Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

Hello! My dad says that I can get a dog next year, and I want a golden retriever, but he's worried that I won't be able to control it and it will shed too much. I already explained to him that as long as I take the dog to obedience classes when it's a puppy, it will not try to run away or pull me when it's on a leash. I also explained to him that after doing plenty of research, I discovered that although Golden Retrievers are moderate shedders, as long as I do a good, thorough brushing job at least once a week, it will be fine. In addition, I explained to him that the dog's hair will not be anywhere in the house anyway except for the dog's bed when it comes inside to sleep at night, since I will take it straight into the room where it will be sleeping at night and straight out in the morning. Please support my arguments so I can show this to my dad and he might consider letting me get a Golden Retriever. I am very responsible and am doing much research before purchasing my puppy.

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

Obedience classes will not train your dog to not run away or pull while on leash. You can get some instructions during a puppy class but you have to do much more work at home on recall, loose leash, sit, stay, down, wait, get busy, off, drop it, etc.

Golden retrievers have big coats and they shed a great deal. They are not moderate shedders, they are heavy shedders. Brushing will get out much of the hair but they still shed very light hair that floats, gets onto clothing and furniture.

Goldens are friendly, affectionate dogs who need to live inside with the family. They can become bored, destructive, even aggressive without proper socialization to people, to other dogs, other animals, etc. No dog wants to live outside by itself morning to night. Especially while young, they need a great deal of exercise.

I can see that you are trying to be responsible but please be realistic so that, a year from now, your dad is not saying that he told you so and is trying to find a new home for your dog.

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

you might want to add taht you are willing to vaccum the house once a week - because they do shed and dog hair - from any dog that sheds - gets EVERYWHERE. You cannot claim to be able to contain it to his/her bed. So add in there that you will vaccum the house once a week!

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

Right......... how old are you again? Because a goldenretriever will probably grow twice as big as you, don't forget they eat a lot and food costs a whole bunch, their poop is the size of your head, they chew on anything in their first 6 months, they need showers a lot, flea medicine once every two weeks, 4 shots for rabies and other organ and outer disease every year and or few months, teeth must be brushed or else there will be bad breathe from rotting gums and teeth, and if you don't want puppies in your future a surgery that will be for at least a year, and also a year of blood period, and long walkis fro your dog to become exercised and at least a lot of time spent with your dog or else.

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

We have a golden, hes 6 years old now. The temperments are usually very friendly, we don't even need to use a leash with ours, he stays in the yard (with out training) automatically. Also very easy to work with trick wise. He does shed quite a bit though, and you need to consider how much it will cost to have it groomed. Goldens get matts under the fur in their ears easily as well as other places if the fur isn't kept clean and tangle free. Also why keep it outside all the time? You have to think about winter or rainy days when you wont be able to put it out, where will it stay? Locked up in the room it sleeps in? Thats not really healthy dogs need a moderate amount of exersize every day. A goldens not an overall bad choise but I think they are a little to needy atention wise and wouldn't like being outside with no human contact all day.

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

If you brush him properly and train him, those won't be problems. But I am worried that you plan to keep him outside all the time. It's not good to leave a dog outside all the time; instead maybe you can keep him in the house and let him out to play when you can be with him.

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

yes believer is right.

u might want to add that.

and cleaning up the yard.

and good for u to do the research....might i suggest a breed book....and don't for get to have that pup spayed!

good luck hon!

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

Rather than purchasing a Goldren Retriever from a limited selection , why not go to a local shelter or rescue group .You can find Goldren Retrievers that others have given up because they couldn't be bothered to take care of them , especially after the novelty of a new puppy wore off ! Go to petfinders.org for a list of available dogs for adoption near you . When you adopt : You have a large selecton to choose from , The dogs are honestly represented as to health , You will save money you can spend on a doghouse , bedding , toys , etc , And most important you will be saving a dog from being killed because there is no family to adopt it nor any no-kill shelter with space available . Dogs bought from many stores are the result of bad breeding practices at puppy mills .Things such as inbreeeding , mis-representing the dog's health , killing puppies who have minor birth defects or illnesses , etc.

You didn't give your age but a dog is a BIG responsibility . It sounds easy to give a good brushing every week ( AND a quick brushing every day !) but it is sometimes very hard to find the time . Add in the time needed to bath your dog regularly , take it to the vet , clean up the poop , and feed it ! Also some days are just too hot , cold , rainy to leave a Goldren Retriver outside all day . All dogs need frequent interaction with their owners . They are not meant to be stuck out in the backyard and ignored till you are ready to play with them . One last thing , Moderate Shedding is much different than low or no shed ! And short hair is different from the Golden Retriever's long hair .

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

I personally have a Golden Retriever.

They are the best god you can have!

They are great around other pets as well, I mean I let my Iguana ride on the back of his back!

About him shedding, it is only temporary. They usually shed during the summer.Also they are pretty strong, I suggest if you do get one, buy him a leash or a Halter to stop the pulling. You have to understand that Goldens are really energetic. They love attention unfortunately, I have to give mine away since I started college and I just dont have time for him anymore. I've been trying to find a good home for him.

Good luck!!

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

My dear.... unfortunately I have to disagree with some of your points.

