Owning a Golden
Retriever
You are now the proud owner of a Golden Retriever puppy who will
quickly adapt to your family's routine. Owning a Golden brings
responsibilities but you will be well rewarded with endless fun,
affection and loyalty.
VACCINATIONS AND WORMING
As soon as
you get your puppy home contact your Veterinary Surgeon who will
advise you about the necessary inoculations that your puppy
requires. Remember not to take your puppy to public areas until he
is fully inoculated. Please be aware that adult dogs require an
annual booster. Your Vet will also provide you with a worming
preparation. Your breeder will have already wormed the puppy but
he will require another dose at 8 weeks and repeated 2 weeks
later. He should then be wormed every 2 months until he is six
months old. Adult dogs should be wormed 3 or 4 times a year - your
Vet will supply you with the appropriate preparation.
TRAINING
A Golden
Retriever puppy is usually easy to toilet train and much prefers
to 'go' outside. Just bear in mind that he will want to relieve
himself on waking and after meals. At these times take him outside
and as soon as he has done his business praise him lavishly. It is
unlikely that your puppy will be unable to last the full night so
putting some newspaper on the floor will help with the clean up
operation in the morning.
Be consistent when training and make sure that all family members
set the same boundaries for the puppy as he will only become
confused if faced with different sets of 'rules.' Do not
allow children to disturb the puppy when he is sleeping and do not
allow tug-of-war games with a very young puppy. Correct
'play-biting' if it gets too rough and do not let the puppy get
over excited. Start grooming him straight away so as he gets used
to being handled, this will also keep the coat clean and healthy.
We also recommend that you take him to training classes, your Vet
or local pet shop may be able to provide you with information on
classes in your area. Socialize your new puppy by introducing him
to people, places and situations. Although he cannot go out for a
walk until his inoculations are complete try to take him in the
car from an early age and if possible take him out in your arms as
this will get him used to noise, people, music and so on.
RETRIEVING
The Golden Retriever's natural instinct is to retrieve, so expect
to receive presents of shoes, socks and other household items!
Goldens also love to garden so it is advisable to restrict access
to your prize plants, otherwise these also may be presented
lovingly to you by your faithful friend! Take any object from the
puppy that may be of danger to him by gently opening the mouth and
releasing the object.
Some Goldens like to greet you by 'holding' your arm, especially
when they feel excited, to correct this gently open his mouth and
use the command 'NO'. If the puppy or older dog is behaving in a
way that you consider inappropriate repeating 'NO' in a firm voice
is usually all that is needed for him to get the message. When
training remember to praise and make a fuss of him when he behaves
correctly. Goldens are anxious to please and to get the best from
your dog it is better to teach and praise rather than to scold.
DIET
Your puppy
should be fed four meals a day.
 Your
breeder will advise you on the puppy's routine and the food he has been
used to. Should you wish to change his diet do so gradually and in
accordance with the food manufacturer’s instructions. Between the age of
four and six months one of the feeds can be discontinued. By the time he
is eight months his meals can be reduced to two per day. Gradually over
the next few months introduce him to an adult feed. Your Golden Retriever
should have a good covering of flesh but the skin should be loose - never
let him get too fat. You should ensure that an adequate supply of fresh
drinking water is available to him at all times.
your puppy will quickly adapt to the home routine!
EXERCISE
During the first few months the puppy will get
all the exercise he needs in your garden and should not be taken for long
walks. From about four months he can be taken for short walks on the lead.
Gradually, as he gets older, increase the length and duration of these
walks. He should not be allowed too much free running until about 12
months of age.
BREEDING
If you do not intend to breed from your Golden Retriever you should
contact your Veterinary Surgeon and discuss with him/her the pros and cons
of having your bitch spayed or your dog castrated.
If you do intend to breed you should contact the Club Secretary who will
be happy to give you any help and advice that you may need.
All dogs and bitches being bred from must have Current Clear Eye
Certificates and Hips X-rayed and Scored prior to being mated. Information
on these procedures can be had from the Secretary.
We have a lovely breed, which like most breeds has unfortunately some
hereditary problems, but the risk of these being passed on will be greatly
reduced if everyone follows these guidelines.
OLD AGE
 Like humans dogs grow old and need extra care
and attention. With the right care many Goldens can live for twelve
to fourteen years and a few beyond that. Your Veterinary Surgeon will be
able to help and advise in this respect.
FINALLY
Time and effort spent in the early days will
pay dividends and by the time your Golden is 12 to 18 months of age you
should have a family pet that you are proud of and that is a pleasure to
live with. Simple obedience training should, at this stage, have produced
a well-mannered dog, a companion who is a joy to take on walks, car rides,
family outings etc. and you will find that by now your Golden is a much
valued family member who loves to join in all
activities.
Golden Oldies - these two brothers are 13 years old
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