Tips and Tricks for Your Golden Retrievers

A few things that might help you as you search for and raise your Golden

Every dog owner has his or her own way to raise a puppy. Moreover, there are numerous books available. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I can share a few things that have worked for Jenny and me.

Picking out the puppy-
First and foremost, NEVER buy a puppy from a pet store. Well, OK it's my opinion and do as you wish. However, pet store dogs are typically from puppy mills and are not cared for properly. In addition, they are often breeder rejects. You will be overwhelmed with vet bills and problems. In addition, not all breeders are good either. Be sure to get references from family, friends, or a vet for a good breeder. Don’t forget to check for a local Golden rescue or human society. The dogs are always better cared for and the cost is significantly less.

The first thing you’ll want to do before you get attached to a puppy, is look at the parents. When looking at the parents of your puppy, I suggest watching the mom and dad fetch a ball and trot in return. You’ll want to look for any strange movements in the hind leg area. The trot should smooth and even. Walking the dogs is another way to get an idea. The gallop should be nice and even with no snake like movements on the hind end. The goal is to try and avoid any pre-disposed hip dysplasia problems. You’ll want to ask the breeder about guarantees, references, and parent history.

There is no 100% guaranteed way to get a particular size, temperament, or color of a Golden Retriever. Generally, their ears are a good way to get an early indication of what color they may be when they grow older. Generally, they will darken a bit as the age.

Although the larger and more active puppies will tend to be the more dominant and largest of the litter, this is NOT always the case. This can be especially tough with Goldens. Our two dogs could not be more different, yet as we picked them out we guessed the opposite for both of them in terms of size and temperament. I think more important than anything, is that your dog is eating well, active, and doesn’t have overly running stools. Playing the “pick the perfect dog” guessing game is really not that important. With a bit of effort any one of the litter will make a great pet. The key is to get a healthy dog; if you absolutely HAVE to have a particular dog in a litter and aren’t comfortable with it, then ask the breeder if you can over it checked by a veterinarian before committing. That said, you’ll probably fall in love with the puppy and want to keep it regardless. Just keep in mind that there may be addition cost.

Before you bring your puppy home, and for most likely the next year or more, be sure not to set your new puppy/dog up for failure. Setting up your home for your new puppy is an important part of his or her success and your sanity! I have additional information regarding this topic here.

Puppy Potty Training/ Crate Training-
There is plenty of people out there who will tell you this is the worst way to train a dog. I would have said the same thing until I opted to try this method. It’s the best thing for both your sanity and your dogs. I recommend getting a cage or kennel with an adjustable panel inside. This allows you to adjust the size of the cage with the growing puppy. As a new puppy, you’re Golden will need to go outside about every half an hour to forty five minutes. They may not always go, but if you get in a routine, you’ll be less likely to have mishaps. Be sure to say “Good boy or girl” each time they go potty. If you aren’t able to watch your dog or you have to leave the house, then put the puppy in the cage. Dogs are less likely to go potty where they sleep. This isn’t to say you won’t have mishaps or that you should leave them a long time. However, when you are sleeping, running to the store, or in the basement folding laundry, put them in the kennel. As soon as you get the chance take them straight from the kennel to outside. Try to encourage them to go in the same area. They are more likely to do their business outside if they smell previous efforts. Also, keep in mind that they are more likely to do their business after you’ve fed them or they’ve had some water; plan on taking them out just a few minutes after they’ve eaten. With each passing week you’ll be able to wait a bit longer before taking them outside. However, it is a gradual progression and there will be mistakes. Be sure to keep a good spot (pee/poop) cleaner on hand. A good cleaner should include natural enzymes to remove urine odors. This will help avoid the dog smelling his or her previous mistakes and duplicating them. You'll find that after the first few weeks of whining and whimpering, that your dog will actually go into the kennel with little or no resistance. They key is not to keep them in the kennel if you are home and can watch them. Each time you put them in the kennel give them positive reinforcement with a "Good boy or girl" or a small treat.

Each passing week you’ll have less mishaps and more time out of the cage. Eventually, usually after a few months, your puppy is house broken. Now comes leaving them home alone and out of the cage. The first time you leave your puppy alone while not in the kennel, make it a short trip; maybe fifteen minutes to a half an hour. Each trip you make, extend the time a bit more. DO NOT up and leave for hours at a time without expecting a mess until they get older.

