Anyone has any experience with a puppy/golden retriever?

[havikryan]

I'm planning on getting a puppy golden retriever somewhere in Juli when it's vacation, already read lots of information about golden retrievers, however I want to know as much as possible before I get the puppy to take care of it as best as possible.

So anyone experienced in handling a puppy golden retriever or just a puppy in general?

[partis]

Woollyhats has a golden retriever i believe!

My only advice is to socialize her a lot, give her plenty of exersice and love and fuss but dont over do it as this can lead to problems and hyper activity, dont be afraid to let her off the lead in secure spaces to run around on her own and get socialised with other dogs, big or small as dogs only see other dogs

[partis]

[jimcrackcorn]

As with most puppies,,,, they like to chew things. I've had them chew up leather furniture, shoes, books, wood furniture, etc. They usually do this when you leave them alone while your at work or going to a store. So be prepared to crate them while your gone, or find another means to keep them out of trouble. I have found that raw hide chew sticks are much more tasty than furniture and they will chew them instead (smile)...

I have never used a "crate" to subdue my dogs while I'm away from the house, it just seems a little cruel to leave a dog in a cage for several hours,,, but many people prefer to do this in order to prevent a puppy from destroying the house. I've learned that if I throw several raw hide chew sticks on the floor along with several doggie toys,, they will chew on them instead of my furniture (most of the time)...

I would also take the puppy to the Veterinarian as soon as you get him,,, that way you can make sure he is in good health and up to date on his vaccinations.

Most puppies will cry if they are put in another room while you sleep at night. I have always allowed them to stay in my bedroom while I sleep. They can sleep on the floor next to the bed,, or,,, in the bed with you. It may be best to get your puppy used to sleeping on the floor next to the bed because in the future you may have a boyfriend or husband who doesn't want a dog sleeping in the bed with the two of you.

Don't get upset if the puppy makes a mistake every once in a while,,,, they will need to go outside frequently to urinate & poop, and if you are not around to let them out,,, they will do it in the house!!. With a little time & patience on your part, the puppy will learn that the house is not used as a toilet.

Good luck,
Jim

[ChadCoxRox]

Handle, squeeze, pull and "play" with the pups paws, claws and pads and the teeth from early on so it will be easy to clip and clean later.

[Bravo]

They are pretty mouthy while they're still puppies, so you'll have to keep an eye on them and keep them interested on toys, or your furniture will be their target. Socialize and take them for a walk regularly, play with them... But don't play too much because you're still educating them and when and if you get too busy to play they'll get needy and will try to get your attention. A lot.

I miss mine a lot...

[Woollyhats]

I'm planning on getting a puppy golden retriever somewhere in Juli when it's vacation, already read lots of information about golden retrievers, however I want to know as much as possible before I get the puppy to take care of it as best as possible.

So anyone experienced in handling a puppy golden retriever or just a puppy in general?

Sure, I'll tell some general things I've learned.

1. Be prepared for a vet. Your dog will at LEAST need his or her shots, to prevent so many diseases, and preferably a flea/tic preventive. Fleas and other parasites aren't just annoying --- they can carry life threatening diseases.

2. Golden Retrievers are super friendly. To EVERYONE. They can be timid though, so socialize your dog as much as possible and he/she will be afraid of far fewer things. For the first few weeks I was a NOOB, so I used this list for ideas.

http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/atta...1373587525

3. Golden retrievers can be destructive. I was lucky, mine is only destructive to toilet paper rolls. You should make sure your home is safe... remove choking hazards from the floor, keep doors you don't want the dog in closed off, and actively watch your dog. If he/she starts chewing on something that he/she shouldn't, take it away and replace it with a toy. You aren't supposed to, but I force my dog to look at the offending object while telling her how bad she is too.

4. Golden retreivers aren't a super high energy dog, but they can be hyper. I take mine for a walk everyday, and it tires her out and she sleeps for hours afterwards. If she DOESN'T have a walk, she becomes very destructive. So make sure she has a walk/some form of exercise

5. When you give him/her baths, dry the ears to prevent yeast infections.

6. To toilet train, watch your dog at every moment/have your dog on a leash inside. When he/she goes to pee or poop, pick him/her up instantly and run outside. Give a treat after they go outside. Repeat times like 50 and your dog will be toilet trained. Doing this as a puppy is easier.

NOTE: If your dog doesn't bark, just tie a little bell on a rope around the doorknob of the door she goes out of. My dog is almost mute for some reason, so she literally rings a bell to tell me she needs to use the washroom.

--- A note about toilet training: If you're inclined, this is a breed that's intelligent to literally be TOILET TRAINED. I'm not experienced enough to attempt this though...

