Golden retrievers are people-oriented and thrive when they live as full family members. They could do better when isolated or left alone.
Their friendly, tolerant attitude makes them popular family pets and capable service dogs and therapy companions. In addition, they excel at hunting and retrieving games for hunters, tracking and sniffing contraband for law enforcement, and serving as search and rescue dogs.
They Are Adaptable
Golden retrievers are highly adaptable dogs and can thrive in almost any living situation. However, they need daily exercise, which is especially important in puppyhood. Puppies and adolescents have a lot of energy that, if not properly channeled, can result in destructive behaviors. A brisk walk or jog, playing in a securely fenced area, and playing with toys can keep your purebred golden retriever healthy, happy, and mentally stimulated.
These people-oriented dogs love spending time with their families and enjoy being outdoors. With a particular double coat designed to keep them warm and repel water, they’re also great swimmers. It has made them popular working dogs and the first breed to win an AKC obedience championship.
Because they’re so people-oriented, Goldens are easy to train, and they respond well to reward-based training methods. It is why they’re often used as service dogs. They can adapt well and perform their jobs in all types of weather. The only downside is that their thick, water-repellent coats tend to shed a lot, especially during the winter and summer.
They Are Good With Children
As a result of their natural desire to please, goldens respond well to obedience training. It can be a great way to teach children good dog manners and help them develop their confidence around dogs.
These historic hunters are bred for activity and love to play outside. They’re happy to romp with kids in the yard or join an active family on hikes and outdoor jogs. They’ll also happily chase a ball or play tug-of-war.
While a golden retriever will probably get along well with most children, it’s important to supervise their interactions. Younger children may not fully understand a dog’s social boundaries and can easily pull at a golden’s tail or try to grab their treats.
Like most dogs, goldens require daily exercise and a diet that provides proper nutrition to keep them healthy. They also require regular wellness and preventive vet visits. These pets are a lifetime commitment and shouldn’t be adopted by households that cannot afford to provide them with adequate care, including physical activity, socialization, and routine vet visits.
They Are Good With Other Pets
Golden retrievers are even-tempered and friendly with children, other pets, and people. They excel at obedience training and are popular service dogs. Goldens are knowledgeable and eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
Goldens need daily exercise to stay physically healthy and mentally alert as a breed to work. It can be a long walk or jog, free time in the yard, a swim at the beach or lake (Goldens love water), or a game of fetch.
Because of their people-oriented nature, Goldens don’t like to be left alone for extended periods. If a Golden feels neglected, it can show symptoms such as licking and chewing the paws, scratching the face or head, rubbing the ears, and drooling.
As with all dogs, Goldens require a commitment to providing regular physical and mental exercise to maintain a healthy weight, avoid overexertion and ensure a long and happy life. A lack of exercise can result in a host of health problems, including hip dysplasia, bloat, heart conditions, skin allergies, Von Willebrand’s disease, and cataracts.
They Are Good With People
Golden retrievers are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. They can be taught to do a wide variety of tricks. They are also very active dogs and enjoy participating in household activities.
Goldens should be socialized early to help prevent them from becoming overly shy or fearful. They do best in families where they can participate rather than be banished to a yard or crate.
Because they are so people-oriented, goldens should always be kept with them for long periods. If they get bored or depressed, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as barking and chewing.
Due to their thick coats, golden retrievers should be bathed regularly to prevent skin problems. They are prone to hot spots, localized areas of the skin that become inflamed and infected with bacteria or yeast. They also need regular grooming to keep them looking healthy and in tip-top shape.
They Are Good With Children
Golden retrievers are playful, patient dogs that enjoy playing with children in a yard or at the park. They’re also happy to take walks and participate in other outdoor activities with the family. Because of this, they make a good choice for families with young children. Having a pet that can play and exercise with children teaches children about responsibility, empathy, and the value of caring for another creature. Children can learn how to use commands to get their dogs to listen, which helps develop confidence and self-esteem.
Like all other breeds, golden retrievers are susceptible to some health conditions. They can have hip dysplasia, skin problems, ear infections, and allergies. However, if a breeder practices ethical breeding, they’ll ensure the puppy is healthy before sending it to live in a home.
Choosing a golden retriever already trained as an adult is best to reduce the risk of complications. It will help avoid unnecessary stress on your pet and give you peace of mind that your pet has been taught to follow basic commands.