I was reading the other day that Golden Retriever puppies were the most popular choice for new dog owners last year, and still are this year. That may seem like a good thing, but it’s not.


This creates a lot of irresponsible breeding to meet the demand. People are attracted to the Golden Retriever for the obvious reasons of their great looks, and an always cheerful disposition.

They are also used quite often in movies and television, which ads to their popularity.

Many new dog owners will decide after getting their new puppy, that caring for a golden retriever is more than they expected, and will give the dog up. As sad as this is, it happens every year to thousands of golden retrievers.

Hopefully these dogs will end up at a local animal shelter where they can find a good home, or a rescue shelter, where they will get the care they need, and proper placement in a loving home.

A rescue shelter has advantages over a regular shelter because they will check a dog for any health problems, behavioral problems, and will usually work with you after you receive your pet, if you are having any problems.

If your planning on getting a Golden Retriever, or any breed of dog, and do not want to go through the puppy stage, or the expense of buying a puppy ( usually eight hundred dollars and up for Golden Retriever Puppies) try contacting a local shelter or rescue center. You may find just the friend you were looking for.

Golden retrievers do require some commitment, but the love and companionship they return to you and your family makes it all worth it. One thing that is very important to a golden retriever is exercise.

If you are thinking of getting a golden retriever or you already have one, exercise is a must.

Golden retrievers do best when they have their own fenced in yard to run free. When that is not possible, then walking them on a leash, or taking them to another area where they can safely run free is the next best thing.

Exercise is something that they need every day. It is probably the hardest thing for a golden retriever owner to stay committed to, that doesn’t have a yard to let their dog run in. It can sometimes be hard to find the time for one or two walks a day on a busy schedule.

Golden retrievers gain weight easily when not exercised enough. They can also be prone to health problems from this extra weight and from lack of exercise.

It has also been proven that they tend to get into trouble around the house if they are not exercised enough, and in some cases they will actually start to chew on themselves, causing open wounds, just from boredom.

Before you decide to purchase or adopt a golden retriever, be sure you are prepared for the time and financial commitment they will need. If you are, you have made a great choice.

Learn dog and puppy training at home

Keep your Golden happy, healthy, and obedient

Taking your golden retriever to the veterinarian’s office can be an adventure all on its own. There are so many sights, sounds, smells and other sensations that your canine can easily become quite excited or agitated to the point that control is difficult.


Multiply this by the ever rotating average of 10 or more pets in a busy waiting room and mass pandemonium could be the result.

Without proper training and control, a veterinarian’s waiting room might quickly become a bedlam of scales, feather and fur as the animals all compete for space and attention.

So what can you do to make the trip less stressful for your golden retriever, yourself, your vet and the staff? There are five basic points that will make any visit, less of an odyssey.

First, be certain to leash or halter train your dog if you do not plan on using a pet carrier for transport. A pet carrier is ideal for small animals as this provides them a measure of security, as they have their own personal space. It also gives them protection from larger pets, or aggressive animals that might be in the waiting room.

Otherwise a shorter leash or halter is best in the waiting room, as it provides more control for the dog owner and prevents tangling with other animals or furniture. Leashes also provide a handhold for cases where aggressive behaviors among animals might otherwise get out of control.

Secondly, consider muzzle training for your pet . Many veterinarian hospitals now request you to muzzle your pet. This is for the safety of other patients as well as the staff.

A muzzle will simply fit around your golden retrievers mouth area and prevent biting, but to a dog that is unfamiliar with the device this can be a very frightening experience. Giving your pet the opportunity to learn about this device in a non-threatening environment can make the office visit much less traumatic.

A third tip is to not forget the rewards. Unless your veterinarian has requested your dog have no food for specific purposes, such as testing, or if they do not allow food in the waiting room, feel free to bring along a treat for your pet.

This will help them to feel more at ease with the new surroundings and help to keep their focus on you rather than on getting a closer look at the iguana on a leash in the corner.

It also gives you the chance to continue the training lessons while waiting for your pet to be called back to the exam rooms. Plus, your dog will think you are really cool.

