Due to the golden retriever’s long feathered coat daily grooming is essential to keep your dog healthy and well, the golden retriever is particularly known for it’s beauty and to keep it looking beautiful you not only have to groom it daily but also occasionally trim the coat. Grooming can either be done by yourself or if you prefer a visit to a dog grooming parlour, if you want to look after your dog yourself then you will need several items and these are:

Unless your name is Dr Dolittle then of course you aren’t going to be able to actually “talk” with your retriever in plain English, however this doesn’t mean to say that you cannot understand what your dog is trying to tell you and for sure your dog understands basic words that you take the time to teach them and to some extent your body language.

When it comes to what your dog is telling you then it is all about watching their behaviour and the way they move, just as people use facial expressions and their hands when talking and getting a point across, your dog will use their head and of course their tail to help get what they want, how they feel and their point across to their owner. You can also come to understand how they are feeling and what they want through the different barks and whimpers they make, in fact some of these are simple, such as if a stranger walks up the path then your retriever may bark or even growl if he senses danger and this is telling you “hey watch out”. While this is just one example of a way your dog is communicating with you there are many more and with time and understanding it can be like the two of you are having a regular conversation. Your retriever will show you signs of being alert and ready to communicate, whether they want to be left alone, if they are scared, feeling playful or if they are in a bad mood.

Your dog’s stance will tell a lot and if your retriever is feeling playful and wants to rough and tumble with you or chase a stick then he will show this in the body movement. The whole body will appear to be very relaxed and your dog’s ears with flop around freely as they move with no sign of tension, the tail of your retriever will almost be certainly wagging and their mouth will probably be open a little, this is similar to you smiling when you are happy. One of the most common signs that your retriever is in a playful mood is when he goes down onto his belly with front paws outstretched and his rear end stuck up in the air.

If your retriever is feeling very scared then he will be full of tension and probably whimpering quietly with the occasional deep throated growl. He will have his tail tucked between his legs and could even go into what is called the submissive position which is on his back with his legs in the air.

If your retriever is alert and waiting for a response from you then his tail will be wagging slightly, he could be whimpering or whining quietly and almost certainly his head will be moving from side to side in anticipation of what is to come. Communicating with your retriever will take time, it is like getting to know a person and the more time you spend together the easier it will become for you to understand each other and communicate.

If you are thinking of buying a golden retriever puppy then you will probably have a lot of questions regarding the breed and if they are a breed suitable for you, there are numerous books available on the breed and websites specialising in the golden retriever but to get you started here are some of the most common questions that are asked about the breed.

Golden retrievers guide

There are many different types of retriever and they all make great pets and companions, of course one of the most common is the Golden retriever with its luxurious golden coat, but there is also the Labrador retriever with a smoother shorter coat, the Curly coated retriever and the Flat coated retriever all of which make excellent pets and are good for those families with children. The Golden retriever is the most popular not only due to its long wavy coat, but also for the fact that is has a delightful nature, however at the same time they are one of the larger breeds of retriever and can be quite boisterous, while they do make an excellent pet to have around children the excitability of this breed can mean that they could knock over a very small child. As with all dogs very small children should never be left alone with them.

The Golden retriever is one of the easiest breeds of dogs to train due to their nature and the way they love nothing more than pleasing their owner, however training should begin at a very young age to establish who is the boss, because due to their large size and their playful attitude a large dog can get out of hand. Although it has to be remembered that while the dog might look big it isn’t fully mature until around the age of 2 and in some cases the dog doesn’t lose its “puppy ways” until the age of three.

The Labrador retriever is another very popular breed among the retrievers and again has a very gentle nature; the Labrador retriever has a shorter coat than the Golden which of course doesn’t require as much grooming. The Labrador retriever is around the same size as the Golden and they don’t shed as much. The Labrador retriever is well known for its excellent temperament and is considered to be very gentle which makes them a suitable dog for those with children.

Although the Labrador retriever isn’t specifically a guard dog they can be very protective with members of the family and in particular when around strangers. The Labrador retriever is also known as an hunting dog and as such they love to please their master and are willing to learn and adapt very well to training which should start at a very early age due to their robust size.
The curly coated retriever is well known as a hunting dog but they also make for great and loyal companions and shouldn’t be overlooked when considering one of the Retriever family members as a pet and companion. Because they are hunting dogs they are very easy to train and are loyal, they are also excellent around children and have a wonderful temperament while at the same time having character, which sometimes shows through as being mischievous. They are however a very “lively” dog and they do require plenty of exercise and love being out doors so aren’t suitable for those who only have a small yard.

