You Shouldnt Leave Your Golden Retriever Alone For More Than 4
Goldens create strong bonds with their owners, meaning theyre great family dogs. Theyre willing to please their humans and love being around children of all ages because kids are always ready to play.
Leaving your Golden by herself all day will only make her suffer, which in time can generate depression, separation anxiety, and in some cases destructive behavior.
Hiring a pet walker or taking your Golden to dog care during the day can help, but none of these solutions replaces your presence. Only buy or adopt one of these dogs if you or other family members have time to play with her every day.
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Best Golden Retriever Treats
I created and currently manage Pet Dog Owner, the website you can go to when you have questions about your dog’s behavior. It is my hope that you find Pet Dog Owner to be a helpful resource. It is also my hope that it will help you to improve your relationship with your dog. You can read more about me and my website .
Why Are Golden Retrievers So Cute
Because golden retrievers are easy to please, they respond positively to obedience training. They complement this trait by being playful, affectinate and even-tempered.
Golden retrievers are very versatile and this is why they are so popular with people. They love being stimulated, learning and having activities with you.
They Are Easy To Train
One of the , Golden retrievers are considered easy to train and can learn an awful lot of commands and tricks.
Of course youll want to master basic obedience together, but you can also impress your friends with all sorts of tricks such as: Learning the names of and fetching different items, putting away their toys, dancing and even bringing you a drink!
Of course, being such an intelligent breed it does mean you simply have to dedicate to regular training, otherwise those smarts can lead to mischief and misbehavior.
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.
Do Golden Retrievers Protect Their Owners
It is well known that Golden Retrievers are a loyal breed that form a strong bond with their owners. Golden Retrievers have the ingrained desire to protect their owners from harm. But most Golden Retrievers seem to be missing the attack reflex that makes a good guard dog.
Golden Retrievers are people-focussed dogs. Their friendly nature can extend to anyone, And their quiet nature means they are not good at raising the alarm.
Golden Retrievers are intelligent and trainable. It is possible for owners to train them to protect a household or area.This training is more likely to be successful if the dog is young. Experts advise against training your Golden Retriever to be aggressive towards other humans. This goes against their friendly nature. If you are looking for a more aggressive dog that is also a good family pet, there are many other breeds to choose from.
As with all dog breeds, there are exceptions to the rule. Although it goes against their nature, Golden Retrievers can be aggressive. But they are unlikely to be born that way. If a puppy is neglected, frightened or not socialized, they may be aggressive.
Final Thoughts On What Is Bad About Golden Retrievers
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. As a total fan of this wonderful breed, I thought it would be hard to come up with anything bad about Golden Retrievers but easily came up with 13.
What about you? Are you able to look past the 13 bad things about Golden Retrievers? Let me know what you like or dont like about this breed. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Are Golden Retrievers Good With Kids
The Golden Retrievers energetic, friendly, and loyal nature makes them the perfect companion for kids of all ages. They are patient and empathetic dogs and will generally not play too rough with children. Like with any dog breed, you must watch them with young children, but overall, they are among the best breeds for families. They love to be outside running and playing fetch and enjoy cuddling with their families.
Golden Retriever Vs Average Dogs
Now that we know where the Golden Retriever stands in terms of dog intelligence, how do they compare with the average dog? For reference, the average dogs are those ranked between the 63rd and 104th spot on Corens list.
On average, these dogs need between 25 to 40 repetitions in order to learn an unknown command. Compared to the Golden Retriever, average dogs learn at least 5 times slower! Instead of a few minutes, it could take them half a day to learn a command.
As for obedience intelligence, average dogs will obey a known command on the first attempt with a 50% or higher success rate. Theyre not nearly as obedient as the Golden Retriever, but still not bad at all.
Theres nothing wrong with being average intelligent. In fact, some of the worlds most popular dog breeds fall into this average IQ category. For example, the Australian Shepherd, , , Great Dane and the Siberian Husky are average, yet regarded by many owners as smart.
Other Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Are Smart
The current list of smartest dog breeds is flawed. That is, its a one-dimensional intelligence test. While obedience & working intelligence is a good place to start in measuring dog IQ, it doesnt tell the full story. However, it is the most objective way of measuring dog intelligence.
