How To Take Care Of A Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers make for wonderful family dogs. They’re a big, gentle breed that is famous for being lovely companions for children and adults alike. With a beautiful, golden coat and a love of playing fetch, it’s no wonder that they’re considered one of the most popular breeds in the UK. But how can you take care of them? Read on to find out.
Training
Whether you’re getting a puppy or a dog from a rescue center, you must train your golden retriever. Although they have a naturally calm temperament, they must learn basic recall, toilet training, and other tricks too. This can help you bond with your retriever and keep them out of trouble.
By purchasing a designer dog collar, you can begin this training process as soon as they arrive. Ideally, you’ll be able to take them along to puppy training classes to socialize with other dogs and learn these skills.
Grooming
Golden retrievers have a long coat that can either be wavy or straight. As such, they’ll need daily grooming to ensure that their fur doesn’t become matted. Ideally, you’ll use a natural bristle brush and a wire brush to comb tangles out of their fur. You should brush all surfaces of the retriever and check for any bites or scabs that could potentially be caused by a tick. If you do this every day, it’ll soon become an accepted part of their routine.
Diet
It’s also important that you get your retriever started on a settled, nutritious diet. This process begins by finding food that they’ll happily eat, that’s complete and balanced. Look for food that’s been rigorously tested to ensure that it keeps dogs healthy. Usually, this will be a meat-based product alongside kibbles. If your dog is struggling to settle with the food you give them, you can explore other brands or chat with your vet to see if there might be a simple solution.
Healthcare
It’s also important to know the diseases that retrievers are prone to. That way you can spot any signs of disease early and take them to the vet to be cared for. For a start, retrievers are prone to dental disease as well as obesity – a diet involving dental chews can help limit this risk.
They’re also genetically predisposed to heart disease, various cancers, eye problems, thyroid issues, and bleeding disorders. Most of these will only become more likely in later life, but it’s worth monitoring their health with annual vets trips.
A golden retriever can make for the perfect addition to your family. And by following the guide above, you should be ready to care for your new friend.
