slim questioned:
I am plotting on getting a dog for my four year ancient son and I. I was thinking of getting a golden retriever puppy from a breeder. This will be our first dog. Any suggestions? Is this a excellent dog to have for my son? Is there any pros and cons to having this type of dog? Thanks in advance.
I am plotting on getting a dog for my four year ancient son and I. I was thinking of getting a golden retriever puppy from a breeder. This will be our first dog. Any suggestions? Is this a excellent dog to have for my son? Is there any pros and cons to having this type of dog? Thanks in advance.
~Manda~ Says: June 11th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Golden Retreivers are wonderful dogs. You just have to remember that they like with most all puppies are very hyper. They will need lots of training especially if you have small kids. This will be be a lot of responsibility and you have to question yourself if you will have time for both a puppy and a 4 yr ancient.
jim Says: June 11th, 2009 at 3:45 am
Golden Retrievers are fantastic, but they have alot of hair and shed alot. A excellent alternative might be a Yellow Lab…I have one…Not too much hair and excellent with kids.
kooldude789 Says: June 13th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
i reckon you should get a smaller breed cause your son is small and it might hurt him. Also they get really huge really quick
alison b Says: June 15th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
they are Fantastic w/ children usualy and your son will most likely like the dog, just puppys are verrry hyper so when you first get the dog make sure to help it know to be carefull with your son and just keep an eye on them when they are together for a while.
but they really are one of the best choices for kids!!
J's Baby Girl Says: June 17th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Golden Retrievers are just about the sweetest dogs i’ve ever had contact with. If you wanted to find a suitable dog for you and your 4 year ancient then you’ve found it!
catherine s Says: June 18th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Goldens Retreivers are wonderful dogs. We had one. make sure you send it through training and that the dog knows YOU are boss. don’t let him get away with anything. That will be the hard part cuz the dog is SO CUTE. You will definately need a brush, their hair gets long on the back end. Feed him a high quality diet with less corn and wheat. I fed science diet. it was excellent and she never got stout off it. Excellent Luck.
I am Jared From Subway Says: June 20th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Golden Retrievers are very quick learning dogs, and just need to be taught excellent behaviours up front. They are extremely loyal and protective, and one of the few breeds that will let a young child pull their hair or poke them without growling or being poor tempered. Just don’t let the dog feel abandoned, because they want to really feel like part of the family. Keep in mind they are a sports dog, and need lots of excercise. They are excellent swimmers and like the beach.
Hope this helps.
nikij j Says: June 23rd, 2009 at 7:21 am
Golden Ret. are PERFECT family dogs. I have a 9& 5 yr. ancient and we got them both g.r. 3 yrs. ago! They have been the best pets besides my chi’s that we have ever owned! With puppies though make sure you have plenty of toys, I don’t mean dog toys either, they want your shoes, socks, pleased meal toys(be very careful with!) Things they are not normally supposed to have. So go through your closet and pick some ancient things that are not choke hazards and delight in your new Golden!!!!
TJ Says: June 24th, 2009 at 1:07 am
This type of dog has a Fantastic disposition and brilliant beauty and personality, like I said, but the downs of it are the shedding, because they shed ALOT! I recamend Standard Poodles becasue the are fantastic guard dogs, (believe it or not) ABSOUUTELY Fantastic with other animals and kids, and they DON’T shed.
Jeannette V Says: June 25th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
4 year olds do not need dogs they are not ancient enough to know how to care for them correctly. Puppies are especially hyper and do not listen do you really have time to clean up after a puppy and a child? Try an older pet from a shelter.
smsm Says: June 27th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I have grown up with ONLY Golden’s they are wonderful dogs but they do shed. I have 2 young kids of my own and well my dog and my parents dog(both Golden’s) ARE Fantastic WITH THEM! They will ultimately be your child’s best Friend and protector!! Oh and they are wonderful with other animals I also Have 2 cats!
