Thinking about getting a Golden Retriever?

Question

My family is deciding to get a golden retriever. We don't know too much about dogs but all of us are just very smitten over goldens. I have a lot of questions.

Can they be trained easily? Are they very people friendly? Do they make good guard dogs? I'm thinking no. How often do I have to walk it or do any physical activities. And we have a fairly spacious yard, though not huge. Would that be okay?

Answer 1

if you don't want the dog to get fat i would recommend to walk it 2-3 times a day for at least 20 minutes

dogs are friendly based on how they are treated, if you harm it or treat it with disrespect it def wont be friendly

Answer 2

all dogs take time to train. they are great with families. all dogs are if you are knowledgeable pack leader and responsible pet owner. never make dogs, guard dogs, it only leads to trouble and aggression. walk them at least 45 mins each day. play fetch with them lots, they are retrievers after all, and that will help fulfill that part of the animal they are.

dont buy one from a breeder. try to adopt one from breed specific shelter. buying from breeders only contributes to the millions of euthanazias and cruelty to dogs. most are just backyard breeders who breed the dogs to death to make money. Most dogs are ill and have issues.  

Answer 3

I hear Retrievers are the fliendliest dogs, I'm not sure if they are all that great for guard dogs.  But you are doing a good thing in researching before adopting.  Make sure you know what your getting into.  All dog's need excersize.  I would do a google search on the breed.

Answer 4

Goldens are trainable, yes.  They are typically *very* people friendly.  Any large dog has the potential of scaring the bad guy away with a bark, but a golden is far more likely to l**k the burglar than to bite him.  They need a good deal of exercise and mental stimulation.  A spacious yard is adequate, but please don't plan on turning the dog out to get its own exercise.  Dogs are social animals and often simply lie around if left outside by themselves.  Worse yet, they can become destructive.  I know a fellow-trainer who had a student dog chew three rows of siding off the house while it was outside alone.  Yikes!!

You might consider adopting an adult from a shelter or a rescue.  That way you will have a good idea of what the dog's personality is and how that fits with your family.  Puppies are a lot of work.  

Better yet, perhaps you could foster for a rescue organization.  Then you would be able to learn hands-on about the breed before making a commitment to a specific dog.

Good luck in your decision.  

Answer 5

golden retrievers are very smart dogs, very loyal and very hard workers, they will learn very quickly. but they are also very active and will need to be walked often. any dog can be a good guard dog, dogs have an instinct to protect their pack, any human they see as part of that pack they will protect. as long as you walk the dog you don't need a huge yard, but obviously nothing small will do.

good luck on your new addition to your family. =)

Answer 6

Golden retrievers are very good dogs, especially if this is your first one.  They are probably one of the most friendly breeds there is and great with children.  They are decent guard dogs and can be trained fairly easily.  A smaller yard is okay if you're willing to walk the dog daily to give it good exercise.  A dog of its size should be walked three times a day.  Also, they shed a lot and would need constant grooming.  Hope I helped.

Answer 7

It has the yard to run in... it should be fine...  they are great pets!  

:-)

Answer 8

There the same as any other dog  

Answer 9

Golden Retrievers are generally very social, quick to learn and eager to please. In saying this it is important to remember that even though to some extent a purebred dog's temperament is predictable there are always exceptions to the rule so it is a good idea to meet and spend time with any dog you are thinking of taking on, and the parents if you are buying a pup.

Golden Retrievers are usually quite good with children as they tend to be gentle and patient. Goldy pups and adolescents are still likely to be quite bouncy and as large dogs they have quite a bit of weight to throw around.

Goldy's will usually bark to alert to a stranger's approach, so can make quite good watchdogs. They aren't known for their aggression but obviously still need good socialisation and training to ensure they are a good pet.

Goldy's do need plenty of exercise, at least two 1/2hr sessions per day, and best that one of these is vigorous - such as ball chasing, running or swimming. The size of your yard, while making it easier to play with your dog, really doesn't make that much difference to how much exercise OUT of the yard the dog needs, every dog needs to get out of it's daily environment to have mental and physical stimulation. They must be with their family as much as possible, being such a social dog they will not do well left out in the yard to amuse themselves.

Be aware that Golden's do need regular grooming as they have a thick wavy coats with lots of feathering which becomes matted if not combed out.

If you do your research and decide on a Goldy make sure you either go through a responsible, registered breeder who does all the medical checks necessary or go through a shelter or rescue. Goldens do have some genetic health problems (like pretty much every breed!) such as skin allergies, hip dysplaysia, eye diseases and heart defects. So it is really important if buying a pup that the parents have been cleared for these genetic problems.

Good luck in your decision. Goldy's do make great family pets if care is taken in their selection and they are given enough exercise and attention.

Answer 10

Walking is a bond between a dog that everyone in your family should take part in, I give my dog 4 to 5 walks a day for 20 minutes each walk.

I love my pitbull though Golden Retreavers shed a lot of hair.

I would suggest going to the shelter and rescuing a dog, rather then paying money to a puppymill.

Answer 11

They get obese and they have arthritis and joint problems.

my grandparents have had more than 5 labs. all of them had arthritis

Answer 12

Well dogs can be good or bad.

As long as you have a good punishing system they should be well-behaved!!!!!!

Answer 13

Hi, The Golden Retriver  has an incredilbe amount of energy, please beware that you will need to have him/her excerciesed immensnsly.   They are great with kids/ family.....as for a guard dog, well that will depend on the character.  This dog just like Labrator Retriver they are "retrievers" they love water  and an incredible amount of activity!  Walking, is not enough, unless it is hiking,includes jogging/ swimming.  Do not get me wrong they are incredible dogs, they tend to shed in summer months  because of thier coat and unless you have the time and energy  reconsider.