Finally don’t overlook the Flat coated retriever when choosing from the retriever breeds, it is devoted to its master and this makes the dog very easy to train. The same as the other breeds of retriever, the Flat coated retriever has a wonderful, gentle temperament which makes it an ideal and loving companion. Again this breed does require a lot of exercise and is not a dog to just lie down quietly in the corner of a room; it has what sometimes seems to be boundless energy and if left cooped up can become mischievous even to the point of destroying your belongings. While it does make an excellent pet this is a breed that does require a little more attention.

If you are thinking of buying a golden retriever puppy then you will probably have a lot of questions regarding the breed and if they are a breed suitable for you, there are numerous books available on the breed and websites specialising in the golden retriever but to get you started here are some of the most common questions that are asked about the breed.

Do golden retrievers shed a lot?

Due to the golden’s long feathered coat they do shed a lot more than most breeds do, this can be controlled to an extent by regular grooming but the dog will always shed constantly.

Are golden retrievers a good choice for a family?

The golden retriever has a wonderful kind nature and is usually excellent with children; however you should never leave any dog alone with a child particularly a small child. They are a large breed which can get very excitable and as such they can knock over a very small child but they are generally thought to be good around children.

How much exercise do they need?

Being a working dog originally they do need a lot of exercise as they do have a lot of energy, puppies under the age of 6 months while having what seems to be endless energy do need rest and should be encouraged to have periods of rest.

Are they a breed that barks a lot?

The golden retriever is not known as a barker but they are a very excitable breed and they can get a little carried away when playing.

Are golden retrievers easy to train?

The breed really loves to please and because of this they are generally very easy to train, of course training should begin at an early age and some dogs will be more stubborn than others. When the dog is going through its teenage years they can show dominance but if you are firm and patient with the training then you will usually be rewarded.

Which makes the better pet the bitch or a dog?

Both make equally good pets and usually its just a matter of personal preference, bitches can tend to be a little moody sometimes while the dog can be a little more independent and show some dominance particularly when younger. Both have the good and points so really it’s just a matter of personal preference.

At what age is the dog fully grown?

The golden retriever is usually fully mature by the age of 2 years however they can often act like puppies right up to the age of 3 years.

How big do golden retrievers grow?

The golden retriever is a medium to large dog with the bitch getting to around 22 ½ “and the dog around 24″.

Give your new puppy a few days in which to settle down making sure that if you have children they don’t overwhelm the puppy too much during the settling down period. Make sure the puppy knows where his/her bed is and should the puppy venture to its bed then try to refrain from disturbing it too much, just as all people like to be left alone sometimes then the same goes for a puppy. During the first week or so you should set out basic rules for the puppy and your puppy will soon settle down as one of the family.

Training should begin as soon as possible especially with regards to housetraining. Your puppy should know where to go to the toilet and as they are quick to learn it shouldn’t be too long before it catches on, of course as puppies have small bladders the odd accident can happen from time to time.

Your children and your new puppy

As mentioned before children should be taught to respect the puppy and to leave it alone if it wants to go and take a nap, encourage your children not to pick up the puppy all the time as sometimes children can inadvertently hurt a very young puppy. If your children are very young then make sure they are sat down and you place the puppy to stop accidents from happening.

Children can also become a little over powering to a puppy and you should make sure your children aren’t always screaming and running about around the puppy. It is also wise to stop children from feeding the puppy as this can lead to problems later in life and worse still could make your puppy ill if they give it something it shouldn’t eat.

Obedience training

Retrievers as the name suggests love to retrieve things and you can work this to your advantage when training them, start off with simple things like asking the puppy to fetch a ball you have thrown. The puppy will be quick to learn as they are very intelligent; one of the first things you should teach your puppy is to come to you when they are called. Simple commands such as sit stay and lay down will be very easy to pick up, you should always be firm but kind when chastising.

Grooming

You should spend some time each day with your puppy on grooming, at first your puppy will probably put up a struggle or think it’s a game but firmly bring the puppy back if they should try to wander off.

