Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Retrievers
by Margaret H. Bonham
ALPHA BOOKS
Published by the Penguin Group
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Appendixes
A Glossary 277
B Organizations 283
C Books and Periodicals 287
Index 289
Contents
Part 1: Introduction to the Golden Retriever 1
1 Gold Medal Goldens 3
Taking the Golden Medal—Why Goldens
Are So Popular 4
Personality Plus 5
Golden Pleasures—Bringing a Golden Retriever
into Your Life 7
The Gold Standard—Where Golden Retrievers Excel 9
Show and Field 9
Therapy and Assistance 9
Obedience 10
Lord Tweedmouth’s Dog—The Development
of the Golden Retriever 10
The Golden Retriever Standard 11
Why the Standard Is Important 11
The Great Show or Pet Quality Debate 12
Summary of the Golden Retriever Standard 13
2 Golden Opportunity—Looking for the Right Golden 17
Ir-retrieve-able Consequences—Why Knowledge
Is Golden 18
Disreputable Breeders 20
Reputable Breeders 22
What’s a Reputable Breeder? 22
Health Certifications 24
Where to Find the Reputable Breeder 26
What Are “Papers”? 29
AKC and Other Breed Registries 31
What’s a Pedigree? 32
Nature AND Nurture: Reputable Breeder = Healthy Pups 33
The Contract 34
Shelters and Rescue Groups 35
Finding the Right Golden 37
Puppy or Adult? 37
Male or Female? 38
Work, Show, or Pet? 39
Kids and Dogs 39
Two’s Company 41
vi The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Golden Retrievers
Novice 91
Other Obedience Classes 92
Tracking 92
Agility 92
Conformation 93
Flyball 93
Rally-O 93
Field Trials/Hunting Tests/Retrieving Work 94
7 Training Ground Rules 95
Do’s and Don’ts 95
Training Collars 98
Slip Collar 98
Prong Collar 99
Snap Chokes 100
Head Halters 100
Leashes 101
Latigo Leather 101
Long Lines 102
Clicker 102
Bait Pouches 102
Treats 103
The Canine Good Citizen® 103
Obtaining the CGC ® 103
Training for the CGC ® 105
Fleas 191
Health Hazards 191
Declaring War 192
Your Latest Arsenal 192
Over-the-Counter Weapons 193
Ticks 193
Tick-Borne Diseases 194
How to Remove Ticks 194
Mites 195
Ear Mites 195
Mange Mites 195
14 Healthy Choices—Preventive Care 197
The Great Spay/Neuter Debate 198
Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Golden 198
Myths About Spaying and Neutering 199
Health and Behavior Benefits 201
Giving Your Golden a Health Exam 201
Keeping the Doggie Dentist at Bay 203
Brushing Your Golden’s Teeth 203
Recognizing a Tooth or Gum Problem 204
Do You Hear What I Hear? 204
Cleaning Your Golden’s Ears 204
Recognizing an Ear Problem 205
Clipping Your Golden’s Toenails 205
Expressing the Anal Sacs 206
Golden Shimmers—Grooming Your Golden 207
A Golden’s Coat 207
Tools of the Trade 207
Baths 208
Giving Medications 210
Pill Popping 210
Liquid Medications 211
Taking Your Golden’s Temperature 211
15 Common Golden Retriever Illnesses, Hereditary Ailments,
and Emergencies 213
Hereditary and Congenital Diseases 214
Allergies 214
Elbow Dysplasia (ED) and Osteochondritis
Dissecans (OCD) 215
Epilepsy 216
Eye Disease 216
Hip Dysplasia (HD) 217
Hypothyroidism 218
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) 218
Contents xi
Appendixes
A Glossary 277
B Organizations 283
C Books and Periodicals 287
Index 289
Foreword
My goose was cooked the minute I plucked him from the heap of
frolicking puppies. One gaze into that devilish little face and I knew
we were destined to become forever pals. Charlie we named him.
And so began my exhilarating twenty-five-year odyssey with Golden
Retrievers. At first there was just one. But for me, as for many
fanciers, Goldens are kind of like potato chips: You can’t have just
one. So then there were two, then three, and at one time even four,
cluttering the space on and around the bed. Some were acquired as
puppies, others adopted as adults through Golden Retriever rescue.
With each new companion my involvement with and knowledge
of “things Golden” grew. Initially, I knew little if anything about
health issues particular to Goldens, or canine nutrition, or even the
importance of basic training and socialization. It was only with my
third Golden that I began serious study of this astounding breed.
My association with dog sports led to a bevy of mentors who fur-
thered my canine education. A local Golden club welcomed me as a
know-nothing neophyte. Later I joined the Golden Retriever Club
of America, and volunteered to foster for Golden Retriever rescue.
With each new dog, and every new involvement, so grew my
knowledge. Only now do I realize how truly “dog dumb” I was in
the beginning, and how much Charlie would have benefited had I
known then what Maggie Bonham has so expertly organized into
these pages.
There is no more companionable, no user-friendlier dog than
a Golden. That’s why in the span of fewer than eighty years my
chosen breed has rocketed in popularity from zero to number two
in AKC registrations. In a sense that’s the good news. Now, it
seems, you can’t turn on the TV, open a magazine, go to the movies
without being greeted in some fashion by a grinning Golden. The
problem is, none of these Goldens seem to shed, trash the furniture,
chase the cat, dig up the flower garden, slobber or worse on the
living room carpet, or run up fearsome veterinary bills. And that’s
the bad news—as evidenced by the fact that more than 100 Golden
rescue organizations are scrambling for resources to accommodate
and re-home these wonderful creatures now being relinquished by
first owners at a rate rapidly approaching 10,000 annually. A whole
lot of folks, apparently, leaped before they looked. And a whole lot
of wonderful dogs became the unwitting losers.
An informed buyer, a well-educated owner should be every
Golden’s entitlement. These are their keys to a long and happy life,
in but one home. So, if you’re reading this in the aisle at the book-
store, head now to the checkout. Because in The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Golden Retrievers, Maggie Bonham delivers a wealth of
information you can put to immediate use—whether it be to make
an informed buying decision if you’re considering acquiring a
Golden, or becoming a better owner if you’re already blessed by
one. Spend the few evenings it will take to digest these contents and
take that huge stride toward becoming the educated caregiver your
Golden deserves. My Charlie will be smiling on you from above.
—Rue Chagoll
Rue Chagoll is a freelance writer and Golden Retriever fancier. He
trains his Goldens for obedience, agility, and hunt test competition,
and also volunteers with Golden Retriever rescue. His writings have
won numerous awards from the Dog Writers Association of America
and the American Kennel Club.
Introduction
So you want to own a Golden Retriever? Goldens are the second most
popular dog in the United States today—right behind their cousins,
the Labrador Retrievers—and make great pets. But Goldens aren’t
for everyone. In this book, you’ll learn a bit more about the Golden
Retriever and find out whether there’s a Golden in your future.
This book is intended for both the first-time Golden owner and
for the owner who is looking for tips on caring for and training their
Golden Retriever. Unlike many books that focus on top breeders
and lists of dog show champions, this book focuses on all aspects of
Golden ownership. After all, what use are lists of dogs you’ve never
heard of when you’re trying to housebreak your puppy?
Extras
Check out the sidebars throughout the book. They’re packed full
of fun and informative facts.
Golden Glimmers
No Biscuit!
