Golden retrievers are energetic, loving family dogs. They also have beautiful golden coats that may be wavy or straight. [1] X Research source If you have a golden retriever or if you are considering getting one, then you will need to know about the special needs of this dog including how to feed, groom, entertain, train, and protect your golden retriever.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:
Feeding Your Golden Retriever
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Choose a high-quality food. When looking for a dog food to feed your golden retriever, you should make sure that the product is “complete and balanced.” This means that the dog food has passed tests to ensure that it provides all of the necessary nutrition that your golden retriever needs to be healthy.
- You may also want to consider buying a breed specific dog food. Some pet food companies produce dog food specifically for large breed dogs, such as golden retrievers. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- Look for a food that lists meat as the first 2 ingredients and that does not include grain within the first 5 ingredients. Meat is the most important source of nutrition for your dog because dogs are carnivores. If the first ingredient listed is grain or an animal by-product, then avoid that food. [3] X Research source
- If you are having trouble deciding on the best food to feed your golden retriever, then ask your dog’s veterinarian or ask the dog’s breeder for suggestions.
- It is also important to consider your golden retriever’s age when choosing a dog food. For example, if your golden retriever is a puppy, then he will need special puppy food. If your golden retriever is a senior, then he will need a senior dog food.
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Develop a feeding schedule. How often you need to feed your golden retriever depends on his age. You will need to feed your golden retriever more often when he is a puppy than when he is an adult. Talk to your veterinarian if you are unsure about the right type of feeding schedule for your golden retriever.
- Puppies 8 to 12 weeks old need to be fed 4 times per day.
- Puppies 3 to 6 months old need to be fed 3 times per day.
- Puppies 6 months to one year old need to be fed 2 times per day.
- Dogs past 1 year old need to be fed 1 time per day. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
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Provide plenty of clean, fresh water. Make sure that your golden retriever has access to a bowl of fresh, clean water at all times. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Change the water at least once per day.
- Keep your golden retriever’s water somewhere that is easy for him to access.
- Stainless steel bowls tend to harbor less bacteria and they are durable, so you may want to choose these over plastic or ceramic bowls.
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Provide some healthy treats. Treats are a great way to reward your golden retriever, but you should try not to give too many treats or your golden retriever may become overweight. If you want to feed treats try offering your golden retriever:
- Cooked sweet potatoes, sliced
- Baby carrots
- Rinsed canned green beans
- A few frozen peas or blueberries
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Avoid giving your golden retriever toxic human foods. You will need to avoid feeding your golden retriever certain human foods that may make them ill or even kill them. These foods include: [6] X Research source
- Alcohol
- Avocados
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Walnuts, almonds, pecans, and macadamia nuts
- Onions, garlic, and chives
- Yeast
- Xylitol a sweetener found in chewing gum among others [7] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:
Grooming Your Golden Retriever
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Brush your golden retriever’s coat daily. Golden retrievers have long coats that may either be wavy or straight. Because they are long haired dogs, they require regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Get your golden retriever used to brushing from a young age and make it a part of your daily routine.
- Use a natural bristle brush to groom your golden retriever’s fur. You may also need to get a wire bristle brush and a greyhound comb to deal with tangles in your golden retriever’s fur.
- Brush all surfaces of your golden retriever. Brush his back, sides, stomach, tail, chest, and ears daily. As you brush your golden retriever, check for fleas and ticks in his fur.
- Watch for scabs, scratches, redness, lumps, bumps, or cysts as well. If you spot anything unusual, keep an eye on it for a couple of days. If it does not go away, or if it grows bigger or concerns you, then contact your veterinarian.
- Do not shave your golden retriever’s fur in an effort to keep him cool. A golden retriever’s double coat is meant to protect him for all sorts of weather conditions, including heat. [9] X Research source
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Clean and inspect your golden retriever’s ears . Golden retrievers have floppy ears, which puts them at a higher risk of getting an ear infection. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Inspect and clean your golden retriever’s ears regularly, especially after he has been swimming.
- To clean your golden retriever’s ears, wrap a piece of damp (not wet) cotton gauze around your finger and use it to wipe the inside of your golden retriever’s ear and ear flap.
- Do not use cotton swabs or stick gauze deep inside your golden retriever’s ears.
- Check your golden retriever’s ears often to check for debris and wax buildup.
- If you notice wax buildup, a foul smell, or discharge coming from your golden retriever’s ears, take him to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. [11] X Research source
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Trim your golden retriever’s nails . Trim your golden retriever’s nails whenever they seem a bit long. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source A good sign that they are too long is if they are clicking on the ground when your golden retriever walks on a hard surface. Your golden retriever may need his nails trimmed more often if he does not get much exercise, but more active dogs will need fewer trims.