Due to the long feathered coat daily grooming is essential and the younger you start the less problems you will have when the dog is older. You should never actually bathe your dog using shampoo unless it is absolutely necessary as shampoo can take the oils out of the coat.

Your new puppy will be just like a young child when you first bring them home, all puppies go through stages just like a child. They will go through the terrible two stages and the awkward teenage years stage and you will come across several problems along the way to adulthood. Here are some of the most common problems and how to make life a little easier during this time.

Accidents when housebreaking

Housetraining is essential and you should start out as you mean to go on, the earlier you start this then it will lessen the chance of accidents happening around the home. Of course when the puppy is very young the odd accident will happen, your puppies’ bladder is only small and for him it might seem miles to make it through the door in time. Be constant and vigilant in your efforts rewarding your puppy when he goes to the bathroom in the right place and gently scolding him when he has an accident.

Nipping

All puppies will nip and those little teeth can hurt so nipping should be dealt with early, if not then you could have problems if your puppy doesn’t outgrow this stage as he gets older. When your puppy nips you shout out “ouch” in a voice loud enough to startle your puppy, he will soon get the idea that this is something you aren’t happy with. Another way to go about stopping this is to very gently push on your puppies’ nose when they nip; dogs don’t like this sensation and will then associate nipping with the unpleasant feeling.

Barking and yapping

All dogs will bark or yap when they get excited but some seem to do it more than others and this can get annoying not only for yourself but also for your neighbours. Some dogs will bark or yap for attention or if they are bored, try to give your dog or puppy enough attention and exercise and when they start to yap or bark uncontrollably then you should say “quiet” and if they stop then reward them with a treat. Consistency is important when teaching your puppy and dog and if you persevere then most dogs will learn to stop yapping or barking when you speak the magic word.

Jumping up at you

Jumping up at you or onto your lap might seem cute when the puppy is little but when it grows to it’s full adult size this can be a problem, also some people just don’t like dogs and if you have a visitor who doesn’t then your dog can be very scary if it’s bounding towards them and leaping up. Again perseverance and training is the answer, nip it in the bud while your puppy is young and this won’t become a big problem when older.

Running away from you

You should teach your new puppy its name very early and teach him to respond and come to you when called; you can do this by confining your puppy to just one room and repeating his name while offering a treat. When your puppy comes to you then make a fuss of him and gradually widen the space you are teaching him in, for example trying this out in the garden where your puppy will find more distractions. Perseverance is essential at this time but if rewarded most puppies catch on really quick, you can use treats also when teaching your puppy to stick by your side when out.

• Do Labradors shed?

The Labrador retriever does shed and they have a double coat, the undercoat is soft and downy with the outer coat being a harsher coat and what is called the guard coat. The Labrador would usually shed their coat twice a year though they are only moderate shedders; they don’t shed as much as certain other breeds, for example the German Shepard. Although they shed twice a year they will shed throughout the year a little especially if you live in a hot climate.

• How much should I groom the Labrador?

To help keep them clean and healthy the Labrador should be groomed once per week, this will also help to keep shedding to a minimum, you should also keep a regular check on their toenails and have them clipped or clip them yourself with clippers bought from your vets or pet store. A bath including shampoo should only be done when absolutely necessary as this can take away the oils from the coat.

• Are Labradors hyper active?

Hyperactivity isn’t particularly a trait with the breed however just like humans dogs are different and you can occasionally come across a Labrador that is hyper active. A puppy will always have plenty of energy to spare as it’s growing up but then all puppies do and this is only a normal thing, if a puppy wasn’t energetic then there would be something seriously wrong. By about the age of 18 months however this usually starts to phase out as the puppy matures into a full grown dog.

• What are Labradors like with children?

Labradors overall are excellent with children and they make a very good family pet, however you should never leave a young child alone with any animal no matter how well behaved the animal is. Overall the Labrador is one of the best breeds to have around children as they are usually very gentle and well tempered.

• Do Labradors make good guard dogs?

Some Labradors make excellent guard dogs and most will be protective of family with strangers, though the Labrador isn’t specifically bred as a guard dog and they are sensitive, gentle dogs overall. If your main purpose for getting a dog is for a guard dog then you would probably be better off with another breed such as the German Shepard or rottweiler.

• What kind of work are Labradors suitable for?

