Looking for a Golden Retriever for the family...

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

We've decided to get a Golden Retriever. We both grew up with dogs in our homes but have not had dogs in the 21 years we've been married. Dan is 16 and Becky is 12 and she has wanted a dog since she could talk. Becky babysits all of the neighbor's dogs and has seen every episode of "Dog Whisperer" and has read Cesar Millan's books. We'll have to get an "invisible fence" for the backyard.

We would prefer a female, slightly smaller Golden and I have 2 local veterinarians looking for us and I've contacted Guide Dogs for the Blind to see if they have any "washouts" that need a good home. We've had ferrets for 11 years and before that we had lop rabbits, but we've decided to make the leap to dogs. I'd actually prefer a German Shepherd, but my daughter and wife prefer (strongly) a Golden and the dog will be Becky's. Becky is a very, very responsible 12 year old and she is very serious about the work that goes along with having a pet.

Anyone have any puppies available?

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

BTW, before anybody makes the comment--- we're not considering a "pet shop dog" or the local animal shelter, we've always used breeders for our rabbits and ferrets so we're going that route for the Golden unless a veterinarian or someone who knows us gives us a better lead.

carambola · carambola's Garage

quick google came up with

www.topgoldenretrieversites.net

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

That's a great link, thanks!!

vonsmog · 02-23-2008, 06:26 AM

Best family dog breed that there is! We are looking for another one after the last one pasted away after giving us 12 1/2 years of love. This was our second one. I would not own any other breed after having a Golden. Find a good breeder and just make sure that it is AKC and the hips and eyes are vet checked on the parents. You will not be sorry! Oh, and you will be vacuuming everyday for as long as you have the dog, but I would not trade it for anything!

Steve Carlton · 02-23-2008, 06:46 AM

My dogs don't shed, but the lady that grooms them says this stuff is amazing when combined with quality food:
http://www.worry-free.net/mrsallens/shed-stop.html

Ronbo · 02-23-2008, 07:23 AM

I understand wanting to get a puppy, but don't count out a rescue dog. Our current dog came from our local Great Dane Rescue, and he's a fantastic dog despite his background of abuse and abandonment. Contact the Golden Retriever Rescue to see what dogs they have. You have nothing to lose.

wrecktech · 02-23-2008, 07:28 AM

+1 on rescue dogs. I have had 3 Old English Sheepdog rescues and they have all been great and I will get another when the time comes.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

+10 on rescue dogs. There are not many abandoned GR's though.

We had a Golden when my son was 1, and now have the Brown Dog (pit/lab mix) rescue mutt. While the GR was a great dog, Brown Dog is far more integrated into our lives.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Thanks for the advice, guys! I called several rescue orgs in my area and they tell me it may be quite a wait for a female GR. My wife and I will try to visit a couple GR breeders in the area next weekend and I'll let you know how it goes. My vet friends are also looking for us as well as other friends who have Goldens. Hopefully, well have one in the next few months, in time for my daughter to be out of school for the summer with a dog to train!

Chocaholic · 02-23-2008, 02:52 PM

We have two Golden Retreivers. One is 14 years old and the joy of our family. She was an animal rescue dog that we got 8 years ago. I can't imagine life without her. She was actively involved in raising our children...without exxageration. Our second Golden Retriever showed up in our backyard 3 years ago...believe it or not. We still can't figure it out. She had a collar but no tags. After two weeks of checking with animal rescue, vet offices, marinas (we live on a lake), we kept her. An absolute joy.

Please please please, rescue a Golden. They will repay you many many times over.

sammyg2 · 02-23-2008, 03:01 PM

LOL, I've had many dogs in my life, every single one was the best dog who ever lived

I've never paid a penny for a dog except for the $55 or so fee it took to get him out of the animal shelter.
But it's your decision, your dog, your money. I'm not about to try and tell you what to do with it. None of my business.

But if you wanted to kill an hour or so and have some fun, going to the local shelter and playing with a few dogs is about the most fun you can have for free. It's also fun for the whole family

Chocaholic · 02-23-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyg2

LOL, I've had many dogs in my life, every single one was the best dog who ever lived

I've never paid a penny for a dog except for the $55 or so fee it took to get him out of the animal shelter.
But it's your decision, your dog, your money. I'm not about to try and tell you what to do with it. None of my business.

But if you wanted to kill an hour or so and have some fun, going to the local shelter and playing with a few dogs is about the most fun you can have for free. It's also fun for the whole family

Ah yes...very good idea (that's exactly how we ended up with our first Golden).

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

We rescued 2 ferrets and we had great experiences with them, but their lifespan is so short (about 8 years or so), that if you rescue an adult you don't get as much time with them. My daughter really wants the "puppy experience", but we won't rule out a rescue... Thanks again!

stomachmonkey · 02-23-2008, 06:41 PM

Have had a couple of breeder dogs and cats.

The purebred rescues have been better.

The mutts have by far been the best.

Just my 2 cents.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

They are really outstanding dogs. I'm surprised people haven't posted lots of pics.

Be sure to check back at least 2 generations for any infirmities or genetic problems.

They will need a lot of attention, a lot of exercise, and love to chew - so be ready for that. A spray called Bitter Apple works like magic.

A cross of a Lab & Golden ("Gulab") also makes a great dog.

The "New Golden Retriever" is a good book on the breed.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Thanks! I've been checking the Golden rescue sites in my area, but they usually require a fence for the adult rescues and we can't have a fence, we'll use the invisible fence option instead. We're probably going to the Detroit dog show next Saturday to see if there are any puppies available. We've taken care of friends/family Goldens and they are great!

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Well, we did it… we got Rebecca a Golden Retriever puppy and we’ll be picking her up on Friday evening. Dan and Becky don’t know anything about this and I think they will be very surprised. Brian (my beloved brother) sent me an email with the breeder’s name and number that one of the Lt’s on the Detective Bureau just recently got a puppy from and she had one female left. We talked this evening and it really worked out great. I sure hope Becky loves this puppy as much as I think she will, she’s waited her “whole life” (to use her exact phrase) for a Golden Retriever! Thanks to everyone for your help, especially my brother! Who says law enforcement types are only there to give you a ticket?!

Rot 911 · 02-25-2008, 05:56 PM

Be sure to post puppy pics!

notmytarga · notmytarga's Garage

Congratulations - we'll need pictures and the story of the first meeting!

We're enjoying our Golden/Standard poodle mix. About 17 weeks now and 30 lbs. Will get to 80 or so - he's a temporary He.

I recently read a Dave Barry book with a Dog /Christmas theme. Funny - touching and I believe a character is 'Becky" and your daughter would identify with her. I recommend it.

Enjoy - crate and train carefully!