Cheap Pet Insurance

December 17th, 2008 by Carol Matthews

It is important to consider whether or not Golden Retriever puppies are right for you before you choose to add one to your household. This may be the right breed for you if you want a large and athletic dog. If you want a cheerfully natured dog with a wagging tail or if you want a dog that is up for various athletic activities and needs vigorous exercise, a dog that is dependable with most people and has a very steady temperament.

If you have other animals you want your dog to get along with or if you want a dog that will be eager to please you and therefore quite responsive to training a Golden Retriever is for you. For certain people these are factors that will attract them to the breed and for others they can also be factors that will turn them away from the breed. Before deciding whether or not a Golden Retriever puppy is right for you based on the above factors you also need to consider some negative points.

Up until Golden Retriever puppies turn about three years old they will be very vigorous. This means they will romp and jump, often sending things and sometimes people flying. This is why Golden Retriever puppies may not be best for households with small children, the elderly or the infirmed. If you still like the idea of a Golden Retriever but have someone like this in your household then you can consider getting an older Golden Retriever rather than a young puppy since the temptation to play roughly is too great for most Golden Retriever puppies.

You also need to consider the health problems your dog may have as it ages including joint and bone problems and eye diseases. The Golden Retriever is one of the riskiest breeds of all when it comes to health problems as a result of over breeding and poor breeding practices. Grooming is another factor you need to consider. Because of their feathered coat, the Golden Retriever will require regular brushing and combing in addition to the occasional trim.

Separation anxiety is another issue to consider. Golden Retriever puppies will experience this more than other breeds so they will need a lot of companionship and cannot be left alone for more than a few hours at a time.

The final behavior issue to consider is separation anxiety. Golden Retriever puppies require a lot of companionship because of this disorder, which they experience more than other breeds and should not be left alone for more than a few hours at a time. The Golden Retriever will use various destructive behaviors to express their displeasure at being left alone such as barking and chewing. So if you can’t be home during the day, the Golden Retriever may not be for you.

Finally you need to consider the shedding and odor factor. Golden Retrievers are a breed that sheds a lot, even when you pet them their fur will come off on your hands. Once it comes off expect it to stick like glue to your clothing, upholstery and car peting. This means you will need to do a lot of vacuuming.

The breed also has the permanent dog odor that many don’t like, even with constant bathing it can be difficult to complete get rid of this smell.