Labradors make excellent hunting and field dogs as well as the perfect pet, they are also the number one choice for guide dogs for the blind and they are often used in therapy due to their gentle and sensitive nature. They also work as excellent bomb, narcotic and arson dogs as their sense of smell and disposition make them very reliable in this field.

Certain conditions are needed in your life to ensure that you stay healthy and so you should make sure your dog remains as healthy as possible by meeting certain conditions too. A good wholesome diet is essential, with plenty of fresh air and exercise, just as you benefit from these then so will your puppy or dog. Regular check ups to the vets and grooming are also an essential part of your dog’s routine if they are to remain in the best of health.

Nutrition for your dog

Always make sure your dog has access to plenty of clean fresh water throughout the day, just as water plays a crucial part in our well being then the same goes for your dog or puppy. Different people have different ideas when it comes to a dog’s diet, some suggest feeding a homemade diet, while others prefer store bought dry foods or tinned dog foods.

None of these have the advantage over the other as long as your dog is getting all the daily nutritional requirements it needs, however you should refrain from giving your dog table scraps and foods as treats such as cakes, biscuits or those high in sugar. If you want to give your dog treats or reward him for good behaviour then purchase these from a reputable pet store, pet stores sell a wide range of goodies for your dog such as chocolate drops and raw hide bones which are excellent for the teeth.

Care for the teeth

Get into a grooming routine and health check up as early as possible, just as you go to the dentist for check ups for yourself then check your dogs teeth and give them a brush, the earlier you start this the less likely your dog will be to kick up a fuss when he’s older.

You can use a standard child’s tooth brush on your dog’s teeth with toothpaste bought at your pet store, use one hand to hold the brush and the other to gently lift your dogs lip when brushing. Make sure that you pay particular attention to the upper fangs and pre molars which your dog uses a lot for shearing food. While you are brushing always look for problem areas such as swelling, bleeding or chipped or broken teeth and deal with them immediately to avoid infections.

Dealing with ticks and fleas

Sometimes no matter how well groomed your dog is they can get a tick or flea infestation, this should be dealt with immediately and there are several options open to you with powders available at the pet store or vets.

You should not only treat your dog but also make sure that you thoroughly vacuum the house, including sofas, pillows and cushions. You can use products such a Borax or flea-stopper on your carpets for maximum protection from fleas and ticks, if you are unsure about removing ticks embedded in your dog then consult your vet who will take care of the problem for you.

Due to the golden retriever’s long feathered coat daily grooming is essential to keep your dog healthy and well, the golden retriever is particularly known for it’s beauty and to keep it looking beautiful you not only have to groom it daily but also occasionally trim the coat. Grooming can either be done by yourself or if you prefer a visit to a dog grooming parlour, if you want to look after your dog yourself then you will need several items and these are:

• A brush.
• A comb.
• A pair of straight edged scissors.
• A pair of thinning scissors.
• Nail cutters.

While your dog will benefit from daily grooming trimming of the coat will only have to be done when it becomes untidy, it is better to remove a small amount of hair over a couple of days than try and do it all in one session. Some important points to remember when trimming your dog are:

• It is better to be on the conservative side when trimming, you can always take more off but you cant stick it back on.
• Always make one or two cuts with the trimming scissors then comb to see what the coat looks like before continuing.
• Never make the cut across the hair.
• Always push the scissors underneath the top layer keeping an upward movement.
• Always keep running the comb through the coat as you trim.

Before you begin trimming make sure you have brushed and combed your dog thoroughly being very careful of any tangles your dog may have in the coat. Where you start is up to you but usually professional groomers will start with the feathering on the hind quarters, before you start hacking away take a good look at what actually needs trimming.

If hair is hanging over your dogs hock then it needs trimming above the hock, pay attention to the tail the correct length should be reaching to the hock and trim if necessary. Always remember to cut twice and comb and cut on the conservative side, slowly work around your dog and if they are showing signs of boredom then leave it until tomorrow.

Of course this is stating the obvious but never try to groom a dog that wont stand still, you could not only cut away too much hair but also risk injury to the dog.

If you are unsure or nervous about tackling the trimming then maybe a better idea would be to take your dog to a professional groomer and ask if you can stay and watch them trim before tackling it yourself.

Nail cutting

Your dogs nails will need to be trimmed occasionally and this can be done just as you would your own with nail clippers. Just as you can hurt yourself if you cut the nails down to the quick then the same will happen if you cut your dogs nails too short.