- Avoid the quick when you trim your golden retriever’s nails. The quick is a blood vessel inside of your dog’s nail and it can be painful and bleed if you cut it.
- To avoid cutting the quick, trim a small sliver of nail at a time and check the trimmed surface as you go. If you start to notice a circle on the trimmed surface, stop cutting. The quick is just below this circle. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
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Clean your golden retriever’s teeth . Brush your golden retriever’s teeth and inspect them regularly. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source It is ideal to start brushing your golden retriever’s teeth when she is a puppy, but you can teach your adult golden retriever to like brushing as well.
- Never use a human toothpaste for your golden retriever’s teeth! Human toothpastes contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:
Entertaining Your Golden Retriever
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Exercise your golden retriever often. Golden retrievers are energetic dogs that require regular exercise. Make sure that you take your golden retriever for a 20 to 30 minute brisk walk twice per day or play some games with him in your backyard for an equivalent amount of time.
- Keep in mind that younger dogs will need more exercise than older ones. [15] X Research source
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Play fetch with your golden retriever. Golden retrievers love to play fetch, so this should be a regular part of your playtime together. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Get some Frisbees or tennis balls to play fetch with your golden retriever.
- Make sure that you play fetch in a safe, fenced in area so that your golden retriever will not get distracted by a bird or other small animal and run off.
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Take your golden retriever swimming. Golden retrievers are great swimmers, so try to find some opportunities to let your golden retriever go swimming now and then. For example, you could take your golden retriever to a lake or let him swim in your pool if you have one. Just make sure that the water is safe for your golden retriever and watch him at all times. [17] X Research source
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Try giving your golden retriever stimulating toys. Golden retrievers are intelligent dogs, so make sure that you provide your golden retriever with plenty of stimulating toys to keep him happy.For example, you can try giving your golden retriever a puzzle toy that will allow your golden retriever to use his problem solving skills to earn a treat. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- Swapping out your golden retriever’s toys daily may also help to ensure that he is always entertained. Try putting one toy away each day and swapping it out with a different one.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:
Training Your Golden Retriever
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Train your golden retriever to go potty outside. If you have a golden retriever puppy, then you will need to put lots of time and effort into training your puppy to go potty outside . As you do so, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Never yell or hit your dog for making a mess in the house. Just pick him up and take him outside right away.
- Clean up messes as soon as they happen to prevent your dog from re-soiling the area. Use an enzymatic cleaner rather than an ammonia based cleaner to clean up the mess.
- Use puppy pads or newspapers to provide a place for your puppy to use indoors if he has an emergency and you are not home.
- Take your puppy out to the same spot in the yard every time he has to go potty.
- Give your puppy lots of praise and petting when he does go outside.
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Consider crate training your golden retriever . Crate training is a good way to provide your golden retriever with a safe space to retreat to when he is feeling nervous or lonely. A crate is similar to a dog’s den, so your dog should feel safe when he goes into his kennel.
- Place a dog bed or a couple of folded up blankets or towels in your golden retriever’s crate.
- Never put your golden retriever in his crate as a punishment! The crate should be your golden retriever’s safe space.
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Teach your golden retriever basic commands . Teaching your golden retriever basic commands is another great way to stimulate his mind and enhance your bond. Start by teaching your golden retriever how to do things like sit, shake, lay down, stay, and heel. You can try to teach your golden retriever these commands on your own or take a class together.
- Make sure that you only use positive reinforcement when training your golden retriever. Do not try to teach your dog basic commands but hitting him or yelling at him because he will not learn anything. Instead, give your golden retriever treats, praise, and affection when he successfully follows a command. [19] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
- Keep your training sessions short and frequent. Dogs do not have long attention spans, so keeping your sessions under 10 minutes is ideal.
- After your golden retriever has learned basic commands, you can try some advanced commands as well. [20]
X
Expert Source
Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.
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Socialize your golden retriever early . Socializing your dog helps to prevent him from being fearful of certain situations and people. Golden retrievers are excellent family dogs, but it is a good idea to socialize him while he is young (before he reaches 20 weeks of age). [21] X Expert Source Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 30 November 2021. However, you can still socialize your dog when he is an adult. [22] X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane Society Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source To socialize your golden retriever, take him out for walks as a puppy, bring him with you on outings, and invite people over to your house. Make sure that you keep your golden retriever on a leash when you are out of the house and reassure him if something frightens him. [23] X Expert Source Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 30 November 2021. Try to expose your golden retriever to:- Children and babies
- People of different genders, sizes, and races
- Other dogs
- Cats
- People in hats, wearing boots, holding umbrellas, etc.