Interesting facts about dogs or Warnings about
Golden Retrievers. possible problems that might
arise. Read these boxes care-
fully!
Acknowledgments
My thanks to Jessica Faust, agent; Beth Adelman, tech editor and
friend; Mike Sanders, acquisitions editor; Mike Thomas, develop-
ment editor; Janette Lynn, production editor; and Kelly Henthorne,
copy editor.
Thanks to the following people and dogs for photographs:
Shannon Bordelon and Tristan Isabella
Teresa Bullard and Cinnamon, Audrey, and Ginger
Carolyn Risdon and Rico, Doc Holiday, Bailey, Bo, Amber,
Brandy, and Nala
Angie Swagger and Willow
Joe Johnson and Zippy
Janna Hughes and Kira
Introduction xvii
Trademarks
All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be or are sus-
pected of being trademarks or service marks have been appropriately
capitalized. Alpha Books and Penguin Group (USA) Inc. cannot
attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book
should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or
service mark.
Part
1 Introduction to the
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is the second most popular AKC breed—and
little wonder. Golden owners talk about the Golden’s winsome per-
sonality and great looks—not to mention their high intelligence and
empathy. Yet the Golden Retriever isn’t the dog for everyone.
In Part 1, we cover the breed’s personality and history. You’ll
learn whether your lifestyle is conducive to dog ownership. Most
importantly, you’ll find out whether you’re ready to take the plunge
into the Golden opportunity of Golden ownership.
Chapter
1
Gold Medal Goldens
In This Chapter
≠ Learn why Goldens are popular
≠ Bringing a Golden into your life
≠ Learn where Goldens came from
≠ Learn how the Golden became a distinct breed in England
≠ The Golden Retriever in America
© Joe Johnson
The Golden Retriever is the second most popular registered AKC breed.
Personality Plus
Who hasn’t smiled when seeing a goofy Golden allowing kids (and
adults) to dress him up? Who could be a better companion than one
who is happy to play fetch for hours and then be equally happy to
sit beside you on the couch? And what breed is better at learning
tricks? The Golden Retriever is clever and trainable.
© Carolyn Risdon
be active, especially when young and when they come from hunting
lines, but many make fine family pets. Most are good with kids and
other pets, including cats—if properly introduced.
Golden Retrievers are one of the most trainable of the retriever
breeds. In fact, many would argue that Goldens are the most train-
able of dog breeds. They’re willing to please and are focused on their
owners. As hunting and water
dogs, the Golden Retriever had to
Golden Glossary mark (see and remember) where a
Standard A standard is shot bird fell and then retrieve it
a kind of blueprint for the on command. This work required
breed. We say a dog “con- a hunting partner who could work
forms to the standard” when he off leash and be reliable, plus
meets the requirements for that
standard. retrieve the night’s dinner without
damaging it. Nowadays, the
Golden is superb at obedience,
agility, and other canine competi-
No Biscuit!
tions as well as hunting.
Never leave a child
alone with a dog, especially an There’s a caveat to all of this:
infant or toddler. Dogs can be You will get a Golden who is like
unpredictable and even a
this as long as you get a Golden
Golden with the best tempera-
ment may bite, especially if it’s who is well bred. Unfortunately,
teased or in pain. Although some unscrupulous breeders who
Goldens are considered to be breed just for profit have bred
good with kids, always super- some Goldens with bad tempera-
vise your kids when they’re play-
ments and health problems, so you
ing with your Golden.
must be careful when choosing
your Golden.
Chapter 1: Gold Medal Goldens 7
Goldens are so popular that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
has a picture of one on their truck. This is Sampson.
Obedience
The words “Golden Retriever” are synonymous with obedience.
Goldens are great in obedience, agility, rally, and other sports
because they’re athletic and they have a willingness to please. Of
course, you still have to put in the effort to have a Gold-Medal
Golden, but this is a breed that’s more trainable than many other
AKC breeds.
Golden Glossary
Show quality A show-quality puppy or dog is a dog that
conforms closely to the standard and may be competitive in a
conformation (dog) show.
Pet quality A pet-quality puppy or dog is a dog that has a superfi-
cial blemish or fault that would prevent the dog from competing in the
conformation (dog) show ring.
Every breed has a standard that has been written by the breed
club and accepted by the AKC or another breed registry. This stan-
dard is important because without it, the Golden Retriever wouldn’t
look the way it does today. (He might look like a Labrador Retriever
or another type of Retriever.)
The standard is a vision of the ideal Golden Retriever—an
imaginary dog that all good breeders try to attain. No Golden
Retriever can exactly match the standard, but the closer the dog
is to the standard, the better he will do in the show ring.
Golden Glossary
Reputable breeders A reputable breeder breeds dogs for the
betterment of the breed. These breeders perform tests on their
dogs to avoid breeding puppies with bad hips, hereditary blindness,
or other hereditary diseases. These breeders guarantee their dogs and
often screen their puppy buyers vigorously. Puppies are not always
available.
Let’s clear this up once and for all. As you now know, show-
quality dogs are dogs who conform more closely to the Golden
Retriever standard. They aren’t
any better than a pet-quality dog
Golden Glossary
when it comes to being a pet. The
Conformation The
higher price of a show-quality
structure of the dog as it
conforms to the breed standard. Golden Retriever is intended to
reflect the potential of the puppy
Chapter 1: Gold Medal Goldens 13
Retriever Rewards
Overshot bite A bite in which the incisors of the upper jaw
leave a gap between them and the incisors of the lower jaw
when the mouth is closed.
Scissors bite A bite in which the incisors of the upper jaw lay just in
front of the incisors of the lower jaw when the mouth is closed and
there is no space.
Undershot bite A bite in which the lower incisors are in front of the
upper incisors when the mouth is closed.
Undercoat A layer of fur beneath the top coat that insulates and
keeps a dog warm. It sheds out periodically, usually twice yearly.
Chapter 1: Gold Medal Goldens 15
2
Golden Opportunity—
Looking for the
Right Golden
In This Chapter
≠ Learning where you can purchase a quality Golden puppy
≠ Defining a reputable breeder
≠ Finding the right Golden for you
≠ Adopting a Golden Retriever from a shelter or rescue group
≠ Introducing your Golden to kids, dogs, and other pets
≠ Buying more than one
You need to know where to get your Golden Retriever. Not just
anywhere will do. Puppy mills and backyard breeders abound—you
need to know where to get a Golden Retriever who is healthy and
has a good personality.
In this chapter, we talk about where to get your Golden Re-
triever, and whether to get a puppy or adult, breeder or rescue, or
pet or show quality. We also discuss who to contact to find the best
Golden Retriever for you and your family.
Ir-retrieve-able Consequences—Why
Knowledge Is Golden
Golden Retrievers are great dogs. Many Golden owners will say
they’re the best dogs around. But Goldens are still dogs and require
a big commitment from you. Goldens require food, water, shelter,
exercise, and attention every day and require regular veterinary care,
training, and grooming. Puppies need even more, requiring constant
attention, housetraining, and obedience training.
Golden Retrievers are naturally people dogs. They need more
attention than a lot of other breeds. It’s important to decide whether
or not a Golden will fit into your busy lifestyle now, before you
purchase a puppy or an adult. If you don’t have a single minute to
yourself, how are you going to have time for a pet?
Here are some questions to think about:
≠ Are you willing to rearrange your lifestyle to accommodate an
animal that is dependent solely on you? Remember, a healthy
Golden will live, on average, 10 to 15 years.
