Golden Retriever Training – The Breed Makes it Easy
About the Breed
People everywhere are drawn to the wonderful attributes of golden retrievers. They are one of the best dogs to have around people, and bond with humans like few other breeds do. They are also called ‘Golden,’ ‘Yellow Retrievers,’ or ‘Goldies,’ and have many characteristics that endear them to people and make golden retriever training easier than training many other breeds. They are smart, loving, loyal, good tempered, and look great. They have an expression that makes them appear to be smiling, and a beautiful color to their fur (which gives them their name, of course).
These dogs have been around since the late 19th century, when the breed was started in Scotland. This makes them a fairly new breed. They were bred to assist sportsmen, a job at which they still can excel. Their pleasant nature and temperament has made them suitable for many tasks. They are often seen as drug sniffing dogs and seeing eye dogs. Proper golden retriever training makes these feats possible.
The golden retriever’s pleasant disposition makes them a joy to be around. These dogs definitely enjoy the company of people. It is best if a golden retriever is not left alone for extended periods of time (meaning days or weeks), because they will become bored.
Health Issues
Golden retrievers aren’t a delicate breed of dog, but unfortunately, there are several health problems that you should be aware of. These include dysplasia (hip and elbow), eye disease, and heart disease. Acquiring a dog from a reputable breeder helps reduce the likelihood of these problems. A breeder should be diligent in planning their litters and screening the puppies that they sell. Some breeders are more interested in quick profits than in maintaining the health of the breed, and regrettably not all dogs have the pleasant temperament that buyers want.
Training your puppy
Golden retriever training is not only necessary, but it can be enjoyable as well. Like any puppy, this breed can be very energetic, but the rewards of training and socialization are worth the effort. Golden retrievers are more trainable than many other breeds, but using mainly positive reinforcement and praise is the best approach. Golden retriever training, from learning basic commands to house training, requires patience, but will pay off with having a dog that will be an excellent companion.