Even Stanley Coren will admit this. In fact, he did. According to the renowned canine researcher, there are two other components of dog intelligence: instinctive and adaptive intelligence. Both of which, may be more important than obedience & working IQ.
How Affectionate Are Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They quite often forget their size and prefer to think of themselves as lap dogs!. While each dog will have their own personality, most in this breed are cuddlers and will love to snuggle up to their owners and their children. It is vital to make sure you have enough time and the ability to give these dogs the attention they need to live a happy life. While having an affectionate dog is a plus for most dog owners, if youre unable to return that affection, it can lower a Goldens quality of life.
Golden Retrievers Love Other Animals
Golden retrievers arent just social with humans, but also with other animals. Theyre known for their gentle mouth, which makes them infamous for picking up smaller animals in their mouths without hurting them.
There are stories of golden retrievers picking up kittens, puppies, turtles, hamsters, and every other small animal with a gentle golden mouth. Theyre known to never hurt another animal, as theyre very careful.
Golden retrievers also love to play with other dogs. Theyre very social dogs, especially if theyre allowed to socialize as a young dog and puppy. If you get the chance, make sure your golden retriever can go out and make friends.
Golden retrievers work well in multi-animal households. They arent known as heavily prey driven, meaning they rarely try to chase or harm smaller animals. Even if they do, theyre so trainable you should have very little to no fear when adding a golden retriever to your pets.
So Are Golden Retrievers The Friendliest Dogs
From my experience and as a golden retrievers dog parent, absolutely! The Golden Retriever has proven time and time again that it is the friendliest and most loyal dog. Whether you want to play all day outside, have a snuggle at bedtime, or need an intelligent dog who will warn you of danger and work as hard as you do, the Golden Retriever ticks all of the boxes of mans best friend!
Golden Retrievers Are Intelligent
Originally bred to help us hunt prey, Golden Retrievers rank as the fourth smartest dog breed around, only coming in behind border collies, poodles, and German shepherds.
For those who own goldens, this probably isnt a surprise: Whether its playing fetch or doing tricks, retrievers often showcase their knowledge!
Having a smart dog offers a lot of fun and unique advantages. For example, because of that intelligence, you need to constantly teach golden retrievers new tricks and new games to challenge their minds.
They wont thrive with walking the same path every day; theyll want to explore their surroundings, learn, and experience new things.
It might seem like a lot of work, but this is how you build a real bond with your pet: Exploring with them, teaching them tricks, playing with them, and molding their mind will help you create amazing memories together.
Retrievers Are Easy to Train
With the golden retrievers exceptional intelligence, you can train them to do many skills.
Thats a big reason retrievers are one of the most common breeds for therapy and guide dogs and even search-and-rescue teams.
With a long history of hunting and retrieving game, goldens are great listeners when given direction and are a great choice for people looking to teach a dog to handle tasks other breeds just cannot.
Golden Retrievers Are Loyal
Golden retrievers are so loyal they actually get stressed if they dont see their owners for long periods of time.
Golden Retrievers Are Obedient
They Are Still Bred To Be Friendly
Today, most Goldens are bred to be show dogs or family pets instead of hunting dogs. While many show breeders prioritize a Golden Retrievers looks over their personalities, many still consider their temperament and try to breed dogs that are good-looking and friendly.
Temperament is especially important for family pet breeders. They try to breed Goldens that are gentle, playful, and sweet so that theyll behave well with families and children. Pet owners enjoy having this breed because theyre good with other pets, young kids, and even strangers.
Many breeders therefore choose to only breed Goldens that have wonderful personalities. These desirable traits are then passed down from generation to generation. This is why Golden Retrievers, in general, are known for being so happy and friendly!
Why Your Golden Retriever Is Aggressive To Other Dogs
Below are some possible reasons why it does it and what would make them more likely.
A lack of exposure to other dogs
One reason might be not getting much exposure to other dogs as a puppy. When Golden Retrievers are puppies they would normally get to interact with their littermates on a daily basis. This would allow them to learn that other dogs will not attack them, that they are friends and it also teaches them how to control their bite. If your Golden Retriever didnt get to do that then it will still have it in its nature to be cautious of other dogs.