Feeding-
For puppies make sure to get some food from your breeder to mix with your brand so you don’t upset their diet. As puppies, I also recommend putting your hand in the bowl from time to time while they eat. This helps to avoid that possessiveness you’ll often see with dogs while they eat. It is important to follow the guidelines on your brands feeding instructions. Depending on the activity level or your vet’s recommendation, you may need to increase or decrease this. DO NOT leave a full bowl of food out for the dogs at all times and it makes potty training a nightmare. If they are older, they will likely get overweight. There are a multitude of “name” brands out there. They are better than store brands. However, which one you choose is up to you. Do your own independent research. The only recommendation I’ll make is that we’ve had luck with lamb and rice mixtures with our Goldens. Click here to read a fairly in-depth article about nutrition that I've written, which may help you further

Puppy Classes-
In terms of socialization, puppy classes are a must. It allows your dog to be with other puppies. Doing this at a young age allows your dog to be comfortable around other dogs. As a result, he or she will be less likely to cause problems when around other dogs. If you don’t have puppy classes near your area, then take your dog to the pet store with you. Most major pet stores allow people to bring their dogs in the store with them. In addition, take your dog with you to various family functions. This allows your dog to be comfortable with other dogs and other people.

In terms of actual training, it really depends on your trainer. Most puppy classes lack a bit in real training depth. I recommend doing the puppy classes at your local pet store for socialization and using an independent trainer for obedience. There are a variety of training methods, most involve positive reinforcement. I recommend positive reinforcement. However, don’t rely solely on treats as the positive or you’ll be carrying treats with you everywhere you go. It’s a progressive style of training where treats eventually give way to a “Good boy or girl.” It takes time and patience. Think in terms of months not days or weeks. Some things like sit or down come quickly while heel or stay take much longer. Ask your vet if he or she has any recommendations for training. Most training classes will involve you being with your dog. I recommend this method, because you’ll want to see how your trainer manages your dog and have him or her watch you repeat the same methods. I wrote a short article on why someone should consider a dog trainer here...

The dreaded Leash-
Working with a leash and a Golden can be a trying task for both owner and dog. For very young puppies a nylon leash will work. However, they will quickly test your nerves by grabbing and chewing on the leash. Soon the leash is a new way to play tug. When they hit this stage I suggest using a metal leash. It will be much easier on both of you. Over time, they figure out that the leash will win every time. Eventually, you can switch back to nylon after they've grown out of this stage. If excessive pulling and walking ahead begins to develop during your walks, your best bet is to stop and wait each time your dog to settle down or walk back to you. It will probably take you an hour to walk a half a block, but over time it does work. Use positive reinforcement each time your dog is close by or by your side.Think in terms of months if not a year, before you'll have a dog that stays by your side. patience is a virtue when it comes to Goldens. Your experience may be better, but if you go into knowing it could take a while you will be less likely to get frustrated if you don't get immediate results.

In addition to the above mentioned methods, there are options available to help aide in making walks easier. There is a product called gentle leader, which keeps your dog from pulling on the leash. However, it tends to look a bit like a muzzle. Jenny and I opted for a nylon harness, which has a leash hook in the front by the dogs chest rather than on the back like a typical harness. Brand names vary by store, so ask your local pet store if they have this type of configuration. This keeps the dog from pulling on the leash (it just turns them sideways if they do), but doesn't give the appearance of a muzzle. In addition, it is much more comfortable for the dog. Having two Goldens, this method works best for Jenny and me.

Digging in the yard-
This is one of the more annoying habits of dogs, and Goldens can do some serious digging. There really is no trick to stop it, only some suggestions. First off dogs are pack animals. They may like the outdoors, but they want to be near people. Goldens are even more family oriented. As a result, it is best not to leave your Golden outside unattended for any length of time until they get older and more mature. I also suggest leaving a few chew toys (make sure they are fairly tough) outside to give your dog alternatives to digging. Chances are good that if your dog is digging, it means one of three things

1. They are bored
2. They are lonely
3. They are hot

None of these three things are good. As a result, know your dog and know your breed.

Making your dog come to you-
Nothing is more frightening then having your dog wonder off at the park or run to another person. With Goldens, they will greet nearly any person and any new dog as if they are a new best friend. The first key is name recognition. As a puppy, enlist the help of a friend. Each person has some treats (I use Charlie Bears, because they are low cal low fat). Each person sits or stands at one end of the yard or hallway. Call your dog by name and when he or she comes to you, give them a treat and a "Good boy or girl." Your enlisted friend does the same from the other end of the yard or hallway. After your dog gets the idea, work your way down to one treat every other time, every third time, and eventually not at all. Always give positive reinforcement of some type.

