You Have a New Puppy – What’s Next?
Bringing home a fluffy little Golden Retriever can be a wonderful time for your family. With all the excitement and cuteness, it is easy to forget what your puppy needs to grow into your favorite family member on four legs!
Golden Retriever puppies are very smart and respond well to calm, consistent, age- appropriate training. This means that if their training is not consistent or age appropriate, your puppy will learn NOT to listen to you as their leader and will become their own leader. One very good thing for you is that your Golden Retriever will be food motivated! You can typically train your Golden puppy easily by using treats to reinforce
positive behaviors.
Your new puppy will grow and change immensely over their first 2 years of life. This is your time to get to know your dog and teach them how to be a good member of your family. Social outings are very important during this development period to build your dog’s confidence and trust in their human leaders.
Puppies are just like babies, and will go through multiple growth spurts, teething, mental challenges, and the dreaded “teenage” phase. You may notice your puppy chewing on something it never has before, becoming afraid of inanimate objects, becoming thin and
lanky, and attempting to challenge if they really do need to listen to your commands. These are all key development times for you to be prepared for during the first 2 years.
Golden Retrievers also require regular veterinary visits and grooming. Your puppy will go through several coat changes as it matures with the final coat being a dense double coat. The fluffy undercoat is responsible for regulating the dog’s body temperature and protecting their sensitive skin. The undercoat is what will shed the most at least twice per year. The slick and coarse topcoat is their outer protection and water repellent. Your Golden retriever needs both coats to keep themselves healthy and happy- NEVER shave your Golden Retriever.
Related Links
How to Raise a Well-Mannered Dog – Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc.
Spay & Neuter
All family dogs should be spayed or neutered when age appropriate. Any breeding should be left to people who dedicate the time, money and energy to improving the breed. This is usually a conversation you will have with your breeder before purchasing your puppy and signing a contract.
Crate Training
When you bring your puppy home, you should have a place the puppy can call it’s own; a crate. Dogs are den dwelling, and prefer to be in a secure, protected place. It is a great aid in house-breaking and gives you peace of mind when there are times you can’t watch your puppy or dog. For further information on crate training you may obtain a copy of “A Pet Owner’s Guide To The Crate” by Nicki Meyer by downloading the PDF or by sending your name, address and first class postage to:
Nicki Meyer Educational Effort
31 Davis Hill Road
Weston, CT 06883