Fourth, keep track of your golden retrievers medical records. Is your pet allergic to anything? Is she up to date on her vaccination shots? How old is he? Has your pet had any surgeries, major illnesses or parasites?

These things are all important to know and could be potentially life threatening if you didn’t keep them current. Regular visits to the vet, and being current on shots is always a good idea, to keep your pet in great health.

It is also a good idea to write a list of questions you would like to ask the veterinarian before you get there, because it always seems we remember the questions we wanted to ask on the way back home.

Visiting the vet regularly will help your golden retriever to become more relaxed with the office settings and they will respond better.

For our fifth tip, let’s party. Socializing your pet to other people and animals prior to vet visits is a great idea provided they are current on their vaccinations. This allows them to learn acceptable behaviors around other animals and what the boundaries of interaction are.

Hosting a puppy party is a great way to do this. Invite several other dog owners over to visit and serve a modest picnic or potluck type meal. Encourage the dogs to play and interact together and with the other owners.

This will help them to learn what you will and will not accept and helps you to determine potential problem areas. Golden Retrievers are generally very well behaved, but they can change in a stressful situation, so it is a good idea to test the waters before going to a busy veterinarian’s office.

Following these simple tips can make vet visits less traumatic on all involved and much easier to cope with. You will thank yourself later. Your pet will thank you and so will the staff at the vet’s office.

Secrets from a veterinarian to keep your dog healthy

Learn to heal your dog naturally

I’ve had what we like to call Man’s Best Friend since I was about 8 years old. My first dog was a Collie, and you guessed it, I named her Lassie.


Since then I have had many dogs including Black labs, Golden Retrievers, a German Shepard, and several mixed breeds. They have all been great dogs, great friends, and great companions.

But what’s with this phrase, man’s best friend?

As you get a little older, the things you once took for granted, and didn’t pay much attention to, start to mean a little more.

Things that have always been going on in your life, but weren’t getting noticed, suddenly start to get your attention.

I came home a few days ago, a little bummed out over a few days that weren’t going my way, endless traffic jams everywhere I tried to go, and a full weekend of much needed yard work, and deck painting ahead. What fun!

As I put the key in the lock of my back door and walked in, I was promptly greeted, as usual, by my 3 year old Golden Retriever Molly.

She gave me her paw, licked my hand, sniffed my pants, and then followed me to my new location, which was on the couch to watch some television, and unwind

She showed up there with her ball to see if I wanted to play. When she saw I didn’t she dropped the ball and started to lick my hand, and then laid down with her head on my feet.

Molly just wanted to be my friend. It didn’t matter to her if I was trying to be her friend. She still wanted to be mine, and didn’t ask for anything in return.

She didn’t ask where I had been, or what took me so long, or what I got her while I was out, or if I could lend her some money. She just wanted to be with me and be my friend.

I decided to turn off the television, and go outside and throw the ball for Molly. After about 30 minutes of playing fetch, and wrestling on the grass with her, I felt like a different person.

If you come home after an especially hard or troubling day, try spending some time with your dog. Go for a walk with your dog, or throw the ball for a game of fetch, or a frisby, or maybe sit on the floor and just pet them. They have a way of making all the days problems seem to fade away.

I think the phrase Man’s Best Friend is really meant to be “Everyone’s Best Friend”. It doesn’t matter who you are, dog’s (and especially Golden Retrievers) love everyone, and just want to be your friend. Sometimes, they are just what you need!

Build your dog the house of their dreams

Keep your Golden happy, healthy, and obedient

Golden retrievers were originally bred to be great hunting dogs. They are very powerful, and active. They have a personality that is eager, alert, and very self-confident.


They make wonderful house pets, fitting into most any family lifestyle. They prefer people’s company the most, but will adapt to a kennel environment.

Height: These are strong dogs, standing about 23-24 inches at the shoulders.

Weight: These dogs weigh about 65-75 pounds. Females tend to be smaller than the males.

Life Span: Golden retrievers average life span is 10-12 years, but there have been reports of some living as long as 16 years.

The golden retriever will adapt to just about any living conditions, provided they are well exercised on a daily basis.

