Adopting Golden Retriever Puppies

The Golden Retriever is a popular breed of dog. Friendly and affectionate, the Golden Retriever makes an excellent pet. Goldens interact well with children and are rarely aggressive. Yet even the warmest of dogs can suffer from maltreatment at the hands of humans. If you're considering adopting a Golden Retriever, keep these suggestions in mind.

Instructions

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      Adopting Golden Retriever puppies requires a loving home. These dogs need care and attention. Many people allow adult dogs to breed without considering the consequences. Female dogs bear several puppies at a time. The sudden increase in the number of animals can be a strain on a family's resources. Sometimes, people are temperamentally ill-suited to caring for the animals. Puppies soil carpeting and bite and claw furniture, and owners may react with anger. Better to give up unwanted puppies than to subject them to cruelty or deprivation.

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      To adopt golden retriever, go to your local animal shelter or humane society. You can also find adoption services online (see Resources below). Adoption agencies may offer the dog for free or charge a small fee. You may have to pay for vaccinations or other care before you can take your new family member home. Check the condition of the available dogs, as some of them may have been abused. Poorly treated dogs will have to learn how to be comfortable around people, and will require special care and attention. This is not a job for young children. Children may demand pets, but animals should never be left entirely in their care.

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      Learn about your golden retriever's special needs. Not all animals have suffered form actual abuse. Some have merely been neglected, and are underfed and underweight. Puppies depend on their mother during the first several weeks of life. Like human babies, they must be nursed. Once a puppy is old enough to be separated from its mother, you can take care of it. Have your new puppy examined by a veterinarian. Check her stool for worms or other signs of disease. Get your new family member vaccinated.

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      Understand that caring for your puppy is a full-time job. Young dogs will need to be house-trained. Place a piece of newspaper on the floor and reward your pet with a treat when he uses the newspaper. Pet her and pick her up. Puppies crave affection. Play with them, but do not be too aggressive. Pay attention to any sign that your puppy is frightened. Adopted dogs are often not used to normal human contact. If you have children, teach them not to abuse their golden retrievers. Never scold a puppy unnecessarily.

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      Comply with all local regulations. Your golden retriever puppies will probably need tags and licenses. Remember to clean up after your puppy when you walk him outside. Obey any leash laws. If you can, take your puppy to an outdoor area or park where he can run freely. Many golden retrievers like the water, and will happily play in swimming pools or natural ponds. Adjust play to your puppy's developmental stages. Try to train your dog to stay on your property and to respect boundaries inside and outside the home. A well-treated and trained dog should come when you call. If necessary, invest in identification devices, like microchips, that will help you find a lost pet. Many humane organizations encourage spaying or neutering to prevent overpopulation and unwanted animals.