatic about having another furry animal in the house.

    However, not all pets respond to a new pet member in a friendly or cordial manner. Although the golden retrievers personality is extremely welcoming and easy-going, you can still expect a little hesitation and confusion from your golden pup in the initial stages. This kind of behavior is normal for a dog, and you must give your furry friend some time to welcome the new member with open arms.

    Here are a few things to bear in mind when introducing a companion dog to your golden retriever.

    Now that you know which breeds are the best companion dogs for golden retrievers, are you ready to bring home a new furry buddy for your golden retriever?

    Let us tell you; once you do that, your home will be full of laughter, love, and liveliness!

    They Cannot Be Left Alone

    Are Golden Retrievers Good Guard Dogs? (Or Too Friendly)

    If youre thinking of getting a dog that you can leave at home alone during the day, dont even think about getting a golden. Golden Retrievers crave and need human attention.

    If you dont plan on making a golden an important member of your family, you shouldnt get this breed. Golden Retrievers are very social, and love to be around their family. They need to be included in family activities, in order to be happy.

    If you work all day, it is a good idea to take your golden to doggie daycare or hire a dog walker to walk your dog. This way your golden will not become bored, or depressed from being alone all day.

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    Cancer In Golden Retrievers

    Cancer is nearly an epidemic in Golden Retrievers, with about 50% of the breed developing cancer. It’s easily the leading cause of death, which often occurs in middle age. Cancer treatment is very expensive.

    The Golden Retriever Club conducted a health survey that included nearly 1500 Goldens. From that we can see that 1 of every 2 Golden Retrievers will develop cancer. It’s nearly an epidemic in the breed, easily the leading cause of death, which often occurs in middle age.

    In the club survey, 65% of the Goldens who died at 3-8 years old died of cancer. 70% of the Goldens who died at 8-13 years old died of cancer.

    Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer in Goldens, followed by lymphosarcoma, mastocytoma, and osteosarcoma.

    Smart Dog Yes But Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Train

    Golden Retrievers are smart dogs. Canine Researcher Stanley Coren ranks Golden Retrievers fourth in dog intelligence behind the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd.

    Top-tier dogs can have intelligence close to a 2 to 2.5-year-old child and learn up to 165 words, with the brightest dogs learning upwards of 250 words.;

    You might be wondering what smarts have to do with a good family dog?

    Well, thats because intelligent dogs are easy to train , and theyre eager to please .;However, keep in mind that Golden Retrievers are a sensitive dog breed and do best with positive-based training methods.

    Bailey learned his sit, down, and stand commands in one day.

    According to Cohens research, Golden Retrievers fall in the top tier of dog intelligence.

    Top-tier dogs can learn a new command in less than five repetitions and obey at least 95 percent of the time. In contrast, it takes tier six dogs 100 repetitions, and they obey 30 percent of the time.;

    Easy to train, plus obedient is a good trait to have in a family dog. In any dog, I would think. And its a trait that Golden Retrievers most definitely have.;

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    Reason #4: Golden Retrievers Are Moderate Barkers

    Heres a fun fact you probably didnt know: a golden retriever holds the world record for loudest bark.

    Although that sounds like it can be off-putting, dont worry they dont bark all that much.

    Golden retrievers were bred to retrieve gunned down birds, so its in their blood to use their mouths to retrieve things, not bark.

    Plus, they wouldnt make a great bird-hunting companion if they were barking and scaring the birds away!

    This is the opposite of some dogs, like beagles, that were bred to bark while they hunted, and still have that trait today.

    And even more good news about golden retrievers and barking there are things you can do to get them to bark less, like giving them lots exercise and training them.

    Which brings us to the next point

    Golden Retriever Characteristics That Make Them Perfect

    Why We Love Golden Retrievers

    Its no secret: golden retrievers are practically perfect, so much so that you cant help but smile as soon as you see one. Chances are, because theyre smiling right back. Goldens are loyal, happy, fun-loving, caring and intelligent, and bring laughter and joy to anyone and everyone whether its their person or a random person happening by. Whats not to love?

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    The Golden Is A Medium

    Despite popular belief, Golden Retrievers arent particularly big. If you are looking for the Golden Retriever on the list of the largest dog breeds, you should brace yourself for some disappointment.;

    However, they arent small, either. Youll be equally disappointed if you search for these dogs on the list of the smallest dog breeds among Affenpinschers and the Chihuahuas.

    Compared to the largest listed dog, the Great Dane, which can stand as tall as 32 inches for the male and 30 inches for the female, the Golden Retriever falls short by 6 to 8.5 inches. But dont let that get you down.

    Being a medium-sized dog is good enough to fit the size requirement for a guard dog. In fact, the Golden Retriever is roughly the same size of a Rottweiler! And, Rotties are some of the best guardians.

    Determining If A Golden Retriever Is A Good Family Dog

    Lets take a look at the most common traits that make the Golden Retriever such a well-suited dog to families. As I discuss each trait, I also include certain issues that families should consider for each trait.

    If you want to read a more in-depth article on the pros and cons of a Golden Retriever, I suggest taking a look at this article when you have a moment: Golden Retriever Pros and Cons: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

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    They Can Easily Knock Over Small Children

    It is true that goldens make great family dogs, and they are great with children. However, when they are puppies they are very bouncy and energetic, and they are large enough to knock over a small child.

    Puppies need to be supervised around small children. This breed is very energetic, playful, and loves to run and jump around. Even adults need to be careful because a golden can easily knock you over when they get excited and start running into your legs.

    They certainly dont mean to do any harm, it is just their excitable nature.

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