How to Acquire a Golden Retriever
Is a Golden the right dog for you?
The Golden Retriever is a happy, active dog that loves to be with people. The Golden has seen increased popularity in recent years, which brings with it increased responsibility to ALL Golden owners and breeders to ensure the quality of the breed remains true to our high standards of excellence.
Why do you want a Golden?
Goldens are nice dogs, but they are not for everyone. They are big. They are hairy. They shed. Their tails will clear off a coffee table with one swipe. They are not independent - they require love and attention. They eat a fair amount of food. They need to be groomed. They need to be trained. They need exercise. Think about these things; your dog's future depends on it.
Do you really have the time to share your life with a Golden?
Because the Golden is a happy, eager dog, they need a lot of attention right from the start to channel all this energy into positive directions. Goldens need obedience training. If you don't take the time to train your dog, he'll soon become a huge, uncontrollable 60 - 70 lb. nuisance. Just like other family members, Goldens also need companionship. Your dog will suffer if you're on the go a good portion of the time leaving him alone. No dog does well under these circumstances. They become bored and with boredom comes trouble such as chewing, barking, and digging! Dog ownership brings with it a tremendous responsibility. With a little commitment on your part, you'll have a happy, well-adjusted pal. You will get back from your dog only what you are prepared to give! Keep in mind that the lovely, calm and obedient Golden that sold you on the breed did not accidently grow that way. Thoughtful breeding and many consistent hours of work, love, understanding and patience went into developing the finished product.
Do you really want a puppy?
If you are absolutely sure that a Golden Retriever is right for your lifestyle, you must then decide whether you want a puppy or an adult. A puppy is not an adult dog. He has neither the physical nor the mental ability to perform as an adult dog would. He cannot go for long periods of time without relieving himself. A young puppy needs his sleep, even when you may be in the mood to play with him. He needs to be fed regularly and often, even though his meals may conflict with family plans. He cannot tolerate harsh training methods. He cannot differentiate between what is chewable and what isn't, nor will he make the distinction between food and objects that will hurt him if he swallows them. He will try the patience of the most devout dog lover in the household, and at times he may drive everyone mad. If he is very young, he will cry during his first night or two in his new home. He will require patience and understanding from everyone in the family. A puppy is not a puppy for long. Before you succumb to the charms of a bouncing, curious Golden Retriever pup, be very sure that you want not only the puppy he is now, but also the gangly, unattractive, rambunctious adolescent he is about to become and the adult dog that may fall short of what you had hoped he would be. If you've faced all the negative aspects of puppy ownership and still want him, chances are that your new dog will be one of the lucky ones who finds a permanent, happy home.
A puppy should not be a spur-of-the-moment purchase. The wrong dog can be an unending nuisance to a household. Animal shelters are bulging with dogs that were acquired without sufficient investigation. In your search for a puppy, we suggest that you visit or talk with several breeders and ultimately deal with someone you feel will provide the type of dog and service you seek. Since Goldens are subject to inheritable diseases such as hip dysplasia and eye disorders, it is very important that breeding stock be x-rayed and have annual eye and heart check-ups. All reputable breeders should be willing to show you documentation regarding clearances. They should willingly answer all your questions on their dogs and Golden Retrievers in general.
Likewise, a good breeder will be asking you a lot of questions to determine if you will be able to provide a puppy with a proper new home. If you do decide that a puppy is right for you, we recommend obtaining a copy of the book, How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With by Clarice Rutherford and David Neil. (1981) 118 pages, paperback. (Alpine Publications, Inc. 1901 South Garfield, Loveland, CO. 80537). Besides containing excellent information on raising a puppy, it discusses how to choose a puppy with a suitable temperament for your lifestyle. It is well worth reading before you select your new puppy!
Obtaining an Adult Golden.
If you have decided on a Golden Retriever but feel an adult would be a better choice for your family, we refer you to Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue. This is a referral service which finds new homes for unwanted healthy adult dogs with sound temperaments. They learn yearly of over 100 Golden Retrievers needing new homes in the greater Puget Sound area. To adopt an adult Golden Retriever from Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue, call (206) 654-1117. You can visit our rescue page by clicking here.
EVERGREEN GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB
The Evergreen Golden Retriever Club is an active club, affiliated with the Golden Retriever Club of America. Our members participate in conformation, obedience, tracking and field. We hold events in these areas as well as meetings with educational speakers throughout the year. Among our objectives is to educate our members and the public in the selection, care, and training of Golden Retrievers. We always welcome guests and prospective new members at our meetings and events. Our general membership meetings are usually held on the fourth Thursday of the month, often in the Eastside area.
Reference Numbers:
Evergreen Golden Retriever Club (206) 521-7932
Evergreen Golden Retriever Rescue (206) 286-5900
