It’s a delicate balance between work, kids, and pets. All three require attention and none can be ignored. Unfortunately, our pets often feel the biggest brunt of our shortened free time. However, active dogs like Golden Retrievers require a lot of exercise. Otherwise, behavioral issues start to creep back into the mix. If your dogs are like mine, they’ll give you hints like maybe carrying a toy over to your lap as you sit back to watch your favorite TV show or log on to the computer.

So what to do? Jenny and I have learned to include our dogs in more functions. When my wife studies, she studies outside. As a result, our two Golden Retrievers can get some play time together outside while she studies. If it’s warm outside, we’ll fill up the kiddy pool or turn on the sprinkler. Jenny and I both walk, so we’ve made a point to take our dogs along with us. Even a twenty minute walk can be beneficial to both you and your dogs. If you have the financial means, many of taken to using doggy day care type operations. In this case, you drop your dog off for a set amount of time. While at the day care, your dog gets to play with other dogs and gets the attention he or she needs. It’s great for both exercise and socializing your dog. If you have children, some parks allow dogs or dogs parks are located near playgrounds. This allows you the ability to make exercise a family affair. Although not full on exercise, keeping plenty of chew toys available with help keep your dogs active. In addition, I’ve found using a low calorie treat in a treat ball can provide hours of activity. With these products, there is generally a round or egg shaped plastic type toy where there is one or several small openings. Treats are placed in these openings. Once you put these toys on the floor, your dog will roll them around the house trying to retrieve the treats from them.

The key is activity. Activity will increase your dog’s lifespan and help make the time with your dogs more enjoyable. Remember, they’re only with us a short time so make every moment count. Now, it’s time for a quick game of fetch.

Far too often people leap into decision based on emotion. It’s extremely easy to do when thinking of that cute puppy. However, there are many things to consider. First and foremost, can someone afford this new puppy? Consider regular shots, flea control, heartworm prevention, food, treats, and vet visits; plan on budgeting at least 50-100 dollars per month. Secondly, what type of dog is best suited for your lifestyle? I often see distressed owners of Golden Retrievers, Labs, or Springer Spaniels (to name a few). They look beaten down and tired. They have no control of their dogs and it’s obvious there is some level of regret. They failed to read the fine print that mentioned these dogs require a lot of exercise and attention. When I mention a minimum of an hour or more extensive exercise per day they often looked puzzled. Moreover, these dogs need challenges. Whether it’s a new territory to walk/run through or a new challenging toy, they aren’t dog bed potatoes. Many behavioral issues stem from a lack of exercise and entertainment.

Exercise and entertainment is only half of the battle. The other half requires that the owner takes time with his or her dog. So these dejected owners are now looking for that quick fix. As if their new puppy will suddenly come of his or her state of craziness with a simple hot new thing. However, training a dog can take months and, in some tougher cases, years. The help of a good dog trainer can get a new puppy owner off to a great start. However, take in mind this is going to be part of the expense of owning a dog; a worthwhile one nonetheless. If you plan on going it alone, then be sure to buy a few good dog training books and come up with a consistent training plan among them.

Owning a dog has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. The interaction between human and canine is amazing. The unconditional love of a dog is priceless. However, it’s important for every potential dog owner to take the time needed to make educated decisions. Research your favorite breeds and check your budget. When someone completes those tasks, then it’s time to check the schedule to be sure there are several free hours in each day for exercise and training. If all those needs are met, then gather some patients and get ready for a rewarding and loyal companion.

Deciding on a dog trainer should be a no-brainer for a first time dog owner; even more so for a first time Golden Retriever owner. However, many people feel as though they are giving up on their dogs by using the training option or they question the cost associated with a dog trainer. Most puppy classes and dog training services cost between $100.00 and $300.00 dollars depending on the complexity of the course. Considering you’ll spend ten times that in ruined carpets, broken furniture, and trips to the vet due to accidents, it’s well worth the cost. A trainer will address the basics like sit, stay, down, and leash walking. Other basics include name recognition and making your dog come to you on command. Moreover, a trainer can offer advice for potty training a new puppy.

More than just training your dog, a good dog trainer will train the owners as well. They will be able to help owners understand what works and doesn’t work in terms of dog interaction and communication. In addition, a dog trainer will help an owner to rid their dogs of annoying habits that, if not taken care of early, will continue to cause problems well into the future.

