Golden youngsters
Golden retrievers are, arguably, the most popular breed of dog in the United States. Beautiful, filled with a love of life, deep devotion and playfulness, these dogs embody all that humans have come to enjoy and hold dear from the canine species. After such carefully selected breeding, many dog breeds have inherent characteristics, and the Golden's natural love and devotion, as well as gentleness, is what makes it such a superb family dog.
Newborn Goldens
Begin with the best start possible in life. This means caring for your puppies with top quality food made specifically for puppies and nursing mothers. These foods will be high in protein and will contain supplements and easily digestible fat sources. Avoid feeding foods low in protein and containing fillers such as ash. Look for protein sources from meat that is recognizable--such as chicken, beef, lamb, pork or fish. Avoid "ground meat products" as you do not know what kind of meat, or how old it is.
Food is not the only important thing to provide your pups. They need lots and lots of handling from their first days of life. It also means taking excellent care of their mother, and making sure that you have a trusting rapport with her. Handle the pups every day, several times a day, with their mother involved. Softly rub and caress them all over their bodies, making sure that your scent and your touch is imprinted on them from their earliest memories. Use your voice as well; the human voice is vital to their communication with you.
Suckling to Weaning
As your Golden pups grow, their rambunctious attitudes will get them into everything. As any puppies will, they will chew on everything, and smacking them at this age is not appropriate, and it does not work. Instead, use your hand to push them back and away from what they are chewing, and use a firm voice, saying "No." Be prepared, though, for them to be all but uncontrollable at this age. They are growing fast, and are typical babies in everything from attitude to attention span.
Weanling to Two years
At this age, the pups will still be very difficult to control, and demanding training, such as teaching them to heel, lie down and fetch, is not yet feasible, but it is an excellent idea to begin them in puppy school. They can certainly begin to learn the basics of leash walking, the first ideas of "halt," "sit" and other basic commands. Do not allow them to jump or paw, as this creates bad habits, but be forgiving; give affection and love to your Goldens, including hugs and kisses which are important to proper growth and development.
Two Years to Adult
As your young dog hits his second year, he will be ready to begin serious training. Goldens have the intelligence to be trained to the highest levels of human/canine interaction. They can learn to track, sniff out drugs or weapons, perform agility tests, protect, become assistants to the handicapped, and any other task that is asked of them. Taking him to a professional school, with you at his lead, is the best possible way to create a disciplined, loving, happy dog, who will mind your commands, and yet remain affectionate and gentle.
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