[redhare]

Hello! DH and I are researching dog breeds, and I found this site in my internet searching. I'd like to hear about experiences raising Goldens and learn more about their needs.

More about us: I am stay at home and my husband works. We own our own home on about an acre in the country. We both were raised with dogs, but this will be our first one (we're both in our late 30's, no kids).

My biggest concern is exercise, and what all of the books say "moderate" means. We walk for 1.5 miles every day, and I'm home to entertain/walk as well during the day. My MIL has had Goldens for years, and they (the people in the home) are even less active than we are.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Charlie06]

Hi & welcome. Glad you're considering a golden. I've had dogs all my life but Charlie is my first golden. I am at home with him all day everyday. The only bad thing about it is that I don't get any work done cause I'm playing with him all day, and hanging here

 

[TheHooch]

Welcome to the forum!!! You two sound like the perfect golden loving coulpe.

 

[Jersey's Mom]

Sounds like you have a wonderful home for a Golden to call home (or, really, any dog for that matter... but we're somewhat GR-biased around here). A 1.5 mile walk is great for a Golden (although, if you get a puppy it might be a little much at first). In addition to the walks, that acre of property will be a wonderful asset in excercising your pup. Just invest in a tennis ball launcher (they make all sorts-- sling shot type things and something resembling a small plastic lacross stick) and you'll have one happy golden on your hands... again, this is something the dog will need to grow into a little, it's much easier to tire a young pup. Best of all, Goldens love to be around their people... and with you spending much time at home, your dog will be in heaven.

As you peruse the boards you'll see both the wonderful and challenging aspects of owning this breed. There is also a ton of information about how to find a responsible breeder, and there is a great community of people who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Welcome to the forum and good luck in your puppy search!

Julie and Jersey

 

[RickGibbs]

Welcome to the forum! :wave:

 

[Jackson'sMom]

Welcome. I'd also like to encourage you to consider adopting a dog (they're typically available in a range of ages) from a rescue group. There are many, many wonderful dogs in need of good homes. Goldens love to be with 'their' people, and it sounds as if you will have lots of time to share with a dog. This forum is a great source of information, so we're happy you have joined us.

 

[cubbysan]

Hi,

I live right next door to you in Franklin!

I have a 15 month old, he comes from confirmation show lines as compared to the field lines. The field lines tend to be more active.

I was scared about the same thing about Brady being too active. He plays a lot with the kids in the yard, gets a lot of his excercise that way, and I can always tell when his "golden retriever cousin" Wallace comes to play, because in the evening he is much quieter.

I sign him up for courses occasionally at MasterPeace in Franklin, and the lessons also keep him busy and stimulated. They also have play groups there.

If you walk that much already, I don't get to walk Brady as much as I should, and along with keeping his mind active, and playtime in the yard you should be okay.

We do have some bad days, but as he gets older we are having a lot of good ones. Oh, by the way, as active as Goldens are, they are also the best couch potato snugglers.

 

[redhare]

Wow! You guys are great! Thanks for all of the quick responses!

Does anyone know about Yukon Goldens in Millis or Lazy Daze Goldens in Uxbridge (we met her at a dog show last year at the Bayside Expo)?

I was told by someone to look for breeders who have dogs in service/therapy dog work to find calmer lines. Is this true?

I've heard of MasterPeace in Franklin and want to do obedience training there when the time comes.....

 

[Oaklys Dad]

Glad to have you here on the forum. It sure sounds like a golden would be a perfect addition to your family. They are great loving pets who will make you laugh everyday. Raising a pup is a love/hate thing with most people. It is a lot of fun having a little pup but also a fair amount of work/time to do the potty training and constant watching for chewing.

 

[BeauShel]

Hello and welcome,
Sounds like you are a great potential golden owner. Walking the distance each day is good exercise for him when he/she is older and playing during the day is enough exercise. Cant wait to see your new puppy. You will be hooked from day one.

