etienne
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Apr 11, 2009, 3:50 AM
Post #5 of 16
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Re: [alisonytt] Newbie who own Golden Retriever
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Petshop issues aside, here's one of the sites I visited to better undertstand the breed before considering a GR. GR's are prone to seperation anxiety if left alone for too long. They eventually get depressed, turn destructive, and go mental . They also require vigorous daily excercise and perhaps agility training when older. This site also recommends that you only cage GR's for a maximum of 4 hours a day. Anything more is downright cruel. I don't mean to be direct but I don't know of any other way to say this. If you have to leave the dog alone all day, (undertand that you have to work, I work from home)caged and cooped then perhaps this breed is not suitable to your lifestyle.
If I were considering a Golden Retriever... My major concerns would be: - Unstable temperaments. Golden Retrievers used to be about the safest breed you could buy in terms of a good-natured temperament, but sadly, this is no longer the case. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants are seeing more and more Golden Retrievers who are painfully shy -- or dominant and aggressive. It's the unfortunate result of popularity that the typically glorious Golden Retriever temperament can no longer be taken for granted.
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by becoming destructive. Bored Goldens can make a shambles of your house and yard.
If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. - Bounciness. Young Golden Retrievers (up to about three years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Golden Retriever puppies. The temptation to play roughly is simply too great with many young Golden Retrievers. - Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Golden Retrievers need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.
- Grooming. To keep their feathered coat free of mats, Golden Retrievers require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming.
- Heavy shedding and doggy odor. Golden Retrievers shed a LOT. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting, and hide under the furniture. Be prepared for vacuuming. Also note that Golden Retrievers have a distinctive "doggy" odor to their skin and coat that some people find offensive.
- Serious health problems. All retriever breeds are susceptible to joint and bone problems, and eye diseases. Because of overbreeding and poor breeding practices, Golden Retrievers are one of the riskiest breeds of all.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/...oldenretrievers.html
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