We picked up an 8 week old Golden Retriever puppy this morning. Kids have been wanting a dog and wife and I thought they were at the right age to bring a new member into the family.
We are first time Golden owners and it’s been15 years since we’ve had a dog. Know there are lots of BBI dog lovers so wanted to see if anyone had any tips or general advice on acclimating the dog, training, crating or sleeping.
It’s only been a few hours but the kids are super excited and she seems to have a very good temperament.
People who don’t discipline and train their dogs are bad dog owners
Now golden retrievers generally have good dispositions but you stil need to train. Stop, sit , go etc . . Let the kids do it, make a game of it But start right away w
Golden Retrievers are great dogs, friendly and smart but they do need a lot of attention
Best breed for families. Crate training is great for the dog and and you. Gives a secure den for your pet. After a year or so, we never closed the door. She would go in at bedtime and wait for the OK from us in the AM before she exited. When things got too hectic, she had a place to retreat.
Establish that you are the Alpha dog. Everyone, including your dog will be happier'
Goldens are puppies for about 4 years. No slippers, shoes, stuffed animals or furniture legs are safe.
Be patient. They are babies. Only pet/reward t
When they deserve it. Good luck and enjoy the years together.
- sit and wait for OK before eating (we left our pup with a trainer @ 8weeks before picking him up and she taught him this - it's never too early)
- sit and wait for OK before going through a door, including in and out of a car.)
(These help establish who is Alpha)
You pup will be cute and energetic now but a Golden doesn't loose that energy and you don't want him rushing thru a door along side grandma.
- eventually on walks train him not to pull and to sit while others on the trail or sidewalk pass from the other direction.
(I handled Goldens for several years in the obedience ring. Used the above practices with all our dogs.)
After that we became super careful about not leaving small objects out. 7 years later and the problem hasn’t recurred.
How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With
Good Owners, Great Dogs
Lots of good info on training and raising a dog. Most important thing: consistency among all family members. If there’s inconsistency among family members on expected behavior, the dog will be confused and you’ll have problems.
Though maybe make sure you get a good vacuum with lots of filters.
Understanding why and how a dog reacts to specific situations will enable you to better train your dog
I have had large breed dogs for over thirty years
I now have a Boerboel. It is critical that you have complete control of your dog at all times, especially when there are young kids around
A couple of recommendations :
Socialize the dog with people and other animals
I highly recommend sending the puppy to a play group
Exercise the dog. Exercise is not letting s dog out in a rear yard you must take the dog on long walks
Curtail the walks until your dog gets a bit older
Feed the dog proper high quality food
I feed my dog BARF bones and raw food
This is not necessary but a good meal is essential
Train your dog from the time you get her
Every situation is a learning experience
I suggest that you consider crate training and that you limit her freedom Until she is house trained
A dog is a pack animal and you must establish the hierarchy from the beginning
Your whole family has to take responsibility for assisting in the training
Finally Goldens shed a lot
Limiting their access in the house will keep your house clean
Wash and brush her on a regular schedule
A well trained dog is such a pleasure. Bothyou and you dog will be happier
I'm a huge fan of using a Gentle Leader, rather than a connecting your leash to a neck collar. Takes a couple of weeks for them to get used to it, but makes going for walks so much better if you have a dog that pulls.
I've had a dog before. I had a pug that lived for 18 years. Super great dog, but did have a bit of separation anxiety.
My wife wanted something that didn't shed and was relatively small, so we went with the Cavachon.
So far, so good. We started the crate training and she is napping in her crate all by herself already.
There are a couple of things we are struggling with that I'd welcome some advice on.
She's been a light eater. I read a book on training and it was all about positive re-enforcement. A lot of treats early on. This works well when they're really hungry. Maybe she's just adjusting, but we are constantly offering her food because she's not eating very much(She's only 4 lbs). Will this change relatively soon? The breeder keeps telling us she could get hypoglycemic if she doesn't eat enough, etc.
The second thing is walks. She's great about going in the yard and doing her business. We've had surprisingly few accidents(and we clean those w/ an enzyme cleaner to kill the odor for her). But she's not much on going for walks...I assume this will get better.
I don't remember struggling w/ these issues with my pug, but its possible I've just forgotten as that was a long time ago now(25+ years).
TIA!
Goldens have odd twisted ear canals. As they get a bit older, you will possibly notice an odor around their heads, especially in warm humid weather. That is an ear infection. Easily treated by you with some cleaning and drops rather than a $100 trip to the vet.
They are ridiculous "creatures of habit" and will easily fall into the lifestyle you lead. That is one thing that makes them so lovable. It could be active "on the go" or laying at your feet by the fire.
As mentioned by others, yes, establish alpha, goldens are one of the easiest breeds to do this with. Crate, never use as punishment. Be consistent with training commands with everyone in family. Don't overfeed...they looooove food, and kids love to see them eat. Do your best to train the kids as much as the dog.
Get a good vacuum. About twice a year for a month, you will wonder where the other 7 invisible goldens living in your house are.
Sadly, goldens' long term health is marginal. 10 years is pretty much expected (I lost one at 8, one at 9), but 12 is starting to push it.
You made a great choice no matter what. And coming to BBI for advice was a better choice. Some great advice by posters here.
How could you not post a picture?
Golden puppies are possibly the epitome of what people envision with a puppy.
some good advice here. the best IMO is to make sure and go to formal training done by a professional. and most good trainers will make sure it's clear that training doesn't stop after the 30 min lesson, it is meant that you continue the training at home.
Good luck, and enjoy.
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Good luck! Goldens are amazing animals and great with little ones. Near infinite patience once trained and knowing their place in your pack.
But I honestly read a couple of Ceasar Millan's books on dog training, and it all made sense. Just put in the time early on, and you will reap the rewards years later.
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socialize - like other have said
crate train - dogs like crates, just don't use them as punishment
lot of good advice here - training, consistency, get entire family involved,
get a good vet and get her ona good diet. some vets do not like the puppy diets - think it may have something to do with growth. (can't recall)
she's probably going to shed a lot. had a Golden Lab and she was a brutal shedder. Will probably need daily grooming and plenty of exercise