≠ Are you able to financially afford to care for your pet? The cost
of a puppy does not end at its purchase price. Your Golden will
require ongoing food and veterinary expenses throughout its
life. Puppies and elderly dogs generally will incur more ex-
penses than healthy adults.
Chapter 2: Golden Opportunity—Looking for the Right Golden 19
If you’ve never owned a dog before, you may look at these ques-
tions and wonder whether I’m exaggerating the magnitude of the
responsibility. I’m not. Unfortunately, too many people purchase a
dog without realizing the basic owner responsibilities.
No Biscuit!
Many would-be puppy owners forget that puppies don’t come
housetrained, expect that their children will care for a puppy, or think that
the person with allergies in their home will suddenly not be allergic to their
Golden Retriever. These are three of many reasons why perfectly wonderful
dogs end up in shelters and with Golden Retriever rescue groups.
Disreputable Breeders
Golden Retrievers are the second most popular purebred dog for
several reasons, including the overall versatility and the charming
personality of the Golden. But that popularity has a downside. Some
people breed Goldens for money only—they aren’t looking to sell
you a healthy or well-adjusted pet.
It’s generally a good idea to stay away from any place that pro-
duces a high number of puppies. Reputable breeders and dog rescue
groups call these places “puppy mills” because they churn out puppies
for profit. A puppy mill usually has
several different breeds but may
Retriever Rewards
have just one. The conditions in
Decide up front what
you intend to do with many puppy mills are substandard.
your Retriever, whether it’s con- Puppy bitches are frequently bred
formation, hunting, obedience, during their first heat (at six to
or just a pet. That will help you eight months of age) and are bred
determine where to look for your
each subsequent heat cycle there-
new Golden. Do your research
now. A breeder who produces after. Some are kept in small, filthy
great working Retrievers may not kennels. Puppies are often taken
have winners in the conforma- away from their mothers too young
tion show ring. and are poorly socialized. Puppies
Chapter 2: Golden Opportunity—Looking for the Right Golden 21
Reputable Breeders
Reputable breeders are sometimes called hobbyist breeders. That means
they aren’t breeding dogs specifically for the money. Instead, they’re
looking to produce top show and working dogs and are trying to
improve the breed. If you are planning to buy a Golden Retriever,
you should buy your Golden only
Golden Glossary from a reputable breeder. Purchasing
Hobbyist breeders your dog from other sources encour-
Another name for rep- ages these sources to continue breed-
utable breeders. ing substandard dogs.
© Joe Johnson
Health Certifications
Which brings us to the topic of health certifications. Reputable
breeders screen for hereditary diseases. Because Golden Retrievers
are so popular, many are being bred without thought to what
genetic diseases they may be passing along to their puppies. These
diseases include hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED) osteo-
chondritis dissecans (OCD), cataracts, hypothyroidism, subvalvular
aortic stenosis (SAS), and tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD).
Golden Glossary
Osteochondritis dissecans A painful condition that is often
associated with elbow dysplasia, quite often hereditary or
congenital.
Subvalvular aortic stenosis Malformation of the heart caused by
congenital or hereditary reasons.
Tricuspid valve dysplasia Malformation of one of the valves in the
heart caused by congenital or hereditary reasons.
Chapter 2: Golden Opportunity—Looking for the Right Golden 25
© Barbara Gurlek
The Golden’s breeder should certify your Golden against hip dysplasia, eye problems,
and heart problems. This is Denver, owned by Barbara Gurlek.
Almost all breeds now have genetic problems such as hip dyspla-
sia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Irresponsible breeders
may tell you they don’t need to screen for hip dysplasia and eye
problems because genetic diseases are rare in Goldens.
Don’t believe it! Golden Retrievers have a high incidence of
genetic diseases, due in part to puppy mill and backyard breeders’
breeding practices. Don’t accept
statements such as “He’s had his No Biscuit!
hips and eyes checked,” or “He According to the
doesn’t have any genetic diseases.” Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals (OFA), more than one
Ask for proof. out of five Goldens have hip
OFA (or PennHIP) and CERF dysplasia. The number is no
doubt higher because OFA is
are two certifications that both
a voluntary registry, and many
puppies’ parents must have. CERF people who have dogs with hip
(the Canine Eye Registration dysplasia choose not to report it.
Foundation) certifies that the eyes
26 Part 1: Introduction to the Golden Retriever
referral program that will put you in touch with a breeder who is
affiliated with the Golden Retriever Club of America.
Your work doesn’t end there. You have to grill the breeder to
determine whether he or she is reputable. Don’t worry! A reputable
breeder won’t be put off by your questions—they’ll welcome the
chance to educate you about themselves and Golden Retrievers.
Here are some questions to ask the reputable breeder:
≠ “Do you belong to the Golden Retriever Club of America or
to a local club?”
≠ “How long have you been involved with Goldens?” Backyard
breeders are usually new at breeding Goldens, but not always.
Occasionally, you will find someone who is reputable who is
breeding his first litter; he should also be very involved in
showing Goldens.
≠ “Do you have only one or two breeds that you breed?” Rep-
utable breeders focus on one or two breeds to improve the
standard.
≠ “Do the puppy’s parents have conformation, obedience, hunt-
ing, or agility titles?” A quality Golden should have or be
working toward a title. If the parents are not titled, how close
are they to obtaining titles?
≠ “How did you choose the stud dog?” Was it a dog he had
on hand, or did he search for the right dog to breed to his
own female? He shouldn’t have bred his female to what was
available, but rather, looked for a dog that would improve
the conformation and bloodline of his stock.
≠ “Can you provide photographs and information concerning the
parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, aunts, and
cousins of the puppies?” If she cannot tell you about these
dogs, then how is she able to breed a quality Golden Retriever?
28 Part 1: Introduction to the Golden Retriever
Don’t accept the breeder’s word that you’ll receive the puppy
papers later in the mail. You’ll have no recourse if the breeder
doesn’t provide you with the papers when you purchase the puppy.
Golden Glimmers
Four types of AKC registration are available to Goldens. The most
common is Full Registration, which people often call the AKC
“papers.” Limited Registration is full registration of the dog but speci-
fies that none of its puppies can be registered. Breeders use this to
enforce spay/neuter contracts. A third registration is the Litter
Registration—often called “puppy papers” or “blue slips.” This is a
temporary registration of all the puppies in a litter. The fourth is the
Indefinite Listing Privilege or ILP Registration. When the dog’s pure-
bred pedigree cannot be proven, but the dog is obviously purebred,
an ILP registration enables the dog to compete in obedience, agility,
and other activities, with the exception of conformation.
What’s a Pedigree?
A pedigree is a fancy word for a family tree. That means every
Golden (and in fact, every dog, including mutts) has one. There’s
really nothing special about having a pedigree.
Retriever Rewards
What’s in a name? Well, breeders are funny folk and love
to give their dogs fun names. That’s why you’ll see so many
weird names on pedigrees. The standard way of naming is to begin
with the kennel name of the breeder, followed by another name. For
example, with my own dog, Kiana, her name was Snopeak Kiana
of Sky Warrior. Snopeak was the breeder’s kennel name and Kiana
of Sky Warrior was the name I gave her.
Often, breeders will insist that, on the dog’s registration papers, you
use the name they have chosen, because they give their litters names
that have meaning to them and indicate the litter’s place in their breed-
ing program. This is your dog’s registered name, but it doesn’t have
to be what you call him. Another dog I own has the name Belle’s
Lachlan’s Black Dragon, but her call name is Haegl.
