Are
You Ready?
So you want to get a
Golden Retriever? Have you done all your research? Have you visited the
home page of the Golden Retriever Club of America www.grca.org?
(There is a very good link for new puppy buyers.) Have you talked it over with all family members? Who shall
be responsible for the day to day needs, such as, feeding, walks,
training, grooming etc? Have you asked questions of golden owners,
breeders and/or a veterinarian you may know? Have they answered them to
your satisfaction? Have you read a few books on Golden Retrievers? Our
books link has some current good books about Goldens, by Golden owners.
Well, here's some additional information to check out before making that
final decision. Whether you ultimately choose a Golden or another breed
the responsibilities of owning a dog are the same. You must be prepared
to. . .
-
Accept responsibility for
this Golden, it becomes a part of your family. And accept any
neutering/spaying, training, boarding, grooming)
-
Invest the time and
patience required to train your Golden to be a good companion? It may
require finding a trainer with basic obedience classes that are the
starting point for your Golden's entering the social worlds of both
people and pets.
-
Keep your Golden safe. Do
you have a fenced in yard? One that he can't escape? No running loose, no
riding in the back of pick-up trucks, no being left outside for any
periods of time?
-
Make sure your Golden gets
enough time, attention and exercise.
-
Live with the shedding and
activity level for the next 10-15 years
-
Accept responsibility for
your Golden, even though changes in your lifestyle may occur? (babies,
moving, divorce, health crisis, etc.)
-
Return your Golden to your
breeder if you are no longer able to keep and care for it?
Size:
Golden Retrievers are a Medium
size breed. Males should be between 23-24 in. at the withers (shoulders) and
weigh approximately 65-75 pounds. Females should be between 21-1/2 to 22-1/2
in. and weigh between 55-65 pounds.
Temperament/Activity
Levels:
Golden Retrievers can range from low to high
energy dogs. Their desire to please and over enthusiasm, at times, makes them
seem larger than they are. They require exercise and training which will help
burn off some of that extra energy. Any dog who is bored or has energy to burn
may develop behavior problems such as: digging, chewing, barking and fence
jumping. Generally, Goldens LOVE water! They are attracted to rain, snow,
water, mud, puddles, slime and muck. If you like a spotless home with
beautiful fragile items, a Golden Retriever is probably not for you. Goldens
are RETRIEVERS and like to pick-up things: kids' toys, shoes, clothing and
anything not nailed down. A solution to this is to call your dog to you,
remove the item and replace it with something acceptable for the dog: a bone
or toy.
Goldens are NOT watchdogs! If
you are looking for a watchdog DO NOT get a Golden. An intruder to your home
is most likely to encounter a tail wagging dog with a toy in its mouth.
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