*Rambeling* Golden retrievers-I know YOU have them! - Paw Talk

capnsweets · #1 08-17-2003, 09:39 PM

This is going to not make any sense, maybe, or it might make sense. Let's see.

I have been reading Dean Koonts books I got really cheap in canadohta (it is a lake and not a Doctor seuss word) Anyways the last 2 books I read Tick Tock and, oh crap what is the one I am reading now....hold on brb Watchers a dog-both times a Golden retriever(I think) have been supremely intelligent at comprhending humans. One book one dog was actually an alien and this book the dog was scientifically expermented on...Not that this is needed. Anyways I can remember 2 other of his books about a kid that cannot go into light having a really awesome dog. So it is almost have the "101 Dalmations" or "Finding nemo" effect on me.

Does that make any sense? I started reading the watchers the other day and the next morning this golden retriever was waiting outside of our gate to come in our yard. . . . almost like an OMEN. (The dog belongs to a neighbor and sometimes-always escapes their property) It always stands by our gate when our yard has low low bushes no fence, the dog could even walk arounfd and right in in some places!

So now I am thinking about a golden retriever, which is really bigger then I want, which is a high shedder, which i don't want....

Have you ever watched or read anything that made you want them?

Am I just dog obsessive? Okay just needed to ramble a bit. If you can make any sense of anything I said...

Pigsterz · #2 08-17-2003, 09:54 PM

Oh it's a sign for sure capn!!

That golden retriever is calling you. Have you ever looked into a golden retriever puppy's face? Can't say no to that!

dragonmaster · #3 08-17-2003, 09:56 PM

I have to say, Ry's family has 2 goldens and they are cute, but very energetic. They are also larger than I want, but we have talked a long time about it and we will get one eventually, but no time soon. They can be very intelligent, and they can be like Ginger and be frightened of the vacuum while in love witht he flashlight fairy. (she will sit for hours in front of a table if the flashlight is on it waiting for the light to play with her.)
Seeing as how I've had them be very aggressive towards me, I've never really wanted one, from seeing or reading, but they are incredibly cute dogs, and for the most part very friendly by nature. Good luck, and no I don't think you are obsessive.

BrendaLynn · #4 08-17-2003, 09:56 PM

Here's my "nephew" Jack. Is this a face you could refuse to adore?

BrendaLynn · #5 08-17-2003, 09:58 PM

He's 5 months old now so these are old photos but he is just the nicest little guy! You'd love having a Golden...YOu should ask Linda, she has two of her own!

Sassy · #6 08-17-2003, 10:40 PM

Goldens are great dogs. I think it is a OMEN you need a Golden

capnsweets · #7 08-17-2003, 10:44 PM

See! i believe in Omens...I know I will be happy with whatever kind of dog we get, I just keep feeling pulled in all kinds of directions!

Becki · #8 08-17-2003, 11:22 PM

I was going to say pretty much what Lori did. In general they are very smart and friendly and loyal, but they DO have alot of energy and hair! You guys have a big house and yard don't you? I think you could handle a golden retriever! Let me tell you from my experiance, you get used to the hair everywhere, as long as no one's allergic it's not that bad. Kinda sounds like an omen to me too

(btw, Jack is just about the cutest puppy I've ever seen!)

SharonM · #9 08-17-2003, 11:45 PM

Hey Cap'n - we breed Goldens where I work too ! I LOVE them, and one day I WILL have one. I love their personalities, and the way they look - out of all the dogs at work, our goldens are the sweetest.

Just go look at Deja's boy - how could you not fall in love with that ?? And Linda Lee's boys ...

Aren't goldens one of the breeds used for service dogs ? And they have to be both sweet natured and intelligent for that ... I think it's a great choice - one of the girls at work has one, and has no yard to speak of. She walks him, lets him run at the park ... and he's just as happy-go-lucky as can be ... She spends 15 minutes every night brushing him, takes him outside when he's shedding a lot, never heard her complain about him at all.

