Golden Retriever: More than a Dog and a Companion

By Mike Mathews

The Golden Retriever is well-known for its handsome, well-built, and proportioned body type. With its medium-length, cream to golden-colored water-repellent coat, powerful muzzle and kindly eyes, it presents a picture of a well-rounded working dog. It has a highly developed behavior and a benign disposition that goes with its imposing posture. Its character and nature makes it an excellent choice for companionship with small children and the elderly unlike other dogs.

Dogs in general whether it is a German Shepherd or a Hound are great pets and guard dogs but they are one man dogs and not family dogs. The golden retriever with its exceptional temperament can bond extremely well with families and especially children. This is what makes them a great family dog and a good guard dog as well. Originally from the United Kingdom, let us look at why a retriever is considered such a useful dog.

Compatibility and Usage: Considered as a highly social dog, the Golden Retriever's calm behavior, intelligence and ability to learn makes it the perfect choice around the world as a family dog, guard dog, seeing-eye dog, rescue dog and guide dog! Most of the dogs that have been used for rescue duty and guide dogs for the blind or mobility impaired people are Golden Retrievers.

Physical Appearance: The Golden Retriever is athletic dog, powerful and symmetrical in shape. The male of the breed is between 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) at the shoulders and weighs between 60 to 80 pounds while the female's height is between 20 to 22 inches and weighs between 55 to 70 pounds. They have a water repellent coat the color of bright gold.

Temperament: The breed's gentle behavior and friendly attitude towards children is the most compelling factor in making it the choice as a family dog and a guide dog. During its days as a young puppy however, the Golden Retriever exhibits hyperactive behavior by running around, picking up everything it can family retrieve that is not tied down! When they reach adulthood, a dramatic change in behavior is exhibited as they can lie or sit quietly in a corner. If you play with them however they are more than willing to get up from their lethargic rest and be active for the day! Daily exercise including a good dose of retrieving will contribute the dog's balanced temperament and maintain its active behavior.

Caring & Health: Since it has a thick coat, daily grooming is necessary especially during the shedding season when the Golden retriever sheds its winter coat. Clean your Golden Retriever's ears on a regular basis to prevent ear infections and bad smell.

A golden retriever is an exceptional competition dog because it can fetch almost anything from anywhere whether you throw it in a pool of water, mud or into the thick undergrowth of a forest. They just have the nose of it! With proper training he can win you dog competitions whether that is about obedience, track running etc. According to a research, it is believed that he can learn as many as 240 commands and displays a high level of intelligence.

They have an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years but some Goldens have been known to live longer. During the years that you will own a Golden Retriever, you will surely have an excellent family dog and guard dog loyal and obedient to all members of your family! They are also very popular in dog shows because of their extremely high level of intelligence. - 31844

About the Author:

About the Author: Mike Mathews is a writer and publisher of the popular Dog Breed Facts website. His new ebook titled "Choosing a Dog For Your Lifestyle" is a great resource for the prospective dog owner.

Golden Retriever Training: Why Exercise and Training Are A Necessity

By Mike Dugan

Training your new Golden Retriever should be considered an absolute must for your new pet. Goldens, of course, are naturally affectionate, but an untrained one can be difficult to manage. Keep in mind that once fully grown, a Golden Retriever can be upwards of 80 pounds, enough to knock an adult down.

Golden Retrievers like to jump, and are especially fond of jumping up on new friends. Here is where a good bit of basic training can pay off. You'll want your Golden to develop good habits early on, and unwanted jumping is something we'd like to correct.

Fortunately, Goldens take to training easily. However, it's important to note that owners should plan on putting in effort and time to develop the right habits in their Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever Training can be fun for both the trainer and trainee alike, and consistent training will pay off. Remember that your Golden does want to please you, so you both really share the same goals when it comes to training.

Here's a quick technique for training puppies that love to chew. Golden's are retrievers, after all, and spend lots of time "sampling" everything from your new sandals to your unprotected arm. Designate some specific chew toys for your Golden early on. Also, be sure to trash toys that have become damaged during play. You don't want your Golden Retriever swallowing the actual squeaking part that come out of those toys. A firm "No!" will usually stop inappropriate chewing. Be sure to then replace the inappropriate item with a designated toy. Be consistent with this training and always lavish praise on a Golden Retriever that has done well.

Golden Retrievers love (and need) to run, so you'll need to pay particular attention to your dog's exercise needs. Golden's need daily exercise. Without it, you'll have a dog on your hands that will act out in other ways -- including chewing on everything inappropriate. Plus, regular exercise will help keep your dog trim and healthy. It's surprisingly easy for a dog to put on weight if not monitored, even with regular exercise. Also, for you apartment dwellers, stay away from this breed. They need too much room to move and most apartments don't offer this. - 31844

About the Author:

Want to find out more about Golden Retriever training, then visit Mike Dugan's site on how to get the best Golden Retriever care for your needs.

Golden Retriever Training- Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up On You & Your Guests

By Mike Dugan

As any dog fan knows, dogs like to express their love. And, as any dog fan also knows, a dog's means of doing this isn't always appropriate. Some breeds keep it simple with tail wagging. Golden Retrievers, most notably, tend to go overboard and jump up on their owners and guests, among other things. Applying the correct golden retriever training can stop and prevent your dog from going this route

First, avoid pushing your dog away when he jumps on you. Simply because the dog understands this as playing so he will do it again and again!

Start by applying this simple technique first. Raise your knee a little and that will cause your dog to get down as a reflex action.

Keep this knee raising practice consistent and do it whenever the dog jumps

When the dog gets down start to praise him and give him a simple treat. That will help him to understand that not jumping is a good thing...and is reward-worthy.

You can also use the negligence technique in your golden retriever training. Dogs understand body language well. "Ignore" your dog until it stops jumping. When it gets down, praise it. Keep doing this until both actions are associated.

If these simple techniques don't pay off then move to others:

If your dog isn't responding to the raised knee alone, try a gentle tap on the nose in combination with the raised knee. When used consistently this should prove effective.

Offer praise and a treat reward for not jumping on guests

Try using a squirt gun, giving a little splash on the dog's nose when he jumps. Dogs don't care for this, in my experience, and you can end the jumping behavior when using this technique consistently.

Golden Retriever training is an ongoing process, one where patience and consistency are rewarded. Any of the above techniques done once and forgotten will not be effective. Apply the training consistently for best results. - 31844

About the Author:

Learn more about Golden Retriever training. Stop by Mike Dugan's site where you can find out all about training Golden Retrievers and what it can do for you.