If they do not have a yard to run in, or they are not taken for a walk daily, they tend to get into mischief around the house, and they will put on weight quickly unless their diet is closely controlled.

One of the best features of the Golden Retriever is their long dense coat, for which the breed got their name. The outer coat is coarse and resilient. It repels water and allows the dog to swim in cold water.

The coat may be either straight or wavy. Natural ruff around the neck, feathering on the chest, tail, under side and back of the thighs is preferable. On the head, paws, and front of the legs, the hair is even and short.

The golden retrievers coat color should be lustrous, rich golden of any shade, from pale cream to dark yellow. Feathering may be lighter than the rest of the coat.

Puppies are usually lighter than adults, but the color will deepen with maturity. The nose should always be black or brown.

These dogs give an overall appearance of balance and speed. Their body is well balanced. The chest is broad. The neck is long and muscular. The head is rather broad with a wide and powerful muzzle.

The Golden Retriever is a very intelligent dog, that can be trained for a variety of tasks. They make great hunting dogs in the field and are very popular with waterfowl hunters.

They are also popular with law enforcement for detecting illegal drugs because of their keen sense of smell, and are also popular to help the handicapped, as seeing eye dogs, and several other duties.

Make Healthy Meals And Treats Your Dog Will Love

Have you fallen in love with golden retrievers. If so, you are definitely not alone. The golden retriever puppy has become one of the most sought after of all the breeds available today.


Golden retrievers are very smart dogs, and very easy to train. They have outstanding character, and are devoted companions. Golden retrievers get along very well with children, and other household pets.

They are however very large dogs, so if you have small children they can sometimes get knocked over easily.

They are a very affectionate breed, that likes to be by your side as much as possible. They will greet you at the door when you come home and make a big deal out of it, as though you have been gone for a week, even if you only went to the store for five minutes.

They like to be by your side when you’re at home, moving from room to room as you do. They also like to interact with the family and be involved in what you are doing, and be treated the same as everyone else.

If you are looking for a dog that will stay in the corner and not bother you, then a Golden Retriever may not be for you. Golden Retrievers crave a lot of attention on a daily basis, so you want to consider this before making a final decision.

Golden Retrievers are not very good at being guard dogs or house protectors. If a burglar breaks into your house, your golden retriever will probably help him carry the merchandise out the door if he thinks there is a biscuit in it for him.

If you’re looking for protection the Golden Retriever is probably not a good choice, although they are good at barking, and that may be enough to scare off a potential intruder.

Golden Retrievers also like a lot of exercise on a daily basis. They have above average needs for exercise, but they will adapt to the exercise habits of their family quite well.

They love to retrieve, so throwing the ball for them is a favorite pastime, and gives them the exercise they need.

The golden retriever needs regular combing and brushing to prevent matting and tangles. They have a medium haired double coat that will require a comb and a brush with a firm bristle for their dense under coat.

This golden retriever breed is an above average shedder, and will contribute to your housework. Bathing on average, depending on conditions, is usually about every three months, but brushing and combing is needed weekly to keep them looking their best.

Golden retriever puppies become great bird hunting dogs. They are natural learners, and easy to handle in the field. They are also sought after by law enforcement as narcotic sniffing dogs, and are quite popular as companions for the disabled.

The golden retriever is in my opinion one of the greatest breeds there is for a pet, a hunting dog, and a good friend.

They are also one of the finest looking dogs available, anywhere, at any price. They are extremely smart, easy to train, loveable, and loyal. What more could anyone ask of a dog.

But golden retrievers do require some work with grooming, extra house cleaning, and a commitment to their daily exercise.

Build your dog the house of their dreams

Make Healthy Meals And Treats Your Dog Will Love

Getting a golden from a golden retriever rescue center can be a great way to get a good dog and start a new relationship.


Many golden retrievers become homeless each year for various reasons. If you are not up to the challenge of starting with a new puppy, then looking for a more mature golden at a rescue center may be an option.

Many golden retrievers at a rescue center will be at least a couple of years old. Seldom will you find a puppy at a Golden retriever rescue center. Starting with an older dog can be a plus though.