 

[paula bedard]

The therapy / service lines are calmer. The breeder I got IKE from has had some of his pups go into these fields. Ike is calm when I'm calm and playful when I'm playful. He's only 15 months and very behaved.


If you do consider a rescue, there is a golden girl from Mass. right now in the forum on one of the other threads. She sounds wonderful, healthy, & affectionate.


Oh yeaH, wELcOME!!

 

[janb]

:wave:Our Sandy turns 3 today. We got her when she was 7 1/2 weeks old. The very early days were a wonderful blur, with sleepless nights, and all new expericences for us. We always had cats before, but when hubby retired we felt it was time to finally get the dog we always wanted. After the initial baby period, we had some very tough times. Digging at the rug, chasing her tail, basic crazy super hyer stuff. She simply would not listen. We tried everything. We went to the best obidence school where no matter what we tried, Sandy would just be so hyper she couldn't pay attenion. The teacher said we needed better treats to get her attenion but I had STEAK in my goodie bag!! At one point I felt we had made the biggest mistake of our lives. All that being said......She is the best thing that ever happened to us. We could not live with out her. She brings us so much joy every day. The things she has taught us and that we experince because of her are wonderful. We take her with us just about everywhere we go, and also meet lots of great people.(although most people we meet only know Sandy's name!) It's pretty funny. For her birthday we took her to a famous burger joint in NJ called the "White Manna" (NOT white manor) where she got her own burger, hold the onions. Anyway looking back we wouldn't change a thing. Good luck we hope you get your dream!!!

 

[cubbysan]

Wow! You guys are great! Thanks for all of the quick responses!

Does anyone know about Yukon Goldens in Millis or Lazy Daze Goldens in Uxbridge (we met her at a dog show last year at the Bayside Expo)?

I was told by someone to look for breeders who have dogs in service/therapy dog work to find calmer lines. Is this true?

I've heard of MasterPeace in Franklin and want to do obedience training there when the time comes.....

There is a member on the board called Gold'nchocolate. Her puppy Sasha is from a Millis breeder. I am sure she will be on sometime today or tomorrow. Not sure what the breeder's name was.

I bought Brady from a breeder in Swansea, MA.

MasterPeace is a really good obedience school. They believe in positive reinforcement. There are people that go there that have to travel over an hour. I am lucky, it is less than a mile away.

 

[TiffanyK]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Tiffany

 

[Golden Miles' Dad]

I'd like to hear about experiences raising Goldens and learn more about their needs....Any advice would be appreciated!

You are about to be bombrded by infomation! Hope you enjoy it!

 

[redhare]

I'll take all I can get!

 

[Penny & Maggie's Mom]

welcome to the forum. You've definately come to the right place if you're interested in goldens !! We've had our two girls since they were pups and they are now 4 1/2. They love to go for walks, play fetch, explore the yard, etc. but their very most favorite thing that they love and NEED is to just be with us. They are very much velcro dogs and want to be included in whatever we're doing.... errands, watching TV,etc etc etc. They are wonderful, loving members of the family and I can't imagine our lives without them. I hope you find the golden that is just right for your family..... there are many here in your area and I'm sure they will be very willing to help in your search. I hope you'll stay around and let us enjoy your new family member when the big day comes.

Betty

 

[gold'nchocolate]

Does anyone know about Yukon Goldens in Millis or Lazy Daze Goldens in Uxbridge (we met her at a dog show last year at the Bayside Expo)?
.....

Both Biscuit and Sasha come from Yukon Goldens in Millis. I'd be happy to answer any of your questions. I've noticed that Charlene has a website up and running now if you want to check it out. There is a picture of Sasha sleeping on a pair of shoes and one of her sleeping with Biscuit in the "puppy fan mail" section. Here is the link:

http://www.yukongoldens.com/

She is also breeding labradors and I think those are the ones that are being bred for service dogs. I love the look of the black lab named Joe...what a face :smooch:!!!!

 

[heartofgold]

DON'T GET A GOLDEN RETRIEVER! Seriously, get two! Welcome to the group!