Even if someone decides on a dog trainer, raising a puppy will test their patients. This is why I urge new pet owners, especially potential Golden owners, to think before they buy or adopt. Nonetheless, if you’ve decided on a puppy and a local trainer you’ll likely have a much more enjoyable experience raising your puppy. Your days will be filled with more laughs, pictures, and accomplishments than nerve racking. If you decide to go it alone, be sure to research your breed and training methods prior to purchasing or adopting your new Golden Retriever puppy.

Many local kennels offer dog training services. In addition, some Petcos and PetSmarts offer this service. If you are still stumped, ask your veterinarian. Vets typically keep ties with quality breeders and trainers. If you aren’t comfortable going blindly to a dog trainer, then ask for references. Dog training will set you and your dog off to a good start. In addition, it’s an excellent start for socializing your dog. In closing, enjoy both the bad and the good days of puppyhood, because they fly by. As they grow older, you’ll find yourself wishing your dog would start a bit of mischief just to be sure he or she’s still got some spark. Tucker is now six years old and still has a bit of puppy left in him.

Not that I agree with a lack of research on a small animal or a reptile, on the contrary, I think it’s extremely important. However, dealing with a bad decision on a smaller pet is much easier to deal with. Granted, you’ll still have to clean its cage regularly and give it food and water, but chances are you’ll be able to manage in even the worse case scenario. Meaning, I don’t see a gecko chewing apart your house or waking you up to go outside. That is NOT going to be the case with a dog. Dogs require an hour a day or more of play time and a half dozen or so trips outside per day. In addition, the monthly cost associated with a dog purchase is going to be far greater. There is food, heartworm pills, flea and tick control, and annual shots. That is of course if you are lucky to have a healthy dog. One major surgery and you could be out thousands of dollars. Moreover, you are bound to have a few mishaps or mistakes that could result in damaged furniture, carpet, or other household items. Still, people see a dog at a pet store and buy on impulse. This is just one of the reasons I don’t support pet stores selling dogs.

It’s shocking how uneducated some potential pet owners truly are. Picking a dog simply because “It’s cute” could become a true nightmare if you aren’t familiar with the breed. This holds most true for labs and Golden Retrievers. The Golden is a sporting breed that needs plenty of exercise. Moreover, Golden Retrievers are people dogs. They like to be around people and will consider most people an instant friend. In addition, they will want to be on your lap or by your side at all times. You’ll quickly realize that you have a second shadow. Someone really has to love dogs to own a Golden Retriever, because there will be no escaping the fact that you own one. This isn’t a breed that’s just going to lie down in the corner and sleep all day while you go about doing what you consider more important.

For a fan of the breed, the traits of a Golden Retriever are what lure many of us to the breed. However, if someone lacks patients or doesn’t understand the work involved in owning a Golden, they will quickly become frustrated. This is why nearly every county in every state has a Golden Retriever rescue. Far too many owners get in over their heads.

In summary, whether you are buying a gecko, a hamster, or even a rat be sure you research your pet prior to purchase. Even owning a fish tank requires some basic knowledge or you’ll find yourself with hefty losses and a forgettable experience. Every pet requires certain conditions that should be met. Skipping any part of their needs could result in problems. There are plenty free resources online. If you are thinking about a dog, or more specifically a Golden Retriever, then research is only part of the equation. Questions you may ask yourself:

• Do I have the room?
• Can I afford the food?
• Can I afford the vet bills?
• Do I have time to walk and play with him or her?
• Can I sacrifice a perfectly clean home?
• How active is the dog?
• How big does it get?
• Are there any good local breeders?
• Can I find my breed at a shelter or rescue?
• Will I be home or have someone available to let my dog out?
• I travel a lot, so is there any good local kennels and can I afford to keep my dog there?
• If something happens to me, who will take care of my dog?
• How will it be around children?
• Are there any local dog parks?

That was just a sample of the number of questions a potential dog owner should ask themselves. For Jenny and me, we wouldn’t trade our two boys for the world. There are many days when seeing our two Golden Retrievers is the highlight of our day. That said, owning these two dogs has been a life changer. Vacations become complicated, cleaning the house becomes an ongoing battle, and company has to be fair warned about the onslaught of attention they’ll get. Moreover, I’ve spent more time in the snow over the last six years than in my previous thirty. Rain, sleet, or snow these dogs still need to run. Again, I love every minute of it. My only true complaint about my two Goldens is that they don’t live longer. From my personal experience or from working in the pet industry, I like to share my knowledge and help someone get the best experience possible when considering a particular pet. Buying or adopting a pet should NEVER be an impulse decision. In addition, if you can’t tell your kids no, then there are larger issues at hand. Surely owning a pet will only complicate matters more. Educate yourself and your children before making that final decision. If you decide on a particular pet, then enjoy every minute of it, because their life with us is often far shorter than we wish it could be.