If the dog you choose is familiar with living in the home, you may eliminate all the usual problems you normally encounter with a puppy, like chewing your shoes, chewing the furniture, and bathroom problems.

Getting a dog from a golden retriever rescue shelter can be a great experience for both you, and the dog, but be sure to give serious consideration to all the commitments involved before making a final decision.

A lot of adult goldens can come with some baggage from their past situation. They can also have behavioral problems, and health issues. Golden retrievers will also need a reasonable amount of exercise every day, and they crave attention.

If you are committed to adopting a dog from a rescue shelter, then contact one of the shelters listed below for information on how to proceed.

When you do find a dog that you are interested in, find out as much as you can about its past from the golden retriever rescue center. This might help to avoid any major problems with temperament or health issues.

It is also a good idea to have everyone in your family meet the dog, and agree that this is the dog they want, before making a final decision.

When you get your new friend home, he or she may seem confused, and even cause some problems at first, but with a little patience and understanding, your new pet should adapt to his or her new home rather quickly.

Here Are A Few Good Rescue Shelters

Grreat Inc, Golden Retriever Rescue A non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, foster care and placement of Golden Retrievers in Maryland, northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, Deleware, south central Pennsylvania, and eastern West Virginia.

Golden Endings,Golden Retriever Rescue A non-profit, volunteer organization, located in Columbus Ohio.

Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue A non-profit volunteer organization located in Northern California.

Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue A non-profit, volunteer organization, located in Hudson Ma.
This is one of my favorite sites. For $25.00 a year you get a great magazine quarterly, filled with pictures and stories about golden rescues. The money also serves a very worthy cause, as I am sure it does with all the rescue organizations listed on this page.

Deleware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue A non-profit volunteer organization, located in Reinholds Pennsylvania. They operate in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and have placed over 1600 Golden Retrievers in new homes since 1993.

Coastal Pet Rescue An all volunteer, non profit organization, dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, abused and neglected dogs and cats in the coastal areas of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.

Learn to heal your dog naturally

The holidays are almost here, and while your running in and out of the stores shopping don’t forget a few presents for your Golden Retriever. As you know, golden retrievers want to be involved in everything, and opening presents is no exception.

Every Christmas I wrap about 10 gifts for my Golden. They can be as simple as a couple of large dog biscuits in wrapping paper, or a dog ball with a bell in it, or some chew toys. It’s simple, cheap and easy, and it will bring a lot of laughs to Christmas morning, because golden retrievers love to get involved in everything, and will definitely steal the show.

Want to give your Golden a simple holiday treat. Put about two cups of dry dog food in a blender, and cover with water. Let it set for 10-15 minutes till soft. Take a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter and melt slightly in a bowl in the microwave.

Pour the peanut butter into the blender. Blend everything until mixed. Pour into paper cups, only filling them about ¾ full, and place in the freezer. When they are slightly frozen stick dog biscuits into them, standing up like popsicle sticks, and let them freeze solid. They make great treats, paper cup and all, and golden retrievers love them because they are tasty, and cold.

You can vary this mix with yogurt and peanut butter, yogurt, peanut butter and bananas, fruit juice and dry dog food. Use your imagination and the combinations are endless. Don’t worry about the measurements, dogs don’t complain.

See How Easy Dog Training Can Be With The Right Information

Learn dog and puppy training at home

Winter is a nice time of the year, but in many parts of the country it gets extremely cold. Golden Retrievers are known for their resistance to the weather, but they can become victims if exposed for too long.

Their paws, ears, and bottoms are most prone to freezing and frostbite, whether they are walking, standing, or sitting, especially on icy surfaces, in extreme temperatures. They can also suffer hypothermia just like people do especially if they get damp or wet and are exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time.

Signs of frostbite include redness of the skin that eventually turns white or grayish, and evidence of shock in your dog. If you notice these signs, do not rub or massage these areas, and do not allow your dog to lick, rub or scratch at them.

Immediate veterinarian attention is needed. If this is not possible then immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water or use towels soaked in warm water on the area, changing them frequently.

