Golden Retrievers are some of the most adorable dogs you’ll ever find. They’re also somewhat high-maintenance. So, before adopting or bringing a Golden Retriever home, here are a few things you should know.
#1 They Have A Lot of Energy
Golden Retrievers are originally a sporting breed. They are very energetic and can run around all day. In doing so, they will surely keep you busy, often outrunning you as you try to grab hold of them.
While they may seem more of a couch potato, Golden Retrievers can be very active when they have to. You’ll see them running around and trying to give their muscles some much-needed exercise. You’ll have to consider these needs and make sure the one at your house has enough space to run around. The dog also needs long walks, running, hiking, and playing. You have to ensure all those things too.
You can always send your Golden Retriever to the doggy daycare if it doesn’t get enough exercise at home. Your dog will meet others at the daycare and will surely enjoy playing and running around with them.
#2 They Love to Fetch
We know how much Golden Retrievers love to stay active. They will run around all day if they can. Staying active is one of the things this breed of dog does best. The other thing it does best is playing fetch.
Golden retrievers have an instinct to carry items in their mouths. Golden Retriever puppies and female Golden Retrievers also have this tendency. It runs in the breed and makes them good at playing fetch.
Playing fetch is good for their mental and physical stimulation. It’s also an easy way for them to do some running around. Bring home toys for your dog to play fetch with. Buy toys made of polypropylene if you’re buying plastic ones. They have no harmful contaminants and are safe for pets.
#3 They Love to Eat and Drink Water
Golden Retrievers tend to get hungry a lot, given how active they can be. While they can digest non-toxic human food, it’s best if you feed them dog or puppy food meant for them.
Smaller dogs need smaller quantities, while larger dogs need more dog food. However, you have to adjust the food according to their weight. Refer to this Golden Retriever weight chart for more information regarding this.
It’s also necessary that you know that Golden Retrievers tend to overeat. You’ll have to dial down on the daily food intake for overweight dogs. The best way to do that is by first getting them to be more active and then feeding them smaller portions. In such cases, you must provide them with high-quality and nutritious food and avoid treats as much as you can.
Golden Retrievers also tend to get thirsty. Once again, their active lifestyle helps them consume more water. They also enjoy swimming, so regular trips to the lake or pond can be very helpful. However, you can always have a kiddie pool in the house if regular trips to the lake are not possible.
#4 They Shed A Lot
Dogs will often shed hair and leave the house a mess. Golden Retrievers are no different and experience heavy shedding at least twice a year. The first one comes in fall and the other in spring. Besides, you’ll also find light-moderate shedding throughout the year.
Get yourself a lint roller if you’re adopting a Golden Retriever. That’s one way of getting rid of hair from your clothes. Of course, there’s no way you can get rid of the hair entirely.
One approach to limit the shedding is brushing your dog once a week. Daily brushing will be ideal in this case. It will minimize shedding and keep the dog’s coat shiny and beautiful.
Bathing can also be beneficial, especially when using a doggy shampoo. However, don’t shave because that will never work.
#5 They Are Not Security Dogs
Golden Retrievers are some of the friendliest dogs you’ll ever find. So, having them as guard dogs is not a good idea. They are more welcoming than threatening. However, they can get ferocious if you agitate them too much.
Golden Retrievers are like your family members. So, when you adopt one, treat them like one. Ensure the points we just talked about, and your dog will enjoy its time with you to the fullest.
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