The key for pet owners to understand nutrition is first understanding their pet. Dogs digest food nearly twice as fast as humans. As a result, it’s important that a dog food is packed with the right ingredients. There are basically four types of dog and cat foods with organic falling under natural.

1. Your typical grocery brand
2. The second is a premium brand. (May be available in some grocery stores, but offers superior nutrition and consistency)
3. Natural (All natural ingredients including natural preservatives)
4. 4. Holistic (A full body view of nutrition with a wider variety of natural ingredients)

Note: There are also some organic foods which avoid ingredients derived from sources that use pesticides or chemicals in the process of raising or growing their products. If you shop organic for yourself, then you’ll understand this food option for your dog or cat.

A premium food offers better than the minimum AAFCO nutrition standards. In addition, there is typically a greater level of consistency with a premium food. However, premium foods may contain preservatives or proteins based off of by-products. Nonetheless, these foods are a step up from many grocery store brands. There are often age specific blends as with puppy, adult, and senior. In some cases there may be breed specific. Generally puppies are up to one year, adults from 1 – 7, and seniors 7 and up. The front of the bag usually gives guidelines.

A natural food contains all natural ingredients. Even the preservatives are based from natural substances. This food is very close to what cooking your own food for your dog may be like with several VERY important differences; ADDED VITAMINS, MINERALS, and CONSISTENCY that is impossible to get from cooking your own dog or cat food. However, if you like the quality of the ingredients of a home cooked type food, a natural food is a great alternative that is actually healthier for your pet. These foods are often designed for all ages. Although the quantities for ages may vary, the quality of the ingredients are excellent for all life stages of your dog or cat. Some natural foods may still offer breed specific blends.

Holistic foods are very similar to natural foods. However, holistic foods take natural a step further by offering a wider variety of ingredients. You’ll notice items like berries as part of a holistic food ingredient label. It’s basically a full mind and body approach to nutrition.

So what does that all really mean and why should I spend more money on it? The first myth to upscale dog and cat foods is that it’s automatically more expensive than a grocery store alternative. If you look at the feeding instructions, you’ll find that most natural dog and cat foods require about half the daily serving size to feed your dog or cat. As a result, that bag of food that cost twice as much really doesn’t cost much more at all. Often times the cost is very similar. Moreover, you may save money on future vet bills or additional nutritional supplements that may be recommended by a vet.

Natural foods also offer the ability to avoid some food allergies, which should be determined by a veterinarian. Some brands offer several blends that might exclude ingredients that could be a problem for your dog or cat. For example, some natural brands offer chicken, duck, or even fish as options among others. In addition, some brands avoid wheat or corn as an alternative for a pet that has allergy problems.

So you are considering a natural or holistic food, but don’t know what to look for?

People will argue about “The best brand.” However, here are some key things to look for and some misconceptions:

Meal is good- For example; chicken meal has more protein per ounce than chicken. Why? Because chicken is over 70% water, but meal is dried out chicken that is grounded up. The result is more protein per ounce. Good foods offer both whole meat and meal based proteins as one of the first few ingredients.

Some corn isn’t bad- As long as corn isn’t one of the first ingredients; it’s actually not just filler. Actually some corn, especially meal based, does offer some essential vitamins. The goal is to avoid foods that use corn as a primary ingredient because it can be tough to digest ( Better foods will have any corn based ingredients listed fairly far down the list of ingredients if at all). Avoid foods that list corn as one of the first several ingredients or altogether if your veterinarian has indicated that your dog has an allergy.

Not all by-products are 100% bad- You’ll want to look for a named bi-product. Avoid nameless by-products like poultry bi-product. However, if a name is given like “Chicken bi-product” it can actually be a decent source of protein. There are those who argue 100% against any by-products in food. Although humans may not prefer the thought or taste of other parts of an animal, and they aren’t designated for human consumption, that doesn’t necessarily negate all nutritional value. That said, if the food brand won’t even list the meat source (chicken bi-product for example) then be very wary. I personally prefer more whole protein options like, for example, strictly chicken meat or chicken meal, but that is a personal preference. Most high end natural foods avoid by-products altogether.