With registered dogs, the AKC (or in some cases, the UKC)
keeps track of your Golden’s pedigree, which means you can get an
official certificate that lists it. Nothing differentiates a good pedigree
and a bad pedigree when it comes to the registration. That’s up to
you to figure out. Just because your Golden has a five-generation
pedigree doesn’t mean those ancestors were great dogs, worthy
of being bred. In fact, on many pedigrees you’ll see impressive-
sounding names, but the dogs were products of puppy mills or worse.
On a pedigree, the name of the dog, breed, and birth date
appear in the top left corner. The dog’s sex, registration number,
and breeder are in the upper right. You read from left to right. The
dog on the top left is the sire (father); the dog on the bottom left is
the dam (mother). To the right are four more names, presented in
Chapter 2: Golden Opportunity—Looking for the Right Golden 33
two pairs. Those are the dog’s grandparents (the male is always the
top name in the pair). The two on top are the paternal grandpar-
ents; the two on the bottom are the maternal grandparents. The
next row is the great-grandparents, with each grandparent’s sire and
dam. And so on.
But how do you tell whether this is a good pedigree? By looking
at the titles next to the dogs’ names. The AKC abbreviates titles
such as Champion, Field Trial Champion, and Obedience, Agility, and
Tracking titles and puts them on the pedigrees.
Golden Glossary
Champion Abbreviated CH or Ch. A dog that earns 15
points in conformation dog shows, including 3 points or better
under two different judges.
Field Trial Champion Abbreviated FC. A hunting title obtained when
the dog wins either a National Championship Stake or 10 points in
Open All-Age, Limited All-Age, Special All-Age, or Restricted All-Age
competition.
The Contract
Ask the breeder whether he or she has a contract. The contract is
your bill of sale. The AKC papers are not a bill of sale. If the breeder
does not have a contract, look elsewhere.
The contract is important because it protects you if something
goes wrong. Every reputable breeder has a “Right of First Refusal”
or “First Right of Refusal” in their contract. This means the breeder
has the option of taking back the dog. However, be careful if there is
only a “Right of First Refusal” in the contract, with no guarantee of
doing so. Some breeders use this clause to look responsible, but they
treat it as an option—namely, it simply gives them the right to take
back the puppy but doesn’t guarantee that they will.
A truly reputable breeder will take the Golden back under any
condition and will state so in the contract. That means three weeks
or three years from now, the breeder will take back the Golden if it
isn’t working out. Most breeders have a limited clause on a refund,
so don’t expect to get your money back after a year.
In the contract, the breeder should also guarantee his puppy free
from illnesses, parasites, and the hereditary defects he can screen
for (no one can guarantee a puppy to be free from all hereditary
defects). Again, most of these guarantees have reasonable time lim-
its. Breeders usually require the owners to take their puppy to the
vet within the first week to ensure the puppy’s health. Most breeders
will replace or refund at the breeder’s discretion—small consolation
if your Golden has a heart condition, and you are already attached
to him. That is why it is very important to do your leg work and
make certain the breeder has screened for these diseases.
In the contract, a reputable breeder will stipulate that you must
adequately care for the puppy and will require that you must never
allow your Golden puppy to run at large. The contract should not
have stud rights or requirements for breeding or showing the dog,
unless this is something you’ve agreed to before seeing the contract.
Chapter 2: Golden Opportunity—Looking for the Right Golden 35
No Biscuit!
Some disreputable breeders will demand stud rights or have
requirements for breeding in their contract. Unless this is something you’ve
agreed to beforehand, don’t accept it.
Furthermore, some disreputable breeders will guarantee the health of your
Golden, but only with caveats such as strange diets or extreme limitation
of exercise. Disreputable breeders use these clauses to nullify the contract.
Puppy or Adult?
Puppies are cute; there’s no doubt about it, but they’re a lot of work.
Every time I get a puppy, I’m reminded just how much work they
can be. Puppies need training, socialization, and attention. Puppies
aren’t housebroken, which means you have to take the time to
housebreak them properly. Puppies also require a series of vaccina-
tions, check-ups, and a spay or neuter operation when they’re old
enough.
Puppies are also more active and naturally destructive, especially
when teething. Anything is fair game to a puppy, so expect a fair
amount of destructive behavior.
However, most people prefer puppies to adults. Puppies are, for
the most part, a “clean slate.” They haven’t learned any bad habits
yet. If trained and socialized properly, most well-bred puppies turn
into excellent companions. Puppies are also so cute that it’s hard to
resist one.
38 Part 1: Introduction to the Golden Retriever
If you don’t have the time for a puppy, consider an adult dog.
Most adults are housebroken and may know some obedience com-
mands. Occasionally, reputable breeders may have an adult dog
available. The Golden might be a show prospect that didn’t work
out or a return from a previous litter. Many breeders will sell their
adult dogs to good homes for a lower price than their puppies.
On the downside, adult dogs may have learned bad habits from
previous owners. You also won’t have the fun of seeing your puppy
grow into an adult. However, unless there’s something seriously
wrong with the adult Golden, you’ll find that he will bond just as
quickly as a puppy. (The key to bonding is the amount of time you
spend with a dog.)
Whichever you decide, puppy or adult, your new Golden will
need training and attention.
Male or Female?
Male or female is strictly a personal preference. The Golden Re-
triever Club of America states that no real difference exists between
the personalities of a male and a female Golden Retriever. Even so,
you may find differences between the sexes.
Males may be larger and more boisterous. They may mark their
territory with urine if not properly trained.
Female Goldens may be more compliant. They are less likely to
challenge you for dominance. Female Goldens are generally smaller
than males. Twice a year, females go into estrus or heat if they are
not spayed. During this time, your Golden will attract male dogs. It
is important to keep your female Golden contained safely away from
these unwanted suitors during this time.
If you purchase your Golden from a reputable breeder, the
breeder may select a puppy for you according to its personality,
rather than sex. The puppy’s personality is more important than its
Chapter 2: Golden Opportunity—Looking for the Right Golden 39
© Carolyn Risdon
The Golden Retriever is normally good with kids, but he must be of good
temperament and well socialized. This is Doc Holiday and Anthony Green.
If you have kids, be certain that now is the right time to get a
dog. A big dog such as a Golden can accidentally injure a toddler
or small child by knocking him over or whapping him with its tail.
Even an easygoing breed such as the Golden can bite and injure
a child if the child handles the puppy roughly or hurts him uninten-
tionally.
Children must learn to respect the puppy as a living, breathing
creature. At a young age, it’s hard for a child to learn the difference
between a puppy and a stuffed toy. Even the most well-intentioned
child can hurt a puppy or dog enough to have it bite. For this rea-
son, never leave a child alone with a dog.
No Biscuit!
Don’t expect your children to take responsibility for your
Golden. Even the most responsible kids forget things, like letting the dog
out or feeding him. Your new puppy needs an adult to take responsibility
for its welfare. You are going to be the person responsible for training,
socializing, and caring for your Golden.
Chapter 2: Golden Opportunity—Looking for the Right Golden 41
Two’s Company
If one Golden puppy is more fun, certainly two’s company? Right?
Perhaps—if you want insanity.
If you’ve owned two dogs before, then going to a multi-dog
household isn’t that big of a deal. But if this is your first dog or if
you’ve never owned two dogs before, watch out! Sure, they’ll keep
each other company. They’ll also egg each other on.
