Owner guide - Train your Golden Retriever

Remember that Golden Retrievers try very hard to please and train fairly easily as long as you are consistent and patient with them.

Golden Retriever - Golden Retriever

Owner guide - Trim Golden Retriever's nails

Make sure to trim Golden Retriever's nails monthly to prevent foot problems.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Bathe Golden Retriever infrequently

Bathe Golden Retriever infrequently ; it doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at home.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Brush your Golden Retriever weekly

Brush your Golden Retriever weekly to help keep shedding down. This breed sheds year-round.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Learn about the health problems

Learn about the health problems associated with Golden Retriever : hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, congenital heart disease, epilepsy, thyroid disorders and allergies.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Keep your Golden Retriever's weight down

Keep your Golden Retriever's weight down. Overweight dogs have more health problems, including heart trouble and arthritis.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What is a hot spot of Golden Retriever?

They look like open, oozing sores that start out real small, could be the size of a quarter and if not treated quickly the size of it will escalate really fast and get out of control. Golden Retrievers can get hot spots very easily. Hot spots are often caused by allergies. The most common would be by fleas. If you do not get all the shampoo out of your dog this can cause a hot spot too. Most hot spots need to be shaved so that they will get well. Shaving the area promotes air circulation. It is best to see the vet before they get out of control.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why does my Golden Retriever itch?

That is a tough question. Some of Golden Retrievers have allergies so this could be the cause. It could be inhalant, contact or food allergy. Many Golden Retrievers have very sensitive skin so it is important that you use medicated shampoo on them if they do. This can relieve a lot of the itching. Many of them have flea allergies and one flea alone can caused them to excessively itch.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot?

Not typically, but Golden Retrievers may bark if they are bored.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why does my Golden Retriever scoot on the floor or chew on his rear end at the base of his tail?

There could be two reasons for this. Your Golden Retriever could have tapeworms or their anal sacs need to be emptied. The first thing to check is their stool. Tapeworms look like little pieces of white rice and are visible. If they have tapeworms you will need to see your vet for treatment. If you do not see tapeworms then you may need to take your dog to the vet to see if his or hers anal sacs need to be emptied.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are Goldens good guard dogs?

No, most Golden Retrievers will bark at strangers but most of the time they will greet the stranger at the door with their tail wagging and a toy in their mouth ready to play. They will most likely show them where all the silverware in the house is.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why does my Golden Retriever not retrieve?

Some dogs are born with more drive than others, a puppy that is not properly socialized generally will not retrieve. Some puppies have no play drive which allows them to learn to retrieve on their own. It generally has to be encouraged by either the puppies siblings (as in "take away games") or by the owners engaging the dog in play and praising the dog for the retrieving behavior. Shaping the behavior by using praise when the puppy goes after the thrown object , more praise when he touches the object or picks it up, more when he takes even one step towards you with the object, etc.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - When do Golden Retrievers grow up?

Golden Retrievers are usually physically mature by 2 years of age. Mentally, it depends on the dog but usually not before 3 years of age.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Golden Retrievers need exercise?

Yes, letting your dog out for potty breaks only is not considered enough exercise. They are a sporting breed and as such need plenty of exercise. Throwing tennis balls, swimming and romping with other dogs is great exercise. You do need to be careful exercising your Golden Retriever under the age of 18 months old. They need exercise but it must not be forced. You should refrain from jogging with them until they are fully grown because you can damage their joints.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - I can't handle all the hair! What is your opinion on shaving a Golden?

Do not shave your Golden Retriever. An undercoat rake and a steady routine of brushing will solve the problem. Golden Retrievers actually have two coats of hair. Their coat is designed to keep them comfortable and protect them in both winter and summer. During the winter, the undercoat grows, and in the spring they being to blow that coat. The undercoat rake is designed to remove all of the dead undercoat. When first using one, it will take a few sessions of raking and brushing to remove all of the dead coat, but once you have done that, a weekly routine of brushing and using the undercoat rake will keep shedding to a minimum. The first time you use it, you will be shocked at the amount of hair you remove.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Golden Retrievers shed?

Yes they do! Golden Retrievers shed most all year round and there are least two times a year that it is a lot. You can expect dog hair everywhere if you own a Golden Retriever. They need to be brushed daily and regular use of an undercoat rake will significantly improve the shedding. Daily brushing also keeps them from matting. If you do not like dog hair in your house a Golden Retriever is probably not the dog for you.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why should I neuter my Golden Retriever?

Neutered pets can’t develop testicular tumors and have a lower incidence of prostate cancer. If you neuter your Golden Retriever early you will have less chances of medical problems, territorial aggression, leg lifting, roaming, behavioral problems, mounting & possessive aggression.

The biggest reason for spaying or neutering your dog is dog responsibility. Males who escape their yards can sire litters without their owner’s knowledge. Millions of unwanted dogs are euthanized everyday. The primary cause of this is people who fail to spay or neuter their dogs, and who abandon or give up dogs because of lack of commitment to training a dog.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why should I spay my dog?

There are many reasons you should spay your Golden Retriever.
If you have your female spayed before her first heat cycle you are protecting her against mammary tumors, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. Spayed pets will not have heat cycles that soil your rugs. Sterilized pets behave better.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do all males mark territory and lift their legs?

No, if they are neutered early enough, 6 months to 1 1/2 years, they do not become territorial markers or leg lifters. They will squat like a female Golden Retriever.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Is it true that females are calmer and more affectionate?

Absolutely not! Males in most cases are much more affectionate than females. Males are big loving teddy bears. Female Golden Retriever are generally more independent than males.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover