It’s a common belief that larger dogs like Golden Retrievers must be much harder to handle than their smaller counterparts – but you may be surprised! In reality, our loving and loyal Golden Retriever friends are ranked as one of the easiest breeds in terms of training. As incredibly intelligent and eager-to-please pets, they often make a fantastic choice for first-time dog owners. Grab yourself a treat, sit back and let’s unravel the myth around the difficulty of having a Golden Retriever!
At first glance, the size of a Golden Retriever can indeed make them seem a bit daunting as pets. They belong to the larger breeds, weighing up to 75 lbs and can stand tall at 24 inches. Also, their vibrant golden hair doesn’t just lend them their name but marks the beginning of a ‘hairy’ journey. If you’ve got a flair for cleanliness, your vacuum cleaner may become your best mate due to your dog’s notorious shedding! But, there’s far more to Golden Retrievers than their size and shed!
As you delve deep into the world of these four-legged beauties, you’ll realize they are highly adept with children and other pets. Labelled as a ‘family dog’, they are known for their friendly nature and enduring patience. Sometimes, your Golden Retriever might portray a level of tolerance that can shock you. They can bear the most vigorous of ‘tail-pulling’ sessions offered by your toddler or evade the sharp ‘claw-swipes’ of your feline with a goofy grin! This combination of strength and kindness places them high amongst the ‘dog-ranking’ charts.
While their genial nature makes them great playmates, it’s their intelligence that makes them easy to train. Studies state Golden Retrievers hold the fourth spot amongst the most intelligent dog breeds. Their smartness is marked by their exceptional understanding and execution of commands. You may consider a Golden Retriever as a four-legged Einstein as they can learn a new command in less than five attempts! Combine this with a memory that can retain the command without fail, you’ve got yourself a pet that’s easy to train and live with.
But how does this natural intelligence spill over into daily life, making Golden Retrievers less difficult than we initially assume? For one, it simplifies training. Whether you want your Golden Retriever to fetch your newspapers or perform advanced tricks, their high intelligence and quick learning can turn them into a skilled pet within a short span of time.
Moreover, their obedience stems from their ancestor’s roles as hunting companions where following commands became an ingrained trait. They are born natural retrievers and would love nothing better than to carry your morning paper or your kid’s forgotten homework in their mouth. Being responsive to training helps them in various competitive arenas too. So don’t get surprised if you find more Goldens in sports, obedience, and agility shows!
However, training should start early with proper socialization. Just as a pot takes the shape in which it’s moulded when wet, your unwearied efforts in the early pup-stage can reflect throughout their lifetime. Reiterate the commands, bound them with love, throw in rewards (Golden Retrievers love their treats!), and be patient. A properly trained Golden Retriever is like clay well-crafted – a beautiful, easily adjustable and friendly companion.
Their eager-to-please personality plays a significant role in shaping their behaviour too—especially when raised in an environment of love and positive reinforcement. You could also invest in professional dog training programs, which help you to handle your pet more confidently. These intelligent canines thrive on structure and respond well to positive reinforcement. In fact, your praise, love and the slightest hint of your happiness can make their day!
However, the easy-going demeanor of Golden Retrievers also raises the question of their often-ignored health problems. Hip dysplasia, skin diseases, and obesity are common health issues plaguing these canines. Regular grooming and preventive health care visits can go a long way in ensuring that your pet stays healthy, adding to the ease of maintaining them.
So, is a Golden Retriever a difficult dog? Not at all! Although their larger size and shedding habit may seem like drawbacks initially, they are easily outweighed by their friendliness, intelligence, and eagerness-to-please. With consistent training, affectionate interaction, regular grooming, and health care, owning and caring for a Golden Retriever can be a delightfully delightful experience.
In essence, with the right attitude and approach, one can easily tame the so-called ‘difficulty’ of having a Golden Retriever into bountiful happiness, making them the golden joy in your life!
