The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers: Finding, Raising, Training, and Loving Your Golden Retriever Puppy

By Dr. Joanna de Klerk

Golden Retrievers are one of the most loyal and lovable breeds around, and so it is easy to see why they are so popular. They are playful and friendly, even into their golden years, and are ideal dogs for first-time dog owners. This book provides all you need to know about the breed, whether you are buying a Golden Retriever for a pet, working dog, show dog or breeding dog.

In The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers you will learn everything you need to know from start to end; how to choose a puppy, training, traveling, grooming, health care and senior care. You will also learn all about the background of the breed, its history, breed pre-disposed diseases, and special traits. All the information is specific to Golden Retrievers and in easy-reading comprehensive detail. Find answers to questions like:
 

1. Is a Golden Retriever the right dog for me?
2. I brought my Golden Retriever home. What now?
3. How can I best train my Golden?
4. What are some common mistakes should I avoid?

Whether you are a veteran Golden Retriever owner, or new to the breed, there will be something for everyone in this book. You'll find out everything you'll need to know as a new owner, including:
 

1. Golden Retriever History
2. Golden Retriever Behavior
3. Preparations for a New Dog
4. How to choose a Golden Retriever
5. Training a Golden
6. Traveling with a Golden Retriever
7. Nutrition
8. Dental Care
9. Grooming Your Golden Retriever
10. Preventative Veterinary Medicine
11. Golden Retriever Diseases
12. Working
13. Breeding Golden Retrievers
14. Showing Golden Retrievers
15. Living with a Senior Golden

Compiled by veterinarian; Dr. Jo de Klerk, the book will ensure there is nothing left for you to wonder or worry about. It will provide you with everything you need to know to help you care for, train and bond with your new lovable friend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LP Media Inc
• Release date: Feb 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386292265

Book preview

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Table of Contents

The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers

By Dr. Jo de Klerk

Chapter 1

Breed Overview

About the Breed

Looks

Age Expectancy

Personality

Inside the Home

Outside the Home

Costs of Keeping a Golden Retriever

Chapter 2

Breed History

Origin of the Breed

Genetics

Historical Standards

Famous Golden Retrievers in History

Chapter 3

Behavior

Temperament

Trainability

Separation Anxiety

Chewing

Exercise Requirement

Hyperactivity

Importance of Socialization

Chapter 4

How to Choose a Golden Retriever

Purchasing or Rescuing?

Researching the Establishment

Inquire About the Parents

Hip scores:

Elbow scores:

Genetic testing:

Looking at the Puppy

Considerations of a Rescue Dog

Chapter 5

Preparations for a New Dog

Preparing Your Home

Shopping List

Introducing Your New Golden Retriever to Other Dogs

Introducing Your New Golden Retriever to Children

Chapter 6

Training

Toilet Training

How to Teach Sit

How to Teach Stay

How to Teach Lie Down

How to Teach Walk On the Leash

How to Teach Walk Off the Leash

Agility and Flyball

Chapter 7

Traveling

Preparations for Travel

Traveling in a Car

Traveling by Plane

Vacation Lodging

Leaving Your Dog at Home

Chapter 8

Nutrition

Importance of Nutrition

Commercial Food

BARF and Homemade Diets

Pet Food Labels

Guaranteed Analysis

Ingredients

Weight Monitoring

Chapter 9

Dental Care

Importance of Dental Care

Dental Anatomy

Tartar Build-Up and Gingivitis

Dental Care

Examining

Tooth Brushing

Water Additives

Chews

Dental Food

Dental Procedures

Chapter 10

Grooming

About the Coat

Coat Health

External Parasites

Nail Clipping

Ear Cleaning

Anal Glands

Chapter 11

Preventative Veterinary Medicine

Choosing a Veterinarian

Location

Finances

After-hours services

Specialties

Extras

Vaccinations

Microchipping

Neutering

Spaying

Castration

Internal Parasites

Pet Insurance

Chapter 12

Golden Retriever Diseases

Cardiac Diseases

Aortic Stenosis

Pericardial Effusion

Dermatological Diseases

Atopic Dermatitis

Wet Eczema

Hypothyroidism

Hemangiosarcoma

Joint Diseases

Elbow Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia

Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Ectopic Ureters

Chapter 13

Working

Field Work

Dogs for the Disabled

Search and Rescue

Police Dogs

Chapter 14

Breeding

Deciding about Breeding

Mating

Pregnancy

Birthing

Aftercare

Raising Puppies

Chapter 15

Showing

Selecting a Dog for Showing

After Selecting Your Puppy

Breed Standards

The American Kennel Club (USA)

