Golden Retrievers

[Anonymous15235]

Feel free to ask any questions specific to the GR, fun traits, training advice etc about the golden.

I have a almost 2 year old Golden Girl she's got me sold on Goldens! they are so sweet and caring.

does anyone else that own a golden find that their golden has a master, and only that one person they will listen to>?

[RubyJeansMom]

My sister has always had Goldens, they are such sweet dogs.
And I have noticed that her dogs only have eyes for her. It's like no one else exists for them as long as she is there.

[Ozzy&Kaya]

I had a Golden Retriever...
Goldens are sweet dogs! I like this breed a lot

[Anonymous15235]

My sister has always had Goldens, they are such sweet dogs.
And I have noticed that her dogs only have eyes for her. It's like no one else exists for them as long as she is there.

Our Golden Madison, only has eyes for her daddy. When he is around she refuses to listen to me or do anything I ask.. Typical female I guess. lol I do the same thing. I was just wondering if anyone else saw this becuase they are supposed to be people dogs, but madison is more a 1 person dog.

[RubyJeansMom]

Our Golden Madison, only has eyes for her daddy. When he is around she refuses to listen to me or do anything I ask.. Typical female I guess. lol I do the same thing. I was just wondering if anyone else saw this becuase they are supposed to be people dogs, but madison is more a 1 person dog.

I have the opposite, all three of my dogs want nothing to do with their daddy when I'm around. Unless he has food

[mpetrea]

My fiance and I are about to get a golden retreiever. She is only a week and half old right now. We will be able to bring her home early June. We already have one dog, a 3 year old Westie. Does anyone have any advice for us on this breed?

[aspen's mom]

I currently have two Golden Retrievers and have had two others (both at the Rainbow Bridge now.) While not an expert, I think I have some experience living with the breed. My goldies are the sweetest, gentlest souls anyone could encounter.

Here are some things I've experienced and observed:

Goldens take a long time to mature; they stay babies until they are about two years old, that is physically and emotionally. Some Goldens (most, I think) don't ever completely grow out of their "goofy" stage. In spite of that, all of mine have been easily and quickly potty trained. They learned basic commands after a couple of sessions. Some "tricks" and commands were taught without treat rewards, just lots of praise and enthusiasm. Walking on a lead has been the most difficult thing with 3 of my 4, mostly because they are such happy and friendly dogs.

They are RETRIEVERS, so they love to fetch (although I have one who doesn't). Because they were originally bred to do a job, they need exercise and lots of stimulation. Thye can be prone to chubbiness if not exercised and food intake not monitored.

I have heard that Goldens have skin and allergy issues. None of mine have ever had these problems, but I feed them high grade grain-free kibbles. Because goldies are prone to bloat, I feed mine small helpings 3 times a day in special bowls.

They shed like crazy. I vacuum carpets and upholstery about 5 times a week. They need to be combed often.

I'm sure you have heard that Goldens can have hip and knee problems. There is no way to predict this, but knowing family health history helps. It is good idea to get X-rays on your dog at some point; your vet can discuss this with you. Some Goldens are predisposed to certain types of cancer. Regrettably, some of these are not detectable until it is too late (I speak from experience.) Again, good diet might not completely forestall this, but it probably helps.

Mine have been and are wonderfully even-tempered, affectionate members of my family. They get along with each other, their terrier mix brother, and the assorted foster dogs we've kept.

I envy you your new puppy!

[aspen's mom]

Oh, and by the way, I have fostered Westies, and my golden girls love them. Their brother is a Cairn mix.

[mpetrea]

Thank you so much for your advice and observations!! They will help prepare me for the future!

[Anonymous15235]

There is already a thread on the GR's if you look you'll find it, I'm actually going to move this whole thread in to the other golden thread so there is not two of them..

I also have a golden named Madison

[Abbi the dog]

So, I know that this is an old thread, but I'm going to post anyway...
We have a Golden named Jed. He is the sweetest thing you can imagine around everyone, and nearly everything. He LOVES kids! whenever the really little ones come over (1-3 years) he likes to give them "horsey rides" on his strong shoulders! They love it.
Interestingly, he had quite a bit of trouble learning to fetch a ball...much more than our border collie mix did anyway, but now, he wants nothing else.
He has one downfall, and that is his tendency to be very aggressive toward other dogs. I'm not sure if it is his protective instinct or what...anyone else have this problem?
Training was a breeze...he just picked everything right up!
All in all, Golden Retrievers are smart, LOVING, and very easy dogs to get along with. I have found that sometimes they can be a little over exuberant in their greetings...but you can't help but love them back!

[3pups1kit]

I was wondering if anyone has had/has a Golden who is very easily frightened? We have been working with our 8 mo old girl , Tovah, & she is improving slowly, but we had to get our vet & trainer involved & we ended up starting her on prozac about a month ago. It has been very frustrating & discouraging.We got a purebred Golden because I was hoping to eventually get her certified as a Therapy Dog, & we thought the disposition of Golden's would easily lend itself to that goal. I have had to reconcile myself to the idea that she will probably never be a Therapy Dog & be happy if she is just a normal pet. Anyway, I would appreciate any suggestions or comments.

[Anonymous15235]

Madison was a little at first, but we took her to obed. training at petsmart and and went thru some of the classes more then once. she is better now, but she will still bark and run away if there is something new in the house, or something out of place she gets spooked and gets her scared bark going..

with the training classes with madison, not only that we put her puppy day care a few times, and were constantly taking her out and exposing her to new situations, it took time and patience but int he end it's all worked out and now she's a therapy dog for a retirement home

[Anonymous15235]

i just thought of this, you might want to post this question under behavior/training as well.. sorta a cross post since not tons of people look at the GR topic.

[3pups1kit]

Thanks, I will do that---& it was good to hear that there is hope for her!