Ingredients on pet foods are listed in order of weight (remember what I mentioned about corn?). Look for foods that list a good protein as one of the first four ingredients. The best foods will list more than one. For example, chicken and chicken meal is often listed in the first four or five ingredients in most good natural foods. I use chicken as an example, but it can be a combination of some meat protein and meat protein meal (chicken and then salmon meal for example). The ingredients after that may include some form of cooked carbohydrates like brown rice followed by a variety of other natural ingredients. The vitamins and minerals will follow. Though vitamins and minerals do not make up the bulk of the food weight, they do provide important nutritional benefits. Both vitamins and minerals help move nutrients and proteins throughout the body and are essential to pet health.

Although dogs are typically considered carnivores, their eating habits and diets remain closer to omnivores. Their foods are typically made up of a variety of ingredients for well balanced nutrition including meat. However, cats are strictly carnivores. Cats will NOT survive on a strictly vegetable diet. Cats need taurine, which will only be found in meats. This is not to say some cat foods won’t offer other ingredients, but they MUST include some meat option or a taurine source.

In summary, know your breed, its age, and its potential allergies as noted by your vet. Compare brands and feeding instructions. Look for brands that avoid preservatives (other than natural ones). Avoid brands that use corn as a primary ingredient. In addition, make sure your brand of choice offers several good protein options in the first part of the ingredient list; one being some type of meal (Chicken meal for example). Lastly, if you have a cat, make sure you feed a food that includes meat or includes taurine in the ingredient list.

The brand of choice is up to you. Every brand has its share of fans and foes. I’m avoiding promoting any specific brands in this article for that reason. However, if you do some research online, you’ll see that some brands consistently rank higher than others. Remember this: Just because the brand says its natural doesn’t mean it is. Look at the ingredients and confirm its claim. Ask around and do your OWN research. Take the time to read labels. Avoid radical opinions for or against a specific brand. Look for reasonable explanations or reviews.

If you make a food switch, be sure to do so gradually. Start off with one part new food three parts old food. Gradually add the new food into the mix.

Where you get your foods is also optional. The goal is to provide your pet with quality nutrition. Petco offers a wide variety of premium and natural foods as do other major pet retailers. The key is to look for a store that is consistent in keeping your food in stock (unless the food manufacturer is the reason for the delay). Keep an eye open for sales on your brand to keep a reasonable stock level and save money. Petco regularly offers discounts to PALS members on premium and natural foods. Also, many stores offer a frequent buyer program (buy ten get one bag free). However, avoid buying foods too far in advance (more than a few months), because most high end foods have expiration dates because they do not contain as many preservatives. If you get in a jam finding a food in stock, check online as some major pet retailers like Petco, among others, offer online food buying programs.

I love my dogs and my cats. Unfortunately they aren’t with us as long as we’d all like them to be. As a result, I feed my dogs and cats high quality foods and give them regular exercise. I want their time with me to be as long and enjoyable as possible.

For someone who loves a strong bond with their pets, a Golden Retriever is a perfect dog. They quickly become part of the family and will naturally want to be wherever you are. Whether you are going for a ride or taking a nap, a Golden Retriever won’t be too far behind. When you are sick they’ll be right by your side. When you are happy they’ll be ready to play. Moreover, nearly everyone is a friend to a Golden. Their playful and loving nature is contagious.

I’ve sadly seen many dogs that become just a fixture in a house. That thing everyone seeking a typical American life is supposed to have, but rarely gets more than an occasional pat on the head. Sadly, this is the case for many dogs. In other cases the dog is nothing more than a showpiece of success.

Golden Retrievers are people dogs. One of my Golden’s (Murphy) is at my feet as I uncomfortably write this column. I don’t have the heart to move Murphy over. He’ll lay their quietly until I so much as get up for a second and he quickly jump to his feet to see where I’m going. If I go outside, he’ll be ready to play and if I go lay down he’ll snuggle right beside me. Often times they’ll even lay their head on the pillow. The same holds true for my six year old Golden Tucker. Even the recliners aren’t dog free as Tucker and Murphy will find ways to get the top half or entire portions of their bodies on my wife’s lap. At six years old, Tucker is in tune to nearly all of our words. Be careful not to say ride, walk, ball, toy, where it, mommy’s home, is daddy’s home, hungry, dinner, and a few dozen other words. It takes nothing more than to say “Give kisses” and you’ll get a lick on the nose if they aren’t already licking you. Murphy stands on the edge of our sleigh bed with his front feet so we can walk up and give him hugs. It’s a truly amazing interaction between human and pet.