BYB's hate dogs & love taxes Says: June 30th, 2009 at 4:53 am
You’ll have to supervise your son with the dog pretty much at all times. Kids don’t know boundaries at that point and a dog just seems like a huge stuffed animal. Young kids like to touch the animal’s eyes, pull its tail, mess with its nose, etc.
Goldens can be fantastic dogs, but they are also highly prone to heriditary diseases. Using a excellent breeder will help to minimize those risks.
Getting a puppy will be like having another baby. You’ll need to be home all the time so that you can potty train it, keep it entertained, and give it guidelines for living.
Tons of Golden and Lab pups are in shelters. Are they not an option?
I urge you to do more reserach on the breed. This site is known for terrible information on dogs. You’ll want to read all of this:
It’s one of the best sites out there.
Excellent luck to you. : )
Bozema Says: July 2nd, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Golden retrivers are wonderful with kids. They are very people friendly and tolerant of small kids and rough play. They are large enough to accidentally knock down a child if play gets too rough, so supervision and training is vital. But I’ve had them specifically because they are people (including kids) and animal friendly.
professor grey Says: July 4th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
There isn’t a nicer dog out there (I’m being prejudice I know). They are lovable, intelligent and friendly to everyone. They are huge but. When my son was 2 years ancient ours use to knock him over with his wagging tail. There are no cons to this dog. Just keep him clean, brushed, fed, vetted and played with and you’ll all have a best friend.
kelsie Says: July 7th, 2009 at 1:12 am
no, i reckon that golden retrievers are a mans dog and not worthy for a small child! they like to chew things up a lot as a young pup. I would prefer a smaller dog like a poodle or shitzu or in that area
kelowna42 Says: July 7th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
I reckon you need to keep in mind that you are really getting a dog for you. No 4 year ancient is ready to take on the responsibility of taking care of a dog by themself. They can help and will like the dog, but you will be the caregiver. That being said, a golden retriever is a very excellent dog with children, but requires a lot of attention. The more they get, the better they like it, and the better they learn. If you have the time and desire to spend with the dog, (it’s a lot of work, but rewarding), then I reckon you will be pleased with your choice. If you don’t, you will have a bored puppy making a nuisance of itself.
Cute Princess Says: July 7th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
They are the best dogs you can ever get!But during the summer they shed alot.I am going to get one!!!!!
Kerry Says: July 9th, 2009 at 9:15 am
We had a Golden for 13 years before it died last summer. A fantastic dog, very loyal and fantastic around kids of all ages. He was very simple to care for, and was tolerant of the kids hanging all over him.
My kids grew up with him and it was sad to see him go. I’d highly recommend a Golden.
Corgi Girl Says: July 10th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I like Goldens. They are excellent dogs.
But, they have lots of energy. They will need excercise, along with play and attention.
Ya know, there are many golden rescues you could look into. A shelter dog might not be right for you, but you could look.
Pros~lovable balls of fun.
cons~ Need a lot of excercise and play.
NOTE~ Make sure to teach your son how to be humane and kind to all animals, and never to pull or poke a dog.(My dog would let kids do that but always be careful, you never know)
Ava R Says: July 11th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Golden retrievers are gorgeous and friendly dogs.
I had one for 10 years and she was so lovely, tolerant of children (like pulling her tail etc!), energetic and loyal. perhaps a small dim, but still incredible!
I dont know what it is about them but i have never met an unfriendly golden retriever.
But, their’cousin’ the labrador seem to have a bit of a different personality, i was once bitten by a black lab. stick to golden retriever.
But, its always wise to remember that children can be vulnerable around huge dogs, and though they can be super friendly, you cannot trust them 100%. there is always a chance they could bite etc.
Also, remember they require lots of walking as are very energetic.
so be careful and excellent luck, be sure to see the mother and father dogs and get a feel for their personalities.
sillyme2 Says: July 12th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Golden Retrievers are awesome family dogs. They are really smart and always willing/wanting to learn more. They do require daily exercises, brushing and training. Keep in mind large breeds get bored easily if not being challenged they WILL find something to keep him busy….chewing shoes/furniture, anything it can get its paws on! Overall with a Golden Retriever you have a friend for life.
