Thinking of getting a golden retriever.

maidenireland

Hi all,

I'm thinking of getting a golden retriever for my son who's 8 years old (it's his favorite dog).
Can anyone give my an idea of where I might get one and also a run down on their behavior ie: are they placid? easy to train? etc etc.
I've always had a dog so I know what care they need but that was before I was married but my spouse seems keen enough.
It's a big decision and can't be taken lightly.

Thanks for the help!!

Call me Socket

My advice would be to research the breed, using books and the internet, as well as the experiences of Retriever owners here or anywhere else you can find them.
You do know that the dog's toilet training, lead training, basic obedience training, socialising, exercising, grooming etc etc is going to be your responsibility and not your son's? Like you said, it's not a decision to take lightly, getting any breed requires a lot of homework first if you're hoping to get a healthy dog/pup, and then a lot of time and patience and money to ensure he stays healthy and develops into a well balanced and well behaved adult dog.

I haven't owned a Retriever, but I know people who do, and apparently they are very intelligent, easy to train (if you know what you're doing!) loyal, active, fun loving....excellent family dogs with a gentle temperament. But they were originally bred to retrieve game for hunters, so without plenty of stimulation and activity to satisfy their in bred instincts to work, they may become bored, frustrated, unhappy....and as a result of that- destructive and unco-operative.

I'll look up a few links you could have a read of, back in a mo....

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Sleipnir

I had three Golden Retreivers when I was growing up and they're a great dog, especially for kids. They are very friendly and playful and have an excellent temprament.

They're hairy dogs though, so hopefully you don't have a black fabric couch.

http://www.ikc.ie would be a good place to start.

Call me Socket

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/goldenretriever.htm

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/goldens.html

http://www.aigrc.com/


And if you're interested, here's a couple of Retriever forums

http://www.goldenretrieverlovers.com/

http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/


Also, I can PM you contact details of someone I know who owns GRs, her dogs are from a very reputable breeder.
If you're open to adopting a Retriever in need of a home- I'll help you find one.

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The_Conductor

We used have 3 golden retrievers.

From a temperment point of view- I would not consider them to be as exciteable as a red setter- but not far off. They are extremely energetic and need lots of attention and exercise.

Unless your son is willing to undertake a lot of daily exercise- and accepts that the retriever will require a lot of constant care- I would not suggest getting one.

Retrievers are lovely- but they do require an awful lot of work- are highly exciteable, prone to wander and can be very tempermental.

YOURFACE!

Golden Retrievers are brilliant dogs! especially for kids. Bessy was our Cub Troops mascot and used to come on all the hikes, everyone loved her! She was 15 when she passed away last year.

They do need alot of exercise and ALOT of brushing. They love swimming and getting muddy so just be warned! But you'll get so much joy out of them, they really are fantastic. Just make sure you get one from a reputable breeder, theres lots of yahoos out there just making a quick buck.

Best of luck!:)

LBD

Hi,
My parents have a golden retriever who is now 11years old. I grew up with him and have since moved out and now have a basset hound puppy myself. The reason I didnt get a golden retriever is simply because I could not possibly replace my parents one. He is the most docile, loyal and loving pet. Given when he was a pup he was certainly energetic, excitable and quite the hand full but since living with a basset hound pup our golden retriever seems like an angel. It took him a year or two to settle but was definitely worth the effort training him, which wasnt too hard. Like most dogs they need persistance and consistency, a wise woman once told us there are no such things as bold dogs, just bold owners this is the case whatever puppy you get not jst golden retrievers. As they are "big" dogs they do love a good run/walk everyday so just consider whether you're prepared to give him such attention. If so I would fully recommend them, our retriever as I said is 11....has gotten slower, quieter and sleepier we lovingly refer to him as the "gentle slob". He has never snarled or bared his teeth to anyone....even through provocation from young children!!
The only medical problems that recurred with him was ear infections but this was because he was often swimming in a lake and apparently the bugs from that cause it but it was relatively cheap to remedy.

Finally.....as a child golden retrievers were mine, my sister and brothers favourite dog and getting him was the best present our parents ever gave us, they made a few childhood dreams come true Best of luck!

dlambirl

The mother in law's lab has had a couple of litters of pups and the last time we got a dog pup. He is an absolute pet and I dont know what he'd do without him. We havent got any kids but kids are always around the house and he plays gently with them and sit and let them rub him. He's so easy to train. I'd recommend 100% for a lab/retriever. they are great company, loving, clever, easy to train and IMO great around kids.


No advertising Dogs for sale.

The_Conductor

A lab is a lot more docile than a retriever in all fairness. I wish I had the space to keep one

princess_bride

We adopted a 5 year old retriever last year, and he's a dote. He's quite lazy though, and has hip dysplasia, so he can't cope with long walks, so he gets a few 1/2 hr walks a day. He has a very loving personality and all he really wants is love and cuddles and to be as close to us as possible. He loves kids and is very gentle with them. He's also very good with other dogs, and gets on with EVERYONE. The only downside to retrievers is the hair - he sheds constantly, no matter how much we brush him. I wouldn't change him for the world though - he's fantastic company.