Things to Know to Raise a Golden Retriever Puppy

The phrase "man's best friend" has been applied to dogs so many times that it has become a cliche, but there is no phrase that better describes the golden retriever. This social dog thrives as a family pet as well as a hunting companion. It is energetic, playful and intelligent. It craves the companionship of humans and loves a day of hard work in the field (or just in the backyard with a tennis ball). The American Kennel Club ranks golden retrievers as the second-most popular dog in America, and with proper care and training they can be your friend for up to 13 years.

  1. Exercise

    • Golden retrievers were bred to retrieve fowl. They are energetic and intelligent and do best when they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Puppies aren't fully developed, so casual walks, swims and games are enough. Don't try any forceful activities such as jogging and agility training until your golden retriever is about 2 years old. When your puppy reaches adulthood, however, it will love the challenge of bird dog or competition training. If you purchase a golden retriever puppy, know that you are committing to a daily exercise program that will last throughout the dog's life. Don't let a day go by without giving your dog an outlet (or two) for its extra energy. This will result in an unhappy, bored and potentially destructive golden retriever.

    Grooming

    • Golden retrievers don't require extensive grooming. Bathe your puppy as needed. If its coat becomes greasy or you start to notice an odor, it's time for a bath. Puppies are also likely to play in the mud, if they can find it, so be prepared to bathe your puppy after a rainy day. Golden retrievers have long coats, so you need to brush your dog at least once a week. Start when your golden retriever is just a puppy to help it become accustomed to the grooming. Praise your puppy and give it treats as you brush so that it learns to enjoy the experience.

    Feeding

    • As puppies, golden retrievers need extra protein to help them grow. Feed your puppy a dry kibble that is formulated specifically for puppies. It needs to eat this food for at least the first year of its life. After that, you can transition to an adult-formula food that is meant for large breeds. Your golden retriever will weigh 65 to 75 pounds when it is fully grown. Larger kibble helps to clean its teeth and strengthen its jaws. You have the option of feeding your puppy a homemade or raw dog food diet as well. This requires you to prepare meats, fruits and vegetables for your dog's meals. Always discuss this type of diet with your vet to get recommendations on proper nutrition and foods to avoid.

    Training

    • These dogs love to learn and pick up on basic obedience quickly if you use positive reinforcement training techniques. Use treats, praise and play to reward your dog for following a rule or obeying a command. Use these same rewards to teach your dog what you expect it to do when you give a command. Playful and affectionate, your golden retriever will respond well to praise. If you try to use punishment or negative correction, your puppy could become fearful. This makes training more difficult, makes current behavior problems worse and can cause new behavior problems (such as aggression) to develop. Make training a lifelong experience for your golden retriever. After it masters the basics, teach it advanced tricks or competition skills to keep its sharp mind from getting bored.