When the affected area is completely warmed, gently towel dry, and apply some Vaseline. Bandage the affected area, and seek a veterinarian for follow up as soon as possible.

If you normally leave your golden retriever outdoors, and you live in cold country, it would be nice, and might also extend your golden retrievers life, if you let him or her into the house on those bitter cold nights, even if it is just a blanket on the floor in the corner of the basement.

Personally I could never sleep a wink, if any of my goldens were outside freezing in the cold, while I was toasty warm in my bed, but that’s me.

The Golden Retrievers history spans almost One Hundred years. The first Golden Retriever was originally developed in Scotland by a British aristocrat, Lord Tweedmouth.


Hunting provided great sport on the Scottish estates, so Tweedmouth, and other British lords wanted to develop quality hunting dogs for upland game.

They wanted more however than just good hunting dogs. They also wanted dogs that were a thing of beauty to watch work. The result was the Golden Retriever, a breed that had both skill and beauty.

The first Golden Retriever was produced by Lord Tweedmouth, by mating a yellow wavy-coated Retriever named Nous, to his Tweed Water Spaniel, Belle.

The breed was first exhibited in Britain in 1908 and was granted separate breed status in 1913. First classified as the Retriever Golden, and Yellow, in 1920 the name was changed to Golden Retriever

Once developed, early Golden Retrievers were shown in England as Flat-coated Retrievers under the variety Golden. Over time the Golden Retrievers made their way to North America, brought back by people visiting Britain.

By the early 1900s the Golden Retrievers had developed into a superb hunting retriever. Its most distinguishing features were its luxurious golden coat and sweet disposition.

In 1913 The Kennel Club registered Golden Retrievers as a distinct breed. In the same year the Golden Retriever Club was founded. The Golden Retriever was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1956.

In 1932, Golden Retrievers were recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Golden Retriever Club of America was formed in 1938.

In 1974 President Gerald Ford made the First Family dog a Golden Retriever named Liberty.

Today the Golden Retriever is well known for its excellent upland game hunting and retrieving abilities. It is also well know for its abilities as an assistant to the physically challenged.

Golden Retrievers have also become popular with law enforcement, because of their keen nose, and ability to sniff out illegal substances. But one of the things it does best is be a loyal loving friend to your whole family.

Learn dog and puppy training at home

Secrets from a veterinarian to keep your dog healthy

The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, sturdy, well proportioned dog, that is a pleasure to look at as well as watch work and play. They are loveable, well mannered, intelligent dogs, that are easily trained, and great with children.

They do not make great guard dogs or attack dogs because of their nature, but they make good watchdogs, and will signal loudly if a stranger approaches.

The Golden Retriever breed really needs to be around people. They love contact with humans, and become quite upset and mischievous if isolated. They will do all right in an apartment as long as they get daily exercise, but will do best with at least a medium sized yard.

The Golden Retriever has always been known as a great gun dog for hunting. This is what the breed was originally created for in Scotland back in the early 1900s. The breed has since become a guide for the blind, a therapy dog at nursing homes, a service dog for the disabled, a narcotics dog for law enforcement, and a great pet for the home.

Golden Retrievers make great companions for children because of their natural nurturing instincts and very gentle nature. The Golden loves to retrieve so you can keep them amused easily by throwing balls or sticks, especially if there is water involved, because they love to swim.

If you are considering a Golden Retriever Puppy, and it’s needs fit into your life style, then it can be a great choice, but I suggest you take the time and read through the pages within this web site because all Golden Retrievers are not necessarily created equal.

This site is a collection of information that can help you make an informed decision, and avoid some of the pit falls that are out there, that you may not even know about. After all, you wouldn’t pickup a stranger off the street corner and take them home to live with you, right.

It’s the same thing when selecting a Golden Retriever puppy. You need to know who the breeder of your dog is, and who are the parents. Do the parents have good blood lines. Have the parents been checked for a history of common medical problems that have found there way into the breed over the years?

You need to know the answers to these questions and more, and the pages and links in this web site will help you find those answers. Take the time to do the research, and hopefully you won’t have any unwanted surprises down the road. Happy reading.

Keep your Golden happy, healthy, and obedient