As you may or may not have noticed, I haven’t once mentioned how beautiful these dogs are. They are certainly one of the best looking breeds. However, their outer beauty isn’t nearly as good as their inner beauty. They are truly a people’s dog. That’s not to say other dogs don’t have similar characteristics, but no breed is better known in its entirety for such lovable traits.

So if you aren’t much for occasionally tripping over dogs, giving up a bit of bed space, or having an eighty pound lap dog, then maybe you would be better suited with a different breed. However, if you want an excellent addition to the family that will give you hours of laughter, snuggle time, and fun, then maybe a Golden Retriever is right for you.

As they’ve matured our two dogs have slowed down a bit. Nonetheless, we’re still reluctant to give them just any old plush toys. At 6-14 dollars a pop, it’s not easy to just let another plush toy be sacrificed to the dogs.

After multiple product attempts, Jenny and I found a product that holds up extremely well.

VIP Products has a line of plush toys that is second to none. For note, VIP is not a sponsor of this site. I’m endorsing this product, because of its quality.

The VIP line of plush toys I’m referring to is Tuffys. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes ranging from tug toy shaped to dinosaur shaped. Their products are rated at a toughness scale that ranges from 5-10 (from what I’ve seen). Ten would be the toughest. Some of the toys include squeakers.

Jenny and I have had a lot of luck with the Ultimate Tug toy call Tug-O-War, which has a toughness scale of nine. After nearly a year there is some edge ware, threads missing, and corners chewed off. However, the toy still has all squeakers intact and is still used regularly as a tug toy for us to use with our dogs and our two dogs to use with each other. For a plush toy to last this long is outstanding.

The prices I’ve seen range from around $10.00 dollars up to around $30.00. You’ll have to check your local pet store or shop online to find the price of the Tuffys toy that is right for you. Our Ultimate Tug-O-War toy is about $19.99 at our local pet stores. Considering the quality, this is a bargain. Their toughest toys have 7 layers of material and seven layers of stitching. If you can get a year out of a plush toy, you’ll probably save a lot of money in the long run.

With all dog toys it’s important to know your dog. In addition, some toys work better from some breeds than others. Generally speaking, the more mature the dog the less likely you’ll see toys destroyed quickly. In addition, some level of training is required to curb the destruction habit. Someone may not be able to eliminate it altogether, but it can certainly be slowed down. I suggest taking toys away once they start getting chewed apart. Most importantly, you should always supervise your dog until you know his or her habits and any time you give them a new toy.

It’s not often I’ll indorse a product outright, but I believe these Tuffys plush toys are worth a thumbs up. Save yourself having snow (white fluff) in your living room in the middle of summer and try the Tuffy plush toys. The few extra dollars up front might save you money in the long run and also give your dog a safer plush toy.

As much as I like to think our dogs are lucky to have us, we are equally lucky to have them. We enjoy petting them as much as they like to be petted. They relax us on stressful days and keep us company on lonely ones. They love us unconditionally even as real world unconditional love continues to fade. They keep us warm on a cold winter’s night as well as help us enjoy even the most inclement weather.

Most of the obvious good points of owning a dog have been pointed out numerous times by a multitude of dog owners. I think what I appreciate most about owning our two Golden Retrievers is the attitude it has given Jenny and I towards animals in general. Granted, we were both animal lovers prior to owning our dogs. However, the interaction between human and dog is such that it really stops and makes you think. It continues to amaze Jenny and I how much interaction we have with our dogs. Dogs are so in tune to our moods and personalities that it gives someone a different perspective on animals in general.

Rather than just pets or wild animal in the field, dogs teach us that animals aren’t just a lower level of the food chain. They have thoughts, feelings, and moods just like people. Granted, not all animals are as in tune to humans as dogs and cats. However, the association is still there. No better lesson can be taught to our children. The love of animals can extend to human connections as well. There is no better indicator of a person’s ability to love than how he or she treats animals.