7. You'll need a dog crate to put the dog in when you aren't home. The crate will become your dog's 'bedroom'. Have a comfortable pillow/blanket on the bottom of it, a toy, and always leave the door to it open when you're at home. I give my dog a treat both when she enters and leaves her crate. The treat also ensures she isn't being physically forced into the crate, so she believes she's entering of her own free will. Continuing, put the crate in a heavily used area, like a living room, and your dog will go into the crate by him/herself every so often (remember: it's to be their bedroom, NOT a prison). NEVER lock the dog in the crate when you are at home, because your dog will learn to hate it. That's NOT the point of it. If you need you dog out of your way for anything, put him/her outside for that duration. Also don't have anything that can fall on the crate near it, because Murphy's law dictates said object will fall on crate when you aren't home, and your dog might develop a phobia of it.

Some notes:

- If walking is difficult, instead of getting a choke collar, you could just get a harness. That way even if you have to pull, you aren't choking your dog.

- Golden retrievers get fat easily so don't give him/her unlimited food. Mine is chubby because I did this.

- Some people will disagree, but from what I've read space isn't actually a concern for Golden retreivers. As long as he/she is with you and is GETTING EXCERSIZE, they can be in small spaces like apartments. So you can keep this breed if you downsize.

- The 'sit' and 'come here' commands are very important, so try to make sure your dog knows them at least.

- Clearly you can use a forum! This is a very useful resource. Try becoming a member or at least browsing here:
http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/




I really love my dog, she makes my life so much better. I really hope you like yours too

[Tyrion]

Firstly, I'm jealous. Golden Retriever puppies are quite possibly the cutest things ever. Though as others have said, they can be a handful. From my experience though, when they grow up they're often fairly mellow, easy going dogs. They're also very intelligent and friendly.

As for advice, I have none other than you should totally post pics when you get one. Pictures of puppies are the best (well, next to kittens of course!).

[Rosethorn999]

I own a golden retriever so i may be able to help

[havikryan]

Woollyhats has a golden retriever i believe!

My only advice is to socialize her a lot, give her plenty of exersice and love and fuss but dont over do it as this can lead to problems and hyper activity, dont be afraid to let her off the lead in secure spaces to run around on her own and get socialised with other dogs, big or small as dogs only see other dogs

yeah I've read golden retrievers just like the name says like to retrieve objects and stuff so I will try my best to go on a walk with him and play with him everyday!

As with most puppies,,,, they like to chew things. I've had them chew up leather furniture, shoes, books, wood furniture, etc. They usually do this when you leave them alone while your at work or going to a store. So be prepared to crate them while your gone, or find another means to keep them out of trouble. I have found that raw hide chew sticks are much more tasty than furniture and they will chew them instead (smile)..


I have never used a "crate" to subdue my dogs while I'm away from the house, it just seems a little cruel to leave a dog in a cage for several hours,,, but many people prefer to do this in order to prevent a puppy from destroying the house. I've learned that if I throw several raw hide chew sticks on the floor along with several doggie toys,, they will chew on them instead of my furniture (most of the time)....

well I had thought of a cage but I also find it sad, I will try chewing sticks as you suggested, however I also will have 2 bunny's at home ,so leaving the dog around with them doesn't seem very safe to me.

I would also take the puppy to the Veterinarian as soon as you get him,,, that way you can make sure he is in good health and up to date on his vaccinations.

I'm getting the puppy from a official ''breeder'' of w/e the correct translation is, these are people who have to abide by certain rules to be able to be considered that. the puppy's will get vaccinated a couple of weeks after born(they stay there for the first 8 weeks) however I also read it needs another vaccination a couple of weeks after that 1

Most puppies will cry if they are put in another room while you sleep at night. I have always allowed them to stay in my bedroom while I sleep. They can sleep on the floor next to the bed,, or,,, in the bed with you. It may be best to get your puppy used to sleeping on the floor next to the bed because in the future you may have a boyfriend or husband who doesn't want a dog sleeping in the bed with the two of you.

I had planned on letting it sleep on my bed but now that you say that it may actually be good idnea to indeed let him sleep besides my bed yes, good thinking, thank you for the tip.

Don't get upset if the puppy makes a mistake every once in a while,,,, they will need to go outside frequently to urinate & poop, and if you are not around to let them out,,, they will do it in the house!!. With a little time & patience on your part, the puppy will learn that the house is not used as a toilet.



Good luck,
Jim

what would be a decent amount of times of letting them out? especially early on? 4/5 times?

Handle, squeeze, pull and "play" with the pups paws, claws and pads and the teeth from early on so it will be easy to clip and clean later.

oh thanks for the tip, hadn't thought of that

They are pretty mouthy while they're still puppies, so you'll have to keep an eye on them and keep them interested on toys, or your furniture will be their target. Socialize and take them for a walk regularly, play with them... But don't play too much because you're still educating them and when and if you get too busy to play they'll get needy and will try to get your attention. A lot.

I miss mine a lot...

already planning on buying some toys before I get the puppy however I'm not entirely sure what sort of toys are suite for a puppy.

sorry you miss yours so much =[

Sure, I'll tell some general things I've learned.