Although Goldens aren’t as dominance-oriented as other
breeds—the most notable being Northern breeds such as Malamutes
and Siberian Huskies—they’re still dogs, and two makes a pack. And
what a pack! Twice the dogs; four times the mischief.
If you already have a dog, adding a new dog may be trying. If
your dog is used to being number one, you may have squabbles or
even fights. Although Goldens are easygoing, the newcomer may be
looked on as a threat to your first dog’s place in the pack. After all,
now you’re sharing your love and attention between two dogs, and
the first dog may feel neglected or left out.
If your first dog is normally aggressive toward other dogs (or of
a breed that is normally dog-aggressive), you may want to rethink
your decision to purchase a Golden. If your Golden is a puppy, it
could be seriously injured if the resident dog is large enough.
Sometimes getting a Golden Retriever who is the opposite sex
of the first dog helps—but not always. Dog fights can occur between
dogs of the opposite sex as well as the same sex.
2 Selecting and
Bringing Home a
Golden Retriever
Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to bring a Golden into
your life. Purchasing or adopting a healthy, well-adjusted Golden
takes more than walking over to the local mall or looking through
the newspaper.
In Part 2, I discuss reputable breeders and how to choose a well-
adjusted puppy or adult Golden. I’ll also talk about what equipment
to purchase and how to puppy-proof or dog-proof your home. Last,
I’ll talk about the first few days with your new addition and about
crate training and housetraining.
Chapter
3
Retrieving the Golden
Treasure
In This Chapter
≠ Finding the best Golden puppy for you
≠ Selecting an adult Golden Retriever
≠ Determining a Golden with a good personality for your family
≠ Visiting the breeder
will be as cute and cuddly as one who has underlying health problems.
The cute puppy phase lasts only a very short time—and soon you’ll
have an adult Golden.
puppies may be inactive when they first wake up, but they should be
active after they are fully awake.
If the puppies are ready to be taken home, no matter how cute
they might be, don’t buy a puppy right then and there. All Golden
puppies are adorable, and the next litter will steal your heart just as
easily. Go over the contract, look at the health certifications (see
Chapter 2), and talk with the breeder about what you are looking for
in a Golden.
After you decide on a breeder,
let the breeder know. If the pup-
pies aren’t born yet or if they Retriever Rewards
aren’t old enough to take home, Healthy puppies are
the breeder may request a deposit everything you
expect them to be—active,
on one. The amount of deposit
healthy-looking, bright-eyed, and
depends on the breeder. If the pup- full of energy. Look for healthy
pies aren’t born, the breeder may puppies when you visit the
reserve a puppy of either sex or a breeder.
puppy of one or the other sex.
Again, that depends on the breeder.
Puppy selection often depends on the breeder. Some breeders
will select the puppy for you. Others will let you choose from the
litter. Don’t be put off if the breeder selects the puppy or makes rec-
ommendations for which puppy might best suit you.
The breeder has spent a tremendous amount of time evaluating
puppies—they’ve been with the puppies ever since they were born.
The breeder looks at the puppies with an eye at considering which
one might best suit you. The breeder will consider you, your family,
your interests, and your lifestyle.
If the breeder doesn’t select a puppy for you, you may still want
to ask her opinion. Ask her about the puppies’ personalities and
which ones may be right for you. In most cases, you will want a
puppy that is neither too dominant nor too submissive.
48 Part 2: Selecting and Bringing Home a Golden Retriever
When you visit the puppies, call to them. They should come to
you readily. The first puppy that greets you may be more dominant,
but this largely depends on where the puppies were when you called
them. Puppies that visit and then go off may be independent-
minded. These free spirits may be difficult to train because they’re
more interested in their surroundings than you. Likewise, puppies
that hang back or act fearful may be too submissive.
Active is good, but hyper is not. Let the puppies calm down a bit
and play with them. Puppies that play very aggressively with their
siblings or with you may be too dominant. At this point, with the
approval of the breeder, separate each of the puppies you’re consid-
ering from their siblings and play with them.
Most puppies, when separated from their littermates, may be-
come a little nervous but as you’re playing with them will become
cheerful and relaxed. Negative reactions include becoming fearful,
aggressive, or overly hyper. If the puppy you’re thinking of buying
exhibits any of these behaviors, look at another puppy.
With the breeder’s permission, gently pick up the puppy and
cradle him so that he is on his back. Some puppies will become very
fearful or will struggle violently. A calm and self-assured puppy will
perhaps struggle a little and then
Golden Glimmers relax as you give him a tummy
The breeder should have all rub. If the puppy reacts very
your paperwork together. This negatively—either fearfully or
should include your Golden’s aggressively—put him down.
AKC papers, copies of the
parent’s certifications and AKC Lastly, you’ll want to check
records, the breeder’s contract, the puppy’s eyesight and hearing.
your Golden’s pedigree, and
Roll a ball or wave a toy in front
your Golden’s health records.
The breeder may include a of his face to see whether he will
puppy care package with sam- react. Clap your hands or snap
ples of puppy food and a toy. your fingers behind his head to
see whether he will turn his head
Chapter 3: Retrieving the Golden Treasure 49
and look or at least react. These tests aren’t scientific but may show
if an eyesight or hearing problem exists.
It’s okay for the dog to show some trepidation followed by cheerful
acceptance. If the Golden continues to act fearful or submissive—
or act wild and unruly—you probably don’t want this Golden. You
want the dog to act friendly.
Next, put the Golden on a leash and walk him. See how he
reacts to you. If he knows any commands, work with him on them
and see how he reacts. If you see any aggression or questionable
behavior, you may want to look elsewhere.
4
Puppy Preparedness—
Bringing Your
Golden Home
In This Chapter
≠ Selecting your Golden’s supplies
≠ Identifying safe and unsafe toys
≠ Dog- and puppy-proofing your home, backyard, and garage
≠ Containing your Golden in the backyard
≠ Bringing your puppy home from the breeder
≠ Getting a good night’s sleep
We’ll also look at your house and how you can make it safer for—
and from—your new Golden; how to bring your Golden home in the
car safely; and where you need to stop first: namely, the vet.
≠ Mat comb.
≠ Doggy nail clippers.
≠ Doggy toothbrush and toothpaste—not the human kind!
≠ Doggy shampoo and conditioner—not human shampoo!
≠ Treats.
≠ Chew toys.
Retriever Rewards
The most cost-effective way to buy supplies is to purchase
them before you bring your Golden home. If you have
enough time to purchase them via the Internet or pet product mail
order catalogues, you’ll save money. But be careful—some catalogues
charge a lot for shipping and handling, eating up what savings you
might have earned by shopping there.
No Biscuit!
Someone may have told you that raw bones won’t cause any
harm to dogs, whereas cooked bones will. This belief is based on the
notion that wild canids eat raw bones all the time. Well, wild canids don’t
live long in the wild and can’t call the local vet if they have a blockage or
a perforated intestine.
Feeding raw bones is perhaps slightly less risky than feeding cooked
bones, but because no proof is available, it’s best to not feed your
Golden bones that are sharp, small, or can be swallowed.
