Golden Retriever Ownership - Pros and Cons

Before you become the proud parent of a new puppy please ask yourself a few questions to make this commitment a happy experience for both you and your dog. Because many people are away for hours at a time at work, is there someone available to let your dog out? Think about it, what if you couldn't visit the restroom during the day for at least eight hours? Can you give this dog the attention it needs and deserves? Especially after it is at least 60 pounds and no longer a puppy? Will this dog be your companion or just merely an ornament that has a tendency to get underfoot? Can you afford the vet bills to give this dog proper care? What will you do if you travel? Are you likely to move in the future to a place that may not accept dogs?

A golden retriever can be categorized behaviorally as a real potential joy but much depends on their upbringing, care and training. The old adage of "there are no bad dogs, only bad owners" rings true. Keeping this in mind, here are some pros and cons to being a full fledged golden retriever parent.

CONS:

1. These are big, furry creatures that do not spend a great deal of time on their own coat maintenance. They shed. They shed enough that if it were socially acceptable, you could probably spin enough wool from their coats to make a couple of sweaters each year. They go through two new coat growths a year, one in summer and another in one winter. You will find dog hair, sometimes in clumps, every day of the year, everywhere, especially on your dark dress clothes (and this will be when you are in a hurry). An eagle would be grateful for a fresh brush out of fur left on your lawn. Have you ever seen an eagles' nest (you could practically fit a small child in one)? A golden's fur would probably easily give their chicks a soft, downy lining.

2. If you are a normal person with a life, you will never, I repeat NEVER get all the dog hair out of your car. It will invade cracks and crevices for years to come. No matter how anal you are about a clean car. Your car may and likely will, smell as well. Golden retrievers like the water and are not particular about how dirty it is (more on this subject later).

3. Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to certain health problems. Goldens, like many other large breed dogs, can experience hip dyslexia. Some symptoms of this condition can be difficulty going up and down stairs, or getting up after laying down. Due to the proximity of the ear flap to the head, many get ear infections as well. And they are prone to your usual senior citizen doggie aches of arthritis. Many get fatty deposits as well, soft bubbly lumps under their skin that may turn cancerous.

4. They can be known thieves. Not in a malicious sense, just because they like to retrieve. They may steal the neighbors' toys. I knew of one golden retriever who would just steal one sneaker from a variety of neighbors. This was a well known practice with this particular dog and everyone knew where to get their missing shoes (and fortunately, had a sense of humor about "shoe collecting").

5. They are generally just plain rotten watchdogs. They may bark when not quite awake and confused or when they don't like a particular noise they are not used to. If a watchdog is what you desire, this is NOT the breed to get. They approach most people as a potential new best friend; it's just in their DNA.
6. Like any other dog, they will dig, and dig....I have seen a hole that you could fit a love seat in done by two retrievers on the side of a gully.

7. They LOVE eating. Most will eat anything. Their love of food can lead to an obese retriever as well as a constantly begging golden that isn't so golden when they are blatantly and steadfastly beseeching you to feed their poor starving selves (NOT).

8. Again like any other canines, they like to roll around outside, and the more disgusting matter they can find , dead fish are always good),the more they seem to enjoy it.

9. If you dislike the smell of "wet dog" and there is just a tiny stream around, rest assured they will find it. Most have very thick coats that take about a decade or so to dry.

10. Be prepared to get very attached to a golden retriever, this makes it very difficult when eventually due to different circumstances or death of your dog you must do so.

PROS

1. These dogs are terrific with kids. Tolerant and gentle are their middle names. The biggest risk with a trained golden is that he may knock over a little kid by tail wagging. I have actually seen a toddler poke one directly in the eye and the dog didn't do anything, I was amazed. The majority of them will allow tail pulling, fur pulling, being used as a pillow, screaming and basic kid noises.I would like to again stress training is important but their basic nature is sweet and happy.

2. These dogs love to please. They are easy to train, many are guide dogs. My own golden does mail retrieval and pick up from the mailman. It was easy to show him, since he is doing what comes naturally to him, retrieving. Their soft mouths are designed for carrying birds so this was an relatively simple exercise for him to learn.

3. If you are single, a golden retriever can help you find a potential date. Lots of people enjoy dogs and they are great conversation starters. Go to a park and find out!

4. They are wonderful companions. They never argue, complain or talk back. They have a keen listening ear that is always available for bouncing new ideas off of. Just be aware if you spend a lot of time with your dog they seem to get attuned to your moods and habits. Most don't relate well to human fighting and may go hide. Getting ready to leave for the day? Be prepared for them picking up signals and getting excited with the idea of "out". They will watch you like hawks and get to know indicators such as picking up keys or putting on a coat.

5. Be prepared to receive compliments on your beautiful dog. You will have many.

6. Be prepared to laugh at their quirks, each and every one of them has an individual one.

7. Get used to your heart rate and stress level being lowered when you pet your dog.

8. Have unwanted, unknown solicitors? PRETEND your dog will jump on them if you open the door any more, use them to help deter.

9. Got a toddler or just a messy eater? Goldens make excellent "floor crummers", no need to get the dustbuster out.

10. Need a little push to get out for exercise? They will be more than happy to oblige and keep you company.

11. Just need a friend? They will love you unconditionally.