Dog Care 101

Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, which means they need regular exercise. They love to work and aim to please, so it's important to ensure your Golden gets enough physical activity. These "velcro dogs" are incredibly loyal and will stick by your side in the kitchen, bathroom, on the couch, and everywhere else. If you're looking for a dog that will shower you with constant love and affection, a Golden Retriever is perfect for you. They make excellent adventure companions, enjoying activities like swimming, running, hiking, and agility games. Instead of hiring a trainer, get a Golden—they'll turn a simple 1-mile walk into a 5k adventure. Once they've had enough exercise, they'll be ready to snuggle up and become your new sleeping companion.

Here are some toys we use and information on exercising your Golden Retriever.

Toy Recommendations

Exercise GR Network

Exercise AKC GR

Exercise

Who doesn't love making friends? Even if you don't, your Golden will help you find some. Humans and Golden Retrievers are a perfect match because both are social creatures, whether you're introverted or extroverted. To have the most amazing puppy around, practice safe socialization with your Golden. Take your adorable bundle of fluff to different environments, situations, animals, and people to ensure well-rounded social development.

Here are some socializing tools we use and information on socializing your Golden Retriever.

AKC Socializing

Socializing GR Network

Socializing

On a serious note, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT shave Golden Retrievers! Their natural fluffy and luscious coat is a defining feature. Shaving a Golden will not reduce shedding and can permanently damage the coat, causing it to regrow very coarse. The double coat protects their skin from weather conditions, parasites, and sunspots that can cause cancer. If you decide to trim your Golden Retriever's fur, the shortest recommended length is 1 inch. The best way to maintain their coat is by visiting a groomer every 4-6 weeks and familiarizing your puppy with grooming routines such as nail trimming, hair dryer noises, water, bathtubs, kennels, and ear/teeth cleanings. Regular exposure to grooming will ensure a stress-free experience for you, your puppy, and your groomer. Plus, your groomer will appreciate a well-behaved client! Regular grooming will keep your Golden looking fabulous, and who knows—they might even land a modeling contract, allowing you to become a stay-at-home dog parent. Problem solved!

Here are some grooming tools we use and information about Golden Retriever grooming do's and don'ts.

Grooming Tools

Grooming GR Society

Grooming AKC GR

Grooming

Dogs are known for their unique personalities and affectionate nature. Introducing puppies to positive, formal training early on helps ensure they grow into well-behaved, happy, and confident companions. Proper training promotes healthy behavior and encourages dogs to express themselves in a safe and controlled manner. While no dog is perfect, many thrive with structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Training strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners, reinforcing trust and clear communication. By investing in training, owners can help their dogs master basic commands, develop good manners, and even prepare for exciting outdoor adventures. Seeking professional guidance, even for foundational training, is a great way to understand your dog’s personality and communication style.

Here are some training tools we use and information on training your dog.

Training Tools

GR Training Society

Training AKC GR

Training

Dogs are wonderful companions, but it’s important to approach their health with a realistic perspective. Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Common problems in dogs include allergies, cancer, dental disease, ear infections, eye problems, heart disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, infections, joint disease, kidney disease, obesity, parasites, and thyroid conditions. To keep your pup healthy, it’s essential to follow common-sense practices: monitor their diet, ensure regular exercise, brush their teeth and coat frequently, and schedule vet visits if anything seems unusual. Regular checkups and vaccinations are crucial, and your veterinarian will guide you on testing for specific conditions that may affect your dog. Early detection and proactive care are key to maintaining your pup’s overall well-being.

Here are some veterinary care items we use and information on veterinary care for your dog.

Vet Care

Who doesn't love food? If you have a dog, thoughts of food will be constant—whether you want them or not! The best food for your pup should be formulated for their life stage and any underlying health conditions. Keep it simple; they don’t need a five-star chef—they love your cooking for who you are. Incorporate proteins like beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and salmon; grains such as wheat, oats, corn, and rice; dairy like plain yogurt and cheese (if tolerated); vegetables like peas, pumpkin, and carrots; and fruits such as apples and berries into their everyday diet. Dogs are omnivores, not just carnivores. While protein is crucial, they can’t thrive on protein alone and need grains, fruits, and veggies to stay balanced. Avoid grain-free diets unless medically necessary.

However, not all human foods are safe for dogs. Toxic foods can have severe consequences, even in small amounts. Off-limit foods include chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, raisins, bread dough, xylitol-sweetened products, raw potatoes, moldy food, salt, and caffeine. If your pup ingests any of these, seek urgent veterinary help. When selecting dog food, check the ingredients and nutritional content. Quality dog foods include additional protein sources like eggs and plant-based proteins such as vegetables, grains, and legumes.

I'm very passionate about nutrition and could talk about it endlessly!

Check out the links below for more information on health and nutrition, along with some of my favorite products that I use for my own dogs.