© Carolyn Risdon
Rawhide
What about rawhide? Most Goldens love rawhide chews, but they
can present a problem if eaten too fast. Rawhide has been known to
cause blockages in dogs, and some dogs have choked on large pieces,
so if your Golden is an aggressive chewer, you may want to watch
her for a while to see whether she’s going to try to eat it all at once
or if she’s going to simply chew it nicely. Don’t let your Golden eat
56 Part 2: Selecting and Bringing Home a Golden Retriever
Edible Chews
Some new chews are made to look like bones and other items, but
they are mostly cornstarch, carrots, or potatoes. They sometimes
have meat flavorings and are offered as an alternative to bones.
My own dogs love them, but usually one is gone in a whole sit-
ting. I’m not thrilled about having a dog eat what was once a very
hard chew like that because it causes diarrhea, and I worry about the
potential for a blockage. Consequently, sometimes my dogs end up
with green poop for the next several days. They’ve also thrown them
up. My thought is that they probably aren’t intended to be eaten in
this manner, and it could cause gastric problems. Again, it’s some-
thing that is your call.
Toys
Naturally, your Golden Retriever is going to want toys, but what
toys are safe, and what toys are dangerous? It stands to reason that
whatever is completely safe for your Golden Retriever, he just won’t
play with. Usually these consist of hard rubber (nearly indestructi-
ble) items, nylon bones, and stuff made from hard plastic that can’t
be chewed easily.
Chapter 4: Puppy Preparedness—Bringing Your Golden Home 57
© Teresa Bullard
Get plenty of toys for your Golden. Ginger is trying to decide which one is best.
Let’s be realistic: Just like the bones and edible chews, you need
to know what your Golden’s chewing habits are. Usually flimsy toys
made of latex with squeakers are unsafe, so don’t get those, but if
your Golden likes stuffed animals, getting a stuffed fleece man or
bear with a squeaker is probably okay if you watch how your Golden
plays with it. Toys, like chews, are best given under supervision. If
your Golden starts tearing up the toy or breaking bits off it, take the
toy away. Don’t leave your Golden alone with such toys unless you
can watch him and be vigilant.
Retriever Rewards
It sounds strange, but some dogs can’t stand toys with faces on
them. I’ve seen dogs tear apart perfectly good stuffed toys with
faces on them and leave toys alone that had no eyes or mouth. Obvi-
ously, dogs are more observant than we give them credit for. If toys
with faces creep your Golden out, try giving him a toy without a face.
58 Part 2: Selecting and Bringing Home a Golden Retriever
≠ X-pen or exercise Pen. This is a wire pen that you can set up
anywhere to contain your Golden. You will need one tall
enough to contain an adult Golden.
Golden Glossary
Meat by-products The nonrendered, clean parts other than
muscle meat, from slaughtered mammals. It includes all organs
and defatted fatty tissues. It does not include stomach or intestine con-
tents, hair, horns, teeth, and hooves.
Meat meal Meat from which the water and fat have been extracted.
If the label says “chicken meal,” then the meal must be made from
chickens.
Most veterinary nutritionists will tell you that meat is a far better
protein source than soy. One look at your Golden’s teeth should con-
firm it—dogs are carnivores. The plant material that wolves and wild
Chapter 4: Puppy Preparedness—Bringing Your Golden Home 61
Puppy-Proofing 101
Puppies are inquisitive little critters. They love to explore. Unfortu-
nately, puppies use their mouths like hands, and anything that a
puppy puts in its mouth is fair game to chew and swallow. They’ll
chew on furniture legs, electrical cords, or carpeting. Outside, many
puppies pick up an affinity for landscape rock. I’ve known one puppy
to chew on bricks and car tires.
The best way to keep a puppy Retriever Rewards
from being destructive is to not Tape the phone num-
give him the opportunity. Limit bers for your veteri-
your Golden’s exposure to mis- narian, local poison control
center, and a 24-hour emer-
chief, and he will be the perfect
gency vet to your phone. That
puppy. Leave him home alone, and way, if there is an emergency,
you’ve just told the puppy, “Here’s you’ll have the numbers handy.
your toys—have a ball.”
House
The house is the main place where your Golden will spend his
time. That means he’ll have ample opportunity to get into trouble.
62 Part 2: Selecting and Bringing Home a Golden Retriever
No Biscuit!
There are a lot of rumors on the Internet about certain house-
hold products being deadly to pets. Among those products are Febreze®,
and Swiffer WetJet®. The rumors go something like, “So-and-so’s dog died
of liver failure.”
I’m happy to report that the rumors are false when the products are used
as directed. In fact, the company that makes both products (Proctor and
Gamble) has issued statements saying that these products are safe around
kids and pets. The ASPCA also issued a statement saying that these prod-
ucts are safe when used as directed.
There are products that are unsafe to use around pets, so if you have con-
cerns, contact the manufacturer directly (most have toll-free numbers) or visit
their websites.
breakable out of reach. Get on all fours and look at your home from
a dog’s-eye view. Some things that don’t appear tempting from a
human level are tempting to a dog.
Here’s a partial list of items to look for when puppy-proofing
your house:
≠ Batteries.
≠ Candles, scented oils, scented air fresheners.
≠ Children’s toys.
≠ Dental floss.
≠ Drape cords—may hang a puppy.
≠ Electrical cords.
≠ Garbage pail.
≠ Glass knickknacks.
≠ Household cleaners.
≠ Houseplants—many are poisonous.
≠ Kitchen knives.
≠ Medications, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin.
≠ Mouse and rat poisons; roach and ant baits; insecticides.
≠ Paper shredder.
≠ Pennies, coins.
≠ Pens, paper, and other small items that may be chewed or
swallowed.
≠ Plates and glasses.
≠ Poisonous foods, including chocolate, onions, raisins, grapes,
and alcohol.
≠ Sewing needles, craft kits.
64 Part 2: Selecting and Bringing Home a Golden Retriever
Garage
The garage is a particularly hazardous place for your Golden
Retriever. You should not allow your Golden in the garage be-
cause of all the potential poisons and dangerous substances there.
Radiators leak, causing the potential for antifreeze poisoning, but
there are other poisons in the garage including windshield washing
fluid, which is just as dangerous as antifreeze.
Although motor oil and transmission fluids aren’t deadly if con-
sumed alone, they can be if mixed with antifreeze. Motor oil and
transmission fluid alone will cause severe gastric upsets. Other
poisonous items include rat and
No Biscuit! mouse poisons, insecticides,
Most people know herbicides, and fertilizers.
that antifreeze is poisonous
to pets, but did you know Hardware poses a hazard as
windshield wiper fluid is just as well. Nails, screws, washers, and
poisonous? Keep both the wind- nuts can be swallowed. Sharp items
shield wiper fluid and antifreeze such as saws can cut your Golden.
away from your Golden.
Trash cans are always a temptation.
Backyard Blues
If you haven’t put up a fence or some kind of containment system for
your Golden, do so now. Your Golden deserves to be safe and happy.
Chapter 4: Puppy Preparedness—Bringing Your Golden Home 65
© Carolyn Risdon
Always supervise your Golden with any babies, toddlers, and young children.
This is Rico and Anthony Green.
In the country, dogs routinely harass and kill livestock and valu-
able game animals. In many rural areas, it is legal for farmers, ranch-
ers, and game wardens to shoot stray dogs. Dogs often tangle with
skunks, porcupines, and raccoons. The chance of contracting rabies
is greater with a loose dog. And many stray dogs provide a local
food source for coyotes and mountain lions.
