Mary Allen
Just about all dogs make great, cuddly, and affectionate companions, but one dog breed tops them all: Golden Retrievers. Many retriever fans call them the friendliest dog breed in the world.
As perfect as we all want our retrievers to be, there are a few things to consider when it comes to their temperament. Before you decide to buy a Golden Retriever, you should know that they are not just adorable, cute, and cute.
This article clarifies some behavioral issues that are a big topic with Golden Retrievers in particular. Of course, there are also tips and hints on how to tackle these unwanted behaviors.
#1 Getting to Know Your Retriever: Basics
What falls under normal dog behavior categories may come as a surprise to some, especially new dog owners. So make them familiar with the “unpleasant” characteristics of retrievers as well.
Like all dogs, Golden Retrievers jump and bark to express their emotions, e.g. B. Excitement and joy. And they chase after squirrels or other dogs. All of this is natural and normal.
Retrievers are also very sociable and high-energy dogs. By the way, the name comes from the English: to retrieve = fetch something. They got the name because they are good retrievers.
As dog owners, it is our job to patiently and appropriately teach these ecstatic, loving hounds to obey our rules. It will take your Golden Retriever around 3 to 4 years to mature, but as long as you are patient you will have the best companion. When training, you should pay attention to common behavior patterns.
#2 Jumping at people
Golden retrievers naturally love everyone they meet, even if it's someone they've never met before. But with all the joy, sometimes they get a little too friendly. A particular way retrievers usually greet people is by pouncing on them to say hello.
Well, that wouldn't be a problem if he was just a young 10-pound puppy. It's less fun if your goldie weighs 35-40 kilograms. It becomes dangerous when adults are not prepared for it, or for people who are older and less sure on their feet. Even small children, who are often not much larger than the dog, can become terribly frightened when an adult dog jumps on them. A “stand-in greeting” from your Golden Retriever is therefore not desirable.
With consistent exercises and instructions, such as "sit", this "erratic" greeting can be overcome without any problems.
#3 Destructive potential
Golden retrievers have the word "retrieve" in their name for a reason: to carry and bring something in their mouth. And yes, these breeds were once supposed to support hunters and carry the prey they shot.
When a Golden Retriever is bored, he will look for something to do. If you're not mentally and physically challenged, go for it.
They take their boredom out on socks or furniture. Or they plunder the kitchen cupboards, which can also be dangerous. Some foods are toxic to dogs: e.g. raisins, onions, and chocolate. To know what your dog is up to when you're away, set up a camera.
For your peace of mind, not all Golden Retrievers behave like this. Many sleep, play with their toys and chew bones when their owners are upset. However, if you have a destroyer in the home, you should seek advice from a dog trainer. And address the behavior quickly! Don't wait and hope that this will happen.