The Golden Retriever is a popular breed for adoptions, especially for a family household due to their gentleness, fun-loving nature, and tendency towards friendliness; plus, these are exquisite dogs.
These are not small or medium-sized canines. The Golden borders on a larger pup, so that is something to keep in mind before you commit to a puppy. That means having a yard or a play park nearby for the pup to get adequate exercise for their long legs and a safe place to take daily walks.
The size of the home is not as crucial with large dogs as long as there is a specific space designated primarily for the animal with an adequate bed, blankets, toys, things to let them know they have a place in the house. If your space is smaller, make sure to get the puppy outside as often as possible.
Guidelines for Caring for The Golden Retriever
Before you bring a new puppy into the home, it is essential to do some research on the care the dog will require. Also, check out the expenses, potential health issues the animal might face, the level of responsibility you will hold, all to ensure you want to commit to that particular breed.
The Golden Retriever is a favorite choice for rescue and adoption because of the calm, friendly demeanor. But even this lovable puppy will offer challenges when coming into the home as a new addition. The important thing is to ensure you have yourself and the house set up for any potential scenario. Some guidelines include:
Developing A Meal Plan
In order for you to develop a golden retriever diet plan, a trip to the vet will be necessary. A vet is the go-to for suggestions on the best quality, healthful food to supply for a pup and know what is ideal for the specific breed.
You do not want to purchase something on your own that the canine might dislike and start swapping out frequently. Changing foods needs to happen gradually over several weeks to avoid possible stomach upset.
A puppy Golden will need a “large breed” food for a puppy. If you adopt a senior, there are foods for these specific ages. Puppies need more calorie intake than an adult, but the vet can guide you on the amount of each serving and how often to feed.
You can provide additives to the dry food to make the meals more interesting, but this is only something you should do in small quantities to maintain a healthy weight and if you intend to continue the practice with each meal.
Things like chicken breast, plain yogurt, pumpkin purée mixed in thoroughly so the animal cannot lick it out and leave the food behind. Treats should genuinely be special each day, and only a couple of biscuits or something in the pet line that is healthy but different from their food. Refill the water bowl frequently with fresh, clean, cold water.
Bath Time
The breed is not one that needs to be on a regular bathing schedule like one time every month. In fact, you should only wash this pup when she gets dirty. If the dog decides to play in a mud puddle or maybe has an exceptionally pungent puppy smell, it might be a good time for a bath, but otherwise, frequent washing can cause the animal to develop skin issues.
The outer coat for Goldens is waterproof, and the suggestion is that you should typically try to keep the undercoat dry. If you do not need to wash your dog, it is better not to. That means you have an exceptionally low maintenance pup with this breed, although regular brushing is something the dog needs and enjoys.
Safe and Secure
A new puppy will get into things he is not supposed to, including attempting to chew. It is essential to safeguard the house before you bring the dog home. That includes removing cords or making them safe, taking out breakables like glass from where they are accessible or can be knocked over, and hiding items you do not want carried off.
In most cases, dogs get to sleep with the pet parent. That is a pleasure for each. Still, there must be a spot that the animal knows belongs specifically to her if she wants just to go there and chill, away from the chaos in the house. A dog bed will need to be sufficient in size as the pup grows, and it is nice to include favorite toys, blankets, and other things comforting for the animal.
A food and water bowl will be personal for a Golden since they tend to carry these around. That means the material needs to be portable and safe for the animal to do so.
The breeds should not be left outside for periods unattended. It is wise to train the dog to stay in the yard, but a squirrel or other small animal will set them running off as with any dog. A fence is ideal or an invisible fence to keep the pup contained.
A harness and leash are essential for walks with appropriate training occurring to ensure proper etiquette in public.
Final Thought
The suggestion is that a well-cared-for Golden can live up to ten years. Pet parents need to engage the dog with proper mental and physical stimulation regularly to avoid boredom, depression, anxiety/stress.
A proper diet plan is also necessary to keep weight adequate to prevent illness. The vet can be the ideal resource to advise on the most healthful, nutrient-rich food to incorporate for your Retriever. Once you begin a particular food, make changes gradually over a period of a few weeks to avoid any potential upset in the animal’s stomach.
This friendly, gentle dog needs to receive loads of love, hugs, cuddles, and playtime with her family regularly for the best quality of life. Click here for facts on what a Retriever needs for optimum care. This lovable demeanor is what makes her such a favorite for rescue and adoption.