Edit: I DO NOT recommend a Lab they tend to run away more often and will not come back home! They are not as tolerant of small children.
Cilia Says: July 13th, 2009 at 12:33 am
WELL LET ME TELL YOU I GOT A BABY GOLDEN RETRIEVER AT 7 WEEKS NOW SHE IS 6 YEARS Ancient.AND MY DOG IS SO Excellent WITH THE FAMILY,AND AROUND YOUNG CHILDREN’S.SHE IS A BABY I Like HER SO MUCH.WHEN THERE ARE SMALL PUPPY SOME TIME IT GET ON YOUR NERVES CAUSE THEY JUMP UP AND DOWN ON YOU OR THEY MAKE Huge HOLES IN THE SAND BUT Like HER JUST THE SAME AND THEY ARE DOGS THAT LIKES THE OUT SIDE AND Like TO PLAY.WHEN THERE ARE OLDER THERE ARE SO MUCH NICE DOGS AND MY DOG IS IN SIDE MY APARTMENT NOT A OUT DOOR DOG.BUT SHE NEEDS SPACE TO RUN AND PLAY.THERE ARE SO NICE DOG THEY ARE REAL BABY.HOPE I HELP A BIT.
Jessie Q Says: July 14th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
First and foremost, children need to be taught how to interact with a dog and Goldens are no exception. Each year many children are victims of dog bites and this can be due to ongoing mistreatment of the dog by children or because the dog and family were not properly matched by the breeder or rescue. A responsible breeder or rescue organization will make sure that any puppy they place with children is temperamentally suited for an active family.
My babysitter had a Golden when I was able to walk I was aloud to walk him on a leash he was about 2yrs ancient and didn’t even try to pole me he walked right beside me in case I fell I reckon.
Pat B Says: July 16th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I breed Goldens but am always reticent to let anyone with a very young child have one of my puppies unless the parents realise that the adorable small puppy they are wanting to buy for their child will not remain a sweet cuddly toy for ever.
Goldens grow very quickly and they can be quite boistrous when they are puppies. They jump up a lot and they scratch and this can really frighten a child and the parents then find themselves in a hard situation in trying to placate a screaming child and at the same time dealing with a very boisterous pup. I have had puppy buyers asking me to have puppies back in the past for this very reason.
My advice would be, if you would like a Golden Retriever, then perhaps try and get an older dog for your son. When Goldens have finished their biting, jumping and scratching, you couldn’t question for a more wonderful dog for a child. The child can happily cuddle a Golden of about 2 years ancient and the Golden will give it so much like in return.
If you would really prefer a puppy then I would seriously consider waiting until your small boy is older. It will save you a lot of stress. If, on the other hand, you are prepared to deal with the sort of situations I have mentioned then by all means go ahead with your plot. Just make sure you take the puppy to training class as soon as it is ancient enough and learn how to control the situations as they arise.
Excellent luck with whatever you choose to do.
IKnowAnimals1 Says: July 18th, 2009 at 3:24 am
A Golden Retriever is a wonderful dog for your son. Pro:They are sooooooooo sweet. Con:They shed alot
ninjaaa! Says: July 21st, 2009 at 7:25 am
I’m assuming that when you said you’re getting the dog “for your son”, you didn’t mean that you plot for your son to take care of it. I hope you know that you will be doing the majority of the care here.
Goldens make terrific dogs. If you go to a responsible breeder, your pup will be hopefully be bred with a fantastic temperament, and they are typically very excellent family dogs. They’re also very intelligent without being excessively driven, and they are very excellent first time dogs.
One of the most vital things for families who have young children and are considering dogs is to train your child. To dogs, kids are very scary things. They talk much louder than usual and in a higher pitch; they run very quick and they weep very loudly. To kids, but, dogs are just like giant stuffed toys. And although most Goldens are terrific with kids, every dog has his limits. You must teach your kid that a dog is not a jungle gym – that means no pulling of tails, no grabbing of snouts, poking eyes. Even the most docile of dogs will retaliate if his ears have been yanked one time too many. This is the best way to avoid accidents with your child.