At the park, it's a whole other story. You'll need some heavy duty positive reinforcement to get them to listen to you there. There are far too many distractions. I suggest, and some people will say this is bad, but I don't care, using little mini hot dogs. The kind used for appetizers. Cut them in three so that each piece is about the size of a finger tip. On your next trip to the park give your dog one of these little gems. As he or she wonders off a bit, call them back to you and give them the piece of mini hot dog with a "Good boy or girl." Next work in a simple command like "Here" and when your dog returns to you give them a piece of hot dog. As with the name recognition method, slowly work the treats, or in this case hot dogs, out of the equation and use "Good boy or girl" only instead. If your dog starts to break the rules, start over again from the beginning. It takes time, but over the course of a few months your dog will eventually come to the command "Here." The command you choose is up to you. It can simply be the dogs name, here, come, or whatever. However, be sure it is easy to understand.

Keys to success-
The number one thing I can recommend for a happy dog and a happy dog owner is exercise. A day at the dog park can be worth every minute especially when they are puppies. Goldens love to play and run. Like children, fresh air and exercise will wear them out. As a result, you’ll have a better behaved dog and more free time. If you can’t make it to the dog park, then a good walk will do the trick. A good game of fetch is always fun. What about winter? Winter doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t need exercise. Goldens love to play in the snow. My Goldens love to chase snow balls. It requires you to get dressed and endure the weather, but you’ll feel better and so will your dogs.

Another key to success is consistency. Use the same commands for the same reasons all the time. You’ll be much more likely to get results. Besides the obvious site and down, use simple straight forward commands like:

• HERE (to get your dog to come to you)
• OFF (to get your dog to get his or her paws off the counter)
• DROP or GIVE (to get your dog to release the ball)

Avoid using multi syllable commands. In addition, use a deep powerful voice when using commands. Anytime your dog does as you ask, be sure to give positive reinforcement like “Good boy or girl.” It takes time, in some cases years, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Keep Toys Available-
The last thing I’ll recommend is using Nylabone products. This isn’t an endorsement, nor does Nylabone sponsor this site. However, you will save yourself a ton of money and a lot of ruined furniture. Start when they are puppies with a puppy key chain. Over time you’ll move on to a puppy Nylabone. Use positive reinforcement each time you see them chew on their Nylabones. Eventually, you’ll move on to adult sizes and various hardness levels depending on how much of a chewer your dog is. Many of the natural bones break apart and will cause stomach blockages. In addition, many rawhides are imported and contain chemicals. Moreover, not all dogs have an easy time digesting rawhide. It will also make a mess of your carpet and it tends to leave residue and odors. If your carpet smells like rawhide what might happen? Your dog might think it is rawhide or something edible. Be persistent with your Nylabones. They may not always chew them early on, but if you keep encouraging them they’ll chew them as adults. Both our Goldens chew their Nylabones daily. They last longer the natural alternatives and they save having your dog use your furniture as a chew toy. In addition, they will help keep your dogs teeth clean. The key is to stick with them and encourage your dog when he or she chews them ( More on chewing here ). Lastly, Nylabones aren't treated with chemicals like some natural altrnatives.

Beyond Nylabones, there should be a variety of toys. Your puppy will be teething. As a result, you'll want to have a soft, rubbery (Puppy Kong is good), and harder option available. There are also fabric bones that are available, which can be dampened and then frozen to help aide in those painful teeth. Supervise your puppy/dog. Golden's are notorious for shredding toys apart. I suggest Tuffy's for a plush toy option. They last a bit longer and if you take them away as your dog begins to chew too heavily on them, they'll last months.

Keep toys in each room your puppy/dog plays in. In addition, I recommend alternating toys. Keep a few stashed away and then bring them back out to encourage play. It's unfortunate, but generally the more expensive toys last the longest. You'll find that the toys at Wal-Mart may be cheaper to buy, but they'll last half as long. You may even find that you'll save money by investing more up front on a decent toy.

If you have any questions about your Golden, feel free to contact us. Jenny and I have dealt with a number of issues over the years and we may be able to help. In addition, check our forum for members who might also be able to help.