Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in Malaysia for their friendly temperament and lovable personalities. Therefore, it is very common for dog owners to choose golden retrievers as their family dogs. If you are considering getting a golden retriever, please read along to learn more about this breed of dog.
ARE Golden Retrievers Smart?
The world ranks Golden Retrievers fourth on the list of the smartest dog breeds, ranking just behind Border Collies, Poodles, and German Shepherds. Golden Retrievers observe everything incredibly well and learn quickly. Their excellent response to positive reinforcement training makes them ideal candidates for service dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. People choose to train Golden Retrievers for these roles because they are intelligent and easily trainable.
ARE They AGGRESSIVE?
Golden Retrievers have friendly and outgoing personalities, making them a popular choice as assistance dogs for the blinds. However, like all dogs, Golden Retrievers may become aggressive if they are not socialized or trained. It is crucial to socialize your Golden Retrievers with other dogs at a young age to ensure they become well-behaved.
Are They Suitable For Children?
Golden Retrievers are ideal “nanny dogs” with gentle personalities that protect and watch over children. Families with young children often choose Golden Retrievers as their pets because they are patient and tolerant.
However, it is important to supervise interactions between your dog and children to ensure safety over playfulness. It is advisable to take things slowly and let your dog get used to your child’s presence when introducing your dog to a new child. Teaching children to identify a dog’s body language and respect its boundaries is also a good idea.
Are They Easy to Train?
Golden Retrievers excel at training because they are eager to please their owners and have a lovely temperament. You can teach your Golden Retriever a wide range of commands, from basic obedience like “sit” and “walk” to more complex tasks such as mobility assistance, with the correct approach. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every dog is unique, and some may require more time and repetition to learn new tricks.
To train your Golden Retriever effectively, maintain a routine and predictability, and use positive reinforcement methods with patience.
We highly recommend working with a professional dog trainer to help your dog learn new tricks within their ability without getting stressed. A professional dog trainer can provide effective training techniques and guidance that will enhance your dog’s learning experience.
Do They Require Frequent Grooming?
To maintain the health and beauty of your Golden Retriever’s coat, regular grooming is necessary. Golden Retrievers have a thick, double-layered coat that sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding seasons occurring every 5-6 months. Playful Golden Retrievers need regular grooming to avoid matted and tangled fur.
Brush your dog every 1-2 days using a slicker brush, starting from the head and working your way to the tail to keep the coat healthy. This will help to remove shedding hair and prevent matting.
Golden Retrievers are susceptible to ear infections, especially if they do not have a healthy diet. You can clean the outer ear canal using a gentle ear-cleaning solution and clean cotton balls to prevent yeast infection.
While Golden Retrievers do not require frequent baths, it is important to bathe them when they are visibly dirty. Use paraben-free dog shampoos and rinse your dog thoroughly to avoid leaving any dirty residue on their skin, ensuring their comfort.
You can talk to us to learn how to groom your dog properly or make an appointment for a hassle-free house call dog grooming by clicking this link.
ARE They PRONE TO HEALTH Issues?
Golden Retrievers may experience certain health problems. This breed is commonly affected by:
- Hip Dysplasia: This condition occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, causing pain and mobility issues.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and mobility issues.
- Cancer: Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to other breeds, with lymphoma being the most common type.
- Eye Problems: Golden Retrievers can develop various eye problems, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma.
- Skin Allergies: This breed is prone to developing allergies that can lead to skin irritation and itching.
To minimize the risk of these health problems, it is important to schedule regular veterinary check-ups, provide a healthy diet with balanced nutrition, and ensure daily exercise. Additionally, responsible breeding can prevent many health problems. Therefore, we recommend you to research and choose a qualified and responsible breeder who performs health screenings on the puppies and provides puppy health certification, if possible.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers rank among the smartest dog breeds globally. Their friendly and loyal personalities, combined with their trainability, make them a popular choice for families with children in Malaysia. As a Golden Retriever owner, you must regularly groom their fur to maintain its good condition. Additionally, ensure that your dog is on a balanced diet and receives regular veterinary checkups since they are susceptible to certain illnesses. By following these recommendations, you can provide your Golden Retriever with a high-quality life full of happiness and good health.
Furs Theory provides professional housecall dog grooming in Klang Valley. Our groomers are experienced and certified by top grooming academies in Malaysia. Talk to us to learn more about how housecall dog grooming saves you time and makes grooming an anxiety-free experience for your beloved dogs.