It’s not kind to let a dog run loose. Your Golden will be happier
and healthier safe at home, enjoying your company. If you feel
66 Part 2: Selecting and Bringing Home a Golden Retriever
you don’t have time to exercise your Golden, perhaps you should
reconsider your choice to own a dog.
The best containment system is a six-foot fence or a kennel run.
Shorter fences will work for puppies, but adolescent dogs with
Houdini-like antics can jump over four-foot fences. Invisible fences
and pet containment systems will work provided that the owner
properly trains the dog. These systems will not work without proper
training. Don’t turn your puppy loose in your yard and expect it to
work. Another problem is that an excited dog can run through the
wire and then can’t get back in without receiving a shock. This gives
him no incentive to return where he belongs.
Golden Glimmers
A Houdini dog is made, not born. Most Goldens are content to be
homebodies.
People create Houdini dogs in two ways: 1) by putting up inferior
barriers, and 2) by not giving their Goldens enough to do. Houdini
dogs are typically smart dogs that are bored. Their owners put up
an inferior barrier, and the dog figures a way around it. The owner
ups the barrier slightly, and the dog figures another way around. It
becomes a game of one-upmanship.
Foil the Houdini dog by putting up good fences and giving him
plenty of activities.
© Carolyn Risdon
You’ll need to teach your Golden how to get out of the pool safely.
This is Brandy.
No Biscuit!
The pods from the Black Locust tree are deadly if ingested.
These pods are indistinguishable from the Honey Locust tree, which is
harmless. Even experts have a hard time distinguishing between these two
trees. If you have one in your yard, be certain that the pods won’t fall in
an area where your Golden will be.
68 Part 2: Selecting and Bringing Home a Golden Retriever
© Carolyn Risdon
him out quickly and clean the area with soap and water, followed
by white vinegar and water or enzymatic cleaner.
It will take some time for your Golden to become used to you
and your family. Use the next several days to teach your Golden
your routine.
© Carolyn Risdon
Introduce your Golden to your cat slowly. This is Rico and Patches the cat.
5
Crates and Housetraining
In This Chapter
≠ Why crates aren’t cruel
≠ What types of crates are available?
≠ Crate training puppies and older dogs
≠ Alternatives to crates
≠ Housetraining puppies and older dogs
≠ Cleaning up accidents
Crates
The crate is perhaps one of the greatest tools a pet owner can have.
Unfortunately, it’s also the most misunderstood. People who don’t
own dogs see a dog in a crate and think that it’s cruel, but nothing
could be further from the truth. To the professional dog trainer, the
crate is a way of containing a dog and keeping him safe and out of
mischief. To the dog, the crate feels like a comfortable den.
But crate training isn’t just a matter of popping your Golden
in a crate. You need to train your Golden to use it properly. Both
puppies and older dogs can benefit from crate training.
© Carolyn Risdon
Alternatives to Crates
Unfortunately, not too many alternatives to crates are available.
There’s a reason why so many trainers use them—they work.
Chapter 5: Crates and Housetraining 79
© Carolyn Risdon
Housetraining 101
Housetraining is your first big challenge in owning a dog. There is,
however, good news. No dog likes to soil his bed, and Goldens are
no exception. You can use this natural instinct to your advantage.
When you release your Golden from his crate, the very first
thing you should do is put him outside. Don’t delay, because I guar-
antee the first thing your Golden is going to do is relieve himself
on your floor. The choice is yours. When you open that crate door,
whisk your Golden outside to where you want him to go. You won’t
have to wait long. Now praise him! Tell him that he’s the best
Golden in the universe and give him a treat, if you want.
© Carolyn Risdon
When you let your Golden out of her crate, usher her outside immediately
so she can relieve herself. This is Amber.
82 Part 3: Dog Training 101
Wow! you’re thinking. That’s it? Well, yes and no. That’s the
basics to housetraining your Golden. Every time after you feed him,
play with him, and take him out of his crate, you need to rush him
right outside and praise him when he “does his thing.” You also
need to put him outside right before he goes to bed at night.
Keeping a schedule of no longer than four hours between potty
breaks will help immensely. (And yes, you can’t expect a puppy
younger than six months to hold it for more than four hours.)
Retriever Rewards
What do you do if you live in the city? Well, the bad news
is, you still have to take your Golden out for a walk first thing
in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and before bedtime. This
may seem pretty daunting, especially in the winter or when it’s raining.
All I can recommend is that you grab your raingear before you head
out.
Housetraining Don’ts
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad advice and bad common knowl-
edge out there when it comes to housetraining. For example, many
people still believe that the best way to housebreak a puppy is to rub
his nose in it or whack him with a rolled-up newspaper. Such train-
ing is barbaric at best. If people were to do that to their kids, we
would consider it child abuse.
Here are the things you shouldn’t do when housetraining your
Golden:
≠ Don’t paper-train him. It teaches him that it’s okay to relieve
himself in the house.
≠ Don’t litter-box train him. Your Golden will be too big to use
the litter box when he’s an adult.
≠ Don’t hit your Golden. Not even with a rolled-up newspaper.
Chapter 5: Crates and Housetraining 83
≠ Don’t rub his nose in it. What are you trying to teach your
Golden? You’re trying to teach him not to go in the house—
not that you’re a mean person!
≠ Don’t scream or yell. You
can’t train a dog that’s terri-
fied of you. Retriever Rewards
You can teach your
≠ Don’t correct if it’s diar- Golden to go potty
rhea. Your Golden really on command. When you walk
couldn’t help it. him or bring him outside, use the
words Go potty while he is
≠ Don’t make your Golden relieving himself. He’ll associate
hold it for more than nine those words with the act of
hours if an adult and no relieving himself. This is very use-
ful when it’s cold or raining, and
more than four hours if a
you want him to go potty quickly.
puppy. This is really unfair
to your Golden.
Housetraining Do’s
Here are the things you should do when housetraining your Golden:
≠ Put your Golden on a schedule. This will make it easier for
him to hold it.
≠ Let your Golden out after feeding and playing.
≠ Put your Golden in a crate when you can’t watch him.
This will prevent him from going in the house behind your
back until he’s housebroken. Don’t leave him in there all day—
no more than four hours when younger than six months and
no more than nine hours when six months or older.
≠ If your Golden starts circling or squats, whisk him out-
side. Praise him when he goes outside.
≠ Teach your Golden to go potty on command.
84 Part 3: Dog Training 101
No Biscuit!
Forget all those fancy rug cleaners—they won’t do a bit of
good to clean your carpet if they can’t remove the odors your Golden can
smell. Use a good pet enzymatic cleaner made to eliminate pet odor or
use white vinegar and water.
6
Gold Star—Professional
Training
In This Chapter
≠ Should you look for a professional trainer, or train your
Golden by yourself?
≠ How do you find the right trainer for your Golden?
≠ Are obedience training classes important?
≠ What other training classes can you and your Golden take?
look at other training classes that specialize in getting your dog ready
for competition.
Golden Glossary
Negative reinforcement A training technique that corrects the
dog for behaving in the incorrect manner. It is a form of oper-
ant conditioning, but most positive trainers try to avoid this technique.
Positive reinforcement A training technique that rewards the dog for
behaving in the correct manner. It is a form of operant conditioning
that uses little, if any, coercion or punishment. Both owners and dogs
enjoy this kind of training.
Puppy Kindergarten
Puppy Kindergarten, also called Puppy KPT, is for puppies under
the age of six months. In these classes, you socialize your Golden
puppy with other puppies who are about the same age. The trainer
will also help you train your puppy in rudimentary commands such
as Sit and Down.
