No one tells you the full truth about golden retrievers until you have one of your own. These bundles of sunshine bring along with them challenges that I didn’t fully appreciate until mine shared my home. It was then that I found myself wondering “How did I not know this?” But, we believe in keeping it honest here at Heel & Home. So, I’m about to tell you all the things I wish I’d known beforehand.
Truth About Golden Retrievers: Goldens Shed. A Lot.
Glitter. Glitter. Everywhere. Have you ever been SO ANNOYED because someone mailed you a card that had glitter on it and then you find bits of glitter sprinkled all around the house, even in places the card has not been… even YEARS later? Well. That my friends will be a recurring event when that little bundle of golden glitter comes to stay.
Since we brought Millie home, those that are in the know have now affectionately told me that every season is a golden shedding season. And, that is true. But, don’t get me started about the “blowing the coat” season. That is a thing like no other.
Truth About Golden Retrievers: They Are Mischievous. She's a Naughty Girl.
There are a lot of great reasons to crate train your new puppy. But, one thing is for sure, your golden is going to need that crate for many years to come for her own safety. All the more reason to make sure that your golden has a positive association with the crate.
Goldens are masters of mischief, no matter how well-behaved they are when working. There is something about the moment that they return home that the mischief begins. Don't let her angelic calm fool you when she's sleepy. The second that leash comes off she will bolt into mayhem!
No trash can, no sock, no shoe, no bra, and most definitely no power cord is safe when your golden is left without a watchful eye. If you must have your eyes off her, please use the crate or x-pen for their own safety.
Truth About Golden Retrievers (Puppies, at least): They Are Mouthy. It Hurts.
Millie has a few nicknames, including "Sharky" and "Piranha." Yes, I mean like the fish.
That cute little bundle of fur that you bring home is going to turn into a 30 pound piranha in a few weeks. Trust me, you don’t have it figured out. You aren’t going to be able to avoid it. And you will feel like you’ve done something wrong.
In reality, this my friends is one of those instincts of the golden. They were originally bred to… well, retrieve things in their mouths. (shocking right?) So, until they learn that all things that move are not meant to be retrieved…. Your fingers, your toes, and any article of clothing that is not skin tight is going to fall victim to their inner drive to retrieve.
Sorry to say, it will take time… consistency… and a LOT of patience to get through to the other side. But, they tell me it does happen. I’ll keep you posted.
Truth About Goldens Retrievers: They Are Full of Energy. She's a Wrecking Ball.
Of course, not literally a wrecking ball. But, just about as effective.
It is hard to imagine, but the truth about golden retrievers is... that cute tiny ball of golden glitter that you brought home and cradled in your arms every morning and evening… is going to dramatically turn into a 30 pound wrecking ball in a matter of weeks. It happens to them all and you need to prepare yourself for it.
Goldens grow super fast and they are not small dogs. They are on the trajectory to most likely be larger than your child. While their bodies reach this larger size quickly, they still have the puppy energy and need to burn that energy off.
Even WITH proper training, the golden retriever may decide to bolt after a squirrel on a walk and take you, the leash holding owner, right along for the ride.
Or, they may be so excited to see your kids in the morning or your grandma at the door that they jump up to greet them, knocking them right off their feet.
The one thing that I know for sure is that the golden does all of this with love - they truly want to see all the people and play with all the creatures. But if you choose a golden, please know that this path is in your future and the best advice is, don’t let that bundle of fuzz fool you… start training early, do it often, and always always have management strategies in place to protect the unsuspecting bystanders from accidents. Management is your friend. Use the crate, use a well established "place" command, and use a stepped on leash to force a down when necessary.
Truth About Golden Retrievers: They Will Change Your Life.
There you have it, several truths about golden retrievers that no one will tell you.
But, here's another truth: The golden retriever is a magical breed.
They are loyal, loving, patient, and enjoy learning. If you put in the time and energy to train your golden, you will have a new member of the family that you can't imagine life without. They are capable of being great service dogs. But, you must go into it knowing the reality: Just like you, her needs (physical, intellectual, love, etc) must be met for her to be at her best.
When her needs are met... the things that used to seem insurmountable may just magically become simple.
I say, "Its the golden magic."
