Should i get golden retriever

Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. That is relatively cheap compared to if your dog has a health issue and requires veterinary care which today runs as much as human health care. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a must. There are also quality pet insurance programs available.

Goldens must be fed a high quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems — which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store — and will have to make a special trip to the pet supply store. There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds. A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care. Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment.

Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails. Goldens are easily housebroken and make great housedogs. They tend to be messy drinkers, dripping water on the floor after they take their drink. You might even encounter a little slobber. Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs.

Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. Moreover, goldens tend to be sensitive or soft in many training situations. They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm, but gentle approach. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around. People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children.

Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children, especially when they are 6 months to two years of age. Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks — they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss. Outside Dogs. Goldens make poor outside dogs. Especially in Florida, they develop skin problems and flea allergies if kept outside. They frequently develop thunderstorm anxiety.

As sporting dogs they are easily able to dig out of a fence or sometimes climb over it when left outside for long periods of unsupervised time because they want to be with people. They also are frequent targets for theft if left outside in a backyard when the owner is away from home.

Goldens are very social and are pack oriented. They frequently develop behavior problems when they are kept separated from their families. You May Also Like. Megan Thee Stallion. Gift Guide. Viral Videos. Trader Joe's. Now You Know. Latest Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets. Customize Select the topics that interest you:. Pop Culture. Healthy Living. Love and Sex.

Book Swipe Shop. We're Hiring! Terms Privacy Policy. Don't Miss Out! Thinking about a Golden Retriever as a pet? Imagine if you left your children alone most of the time until they reached adolescence.

The wild child you are picturing is similar to what will happen to a Golden left alone that much. Goldens also need regular grooming to keep their skin and coat in good condition. You can easily learn to do this yourself or have your dog professionally groomed, but grooming time is something to factor into the amount of time you will need to spend caring for your dog.

If you really see nothing funny about waking up to a cold, slobbery tennis ball in your face or a puppy that decides that a. They need regular exercise, especially as puppies, or they can become destructive and unhappy. If your longest walk in the past month was from the couch to your bed — perhaps a more sedentary pet would better suit your needs? Dog ownership is a commitment for the life of a dog. If you figure your dog will head for the pound once the kids are in school — please reconsider getting a pet!