[Mama2Owen]

Well, the only other time I posted was to introduce myself and Owen. He is now almost 20 weeks, what a whirlwind raising a puppy is!

He is still an "old soul," he loves to sleep and has yet to chew something other than his toys. I'm even debating whether I should sign him up for basic training because seems to be doing so well without it. Only, this is my first dog, so I feel like some guidance may be helpful?

I'm planning on giving Owen a sister after he turns 1. At least by the time he's 3. I'd love a Golden girl, but I've heard that females are sometimes less affectionate? Is this just anecdotal? Has anyone else had this experience?

Also, while I may not post threads often (or reply to many, as my experience with GRs is minimal), I am an avid reader and I am so grateful for this forum. (I'm a nervous puppy mama!) Owen has recurring puppy pyoderma (which an antibiotic only clears up for a mere 2-3 days), and let me just tell you... I'M A GOLD BOND BELIEVER. I use listerine and GB every other day on the areas of his underside with little to no hair (groin, neck, under the front legs) and it really keeps it under control. I think he'll end up growing out of it, but just in case, I am in the process of switching Owen from Eukanuba to Nature's Balance Venison and Sweet Potato. (Just in case the grains are the cause of the rash... and now that I've started the switch, I honestly think he enjoys this food more!)

I'm sorry this post was so long, I just wanted to update everyone! AND, I'm including this picture, because I have "heard" y'all like them!

Isn't it crazy how much they grow in 8 weeks? The first one is 11 weeks and the second one is at 19 weeks. Same beloved kong.

 

[Mama2Owen]

Oh and also, has anyone else had a HUGE puppy? He's already 45 pounds, at less than 20 weeks? But skinny looking for his frame! (Also, I just made his appointment to get neutered... it's happening 1 day shy of 5 months... only some have told me that getting it done then may stunt his growth and change his personality? Please tell me that's not the case!)

 

[Ambesi]

What a little sweetie pie he is! Look at those loooooong legs. I haven't been on this forum long and will be getting my pup next week (I'm SO excited!). I have learned so much in the short time I've been here though. I agree, it's a wonderful place!

Sorry I can't offer any expert advice about the female/male aspect or the neutering.

 

[Prov31]

Owen is very handsome! They do grow up so quickly, so take lots of pictures. I'll chime in on your question about females and affection. Most everyone says boys are more "love you" and girls are "love me". However, our girl is extremely affectionate all the time. I don't know if that is unusual, but she is a cuddler and we love it! Keep on posting pictures for us to enjoy.

 

[Oaklys Dad]

Great to see you posting and glad you are garnering lots of info from the great GRF forum. Owen is a handsome boy and sound like he is doing great. The puppy classes I have taken were great even when I thought I knew what I was doing. The instructors could always catch mistakes and were always helpful.

As for neutering I believe it is very true (especially in goldens) waiting as long as you can is better. I had Oakly neutered at 6 months and his head and body are much less developed than Caue's who was neutered at 15 months.

 

[BeauShel]

He is so cute and in my favorite phase all legs. And he is still the exact same in the face. If you can, I would wait on neutering him to at least 18 months. It will help with his development. Glad you have started posting and no post is too long. It is good that we have been able to help you without even knowing it. Now you can post and pass your wisdom on to another newbie.
Personally I have always had two males but now have a new female (failed foster) that is just as sweet too.

 

[Sucker For Gold]

Also, I just made his appointment to get neutered... it's happening 1 day shy of 5 months... only some have told me that getting it done then may stunt his growth and change his personality? Please tell me that's not the case!)

Actually it's just the opposite.....he will grow taller if neutered before bone growth plates are closed. Neutering eliminates the hormones that are responsible for closing growth plates at the correct time, and the bones will continue to grow for a longer period of time. To complicate matters even more, not all growth plates close at the same time. Femur plates close at around 8 months, while Tibia plates don't close until around 14 months. So if neutering takes place after 8 months but before 14 months the femur will be fully grown, but due to neutering the tibia will continue to grow and will be out of proportion with the femur when it stops growing.

So, as far as bone growth is concerned, the worst time to neuter would be between 8 and 14 months, once some plates have closed, while others remain open. In this case early neutering (5-6 months), before any plates have closed, would be a better time, however the optimum time would be to wait until at least 15 months, until all growth plates have closed.

As for neutering I believe it is very true (especially in goldens) waiting as long as you can is better. I had Oakly neutered at 6 months and his head and body are much less developed than Caue's who was neutered at 15 months.

I agree...there are a whole host of reasons to wait until at least 15 months or longer. Besides bone issues, there are studies that indicate early neutering may increase the risks of hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, obesity, and adverse reactions to vaccines ....all common problems with goldens.

If you would like to read more, here is an excellent paper:

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

 

[momtoMax]

Hi, Max is 4 months old and has to be around 40 pounds. My friend calls him Moose so I guess it's not that uncommon!! Welcome to the forum!!

 

[Catalina]

Welcome! This forum is a great fund of information. It certainly has taught me a lot in the last few months and this is our 5th golden! Our puppy is just about 20 weeks as well and he was 42 pounds at the vet this week. I'm betting he'll be average size. We're trying to put off neutering a bit longer for all the reasons mentioned above though it's certainly going to happen.
We've done puppy kindergarten and we're now doing beginners obedience. Fletcher had a very good start on most of the class material before we started but the socialization has been very helpful. Also, all those commands that he follows flawlessly at home are a lot more challenging with all those other puppies around!
Good luck with Owen. Hope that new food works for him!

 

[AmberSunrise]

What a cute boy he is

I would definitely recommend enrolling him in either puppy or basic obedience classes. The work and play of being in a structured class will help create a stronger bond between you two. And, Owen is soon going to be hitting adolescence!! His puppy recall will just disappear if it has not been formally trained, he will discover his nose, he is soon going to start needing to chew things again etc. Working a reliable recall and nice leash walking and the ever so important 'leave-it' are skills that will make your life much easier

I think you would find if a poll was taken, that most of us experienced dog owners get our young dogs into classes .. it really is most helpful and fun to boot.

I also have traditionally had 2 males but recently have welcomed a female into my home and can say that she is very affectionate and cuddly

Good luck