This article was written by John Jackson and has been contributed by http://www.greatdogsite.com. For more information on the Golden Retriever, please visit our page http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Golden_Retriever/.
Golden Retrievers in the United Sates are the iconic family pet. They are so well known as gentle, loving family members that there have been many Goldens cast in movies to portray the quintessential family dog. They have been featured in several movies and are all over TV. The Golden Retriever very well may be America's dog.
Golden Retrievers are extremely patient and gentle with children, specifically young children, who may not yet comprehend that the dog is a living thing that must be handled gently. While young children should always be supervised when playing with any dog, the Golden Retriever is remarkably accepting of children's sudden and often random movements or behaviors. They are comfortable with the abuse young children may inflict, tugging of the ears and pulling of the tail. The breed is not prone to fear-based aggression and will even learn to love and protect the most rambunctious of children, though children in a family with a new pet must be taught responsible and respectful ways to care for and play with their new friend.
The Golden Retriever thrives best with an active family. Your Golden will have a ball playing fetch and running around the park with your children. In fact, having children in the home often helps give the Golden Retriever the exercise her or she so desperately needs and might not otherwise get. They are a very active and athletic breed that needs frequent and regular stimulation. The Golden Retriever has a lot of energy to burn!
Golden Retrievers do well in families primarily because they are so easy to train. Their intelligence and endless desire to please their owners makes learning basic obedience, and even a big battery of tricks a snap. This breed is so easily trainable that they are frequently used as service dogs, helping the elderly and disabled in their day-to-day tasks. Obedience training and trick training can be fantastic activities for the whole family to participate in, and can be a great way to bond with a new pet.
Goldens aren't an aggressive breed by nature, but they can certainly become protective of any member of your family. They are not born to be guard dogs or aggressive protectors by any means, but you can rest assured that this loyal pet will keep an eye out for strangers or any impending danger, even if their only attack is a warning bark to alert the family of something suspicious.
The Golden Retriever has an endless number of positive attributes when being considered as a family pet. Goldens are quick to bond and adapt to their new home, and will treat each member of your family as their own family. They can become very lonely if left alone for extended periods of time, and have been known to suffer from separation anxiety. A Golden Retriever will do best in a family environment where there is lots of regular stimulation, both physical and intellectual, and of course, lots and lots of love and affection.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Chihuahua Dog Feeding Tips
By: Alan Bullington | 12/11/2009Chihuahua dog feeding tips help to keep your pup healthy and happy. Read on for feeding tips to prevent problems for you and your pet.
Chihuahua Adoption -- Things to Know
By: Alan Bullington | 12/11/2009Chihuahua adoption is complicated because puppies are so cute. A long-term decision may be clouded by short-term thinking...
How To Start A Dog Breeding Business
By: Matt LeClair | 12/11/2009Are you considering becoming a dog breeder, but you’re just not sure how to go about getting your business started? There are a number of different steps that you need to take in order to start your own dog breeding business and it’s important that you take all the necessary precautions and go through the necessary processes and procedures of starting a legitimate business. This article will briefly describe some of the different steps in starting your own dog breeding business.
Dog Training – Easy Guide On How To Get Your Dog’s Attention
By: Andyj00 | 12/11/2009The first thing to do when trying to train your dog is to get your dog’s attention. It may sound obvious, but so many people miss this step. It is the most important thing you can teach your dog, as you need him to want to listen to you. If his mind is elsewhere, he will not learn.
Teaching Your Dog – Fantastic Step By Step Guide
By: Andyj00 | 12/11/2009Want to teach your dog but need a simple step by step guide on how best to do it? Follow these great step by step exercises to teach your dog how you would like him to behave. It is important to follow this sequence to achieve the best results for both you and your dog.
Dog Training – Using A Clicker For Dog Training And Reward
By: Andyj00 | 12/11/2009A clicker is a training tool, which is rapidly gaining popularity. It establishes a system of communication between you and your dog that cuts through the language barrier and can make training easier. A clicker is a small plastic item, shaped like a box, with a piece of metal inside. When the metal is pressed, it makes a ‘click-click’ sound.