Regarding hair... it does not matter how much you brush or comb your Golden, it will shed. If you live in a warm climate it will shed moderately year round. If you live in a cooler climate or a place that gets snow in the winter you will have some shedding year round and also fall and spring shedding. There will be a few weeks in the fall and spring when your Golden will shed enough hair to create another dog! Also, you cannot contain the dog's hair to just one area. It will travel throughout the house. My husband and I have a Golden Retriever puppy in a 1-BR apartment and I vacuum every day! Also, Goldens are not the best outdoor dogs. They love being with their people and most would prefer to be indoors, and go outside to use the bathroom, go for walks and some play. But it is not a good breed to leave outdoors all day by itself.

Goldens are strong animals. Our Golden puppy is very sweet, somewhat shy and submissive.... and she is actually small for a Golden her age (her parents were small and she was the runt). She is still very strong! We have been using a Gentle Leader head halter on her for the past 6 months to make it easier to control her on walks. She has been through basic obedience and is starting more classes in a few weeks. Trainers I have spoken to say that you cannot expect a Golden to really walk nicely on a leash until they almost 2 years old. It's just how they are.

I am not writing these things b/c I don't want you to get a Golden... but I want to give you a realistic idea of what owning a Golden is really like. I would hate for you to get a Golden Retriever and be disappointed and upset with the dog when its hair gets all over the place and you have difficulty walking it. It would not be fair to the dog. You may want to consider a smaller breed that sheds less and is easier to control. Maybe a poodle or a Bichon Frise. Both those breeds can make very nice family pets!

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

Uhmmm.. I think you'll want to brush your Golden more than once a week. The dog's hair will be around the house, more than just in his bed. And the hair will be in your room... You'll have to talk to GoldenGirl to get the complete Golden lowdown.. But I have Dobermans which shed far less and have a whole lot less fur, and I brush them once a week to keep the dead fur out of their coat.

I think you might want to buy a good vacuum when you pick up your Golden :)

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

I'm afraid your Dad is right. Goldens are wonderful and, as puppies, they make your heart melt, but believe me they do need some controlling. They grow into strong powerful dogs and will need a lot of handling.

Goldens are HEAVY shedders. I have 8 and am continually vacuuming my house. They need to be brushed daily to prevent matts forming behind the ears and in their featherings and they need regular grooming to keep them tidy. Are you going to have the time to do this if you are out at school all day? They need a lot of exercise and there is nothing they like best than jumping in puddles and rolling in

the mud.(and horse manure!) and you will then have to bathe and dry them.

Goldens are not outdoor dogs, they need to be with people all the time as they are very sociable animals. They do not settle down until they are about two and a half years and, even then, they can have their mad moments. Once they get over their puppyhood, which can be when they are about five y.o. they become the most loyal companions anyone could wish for.

If you really want a Golden, wait until you're married and have a family of your own then it really will be your responsibility, and it won't be left for your parents to look after it when you're not there.

There are some adorable small dogs out there needing someone to love them and a smaller dog would be easier for you to manage right now and probably wouldn't cause too much trouble for your Dad. That's my advice for what it's worth.

Good luck in your search.

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

Wow -- you've done more research than many adults I know. Good job!

I'm curious -- when will you be going to college? If you are, say, 13 now and get a puppy, your golden will be 5 when it's time for you to go to college. Will dad help you take care of him during this time?

You just might want to let your dad know you've taken this into consideration, and you've decided to either adopt an older dog, or (better yet) foster for Golden Retriever rescue. They get puppies into their rescue program on occasion. When you foster and place, it will give you some time to clean up hair, regroup, and other stuff before you get the next dog. It will also count towards your community service hours.

Just an idea.

:)

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

Golden Retriever's are a very intelligent breed. They are really easy to train, even without attending classes (which can cost quiet a bit). I know I looked into puppy obedience training, opted for library resources.

Golden Retriever's personalities are wonderful, and loving. So when training them for anything remember to highly praise them with the tone of a loving voice foremost, and treats as incentive.

I was able to house train my Duke in 2 days. This was in the early spring (where I live it still snows, and is cold outside). He had only a couple of drips, until I learned to read him, and he gained more control, and I moved faster.

Leash training, start with a 5 ft sidewalk and go back and forth keeping the puppy on the left side, and when you reach each side use the word "heel" (it should respond by sitting eventually), praise praise continue to do this until he has it down pat. However, leash training should not begin until at least 3 months of age.

Shedding is just part of any breed really, the most effective way to minimize is to groom your pet on a daily basis, or weekly depending on your schedule. Vacuum the house, furniture, will also require pretty much weekly doing. You must be prepared, you will need to purchase a shedding brush, and believe me he or she will love it. Golden Retiever puppies will go through 3-4 coats that first year. so be prepared.

They are not an outside dog..I cannot stress this enough. They are an indoor dog. Highly socialized. All members of a family must be accepting, and enthusiastic.

Golden retriever owners PLEASE RESPOND!!!?

I think you should go with what you have planned.

It seems like a good plan, Golden retreivers are very smart dogs, very obideint as well. So it should be easy training it.

As far as shedding, use good dog shampoo every month, and brush it alot and it'll be good. I suggest using a brush that gets the undercoat, to prevent shedding from happening in the first place.