Although goldens are sweet and loyal and make excellent pets, many people focus on the looks and status of a golden without thinking about the commitment that they will need. Goldens are smart, witty, and perpetual puppies. If you don’t do your homework before deciding to bring a golden in to your home, you could be in for quite a surprise.
That Cute Little Puppy Will Grow Up
Golden puppies are probably the cutest thing on the planet, but people choosing to get a golden pup need to keep in mind that they will soon have a dog that is 65 to 90 pounds. They are still adorable then they grow up, but if the novelty wears off while they are still young, they can become ignored in their own home. As time goes on and the “puppy” gets bigger, it is imperative goldens attend an obedience class or two and that what is learned is reinforced at home.
Goldens Shed… A Lot!
You’ll need to get used to tumbleweeds of dog hair, clogged vacuum cleaners and lint rollers in every room. Your favorite pair of black velvet pants will look like a muppet faster than you can imagine. Dog hair is something that you will have to deal with on an hourly basis if you bring one into your home. Worth it? Absolutely.
Goldens are Not Born Trained
No, we’re not kidding. They are smart and need to go to a structured, positive-reinforcement obedience class immediately. Those goldens you see on TV? Years of training, time and effort. If you put in the time up front, you will be rewarded for years to come.
A Tired Golden is a Happy Golden
Exercise is key with golden ownership. They are active, playful dogs that like to be social. Not getting to go for walks at least every day will mean that the golden will need to find something else to do… and that something might involve chewing on items or furniture that they shouldn’t. Plenty of exercise will help your golden remain well adjusted and fit, as well as keep them out of trouble.
All Goldens are NOT Good with Kids
Not every person gets along with everyone they meet, so why should we expect that of our dogs? Contrary to popular belief, although many goldens are great with kids, big and small, not all of them enjoy the company of children. Many have had bad experiences with children whose parents were not watching them, and many have just never been socialized with them. Getting a golden does not mean that they will automatically let your kids crawl all over them. Keep in mind that goldens are dogs, and all dogs can snap or bite.
Golden Retrievers can Bite
There are 4.7 million Americans who get bitten by dogs every year. Surprised? Any breed of dog can bite at any time… and that includes goldens. There are many ways to prevent dog bites. Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website to learn more about preventing dog bites.
All breeds have certain illnesses or genetic defects they are prone to. Listed below are some of the most common medical issues found in Golden Retrievers:
We recommend you visit the Golden Retriever Club of America’s website to learn more about the health issues pertaining to goldens.
As Good as Gold believes in a holistic approach to dog food. Many advertised dog foods that look great on TV have additives, sugar, preservatives, corn, grains, and sometimes even sawdust in the ingredients.
Less is more. Look for labels with fewer ingredients, and make sure that the first two ingredients aren’t corn and wheat, since many goldens are allergic to either or both of those ingredients.
Golden Retriever Club of America
AGaG Recommended Books (in pdf format)
AGaG Recommended Positive Reinforcement Trainers (Please note many trainers hold classes in multiple locations, not all of which are included on this list.)
International Dog Adoption - Success Story!
As Good as Gold rescues Golden Retrievers from Illinois to as far away as Puerto Rico on a limited basis for almost 10 years! To date, AGaG has rescued 277 Golden Retrievers from Puerto Rico and found forever homes. In addition, AGaG also rescues Golden Retrievers from Turkey and China.
Rescues across the country are experiencing a similar trend these days. Fewer locally relinquished dogs are finding their way to rescue organizations because more and more people are using social media to rehome their dogs.
AGaG will be highlighting our unique international success stories so stay tuned to see the lucky goldens who have been adopted by loving families!
SUSIE'S STORY ...
Susie lit up my life!” That’s what Susie’s mom, Tamara, says of her 2-year-old corgi/golden mix who she adopted from As Good as Gold nine months ago. Susie was one of the dogs who traveled from Puerto Rico late last spring during the challenging COVID traveling period. She flew to Florida and then was driven to Illinois with two special volunteers.
Tamara said that she and Susie were happy together from the start, yet she felt a warm bond was missing between them. Tamara couldn’t quite identify what might be missing until the day her mother came to visit. When Tamara’s mom spoke to Susie in Spanish, Susie’s tail started wagging as fast as it could go! “She was super excited!” said Tamara. Opening the door to communication by using a few words in Spanish proved to be a huge turning point. And now, Tamara gives Susie a few commands in Spanish and Susie has learned some English commands and words.
Things are going well. Tamara says, “Everyone gets along!” The two cats, two parrots, Susie and mom. Initially the cats ignored Susie, but then one cat started licking Susie, so now they lick each other! One of the parrots is occasionally allowed to walk around the house for a bit. (He needs the stimulation, apparently.) Susie just leaves him be.
Tamara describes Susie as affectionate, extremely well behaved, and simply a little sweetheart. Susie runs to mom and flips over letting her know it’s “tummy rub time.” Mom says Susie wants to be petted “all the time.” In fact, if her mom is petting the cats, Susie “nudges her way in” for her share. She enjoys the fenced backyard and neighborhood walks. She even likes to have her jammies on sometimes! Mom said, “Susie thinks she’s pretty cool,” when she wears them. At 9 p.m. Susie jumps onto mom’s bed.
Mom says Susie is “queen of the house,” and happily so.
HAPPY LIFE SUSIE!