- Loud noises and crowded places
- Cars and bikes
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Enroll your golden retriever puppy in a puppy socialization class. If you want to be certain that your golden retriever will be well socialized and also give him a chance to play with some other puppies, then you can enroll your golden retriever in a puppy kindergarten class. These classes help get puppies off to a good start by exposing them to different sounds and sights in a controlled environment.
- The best time start socializing your puppy in a class setting is after his first round of vaccinations when he is about eight weeks old.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:
Protecting Your Golden Retriever
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Keep your golden retriever inside. Golden retrievers love to be around people, so it is cruel to keep them outdoors. If you are not fond of having a dog inside of your house, then you should not get a golden retriever. [24] X Research source
- Provide your golden retriever with a bed inside the house and only take him outside for walks, playtime, and to use the bathroom.
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Place a collar with an ID tag on your golden retriever. If your golden retriever gets out of the yard, anyone who finds him will need a way to contact you. Make sure that your golden retriever is wearing a collar with his identification tag on at all times. The tag should include your contact information, such as your address and phone number.
- You may also consider having your golden retriever implanted with a tracking chip in order to locate him if he gets out of your yard. [25] X Research source
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Take your golden retriever for regular veterinary check-ups. After you bring a puppy or dog home from a breeder or shelter, you are responsible for that dog’s veterinary care. Make an appointment with a veterinarian to get your golden retriever the vaccinations and other treatments that he needs to be healthy. Some of the things that your golden retriever will need include:
- Heartworm prevention medicine at eight weeks and every month after that
- Lyme disease vaccination at nine weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks
- Rabies vaccination at 12 weeks
- Spay or neuter operation at six months
- An annual exam and vaccination booster starting at one year of age
- Twice yearly examinations starting at eight years of age
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Request tests to watch for breed-specific diseases. Like most purebred dogs, golden retrievers have some breed-specific diseases. You can ask your dog’s veterinarian what tests and exams are available to check for early signs of these conditions. Some of the conditions common to golden retrievers include: [26] X Research source [27] X Research source
- Cancers such as osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma and mast cell tumors
- Hip dysplasia which can lead to painful arthritis.
- Elbow deformities
- Heart disease
- Allergies
- Skin and ear infections
- Lyme disease
- Nephritis
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs it difficult to handle golden retriever?Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.Not at all! In many cases, golden retrievers are naturally easy and fun to work with.
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QuestionHow do I train my 1 year old golden retriever?Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.Reinforce the good behaviors that your dog does! Your puppy coming to you on their own doesn't mean that the adult will come to you automatically. Golden retrievers are much more fun when you actively direct them toward polite behaviors instead of taking their behavior for granted.
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QuestionAre golden retrievers good family pets?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.Not for nothing is the golden retriever one of the US's most popular dog breeds year after year. Almost without exception, these are good-natured, loyal, and loving dogs that are good with children. However, always make sure the dog is well-socialized as a puppy and children treat the dog with respect.
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Tips
- Always do a tick check after walking in tall grasses or wooded areas including checking between the toes, under the tail, in the armpits and in the ears.Thanks
- Keep plenty of toys on hand to keep your Golden retriever from becoming bored.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.grca.org/find-a-golden/more-topics-before-you-buy/akc-breed-standard/
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/care/
- ↑ http://www.goldenrescuenc.org/about-goldens-nutrition
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/general-dog-care
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/care/
- ↑ Kahn, C, (2010), The Merck Veterinary Manual , ISBN 978-0911910933
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/care/
- ↑ http://www.grrmf.org/learn/grooming-your-golden/
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/care/
- ↑ http://www.gspca.org/Breed/All-About/buyer-education.html
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/care/
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/care/
- ↑ http://www.grrmf.org/learn/owning-golden-retriever/
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/care/
- ↑ http://www.goldenretrievers.org/about-goldens/
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/
- ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/dog_training_positive_reinforcement.html
- ↑ Elisabeth Weiss. Professional Dog Trainer. Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.
- ↑ Elisabeth Weiss. Professional Dog Trainer. Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/training/socializing-adult-dog
- ↑ Elisabeth Weiss. Professional Dog Trainer. Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.
- ↑ http://www.grrmf.org/learn/owning-golden-retriever/
- ↑ http://www.grrmf.org/learn/owning-golden-retriever/
- ↑ http://www.grrmf.org/learn/owning-golden-retriever/
- ↑ http://www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org/doc/healthsurvey.pdf
About this article
Article Summary
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To properly care for your golden retriever, feed it a nutritious dog food which lists meat as one of the first ingredients, and make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. Golden retrievers have long coats that can get tangled, so brush its coat every day with a natural bristle brush. You should also clean your retriever’s ears and teeth regularly, and trim its claws. Golden retrievers have a lot of energy, so be prepared to provide it with about 30 minutes of exercise twice a day at a minimum. Keep reading for tips from our veterinary reviewer on how to train a golden retriever!
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