This is not to state some philosophical belief that no animals should be hunted or that in some cases killed. However, in a general sense dogs teach us that animals aren’t just some cuddly thing you see at the zoo or a pet store. They are creatures of this earth just like humans. As a result, we should respect their habitats and treat them with dignity. In addition, there is no reason that animals and humans can’t go exist. How we treat our pets and the animals around us is a good indication of how we’ll treat ourselves going forward. The loss of that actuality can be detrimental, not only to animals, but to all living things. Being at the top of the food chain, we should set the best example.

It is believed that the chicken is a distant relative of the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex. Imagine that? However, it makes one stop and think of how easily the tides can change. Though we may stand at the top of the food chain now, we could easily see the roles reversed in future generations. Should that day come, we can only hope our animals treat us with more respect than many of us have treated them.

I think Jenny and I are the lucky ones in our family. We have a house full of wonderful animals and the lessons we’ve learned from them have given us a better sense of being.

Dogs that spend most of their time inside tend to shed all year round. However, there are certain times of the year when it’s even more important to stay on top of grooming. The summer is probably, for your dogs sake, one of the best times to keep your dog well groomed. Excess hair equals excess heat. From a grooming standpoint, you’ll find that as weather heats up and cools down (change of season) that you’re grooming will become more involved.

I use several products for grooming. For note, none of the products I mention are sponsors of this site. They’ve gained prominence in my household simply because of their quality and the fact that they work well. I provided links to their websites when possible so you can do more of your own research. There are three stages of products I use. It boils down to extreme, heavy, and every day brushing.

For the early change of season, when your dogs coat is very thick, I recommend using a product called the FURminator. The tight metal comb like layout of this rake is excellent for getting rid of very heavy extreme shedding. It takes the under layer of fur out with relative ease. This is a product that I’d say you’ll use every few months and only during the heaviest of shedding.

The second product I recommend is a regular rake. This product (brands vary) has wider and thicker bristles than the FURminator. They taper down a bit at the ends to help get to the under coat. It’s a bit less extreme than a FURminator, but still pretty powerful at removing excess fur. This is a product that you would use every few weeks to once a month. It really depends on how well you keep up with my next two suggestions.

The last two products I use are for daily brushing. They are softer and less likely to irritate your dog’s skin, which is important in the summer and in general. Also, once you have used a FURminator and a regular rake, there is no need to use anything heavy duty for daily use. Most of the hair should be gone at this point and you’re basically just keeping things in check. A few years ago at a local event for dogs I was given a product called Groomeez. Their website isn't the greatest, but if you do a search you can find places that sell them online. It’s an –excellent— daily use brush. What I like is that the bristles are rubbery plastic, which is softer for your dogs. Both my dogs love this brush. The best part of Groomeez is that it has a button you can push up to help take the fur out of the bristles. However, Groomeez will only work if your dog is well groomed. This is not a product designed to take out mats or for heavy grooming. Make sure to follow the previous steps before using a product like Groomeez.

Another product I use quite a bit is a comb, which works great around the ears. The particular comb I prefer has moveable bristles. It’s not electric, but the bristles are loose, which allows movement of about 1/8 of an inch up and down and they can also rotate which helps them move seamlessly through the hair. I’ve had several of these and they are great for daily grooming for both cats and dogs. The product is called the UNTangler. It sounds dramatic, but it is very soft on the dogs while grooming. The pins are rounded at the ends, which is gentler on the skin. This comb will take out some light tangles or mats. Both the Groomeez and the UNtangler are excellent daily use grooming tools. If you can’t find these products, then I recommend a soft bristled slicker brush or soft bristle wire brush.

Brushing or combing daily can help avoid the frequent use of heavier rakes. In addition, it can keep your dogs cool in the summer and your home freer of excess fur. If you keep up with your grooming it should take about five to ten minutes a day and will save you a lot of hassle later on. Who doesn't have five minutes to spare for their animals? That is not to say you won’t skip a day here and there, but the idea is to keep it regular. On top of all the other advantages to grooming regularly, you’ll have fewer problems with fleas and ticks. I typically groom outside when it’s nice especially when using the rakes.

Hopefully these suggestions will give you some ideas on how to keep up with grooming and avoid products that may not work as well. All these products have worked great for Jenny and I and have held up very well over the years. It’s important that if you have or are getting a puppy, that you start early with grooming. At the puppy stages, the two daily use products I recommended above will work fine. There are also puppy brushes available. The more frequent you groom while they are young the less problems your dog will have with it later. In some cases, the dogs will actually enjoy it; especially on the back. Remember, if your puppy is staying still; be sure to use positive reinforcement. A few treats afterwards will also help relate grooming to a positive thing.

