Golden Retriever Tips » Is A Golden Retriever The Right Pet For You? II

This is Part II of II for Is A Golden Retriever The Right Pet For You?

Is a Golden Retriever the right pet for you? Let’s take a look at the questions you should be asking yourself before deciding on a canine companion as your pet of choice.

How busy a person are you? Dogs need constant care most of the day. If you’re out of the house a majority of the time, you will not be able to provide for the dog the care it deserves. Additionally, Golden Retriever puppies initially need housebreaking, that is, training them to be house-friendly so that they won’t end up chewing on some expensive items and ripping that costly carpet to shreds. You would have to invest some substantial time to train a dog the proper way.

How patient are you? Not all dogs can be trained easily. Though possessed with higher intelligence than most available pets, dogs can sometimes test the limits of your patience. Additionally, not all dogs are alike. Some breeds are different than others, in terms of physical characteristics and behavioral traits. While some dogs respond to negative conditioning, or punishing them when they do something bad, other dogs are more receptive to positive reinforcements, that is, praising them when they do something admirable, a Golden Retriever is like this.

How much commitment can you give? Caring for a dog is not a short-term hobby. Often, it is a decade-long commitment, as dogs do have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. During this time, you will be expected to give much love and affection for your dog so that it may grow up healthy and sound.

Is your place perfect for a dog? Not all households are dog-friendly. Small spaces, for example, like condo units and studio-type apartments, will prove difficult for dog caring. Dogs need a lot of space to move around. They need to exercise on a daily basis, as their health is sometimes more volatile than ours. If you wish to care for a dog in a small swelling place, you must invest some time everyday to walk him around the neighborhood so that he would get the workout he needs.

These may sound as steep requirements for owning a Golden Retriever. But the joys that those adorable canine companions can bring into our lives will make all the troubles very much worth it.