The Kennel Club of Great Britain (UK)

Preparing for a Show

Chapter 16

Living with a Senior Dog

Diet

Senior Wellness Checks

Arthritis

Dementia

Organ Deterioration

Loss of Senses

Bladder Control

Saying Goodbye

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

LP Media Inc. Publishing

Text copyright © 2019 by LP Media Inc.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher. For information address LP Media Inc. Publishing, 3178 253rd Ave. NW, Isanti, MN 55040

www.lpmedia.org

Publication Data

Dr. Jo de Klerk

The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers/ Dr. Jo de Klerk ---- First edition.

Summary: Successfully raising a Golden Retriever dog from puppy to old age --- Provided by publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-79748-554-6

[1. Golden Retrievers --- Non-Fiction] I. Title.

This book has been written with the published intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter included. While every reasonable precaution has been taken in preparation of this book the author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained inside. The techniques and suggestions are to be used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem with your dog, consult your veterinarian.

Design by Sorin Rădulescu

First paperback edition, 2019

The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers

Jo de Klerk

The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers

By Dr. Jo de Klerk

Golden Retrievers are one of the most loyal and lovable breeds around, and it is easy to see why they are so popular. They are playful and friendly, even into their golden years, and are ideal dogs for first-time dog owners. This book provides all you need to know about the breed, whether you are buying a Golden Retriever for a pet, working dog, show d og, or breeding dog.

In The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers you will learn everything you need to know from start to end; how to choose a puppy, training, traveling, grooming, health care, and senior care. You will also learn all about the background of the breed, its history, breed predisposed diseases, and special traits. All the information is specific to Golden Retrievers and in easy-to-read, comprehensive detail.

Whether you are a veteran Golden Retriever owner or new to the breed, there will be something for everyone in this book.

Compiled by veterinarian Dr. Jo de Klerk, this book will ensure there is nothing left for you to wonder or worry about. It will provide you with everything you need to know to help you care for, train, and bond with your new lovable friend.

Chapter 1

Breed Overview

It’s no surprise that the Golden Retriever is one of the world’s most popular dogs. Both beautiful and intelligent, the Golden Retriever fits right into family life, despite being bred originally as a working dog. This shows how adaptable the breed is, and how bonded a Golden Retriever can become to its human pack. If you are thinking of welcoming a Golden Retriever into your home, this book will take you through all the basics of understanding the breed and knowing how to mee t your dog’s needs.

About the Breed

The Golden Retriever is instantly recognizable, but often confused with the Labrador Retriever. Both breeds have their origins in the same broad gene pool, with a common ancestor in the Saint John’s Dog of Newfoundland. And both have water dogs amongst their ancestors, being bred as working dogs to retrieve fallen game from marshy terrain. Both breeds are also exceptionally intelligent, friendly, water-loving, and keen on their food. And both make superb family dogs. There are, however, a few characteristics of the Golden Retriever that distinguish him from his Labrador cousin.

Looks

The Golden Retriever, as the name suggests, comes in only one color, and that is golden. There may be some variation in shade within the breed from almost white to caramel, but unlike the Labrador, which comes in golden, chocolate, and black, these broad variations are not seen in the Golden Retriever. Also, as a descendant of the wavy-coated Retriever, the Golden boasts a luxuriant long coat compared to his Labrador cousin’s flat coat.

Generally speaking, the Labrador is bigger than the Golden Retriever, although by a slim margin, so size anomalies can make this an unreliable distinction. Females are smaller than males. Male Golden Retrievers typically are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall and 55 to 65 pounds. Goldens have soft mouths for retrieving game undamaged, and a characteristic smile that gives them an appealing, friendly appearance.