1. Be prepared for a vet. Your dog will at LEAST need his or her shots, to prevent so many diseases, and preferably a flea/tic preventive. Fleas and other parasites aren't just annoying --- they can carry life threatening diseases.

they come from a official golden retriever club breeder which has a set of ruels and guidelines to ensure all the pups are healthy and if they're not you will be notified, so is it still neccesary to go to the vet? vaccinations aside but jsut for the sake of health for the first time?

2. Golden Retrievers are super friendly. To EVERYONE. They can be timid though, so socialize your dog as much as possible and he/she will be afraid of far fewer things. For the first few weeks I was a NOOB, so I used this list for ideas.

I'm afraid I don't entirely understand the list, does it list things he is or isn't afraid of?

3. Golden retrievers can be destructive. I was lucky, mine is only destructive to toilet paper rolls. You should make sure your home is safe... remove choking hazards from the floor, keep doors you don't want the dog in closed off, and actively watch your dog. If he/she starts chewing on something that he/she shouldn't, take it away and replace it with a toy. You aren't supposed to, but I force my dog to look at the offending object while telling her how bad she is too.

well I've already taken some precautions with a bunny walking around so I'm always making sure my floor and anywhere he can reach is free of small or dangerous objects.

4. Golden retreivers aren't a super high energy dog, but they can be hyper. I take mine for a walk everyday, and it tires her out and she sleeps for hours afterwards. If she DOESN'T have a walk, she becomes very destructive. So make sure she has a walk/some form of exercise

affirmative, will try my best to walk with her everyday, even if I cannot due to school or w/e my mother can still do it.

5. When you give him/her baths, dry the ears to prevent yeast infections.

Thank you for the tip, didn't knew this was possible.

6. To toilet train, watch your dog at every moment/have your dog on a leash inside. When he/she goes to pee or poop, pick him/her up instantly and run outside. Give a treat after they go outside. Repeat times like 50 and your dog will be toilet trained. Doing this as a puppy is easier.

is that really how it orks? seems kind of sad to me to always have him on a leash, though if it works then I'll do it.

NOTE: If your dog doesn't bark, just tie a little bell on a rope around the doorknob of the door she goes out of. My dog is almost mute for some reason, so she literally rings a bell to tell me she needs to use the washroom.

will keep it in mind!

--- A note about toilet training: If you're inclined, this is a breed that's intelligent to literally be TOILET TRAINED. I'm not experienced enough to attempt this though...

wonder how that would look like :o

7. You'll need a dog crate to put the dog in when you aren't home. The crate will become your dog's 'bedroom'. Have a comfortable pillow/blanket on the bottom of it, a toy, and always leave the door to it open when you're at home. I give my dog a treat both when she enters and leaves her crate. The treat also ensures she isn't being physically forced into the crate, so she believes she's entering of her own free will. Continuing, put the crate in a heavily used area, like a living room, and your dog will go into the crate by him/herself every so often (remember: it's to be their bedroom, NOT a prison). NEVER lock the dog in the crate when you are at home, because your dog will learn to hate it. That's NOT the point of it. If you need you dog out of your way for anything, put him/her outside for that duration. Also don't have anything that can fall on the crate near it, because Murphy's law dictates said object will fall on crate when you aren't home, and your dog might develop a phobia of it.

I'd say my bedroom is the most active since I'm frequently active with my bunny there, not quite sure will have to make sure.

is there a limit on how many treats the puppy can have on a day?like what if it keeps leaving and entering the crate? do I just give it every time?

and how do I get the puppy in the crate with the treat? do I simply put the treat in the crate?

Some notes:

- If walking is difficult, instead of getting a choke collar, you could just get a harness. That way even if you have to pull, you aren't choking your dog.

- Golden retrievers get fat easily so don't give him/her unlimited food. Mine is chubby because I did this.

- Some people will disagree, but from what I've read space isn't actually a concern for Golden retreivers. As long as he/she is with you and is GETTING EXCERSIZE, they can be in small spaces like apartments. So you can keep this breed if you downsize.

- The 'sit' and 'come here' commands are very important, so try to make sure your dog knows them at least.

- Clearly you can use a forum! This is a very useful resource. Try becoming a member or at least browsing here:

will keep it in mind if pulling becomes to much of a problem.

well I would have to watch over my mother then since she finds fat animals cute.

good to know since the house isn't extraordinarily big, I will also exercise daily!

I will visit the forum, thank you for the link

I really love my dog, she makes my life so much better. I really hope you like yours too

been wanting a dog for yeeeeeears now so I'm hapy I'm finally getting 1, quite expensive though, going to cost me 900-1000 euro

Firstly, I'm jealous. Golden Retriever puppies are quite possibly the cutest things ever. Though as others have said, they can be a handful. From my experience though, when they grow up they're often fairly mellow, easy going dogs. They're also very intelligent and friendly.

As for advice, I have none other than you should totally post pics when you get one. Pictures of puppies are the best (well, next to kittens of course!).

I find them look so cute and fluffy :3

oh I will, I will make lots of pictures.

I own a golden retriever so i may be able to help

any hints or tips or, well, ANYTHING is helpfull!