Dominance
It could also be the case that your Golden Retriever does it because it is being dominant which would be more likely if it does it more when it is with smaller dogs. Signs that this could be the reason would include your Golden Retriever displaying other dominant behaviors such as trying to position itself in higher positions than you or being unresponsive to your command .
Overly enthusiastic play
It might be the case that it is not actually attacking the other dogs. Rather, it might be playing with them in an overly enthusiastic way. When this happens it can cause dogs to display aggressive behavior like biting or growling. Regardless this is still something that you should try to stop.
Protecting territory or owner
It could also be the case that it does it because it is being protective which would be more likely if it also becomes aggressive around other people as well.
Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Train
The Golden Retriever is perennially a top 5 in American Kennel Clubs list of the 13 easiest dogs to train. They say the Golden Retriever is easy to train because they are eager to please. They are also intelligent, so they can grasp what their owner expects of them.
Golden Retrievers are generally very easy to train, but this depends on what you are teaching them to do. The Golden Retriever is an obedient and clever dog, so training them to obey most commands is easy.
But, if you are trying to train your Golden Retriever to be a guard dog, your pet is likely to disappoint you! Golden Retrievers are large, fit and robust dogs, but they dont make good guard dogs. They are usually too friendly and they lack the necessary aggression.
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:
Golden Retrievers Are Gentle
Golden retrievers are one of the most gentle and kind dog breeds, which comes from their deep-rooted desire to please their owners.
Theyre amazing with kids and rarely cause trouble around the house , which is why theyre well-known as a great family dog.
You can even see how much they adore their owner by their love and ability to play fetch.
Theyre also a very tender dog breed famous for their incredibly soft mouth grip.
Just think about it: What other dog breeds could possibly hold a raw egg in their mouth and carry it around without breaking it?
How To Stop Your Golden Retriever From Pulling On The Leash
There are two ways to get your golden to stop pulling on the leash:
If theyre walking nicely next to you, give them praise and treats.
But when they pull, they want to go forward, so if you let them go forward, youre reinforcing that behavior.
Instead, stop or turn in the other direction.
Eventually, theyll learn that pulling doesnt get them what they want, but sticking by your side does.
Also, the more tired your golden is, the less likely theyll pull.
So before you go for a walk on a leash, play inside or in the backyard with them to get the edge off.
The Giant Golden Retriever Faq List
- 24 August 2021
Golden Retrievers are beautiful, obedient, and make great family pets and hunting dogs. They also make great guide dogs for blind people, narcotic detection dogs, and even tracking dogs for finding missing people. Although there are many other dog breeds out there, Golden Retrievers remain one of the most versatile and most astonishing breeds.
Adopting A Dog From A Golden Retriever Rescue Or Shelter
There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started.
1. Use the Web
Sites like and can have you searching for a Golden in your area in no time flat. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests or very general . can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Also some local newspapers have pets looking for homes sections you can review.
Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.
2. Reach Out to Local Experts
Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Golden. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a , that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.
3. Talk to Breed Rescue
Most people who love Goldens love all Goldens. Thats why breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs. The Golden Retriever Club of Americas Rescue Network can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Golden rescues in your area.
4. Key Questions to Ask
You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog. These include:
Why Golden Retrievers Are Nice Household Canine
Golden Retrievers are pleasant, clever, athletic and mild canine. Theyre simply trainable as theyre ranked as one of the clever canine in response to Stanley Corens Intelligence of Canine Scale. This breed adores individuals, and doesnt make an excellent guard canine as a result of they are typically overly social.
The breed is loyal to their household pack and accepting of strangers. These canine are exceptionally affected person and tolerant with human kids. And have additionally been famous to have maternal instincts to different animals younger which have been abandon. Golden canine have been recognized to take over major care of kittens and zoo animals which have lose their moms. These canine are an energetic and fun-loving breed that likes to work.