Understanding Dog Skin Issues And Possible Treatments
By: Matt LeClair | 12/11/2009Have you noticed lately that your dog is constantly licking and scratching? There are many possibilities as to why this is happening and it is very important that you move quickly to diagnose the problem for the sake of your dog’s well being, and your sanity as well. Skin problems can be very troublesome for you dog and can leave him very uncomfortable which can lead to lack of sleep and other health issues. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose the problem...
Reverse Osmosis Systems for Aquarium Water Quality
By: Tai Pham | 12/11/2009Ever wonder why your friend’s fish tank is cleaner than yours? Or how come you have to clean twice as much as him when you both use the same products and have the same kind of fish? It’s probably because he is using some type of water filter but not just any kind – it’s most likely a reverse osmosis (ro) system.
The Basics Of Keeping Your Cairn Terrier Happy
By: John Jackson | 21/09/2009 | PetsWhile the Cairn Terrier is most certainly a very popular dog, owning one is not for everybody! The breed is extremely energetic, excitable, and notoriously stubborn. However, if you have the time and patience to raise a Cairn Terrier, it will be one of the most rewarding decisions you've ever made.
Common Misconceptions About The Cairn Terrier
By: John Jackson | 21/09/2009 | PetsAs well-known, adorable little dogs often seen in Hollywood, many people who have never interacted with a Cairn Terrier in person assume they know a lot about the breed! However, there are a number of common misconceptions about these tiny, energetic terriers, some that can completely hamper what should be a strong relationship between the new pet and his or her owner.
The Origin Of The Cairn Terrier
By: John Jackson | 21/09/2009 | PetsWhile a highly adored and popular breed in the United States, most Americans do not know where Cairn Terriers come from. The first clue is in their name. A "cairn" is a mound of rocks or stones, usually stacked in a cone shape, that were used as landmarks or monuments in the Scottish Highlands, from which the Cairn Terrier originates.
The Cairn Terrier In Hollywood
By: John Jackson | 21/09/2009 | PetsMovies and television have featured animal actors for close to a century now. Moviegoers and television programming fans alike respond to animals in roles in their favorite movies. Equines, felines, and even one special killer wale have made it into our hearts and homes via the big and small screen, but no animal has made such an impact on Hollywood as the dog.
The Cairn Terrier: The Choice Of Famous Pet Owners
By: John Jackson | 21/09/2009 | PetsWhen most people think of a Cairn Terrier, the first image that pops into mind is Toto from The Wizard of Oz. Released in the late 1930s, The Wizard of Oz was singlehandedly responsible for shooting Judy Garland to fame for her portrayal of the lead character, Dorothy. However, Judy Garland was not the only one to receive instant notoriety from the film.
The Cairn Terrier As A Family Dog
By: John Jackson | 21/09/2009 | PetsThe Cairn Terrier is often referred to as "scrappy", and if you've ever owned one you certainly know why! These are energetic and resilient little dogs that will certainly give you a run for your money if you let them. Even for terriers, they are very athletic, hyper, and stubborn. Nine times out of ten your Cairn Terrier will tire you out long before he or she is ready to call it a day.
The Cairn Terrier - Out Of The Ring And Onto The Runway
By: John Jackson | 21/09/2009 | PetsWhile the Cairn Terrier was initially bred as a hunting companion for those interested in small game, or was used as a ratter, the breed's increasing popularity has led to an entirely new calling! The Cairn Terrier has become a fashion statement in and of itself to many owners. They are adorable and comparatively easy to groom for such a small breed, and are capable of traveling with their owners wherever they go.
Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's Characteristics
By: John Jackson | 21/09/2009 | PetsThe affectionate and energetic Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes a perfect family dog or companion. These dogs, and especially puppies, are best in a home with older children that can understand how small and fragile the dog is. It can be dangerous to have very young children around puppy Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as the children may not know the dog's limitations and delicate size.