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Those of you who want a Golden Retriever but aren't ready to go through the trials and tribulations of a puppy, should look into adopting an older Golden. Older Golden Retrievers are mature, and prove to be great in homes where they need to spend a quality amount of time by themselves. They are a very adjustable breed, being good tempered. No matter how old the Golden may be, he will quickly become a valued member of your family in little to no time at all.
People sometimes say to me "yes, I agree, it makes good sense to adopt an older Golden, but where do I find one?" Good question, and the answer may surprise you - try your local breeder. I know, its seems on the face of it to be an unlikely source for a mature dog, but in fact there may well be quite a few reasons why a breeder might have an older dog for sale, and this can all be to your advantage. Most older Golden Retrievers are already housebroken, and know a lot of behavior patterns and how to adapt to a new and loving family. Although it will be a little hard on your new dog at first, if you give him plenty of love, attention, and patience, he'll be just fine. You need to keep reassuring your new Golden on a regular basis, and let him know that you are his new owner and that you love him and you are glad he's a member of your family. Before actually making that decision to adopt a Golden,do give the matter some careful thought. Meet the dog first, and find out as much as you can about him or her. Find out their eating habits, and whether or not they get on with children, and old people, and do they enjoy going for walks in the country or in the town and so on. Ask if you can take them out for a walk, and make sure that you introduce him to the other members of your family, so that they too are happy about the decision. You will find life much easier in the early days if you spend a bit of time helping your new family member adjust to your home and its environs. You will find things easier if you do, and your new family member will certainly appreciate you taking the time to help them settle in. Its not a bad idea, once your dog has had a month or so to settle in, to take them to an obedience training class somewhere. In your initial meeting with the person who is handing over the dog to you they may well tell you that they have been to training classes in the past. But the thing is that you have not been to the classes with your dog, and this makes a big difference. Do enrol in a class somewhere near to your home, and together you will learn a lot about each other and how to harmoniously get on together. To finish with let me just say that, as with everything in life, their are for's and against's about owning a mature dog. On one hand they may have some medical conditions, and your initial enquiries should include questions about this. But on the other hand it can be so much easier introducing a mature dog into a busy family life, over introducing a rather demanding puppy. |
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