Puppy proofing your home should be done prior to introducing your new puppy. In addition, even adopted older dogs don’t know your treasured knick knack from a dog toy. Clean house and put all items at dog’s level away. When I say dog’s level, I mean a dog on four legs and a dog on two. Goldens are incredibly good at standing on their back legs if it gives them access to something they want.

Counter surfing is a favorite past time for young Goldens. There is a variety of nice and not so nice methods to avoiding this problem. I’ve read anything from small mouse traps to putting hot sauce on the counter. However, having to make a trip to the vet because your dog is now sick or hurt isn’t the goal. We've found the best course of action is not to leave anything on the counter. If your dog gets something off the counter he or she wants, then they are being rewarded. If they get reward, they will do it again. The best course of action is to keep the counter clean of anything edible or chewable. If your dog counter surfs try ignoring them. Often times they are looking for a reaction. If they are persistent, then try using a single command like “Off” or “Down” with a stern voice. Eventually they’ll figure it out. You’ll suffer through a lot of the dog jumping up and then getting right down again, but it should work. If it continues to be a problem, the most dramatic corrective measure I suggest, and this holds true for most disciplinary measures, is a tug on the skin at the back of the neck (this is where momma dogs grab their pups) and a commanding NO. I don’t use that measure unless it’s absolutely necessary. The reason being is that you want it to work when you need it to. If you use it all the time, it won’t work as affectively.

Trash smells like food to a dog. If you have a trash can put a lid on it. When I say lid, I mean something that the dog can’t nuzzle open. Typically the trash cans with the foot pedal work the best. The same holds true for the bathroom. Those small metal trash cans with the foot pedal work the best. You can find them in a variety of colors. If your dog is persistent, then put your kitchen trash in a closet or in the garage. If it’s the bathroom, then close the bathroom door. I can’t stress the importance of covering your bathroom trash cans. They are often over looked. However, diapers and feminine hygiene (use your imagination) products can be deadly. One of our friends just lost a young dog that ate such products. They expand in the stomach and by the time you figure out there is a problem, it can be too late.

If you have a treasured piece of furniture, something irreplaceable, move it to a spare room. This isn’t a permanent move. However, getting past the early stages of puppyhood without losing your furniture or mind is important. Don’t give your dog a reason to upset you. Put your finer things away including furniture.

Now some people may argue that a dog needs to “learn” what he or she can and cannot do. Thus, leave everything as is and use discipline. To some extent I agree. However, very few people are able to watch their animals every waking second of the day. As a result, it’s best to keep counters clean, trash put away or covered, and expensive items out of the way. Over time, as your matures, you’ll be able to work these items back into their normal places. Eventually you’ll be able to leave something on the counter for more than five minutes before Rover samples it. Dogs need to mature just like humans do. It’s the same logic as putting child safety locks on cabinets. If your dog never snags something off the counter, then he or she doesn’t think about the counter as a source of food. If the trash cans are covered or out of the way, your dog won’t even think about them as a source of food or entertainment. In addition, Rover is bound to make a mistake at some point. Why should it be your great grandma’s rocking chair or some other family air loom?

If you are home quite a bit and have time to watch your dog vigorously, then maybe other methods will work better for you. I personally don’t enjoy spending every second with my dog disciplining him for getting into things I could easily put away. There are far too many productive things we can do together that are more likely to wear him out and prevent other behavioral problems later. In addition to all the suggestions I’ve made above, I also highly suggesting keeping a durable dog toy or two in every room. Give your dog a chance to make the right choice. If he or she does then follow it up with a “That a boy or girl.”

If puppy proofing your house is out of the question and you don’t have a lot of free time and patients, then DO NOT get a dog. You’ll only end up angry and the dog will end up at a shelter. Only YOU can decide what will work for your situation. Don’t let friends or family convince you that you have to have a dog if it’s not something you’re comfortable with. However, if you decide a dog is right for you, then don’t set your dog up for failure. In addition, think in terms of months when raising a puppy not days or weeks. Some commands or rules will take longer for your dog to learn. Don’t expect overnight results for every rule you create. Do diligent research and put together a plan like I mentioned above or find one that works for you. You’ll both be happier and the whole experience will be more enjoyable.