It's okay to be dog obsessive - I have been my whole life, even when I couldn't have one ! Oh - and I LOVE Dean Koontz - another one with a great dog in it is "Dark Rivers of the Heart"

dragonmaster · #10 08-17-2003, 11:56 PM

as far as i know goldens are sometimes used as service dogs, but black labs are more common in that prefession...at least as seeing eye dogs. 90% of the seeing I dogs that I have seen or schools that i have heard of teach black labs and german shepherds. other dogs are also used though. i think it probably varies from area to area.

Deja · #11 08-18-2003, 12:03 AM

[COLOR=dark-blue]My Golden Retriever's name is Jack too. I believe in omen-type thingies, it's how I happened on one of my birds.

Golden's can be a handfull of boundless engergy when young- but they always mature into mellow, loving, empathetic best buddies. Jack always knows when I am down or not feeling well and he lays by my side or snuggles his big body up against me, looks at me with those expressive eyes - and I tell him everything. He's a great listener!!

Yeah, they have double coats and they shed- a lot! But keeping them on a good diet right from the start, getting them used to daily grooming (Jack sees me going for his brush and comes running- lays on his side and just begs with his eyes for me to start our routine!) It's all a matter of perspective, and what you consider "too much work". To me, our time spent together brushing and grooming is fun bonding time!

Since it's such a popular breed- the best thing I can suggest is - do your homework! Beware of backyard breeders. Jack is from a backyard breeder - he isn't show quality, he's got some conformation faults- but we wanted a pet... the major thing is to make sure you can see both parents and make sure the breeding stock has been checked for hip dysplasia. We were very lucky - and Jack is free of this problem. Others aren't so lucky.

I could go on and on about Goldens!!

How could you resist this?.....

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capnsweets · #12 08-18-2003, 12:19 AM

Ugh, the pictures are so cute! i think we could handle a golden retriever. I am still researching, it just seems like each week I am pulled in a new direction...

Deja · #13 08-18-2003, 12:33 AM

I think it's fantasitc and totally responsible of you to be doing so much research! So many people don't- as I am sure you know - and their dogs end up being given away....

You'll find the right one!! Your eyes will meet - and you will just *know* you've finally found the best friend you will ever have.

...that is after you make it through puppy-hood!!

Deja · #14 08-18-2003, 12:41 AM

Oh, oh! And as for being service dogs - yes- they are among the top breeds in the service dog industry...
They are used for tracking, sniffing, seeing eye dogs, therapy dogs, hearing dogs, disabled persons working dogs.
They are also tops in obedience trials, hunting and field trials- they are so versatile. Yet - they are content being your couch potato snuggle buddy house companion too!

In a town close to me is a major Seeing Eye Dog training facility. Most of the dogs I see walking around town being trained are Goldens! It's just the coolest thing in the world to watch. Every once in a while I see one being trained with it's future owner/companion...it's heartwarming!

Linda Lee · #15 08-18-2003, 09:54 AM

I think goldens are really the greatest dogs in the world, I love them! But for the right people:
1. lots of energy! and it doesn't seem to dissapear much with ageing. I have an almost 7 and 5 year old and they still have lots of energy.I like an active dog, I'm home alot and don't work .I think they are not the right dog for people who work full time( I have no idea what you and your husband do),just my opinion here.
2- I'm married to my vacuum cleaner- expect lots of shedding. I shave my dogs down in summer and take a break from the vacuum. I'm also a retired dog groomer, so that helps.
3. I've had lots of orthopedic problems with my dogs too. Large breeds have more problems with bones and joints and all that fun stuff.
I'm not trying to discourage but getting a golden or any large active dog - is to know what your getting into, and to be sure that the breed is for you.
I'm thinking of getting a third dog, maybe next spring. I really think I should get something smaller with less genetically disposed problems.
I'm thinking Australian shepard, high activitiy but I think I can handle it.