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Golden retrievers are great dogs. They are so playful and kind, and imbued with a lot of useful abilities that they have forever etched themselves in the hearts and minds of people. Adopting a golden retriever can be too good a thing to resist. However, some things must be taken into account before adopting one.
To start, goldens require attention. They are highly active, always looking for an activity and approval. They have to be walked regularly. They have to be played with regularly. They even have to socialize with other dogs regularly. This is a serious time commitment and should be taken into account. Along with the usual activities like fetching the ball or stick or catching things, these dogs like to swim, hike, jog and really push themselves physically. They also enjoy mind puzzles and owners can employ this to keep them busy. They are actually very smart. Their intelligence makes them great dogs for inexperienced dog owners. This natural ability to learn makes them very trainable.
Grooming is also a must for these dogs. Their fur coats shed a lot and must be brushed regularly, at least twice a week, more if the shedding is excessive. This can become a problem for those with allergies to fur. The hair at their rears also has to be trimmed for hygiene. Also, dogs that have floppy ears need to have their ears cleaned regularly as well.
In feeding golden retrievers, some care must be taken to prevent them from becoming overweight, which is a real problem for golden retrievers. They are constantly hungry and will eat almost any food offered to them. If this intake of food is not burned up properly through exercise and activity, the dog can become obese. This really becomes a problem as the dog grows older. Owners have employed diets to their retrievers to keep their weight in control.
The natural playfulness and friendliness of the golden makes it an excellent pet but not an excellent sentry dog. Its natural tendency to be warm to almost anything makes it excellent in households with children or other dogs but it seriously hampers its ability to guard a home or property. It is more inclined to be playful to the intruders rather than effective. They also chew, and will probably damage furniture if they have no chew toys.
All in all, golden retrievers are great pets, but this comes at a price that the potential owner must be willing to pay to ensure the well being of the dog as well as his own.
About this Author
Vaughn Scott is a Golden Retriever enthusiast. For more information on Golden Retriever Origins [http://www.totallygoldenretrievers.com/golden-retriever-adoption/], visit www.TotallyGoldenRetrievers.com [http://www.totallygoldenretrievers.com/golden-retriever-adoption/].
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