Only trim the very tip of your dogs nails, if you don’t think you have took enough off then cut again but bear in mind not to cut into the quick as it will bleed and could make your dog very wary of letting you near them again.

Golden retrievers first came to light in Britain in the early 1800`s, it was a Scotsman by the name of Lord Tweedmouth who first brought attention to the breed on his estate in Inverness. Lord Tweedmouth first saw the dog on a trip to a British seaside town by the name of Brighton; he visited a circus while on his visit and performing were a trio of dogs who the lord fell in love with.

The dogs were Russian sheepdogs and the lord bought the trio and took them home to Inverness and began to breed them, this is where the early golden retriever came from. The golden retriever was originally bred as a sporting dog for retrieving water fowl and they quickly became a very popular breed with early golden retrievers being shown in England as flat coated retrievers.

By the 1890`s the golden retriever had made its way to North America but they were not shown in dog shows there until the 1920`s, in these very early years the dog was used primarily for hunting. It wasn’t until much later that the breed finally became recognised for its value as a loyal and faithful companion and a dog worthy of showing.

The very early golden retrievers varied in coat colour from a light gold to a dark copper but gradually as they were introduced more into shows the colour lightened into what it is today. Today for showing the lighter colours are the more preferred ones with reddish coats thought to be a fault in the breed.

The golden retriever breed was first shown in dog shows in Britain in 1908 but it wasn’t until 1913 that the dog was actually granted separate breed status and was first classed as the yellow golden retriever. It wasn’t until 1920 that the breed became known under the name we know it today, the golden retriever.

Since this time the breed has continued to grow in popularity as both a hunting dog and family pet and its beauty is known worldwide, today the golden retriever is a well mannered and easily trained dog which is bred for show, hunting and as a loyal and faithful pet.

Not only does it play its role as pet, show and hunting dog it also excels in helping people the world over as guide dog for the blind and search and rescue dog. In fact studies have shown that the golden retriever is one breed that is known to have fewer rejections in guide dog training schools around the world.

The Labrador retriever wasn’t recognised by the British kennel club until 1903 and didn’t make its debut in the United States until 1917, they were originally called the lesser Newfoundland dog or St Johns dog and it was under this name that they were first brought to England in the early 1800`s.

It was a man by the name of the Earl of Malmesbury that first gave them the name Labrador retriever when he wrote letters and referred to them as his Labradors.

English fisherman began to settle in Newfoundland in the early 1500`s with their dogs the st johns dogs being used to help in fishing, the dogs would retrieve the fish caught in the nets. The st Johns dog seemed to love working and would retrieve fish in all weathers and this is seen today in Labrador retrievers out in the field retrieving fallen birds on shoots from the water and field.

Timeline of the Labrador retriever

• In 1800 the dog was first imported into England to a few well to do British sportsman.
• In 1809 the earl of Malmesbury used the st johns dog in shooting events.
• The second earl of Malmesbury played a big part in keeping the Labrador as we know it today alive as he started the first ever Labrador club and bred dogs until his death in 1841.
• Around 1835 the 5th Duke of Buccleuch set up kennels in Scotland independently of the Duke of Malmesbury and the name Labrador was recorded in 1839.
• In the late 18th and early 19th century breeders began to interbreed the various retriever breeds in the hope of developing the hunting and retrieving capabilities of the dogs.
• By the 1880`s the original st johns breed was almost extinct until an unexpected meeting of the third Earl of Malmesbury, the sixth Duke of Buccleuch and the twelfth Duke of home saved the breed * Two liver colour puppies were born in 1892.
• In 1899 the first ever yellow Labrador retriever was born in a litter.
• In 1780 the Newfoundland dog became extinct; the reason for this seems to be that the governor of the land declared that any family could have no more than one dog. This was due to problems with sheep worrying. There was a higher tax put on females and this led to female puppies being killed at birth.
• In 1895 the quarantine act was put into force and this prohibited dogs from entering into Great Britain without having a license and having to go through a strict six month quarantine.
• By the 1930`s the st johns dog was rare in Newfoundland until the sixth Duke of Buccleuch began importing dogs to keep the breed going around 1934.
• Finally in 1903 the Labrador was finally popular enough to be recognised by the British kennel club in England.
• By 1916 the Labrador retriever was firmly established in England and new colours such as chocolate were introduced.