Advantages Of Using A Dog Crate
Eases the Transportation of Your Dog
A fully trained golden retriever knows how to behave well. This means you don’t have any hard time getting your dog in the car. The well-spent time in dog crate training can also be applied in this situation wherein you will need to transport your dog using a crate through a long ride journey.
It’s less hassle for you when you are going for scheduled checkups for your dog or even excursion trips to faraway places. Your dog is happy while remaining calm on the road. Also, don’t forget to bring their favorite dog toys and blankets to ensure that there will be no problem along the road.
A Crate is For Calming
A crate is not only used for dog crate training, it’s also for calming pets who are beyond control. Because some dogs, especially puppies who are full energy will play with another dog or children endlessly. Of course, if the puppy’s playmate is already tired and the puppy itself is still aroused and full of energy, it will be hard for them to calm down.
Instead, the best way to calm them down is to put them in a dog crate for just a few minutes. If they are relaxed and have calmed down, release them immediately and give them some positive reinforcement like his favorite dog treats.
This is to remove the idea of punishing him through solitary confinement and feel not bad about what happened. Not to be confused with cruel punishment by confining him because you are in big trouble if you do that.
A Dog Crate Keeps Dogs Apart
Pros Of Spaying And Neutering
As mentioned earlier, spaying decreases the risk of your female dog developing mammary cancer. In fact, it decreases the risk of your dog developing uterine and ovarian cancer as well.
Spaying your dog will also prevent your dog from developing a life-threatening condition called “pyometra”. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. If this happens to your dog, they will need to undergo an emergency spay procedure to remove the uterus. Otherwise they are at risk of dying.
Neutering your male dog will prevent them from developing testicular cancer. It will also prevent them from developing an enlarged prostate later in life. Many intact male dogs tend to get away from their home to seek out a female dog. Neutering them will decrease this behavior, and thus decrease the risk of them getting lost or hit by a car.
What If Your Golden Retriever Is Overweight Or Underweight
you’ve consulted the chart and have concerns about whether your Golden Retriever is over or underweight, there are a few steps to take to be able to evaluate your dog.
If your dog is at a healthy weight, then you should be able to easily feel his or her ribs. If your dog’s stomach has visible signs of sagging, that should mean there is too much fat on your dog’s body and appropriate measures should be taken to help them get to a better weight.
Your dog should actually have a sort of “hourglass” figure. If there is no slight curve in your dog’s waist, that could mean that your pet is potentially overweight. A rounded face or visible folds of skin are also indications of an overweight Golden Retriever.
And finally, if your dog has a lack of desire for exercise and is extremely uncomfortable in warmer weather, this could mean that they are overweight.
On the other hand, if you can see your dog’s ribs and spine, has a severe abdominal tuck or have no fat at the base of his or her tail, these can be signs that they are underweight.
Golden Retriever Genetics And Common Health Problems
The Golden Retriever is most known for having an average issue of the elbow and hip dysplasia—which is commonly seen in medium to larger breeds. This is where the femoral head partially dislocates and sometimes requires surgery.
Another common health problem is cancer,with the most common kinds as hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma.
What Can You Use To Predict Your Puppys Size
Here are a couple of rule-of-thumb guides to predict your pup’s adult weight.
Firstly, if your dog had puppies, an average newborn doubles their birthweight by one week of age. After that, their weight gain is a cumulative 5 – 10 % increase day on day.
But by six weeks of age, small and big dogs gain weight very differently. Small breeds tend to gain 5 oz. a week, with larger breeds gaining nearly six times this at around 2lb 5 oz. a week.
Golden Retriever Growth And Weight Chart The Complete Guide
If you already have a Golden Retriever puppy, keeping an eye on its milestones is an excellent way of ensuring that her growth is on track.
Those dogs that experience malnutrition and overfeeding, or growing slowly or too quickly, can have long-term effects on their health and life. So how do you know if your pup is on track?
You’re in the right place if you want your questions answered!
Table of Contents
Obesity And Golden Retrievers
In the above sections of the blog post, we went through the ideal weight of healthy male and female Golden Retrievers.
So, what happens if your dog gains a lot of weight?
In this section of the blog, we will go through what obesity can do to your precious little Goldy.
Let’s begin.
Golden Retrievers are categorized as large breed dogs which means that you need to be really careful when your dog begins to look chubby and fluffier than normal. The large size along with the added extra pounds causes a lot of pressure on your dog’s joints and may eventually lead to joint problems.