As for pros and cons… There is a saying that goes something like: “There are pros and cons to every breed, until it is yours, then they are no longer cons.” It’s right. A Golden would be a terrible dog for me because I don’t like much grooming, and they have long coats. I also don’t like the beach, but most Goldens adore swimming (though this is by no means an essential part of their lives). If you don’t mind grooming, if you have an active lifestyle, a Golden might be perfect for you.
Be careful of where you get your Golden. Due to their popularity they are extremely overbred and BYBs are churning them out. Go to the AKC website and look up the breeder referrals to find a excellent one, or look up your local Golden Retriever Club. GoldenGal, YA’s resident Golden Retriever expert, will probably stop by and give you a couple of tips as well.
Excellent luck.
Gregory S Says: July 21st, 2009 at 10:10 am
Golden Retrievers are the best. They are gorgeous dogs, and fantastic with kids. Over the first couple of years they will have a tendency to jump on people out of exuberance. We have a male just over a year ancient. Make sure you get your pup from a reputable breeder that screens for health issues like hip, elbow and eye problems. Excellent breeders monitor these things closely in their program and try to breed out the health issues. This of course is no guarantee against health problems but at least it reduces the potential for future health issues. Getting a pup from someone who is just trying their hand at breeding gives you no assurance in this regard. Also do not buy from a pet shop — they typically support puppy mills in which dogs are not provided with the best care. “Serious Leisure activity Breeders” are considered the best place to get a purebred dog. I can’t say enought about our breeder — Adirondac Goldens — – they are in upstate NY and breed field line goldens, which are generally leaner, redder, and more athletic than the huge fluffy yellow goldens. Our boy is only about 60 lbs. Their pups are not inexpensive, but neither are vet bills so it was worth it to us to pay more for a pup up front with more comfort that so much thought was place into the breeding and that so much like and care was given to our pup over his first 8 weeks.
Oh and one other thing, goldens need lots of excercise, so they are less ideal if you don’t have a fenced in yard or someplace to take them to run around. But once they’re tired they are ready for a excellent snooze.
laughter_6 Says: July 21st, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Please never forget that this is a dog, not a babysitter. There are many cases of unsupervised children being maimed because the child accidentally steps on the dog, pulls its fur, pokes it in the eye, etc. This is a risk with ALL dogs, no matter how ‘family-oriented’ or ‘kid-friendly’ they or their breeds are reputed to be. As a Chihuahua breeder, I would reccommend against the suggestion(s) above in regards to getting a small dog. Small dogs are often not disiplined because growling and snapping are sometimes considered ‘cute’ or ‘amusing’ I have also found that they bite more readily due to their more ‘vulnerable’ size.
The 30+ Goldens I have met and worked with have all been gentle, loving dogs who don’t have a problem keeping all four feet on the ground. I recall one instance where four of these (young and excited) dogs milled around my boss’s six year-ancient granddaughter without even knocking her off her feet. I believe that a lot of that attitude is proper training, but the breed can’t go without some credit.
As a long-hair, the dog will require regular brushing or visits to the groomer (it doesn’t take a lot of time as long as it’s done every day) and as a young dog, it’s going to need a lot of excersize. While it’s a puppy, it will be able to get most of this through playing but once it’s a year ancient, the dog will need about thirty minutes of walking daily.
Again, this is a large dog and it will probably reach adult size before your child’s face gets out of wagging-tail-range, so you can expect that that there’s going to be a few instances of unintentional face-swatting and tears.
Talk to your breeder about Retrievers and see if they can give you a ballpark figure for monthly food and yearly vet expenses. Question to see the parents and check out the temperment… would these dogs respond well to your child? Call local groomers and question what a normal grooming cost would be for a retriever, and do the same with vets regarding shots, worming, etc.
I hope this is helpful. Excellent luck!