Golden Retriever Prep Steps.

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     In order to successfully adopt and keep a new Golden retriever, it's helpful to have some useful information under your belt. Things such as where to adopt, where not to adopt, what to expect from the dog, with the don't expect you and finally how to prepare your home.

A lot of people adopting a dog don't necessarily think the process through. Fewer still, do any research at all to figure out what they're getting themselves into. Now please don't misunderstand me the adopting a golden retriever is a great thing. However, there are some things you should know before you start.

Exercise

Golden require a great deal of exercise. Exercise is the key to having a well-balanced dog mentally and physically. Most people simply don't exercise the dog enough. This is the root cause of a great deal of behavioral problems. Failing to realize the dog requires a minimum 60 min. walk every day means that you have a dog that acts silly. And you may not know why. It's often as simple as that.

Home Security

A Golden is not a watchdog. They're far too friendly and far too welcoming ever serve as a watchdog. If this is what you're looking for in a dog you might be looking for German Shepherd or something like that.

Grooming Requirements

It's good to be aware that you must brush Golden at least twice per week. If you don't the dog will become a mess. It's fur will be all over your furniture. It's also necessary to keep their undercoat in good shape. You also want to inspect the ears the keep them clean. If you don't, they can become infected.

Where to Adopt - Where Not To Adopt

The number one most important thing to know about actually adopting a new golden is that you must not get him from a pet store. The best place to find your new friend is from a responsible breeder. This kind of breeder will belong to kennel clubs, and will also most likely show his dogs. This shows a great deal of pride and that's what you want to look for.

Home Preparation

Preparing your home for the arrival of your new dog is an important step, it's especially important if you're bringing home a puppy. You want to make sure that you clean up anything that can be chewed. This includes all cables, TV and phone cables, your shoes and anything valuable. Golden retrievers like to chew, and the puppy stage they will go after anything. So also make sure that you have lots of chew toys in your home. It's also a good idea to purchase a crate and have it ready before the dog arrives home.

People preparation

It's also important to prepare the other people in the house. The last thing that you want to do is allow everyone to rush to see the new dog when it comes to the door. You want to space out the interaction, so that you new dog doesn't expect this level of activity at all times. This can be hard especially if you have small children but you should do it. Also, it's good to have a family meeting before you bring home your dog. Everyone should be aware of the responsibility, be aware that this is new family member should be treated as just that.

If you think the process through, and follow a few easy tips, you will enjoy 10 to 14 years with your new family friend.