More about the Golden retriever
The golden retriever is an extremely intelligent, affectionate, docile, and loyal dog. They are known to be very social animals with both humans and other dogs. This breed of dog can also be an exceptional hunting animal! They are gentle, confident, and demand a lot of affection and attention, they are not fans of solitude! They love to learn tricks to impress their master and receive attention. They are excellent swimmers! This sensitive breed is the perfect addition to a family! They watch over children with great tenderness, but are also very playful! This endearing breed of dog is sometimes used as a guide dog or to assist people with disabilities. This affectionate animal can be ideal for an elderly person, if well-trained. Naturally obedient, friendly, and safe, they are an excellent choice for those looking to adopt their first dog. This breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years!
Are you the right owner for this dog?
A Golden Retriever is a wonderful companion for a loving and active family. However, it is important to consider certain factors before adopting one. You must have enough time to devote to its training, education, and care. You must also be able to provide regular physical exercise, quality food, and regular veterinary visits. Lastly, you should not be allergic to dogs. If you can meet all of these criteria, then you could be an excellent owner for a Golden Retriever.
We must take good care of our dogs!
Here are our recommendations
On the big day of adoption and the arrival of your puppy in his new home, there will be a moment of adaptation for him. He leaves his mother, his fellows and his bearings. Even if the puppy leaves with a starter kit containing a comforter and a scarf that smells familiar and facilitates the transition, he will still have to familiarize himself with his new environment. It is normal that during the first few nights your puppy barks, whines or makes small messes in the house. From the first day, you have to set up a routine. At night, he must stay in his cage, even if he tries by all means to attract your attention by his moans. It should come out as soon as you get up. For the first few weeks, avoid going out unnecessarily with your puppy. It's exciting to welcome a new member to the family, but your dog is still adjusting to his new environment and he needs stability. It is appropriate to wait before going to your friends to show your new puppy. Several stress disorders can develop and come to affect the mental health of your animal and it is more vulnerable in the first weeks.
A bowl of water that is changed regularly must be permanently available to the dog. Your puppy should eat his kibble twice a day for the first year, adding water before serving. Start with one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening and then increase over time to two cups in the morning and two cups in the evening as the dog grows. For females, it is at 8 months that she must increase her portion morning and evening to a cup and a half. For males, the portion should be increased to 2 cups morning and evening at 8 months. We advise you not to change your puppy's food unnecessarily, since he has a fragile stomach. When your dog is neutered, it will need to be observed to feed it accordingly to its daily activity.
We recommend that you make an appointment with your veterinarian soon after the adoption. The date of the vaccine reminder will be in his health record. You can then determine a vaccination and deworming schedule with the help of your veterinarian.
It is recommended to get a black metal cage (at least 42X27X29) and a small fleece blanket for the inside. If the puppy starts eating it, we simply remove it. The dog's cage is his private space, it is important to respect it. The cage is not a punishment but rather his personal corner. When he is alone, he must not be left free. The cage is an essential tool for his good education. It is relevant to get a cozy cushion for the outside of the cage, an adjustable collar 8 to 15 inches as well as bowls. It will be necessary to think of buying him a toy to fill his need to chew which allows him to relieve his gums, he will be less tempted to chew your slippers then!
It is important to clean your dog's ears with a suitable product and cotton wool if they are dirty. The necessary product can be found at your veterinarian. If you notice excessive buildup, inflammation, and a peculiar odor, contact your veterinarian. Thoroughly dry the dog's ears after swimming because they are vulnerable to ear infections. The claw cut is once every two weeks or so. We advise you to brush your teeth with a brush or a finger once a week.
Your puppy can discern the different intonations of your voice. When you have to make him understand that it's no, you say "no" with a deep, strong and authoritative voice. We punish him by changing his mind (like with a "push-push" water spray). Conversely, good behavior should be rewarded. If he relieves himself outside, he is offered a reward. For rewards, it is recommended to start with his food. Afterwards, you can offer him treats. The dog only understands by the concept "reward/punishment".
The four periods when your puppy needs to go to the toilet are after the meal, after drinking water, after a period of play, after a nap/bedtime and when he is looking for his toilet area (smells at the floor). At the beginning, a puppy can hold back 3 or 4 hours maximum (so it is advisable to have someone to take him out at midday). It is necessary to determine the place of elimination at an adequate distance from the place of sleeping and food (outside). Under your watchful eye in the first weeks when it is free in the house, watch carefully for the signs of looking for the place of elimination and at the slightest suspicious sign take it to the toilet (outside) and when it has done his need reward him (caress, treat). When the puppy defecates in an inconvenient place, stop it by picking it up, saying a firm "no" and going to take it back to its toilet area. Never stick your nose in his excrement, he won't understand anything. If you haven't caught him in the act, there's no point scolding him. Patience, perseverance and consistency will be your allies.
For grooming, regular brushing and you're done! It removes dead hair and prevents skin problems. You can also bathe him occasionally. We can use shampoo and conditioner by diluting it. It is important not to shave this dog. He's not the right race for that.
To keep a certain consistency, before the arrival of the puppy, make a family list of permitted and prohibited things to be sure that everyone is saying the same thing and that your puppy knows what to expect. It is also important to respect his sleep, he is only a baby after all!
Golden retriever puppies play like young children, they like to explore. For this reason, it is essential to eliminate potential dangers from their environment. Cleaning products, electrical wires and small toys that can be swallowed pose a danger to them. Remember that some plants, foods and medicines are toxic to puppies.
Walking up and down stairs is a repetitive physical activity that can create long-term joint problems for your Golden Retriever. Stairs are therefore to be avoided for the first 5 months.
What joy it would give us to share part of our happiness with you! We are always available to answer any other questions about adopting a puppy at La maison bleue.