Pet Topics

It is important to consider whether or not Golden Retriever puppies are right for you before you choose to add one to your household. This may be the right breed for you if you want a large and athletic dog. If you want a cheerfully natured dog with a wagging tail or if you want a dog that is up for various athletic activities and needs vigorous exercise, a dog that is dependable with most people and has a very steady temperament. If you have other animals you want your dog to get along with or if you want a dog that will be eager to please you and therefore quite responsive to training a Golden Retriever is for you. For certain people these are factors that will attract them to the breed and for others they can also be factors that will turn them away from the breed. Before deciding whether or not a Golden Retriever puppy is right for you based on the above factors you also need to consider some negative points.
Up until Golden Retriever puppies turn about three years old they will be very vigorous. This means they will romp and jump, often sending things and sometimes people flying. This is why Golden Retriever puppies may not be best for households with small children, the elderly or the infirmed. If you still like the idea of a Golden Retriever but have someone like this in your household then you can consider getting an older Golden Retriever rather than a young puppy since the temptation to play roughly is too great for most Golden Retriever puppies.

You also need to consider the health problems your dog may have as it ages including joint and bone problems and eye diseases. The Golden Retriever is one of the riskiest breeds of all when it comes to health problems as a result of over breeding and poor breeding practices. Grooming is another factor you need to consider. Because of their feathered coat, the Golden Retriever will require regular brushing and combing in addition to the occasional trim.
Another issue you want to consider is separation anxiety. Golden Retriever puppies experience this more than other breeds which means they require a lot of companionship and should only be left alone for a few hours at a time. Their unhappiness at being left alone for longer periods of time will be expressed through various destructive behaviors such as barking and chewing. Therefore, Golden Retriever puppies may not be right for you if you can’t be home during the day.

The shedding and odor factor may also be something you want to consider. The Golden Retriever sheds more than any other breed, even when you pet them the fur will come off on your hands. After coming off, their fur sticks like glue to clothing, upholstery and carpeting. So be prepared to do a lot of vacuuming. The breed also has the permanent dog odor that many don’t like, even with constant bathing it can be difficult to complete get rid of this smell.

Only certain households and individuals will find that Golden Retriever puppies are right for them. Finally you can focus on the task of how to choose the right Golden Retriever puppy once you know they are right for you and your household.