The extra pressure on the joints can cause calluses and sores to form which may even result in your dog losing mobility and you may notice him laying down more frequently than he did before.
The reduced mobility and the additional weight can cause your furry friend to have numerous problems such as diabetes, arthritis, kidney and liver disease, high blood pressure, etc.
These problems can take years off your dog’s life.
With the right care and attention, you can ensure that your dog is in a healthy weight range and has a diet that’s healthy and sustaining.
Golden Retriever Puppy Growth And Development
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Golden Retriever puppy growth from 8 weeks to adulthood. We’ll look at how much a Golden Retriever puppy should weigh and the impact of nutrition on puppy growth. And also cover how you can determine if your Golden is too fat or too thin to ensure your puppy is as healthy as possible.
How Long Does It Take For Golden Retrievers To Reach Their Full Size
While maintaining the energy and personality of a puppy for their entire life, Golden Retrievers only take around one to two year to fully physically mature.
At this point, their bones will be fully grown, and they will require the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Their mental maturity on the other hand, can take up to three years before being fully developed.
Our Top 4 Picks For Dog Crates For Golden Retrievers
OUR TOP PICK: Petmate Dog Crate
Product Description: If a classic dog crate is what you need, then you will like this Precision Pet dog crate. This is perfect for golden retrievers and other dogs similar to this breed or even larger. Plus, the dog crate structure is very precise which is perfect for dog crate training. This comes with many selections and different sizes and designed to withstand aggressive chewers.Furthermore, this is very reliable and it’s strong enough which is why this is your perfect crate. It features a 5 point lock system with 2 doors on each side for easy access and enhanced security. Plus, it has rounded corners to keep the crate snug-free.It very travels friendly and you can bring this everywhere. It also has a divider so you can place your puppy and also an adult dog here. The materials are rust-resistant, so expect longevity in this product. It can be used for playpens and also for kennels, and you can actually do whatever you want here. But don’t use this for cruel treatments.
Offer price: $$$
Summary
All in all, you will definitely love this dog crate. The brand has earned well-received remarks from its customers because the product is very high quality. Also, it’s very affordable to every dog owner put there. So, if you are looking for a dog crate consider this as your investment not just for a short time but a long time investment.
Pros
Different Growth In Golden Retriever Types
Golden Retrievers are classified as a sporting breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. Overall the physical differences are slight. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. If your puppy comes from a working-type background, then don’t be surprised if their weight falls a little below average.
Promoting Physical Health And Growth In Golden Retriever Puppies
Owners can promote physical health in their golden retriever puppies by adhering to a few strategies regarding food, water, immunizations, and exercise. This allows puppies to grow and develop in optimal ways for long-term well-being. Your veterinarian can provide recommendations, services, and important information to keep your puppy as healthy as possible.
- Provide high-quality, nutritious food, specific to puppy age and golden retriever breed.
- Develop a proper feeding schedule for frequency and amount based on puppy age.
- Provide easy access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Offer healthy treats as occasional rewards, being careful not to over-feed or over-reward.
- Avoid giving any “human” food, which could interfere with your puppy’s gastrointestinal health and result in severe toxicity in their system.
- Provide proper immunizations for your puppy, administered by a veterinary professional on a recommended schedule.
- Allow for exercise through playtime and reasonable walks.
It’s also important for owners to pay close attention to any signs of distress in their retrievers, as this can inhibit healthy growth and development.
These signs can be anything from excessive grooming to appetite and digestive issues to isolation or aggressive behavior.
One of the more dangerous trends interfering with physical health and growth for golden retriever puppies, as well as other breeds, is overfeeding.
What Do I Need To Consider For An Adult Dog
Now that you have a general idea about how big your puppy will get, you have a better idea of the size collar and crate he’ll need once he’s an adult. See our handy guide on dog collar sizing and fitting, which also includes the average neck sizes for 100+ breeds.
Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best and for dogs of all sizes. And learn more about when to switch a puppy to adult dog food.
Are you worried that your dog will get a lot bigger than you expect?
How Much Should I Feed My Golden Retriever Puppy
A Golden Retriever puppy will have to be fed three meals a day until he is six months old, at which time you can feed him twice a day. Meal size can vary from one puppy to the next, but the average three-month-old Golden puppy will eat two cups of food a day. At this time, you should divide the food into three meals and serve it in the morning, noon, and evening.
How Much Exercise Does The Mini Golden Retriever Need
These canines are not couch potatoes, so don’t expect to spend a lot of time chilling at home with your dog.