This breed is prepared to please their house owners and so they prefer to have a job to do. Due to their laborious working traits and motivation to please Golden Retrieves excel at agility and obedience trails. Their willingness to be taught and quietness has made Golden Retrievers the best canine for changing into information canine, mobility help canine and search and rescue canine. The Golden Retriever learns greatest with coaching kinds that complement their mild nature similar to constructive reinforcement, not harsh criticism. These canine require day by day grooming and train, and loves water play, actions that may solely strengthen the bond between the canine and your loved ones.
They Take Over Your Furniture
Be prepared for a golden to get comfortable on your couch, or even your bed. Some owners enjoy sharing their furniture with their dogs, and some dont.
When I first got my golden Ellie, I didnt want her on the furniture. I tried putting tinfoil on the couch to prevent her from jumping up. That scare tactic lasted 2 days at the most after she realized tinfoil isnt scary, and the couch is so comfortable. Now I share the couch with her.
I think the reality is that you can train your dog to stay off the furniture, but sometimes it is easier to just give in.
Why Golden Retrievers Are The Best
Of all the breeds out there, golden retrievers are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and theres plenty of great reasons why.
This article will show you all the reasons why golden retrievers are the best breed if youre looking to get yourself a pup, backed by science and the history of how theyve evolved over time.
The Very Finest Fabrics For Chew Toys
Not all products have been made equal when it comes to chewing toys. Look for these if you want consistency with golden retriever toys for chewing.
- Strong rubber
While there is no such thing as indestructible when it comes to chewing toys, hard rubber is about as close as youre going to get.
Favorite brands like KONG and Goughnuts make some of the toughest and most durable toys on the planet and use special hard rubber formulations to achieve this.
Golden retrievers and other heavy-chewing big dogs are the best customers for hard rubber toys resilient enough to handle a few rounds of strength chewing while providing enough excitement to keep them engaged.
Some of the best hard rubber chew toys will last years if youre lucky!
- Rope Toys
Many dogs love to play tug-of-war with the large balls of rope with are near seconds to hard rubber. Their sheer thickness offers enough of a tough surface for the retrievers to really get their teeth through and, if the strands start to fall off, theyre quickly moved into your dogs digestive system .
Theyre easy to wash, too, and a great interactive opportunity for you and your dog.
They Want To Be Our Therapist
If you have this four-legged furry creature dawdling around in your home, know that you have your own personal therapist that will be on call 24 hours a day!
Golden retrievers arent sociable just so they can make friends and get attention from others. They are also friendly so that you can rely on them in times of need. They have impressive intuitive abilities, and they know exactly when youre down or upset. When they sense that your mood is off, they will do their best to comfort you by giving you a warm, comforting, hairy hug.
You can talk to your golden retriever for hours on end, and they will simply sit still and listen to you with absolute patience and a demeanor.
Isnt it just so incredibly comforting to know that there is a fuzzy and a fluffy little friend waiting for you to come home every time you are out?
The only downside to having a golden retriever as your therapist is that it wont be able to offer you any advice; otherwise, they are excellent listeners!
How To Care For A Golden Retriever
A Golden Retriever puppy or adult dog may be friendly people-pleasers, but that doesnt make the breed low maintenance. They need daily exercise, regular brushing, and training. The good news is theyre so easy going, theyll adapt well to almost any home, especially homes with small children.
Golden Retrievers have a thick undercoat and long outer coat, but grooming is still relatively easy as long as you brush them consistently. They dont typically need a haircut for their flat coats, but they do need brushing every one to three days. Focus on the hind legs and the backs of the ears, where tangles and mats can develop quickly. While grooming needs dont vary for coat color, wavy-haired Retrievers are more prone to tangles than their straight-haired counterparts and may need a little more brushing.
A bit of mess comes standard with Golden Retrievers, so if you hate stray fur and dirt, look elsewhere for a canine companion. You can more or less make a new dog every week with the fur they shed, and they love to swim and get muddy. Just keep up with the regular grooming, being sure to rinse them off if they happen to take a dip in the water, and things wont get out of hand.
Of course, they have that mischievous side. So no matter how well-trained they are, youll still get an occasional moment when theyre more interested in goofing off. That just makes your Golden Retriever experience more fun!