The appearance of the Golden Retriever differs slightly between countries, as the breed standard is not exactly the same in every country, and as a pedigree dog, Golden Retrievers should be bred in strict adherence to the breed standard of their country.

The Golden Retriever in America may be darker in color than his British counterpart. The British Golden is stockier than his American cousin, with a broader head. He may also be slightly larger.

The Golden Retriever boasts some beautiful feathering around his neck, belly, the backs of his legs, and the underside of his tail. His coat really is his crowning glory and something that draws many people to the breed. It is, however, high maintenance compared to the Labrador’s flat coat, so the prospective owner needs to commit to regular grooming. Allergy sufferers will not do well with this breed as the coat sheds profusely.

The stunning good looks of the Golden Retriever have made it a favorite across the world, and a popular star in the media, and it is not hard to see why.

Age Expectancy

The typical lifespan of a Golden Retriever is 10-12 years. When taking on a Golden Retriever puppy, it is important to think ahead and consider any changes in your personal circumstances that may occur over this period, and whether you can commit to your dog’s care for the whole of its life.

A few decades ago, Golden Retrievers might have been expected to live up to 16 or 17 years. Studies are currently being carried out into why the average lifespan has dropped so dramatically in recent years. These studies are considering environmental factors, lifestyle changes, genes, and health conditions. However, as no conclusions have yet been reached, all you can do as an owner is ensure your dog has a good diet, is kept at a healthy weight, has plenty of exercise, and receives regular veterinary care to ensure he lives his allotted years to the maximum.

Personality

Quite simply, the Golden Retriever is one huge personality on four legs with a waggy tail. Nothing sets the Golden Retriever apart so much as his friendly, sunny nature, his huge smile, and his gentle, devoted nature. Your Golden Retriever will love you unconditionally, trust you implicitly, and forgive all your mistakes. Every day is his best day ever, and he will love to be a part of your family, joining in with all your activities and enthusiastically welcoming every visitor to your home.

A word you will come across regularly in this book is biddable. This is the characteristic set out in the official breed standard to describe the personality of the Golden Retriever, and it means your dog is eager to please and follow your instructions. It also implies that the Golden Retriever is shaped both by his nature and by the training you do with him. So, in terms of the raw material, you have an ideal foundation in a well-bred Golden Retriever, but there is still work to do to create the perfect dog.

Chapter 3 of this book looks at the behavior of a Golden Retriever, and notes that although there is an accepted standard personality for the breed, variations may occur due to genetics. For example, working lines will be more high-energy. Also, character anomalies can occur even between litter-mates that can be unpredictable. Additionally, if you are adopting an older dog from a rescue, his early experiences may have been damaging to his personality, and there will be work to do in regaining his trust and restoring to him his natural demeanor. Sadly, some damaged dogs may never achieve emotional well-being after being mistreated or neglected. The Golden Retriever is a resilient and forgiving breed by nature, however so the chances are better than average.

If your Golden Retriever doesn’t completely fill your home and your life on account of his size, his huge personality certainly will! You will never have a dull day in all the years you get to spend in the company of a Golden Retriever.

Inside the Home

The Golden Retriever is a large dog. It goes without saying that the small bundle of fluff you bring home as a puppy will rapidly grow into a large and exuberant adult dog, with a long waggy tail capable of clearing a coffee table with one sweep. So, the very first consideration you have to face in deciding whether this is the breed for you is, just how big is your house and the rooms within it?

If you are living alone and this is unlikely to change, you may find ample space in a modestly sized home for yourself and your large friend. If you have a large family, however, you need to think about the space a Golden Retriever will occupy. Of course, your dog does not necessarily have to have access to the whole house, as long as the rooms he is allowed to occupy are large enough and free from hazards. This is a matter of personal preference and there are no hard and fast rules, as long as careful thought has been given to the impact that a large, energetic dog will have on the household before he makes his home with you.

The Golden Retriever is known to be a profuse shedder, so if you are particularly house proud, you may have to lower your standards in welcoming a Golden into your home, unless you want to spend a lot of extra time with the vacuum