Just like a standard Golden Retriever, expect your Mini Golden Retriever to be a highly energetic dog who loves the outdoors.
Expect to spend at least 30 minutes on active play to use all their pent-up energy.
Your Mini Golden Retriever will love spending time with you on walks or even runs.
Swimming is also something that this pooch will enjoy, especially for the Golden Retriever and Poodle mix, as both its parents were bred for water activities.
Impact Of Nutrition On Breed Puppy Growth
Puppies that don’t get enough to eat or are fed a low-quality diet may not grow properly. However, in developed countries, it’s far more likely that a dog is being overfed. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy.
Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. It’s important to remember that both the type and amount of food are key.
F2 And Multigen Doodles
Now, the more “Doodle” a dog is , the more difficult it is to predict really anything about the dog – let alone its adult size. This is because F2 Doodles are very genetically diverse.
Now, we can look solely at the general sizing charts for our puppy’s Doodle breed and decide to be happy about that “how big will my puppy get?” question. But when they say a Standard Labradoodle can weigh between 50 and 90 lb., that doesn’t give much info. And I don’t know about you, but seeing a weight range that large would still have that question burning a hole through my brain.
How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers usually weigh from 55 to 75 pounds and reach their full height and weight when they are 12 to 18 months old. Keep in mind that every dog is an individual and that it can take more or less time for your Golden puppy to reach his adult size. However, your Golden’s caloric needs will greatly decrease when he reaches 12 to 14 months and he will no longer need the same amount of food as before.
An adult and active Golden will need to eat between 1,300 to 1,700 calories per day. However, keep in mind that age, weight, activity level, health problems, and overall lifestyle will determine how many calories your Golden needs per day.
For example, nursing mothers and dogs that perform heavy work will need more than 2,000 calories per day in order to maintain their weight and stay healthy. On the other hand, if your pooch is more of a couch potato type than an athlete he will probably need around 1,000 calories a day in order to maintain a healthy weight.
During adulthood, your Golden Retriever feeding schedule should consist of two equally spaced meals – ideally, you should feed your dog in the morning and evening. If you opt for feeding high-quality large breed dog food, an optimal Golden Retriever food amount will be:
- Females: 2 to 2 ½ cups a day
- Males: 3 to 3 ½ cups a day
- Active Males: 4 cups a day
- Nursing Females: 5 to 6 cups a day
Puppyhood Is The Best Time To Consider Pet Insurance
As a puppy, your dog has probably not shown any significant health concerns at his young age. Since pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, the younger your dog is when you sign up, the better coverage you will likely receive throughout his lifetime. Further, pet insurance can help support you financially during the unpredictable puppy years when dogs are more likely to chew on things they shouldn’t and run into dangerous situations. Check out our pet insurance 101 guide to learn more and determine whether pet insurance is worth it for your puppy.
Golden Retriever Feeding Guide Puppy Adult & Senior
You have probably noticed that no matter how much food you put in his bowl, your Goldie wants to eat more and acts like he is on brink of starvation! Being a large and energetic dog, your Golden Retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a Golden Retriever feeding chart.
Knowing how much to feed your Golden Retriever is always tricky but essential for his well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan.
Naturally, a Golden Retriever puppy and an older dog don’t have the same nutritional needs, and you will have to base your feeding plan according to your dog’s age, activity level, weight, and overall health.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about feeding your Golden Retriever, whether he is a puppy, adult, or senior. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your Goldie.
Once you bring your Goldie puppy home, it’s crucial that you feed him the right amount of high-quality puppy food. Skipping meals can slow your puppy’s growth and development, but overfeeding can cause your pup to grow too quickly, which can lead to bone and joint problems.
Most first-time owners think that their puppies should be chubby. In truth, Golden Retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food.
#1: English Cream Golden Retrievers Are Not From England
No, most English Cream goldens you’ll find in America are not from England.
Just like French fries are not from France.
All golden retrievers originated from Scotland in the mid-1800s when Lord Tweedmouth bred a Tweed water spaniel and a yellow wavy-coated retriever.
Most American breeders of these goldens either breed dogs from here in the States or import their dogs from all over the world, including:
- Denmark
- The Netherlands
So how did English Cream goldens get their misleading name?
According to Bev Brown, the Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club, were the first ones to write up the breed standard.
And in the early 1900s, all dog shows in Britain were held in England.
So in America, we called the champions of those dog shows, “English Champions.”
The “English” seems to have stuck with goldens that look like the English champions in those days, so 100 years later we’re calling them “English” Cream Golden Retrievers.
Features The Mini Golden Retriever May Inherit From Its Parents
The AKC’s breed standards have a more accurate description for the Golden Retriever, and a Golden’s offspring may get some of these physical traits.
Golden Retrievers have a broad skull with a straight muzzle. Their brown eyes are friendly and intelligent in expression. Other Petite Golden Retrievers may take after the Cocker Spaniel and have round, expressive eyes.
Many of these small crossbreeds have long, floppy ears, like the Golden, the Cocker Spaniel, and the Poodle.
Although they’re smaller, these hybrids may also have the well-balanced, compact bodies and the sturdy and muscular shoulders of their Golden parents.
Most Mini Golden Retrievers inherit the Poodle’s proud bearing, tempered by the amiable appearance of the Golden and the Cocker Spaniel.
Since their parent breeds have thick, long fur, these dogs often have coats with the same qualities. Many of them have golden-hued hair with a wavy, curly, or straight texture.
Thanks to their Poodle parents, they are also less likely to trigger allergies. Sometimes, Mini Golden Retrievers are considered a hypoallergenic crossbreed.
The Growth Stages Of The Goldens Puppy
Before taking into the numbers and getting exact or estimate the size of the Golden Retriever puppy as they grow older, let us have a quick glance at the Goldens puppy life stages.
Goldens’ Neonatal Stage
From the first day they were born up to their three weeks, the Golden Retriever puppy is said to be adapting on their neonatal stage. They are totally helpless and are fully dependent on their mother. Their mother should feed them and keep them warm.
In terms of size, the Golden Retriever puppy is usually small and has a weight of fewer than five pounds. However, during this period their size will significantly vary. Within the litter, there would be some that are generally smaller and they are called the runt. The runt hardly struggles at this stage of puppyhood so better to provide them with proper care.
Key Points of Development:
- Already opened eyes and ears
- Growth of the first baby teeth
- Crawling and walking learning stage
The Stage of Golden’s Socialization
The Golden Retriever puppy is trying to emerge itself into its surroundings which will generally last for 3 to 12 weeks. This is actually the stage of this dog breed’s life that is very essential for their growth. Although getting in touch with their mother is still important for the pups, the requirement to begin consuming some solid foods is also a must.
Key Points of Development:
- Learn to control the bladder and bowel movements
- First vaccinations
The Goldens’ Juvenile Stage of Development
Getting A Golden Retriever
Do plenty of research before you get a Golden Retriever. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first.
When Is Your Golden Retriever A Senior Dog
When your golden retriever reaches the age of eight, it will be considered a senior. During this phase of life, your golden retriever might show signs of ageing.
These include finding it a bit more difficult to get around, gaining some weight, being a bit less tolerant, and even experiencing anxiety, to mention just a few age-related behaviors that could affect your dog.
It’s important to be aware of these changes so you can spot anything that raises a red flag. You also need to make some lifestyle changes to ensure you keep your golden retriever happy and healthy into old age. These include:
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight. It’s easy for senior dogs to start to become , but this can lead to health problems so it’s important to ensure your dog eats a healthy, balanced diet that is filled with fiber, protein, and fat, and doesn’t contain too many treats.
- Avoid rewarding bad behavior. If your golden retriever starts acting up when he or she gets older, it’s important not to reinforce the behavior by giving them attention. If you give your golden retriever what it wants when it acts up, it will learn that this negative behavior works on you! It’s better to get into the habit now of rewarding your golden retriever when he or she is calm to encourage that behavior into their later life.
- Don’t stop playing games! Senior golden retrievers should be getting a lot of playtime! Keep your senior dog mentally stimulated with a range of toys, such as puzzles and plush toys.
Illness And Puppy Growth
If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. Being heavily infested with intestinal worms like hookworms and roundworms can leach calories and ultimately affect a puppy’s growth. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. If you’re concerned about your puppy’s growth rate, it’s best to contact your vet to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical cause.
How Do I Make Sure My Golden Retriever Is Healthy
Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. So regular veterinary care, along with a healthy lifestyle, can provide your “Goldie” with the best foundation for a happy, healthy life.
Healthy lifestyle choices such as an appropriate diet and exercise routine are crucial in your pup’s everyday happiness and long-term health. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood.
According to the Veterinary Centers of America, Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. They should be carefully monitored to see if they’ve gained weight, as their long coats can easily disguise weight gain. This can be done easily by being mindful of your pup’s body size and shape when you’re petting them, as well as routine observation by a veterinarian as part of your Golden’s annual physical exam.