Retriever Rewards
Beginning Obedience
If the trainer you talk Beginning Obedience usually takes
to won’t let you up after Puppy Kindergarten. In
watch his class for fear that you Beginning Obedience, the trainer
will steal his secrets, look else-
teaches the owner to train the dog
where. There are no secrets in
dog training. in the basic commands: Sit, Down,
Heel, Stay, Stand, and Come.
Chapter 6: Gold Star—Professional Training 91
© Carolyn Risdon
Novice
Novice is a class aimed toward
owners who want to compete in Golden Glossary
obedience. In Novice, the owner Finish A fancy way of
learns the basic test for the having your dog return
Novice level of competition: to heel position, either doing a
Heeling on leash, figure-8s, Sit, U-turn in place or around the
handler.
Down, Stand-Stay, Down-Stay,
Sit-Stay, Sit in front, and Finish.
92 Part 3: Dog Training 101
Tracking
Tracking class teaches your Golden to follow his nose and find items
with scent on them, known as articles. Tracking is a lot of fun for
both the dog and owner but requires some obedience training be-
fore you begin training for tracking.
Agility
Agility is a sport in which dogs run a specially designed obstacle
course. It is a timed event, so dogs that complete the course accu-
rately in the least amount of time do well. Most dogs love agility,
after they get the hang of the obstacles. Dogs that may not do well
in obedience may shine in agility because it isn’t as restricting or
repetitive. Your Golden will need to know basic obedience such as
Sit, Down, Come, and Stay and must be able to work off-leash.
Chapter 6: Gold Star—Professional Training 93
Conformation
Conformation training is training for a conformation dog show. In
this class, the trainer teaches you how to stack your Golden so that
he looks his best when the judge sees him. You will learn how to gait
your dog—that is, trot him out in front of the judge so that your
dog looks to have the best movement. You also learn how to handle
a dog properly for the show ring.
Golden Glossary
Clicker training A form of positive reinforcement that relies
heavily on operant conditioning. The dog hears a click from a
special clicker whenever he behaves correctly and then receives a
treat. Dogs quickly learn to offer behaviors that will cause the click (and
subsequent treat) and avoid behaviors that will not produce the click.
Agility A sport in which dogs run a specially designed obstacle
course. It is a timed event, so dogs that complete the course accurately
in the least amount of time do well.
Stack Standing one’s dog in the conformation show ring in a way
that emphasizes positive characteristics and diminishes flaws.
Flyball
Flyball is a fast-paced sport in which dogs run in relays. Each dog
jumps over four hurdles to the flyball box. The dog then triggers the
flyball box to release a tennis ball into the air, which he catches.
Then the dog runs back over the hurdles to the starting line, where
the next member of the team is waiting. Your Golden will need to
know Sit, Stay, Down, and Come.
Rally-O
Described as a cross between agility and obedience, Rally or Rally-O
is a new sport recently approved by the AKC. Between 10 and 17
stations are set up, and the dog must perform a series of maneuvers
94 Part 3: Dog Training 101
and commands at each station. Rally is timed and is a lot of fun. Your
Golden will need to know obedience commands and some agility.
7
Training Ground Rules
In This Chapter
≠ Learn the secrets of professional trainers
≠ Get the training equipment you need
≠ Making your Golden into a Golden Canine Good Citizen®
≠ Learn what equipment works and what doesn’t
You need to learn what the latest techniques are in positive train-
ing and apply them to your Golden’s training.
Before you begin training, you need some ground rules for how
to train your Golden. These rules are applicable to everyone who is
training your dog, regardless of the type of training used.
≠ Never become angry at your Golden Retriever. You’re likely to
punish your Golden instead of communicating with him.
≠ Never yell or scream at your Golden. This isn’t communication—
except to communicate that he should be afraid of you.
≠ Take a time out when you feel angry or frustrated. Put your
Golden back in his crate and cool off. Or end the training
session and play with him.
≠ Spend 5 to 10 minutes a day working on commands.
≠ Praise should be swift and meaningful.
≠ Train before meals. Your Golden will be a little hungry and
more focused on the treats. Your Golden’s meal will also be-
come a reward for a job well done.
≠ Never give a command you can’t enforce. If you do, your
Golden will assume he can ignore any command.
≠ Set your Golden up for success and never allow him to make
a mistake. Before starting a particular exercise, try thinking of
all the possible reactions your Golden will have and devise ways
to steer him toward the correct response.
≠ It’s easier to teach good habits
No Biscuit!
than to “train out” bad ones.
Don’t use “sit
down” and “lie down.” These ≠ Never force a frightened or
two commands are very confus- confused dog into doing some-
ing to your dog. Instead use Sit
thing. Frightened and confused
for sit down and Down for lie
down. dogs may bite—and they
certainly will not learn what
you want them to.
Chapter 7: Training Ground Rules 97
≠ Teach your Golden to pay attention to you. You can use the
“watch me” command (see Chapter 8).
≠ Use a distinct command word for each command. Sit should
be “Sit.” Down should be “Down.” Off should be “Off.” Sit
should not be “sit down.” Down should not be “lie down.”
Off should not be “down.” Those are too confusing to your
Golden.
≠ Always reward good behavior.
≠ Never call your Golden to you to punish him. He’ll learn that
coming results in punishment.
≠ “No” is not a dirty word, but you shouldn’t use it all the time.
Use it sparingly to emphasize that your Golden has done
something wrong and needs to correct it.
≠ Don’t expect your Golden to think the way you do. Look at
your Golden’s behavior from a dog’s perspective. Does he really
understand that it’s bad to make a mess indoors? Dogs aren’t
spiteful, nor do they feel guilty, but they react in a submissive
manner when you’re angry.
≠ Always reward your Golden for coming to you.
≠ Never allow a puppy to
do something that you
Retriever Rewards
would find intolerable or
Be consistent in train-
obnoxious in an adult dog. ing. Don’t allow your
Mouthing turns to biting. Golden to do something for a
Jumping up becomes knock- while and then suddenly not
ing over. Think about what allow him to do it. For example,
letting your Golden lie on your
you allow your Golden to do.
old ratty couch is okay, but then
≠ Be fair and consistent with you must expect that he’ll lie
your Golden. That’s how you down on your expensive new
couch when you get it.
become someone your
Golden will respect.
98 Part 3: Dog Training 101
Training Collars
Your Golden should have a training collar as well as his regular
(flat or buckle) collar. Use the training collar for training only, not
as a regular collar. Most training collars are slip collars, meaning they
tighten up as you pull on them. If
you leave this collar on your dog
Golden Glossary
all the time—even the ones with
Slip collar A collar
used for training pur-
limited slip—he may snag it on
poses, usually made from chain. something and choke to death.
This collar tightens when pulled.
For this reason, never leave a
Limited slip collar A slip collar
slip or limited slip collar on a dog
with a restriction that prevents
the collar from tightening too while unattended. Never affix tags
much. or anything that may snag to the
training collar, other than the leash
or training tab.
Slip Collar
The slip collar is another name for what people commonly refer to
as a “choke chain” or “choke collar.” This name conjures up cruel
images, when in fact, if you use the collar correctly, it can be a safe
and humane training collar.
These collars may be made from steel chain (for regular obedi-
ence), fine serpentine links (for dog shows), or nylon cord. Depend-
ing on your activities, you may want several types of training collars.
Chapter 7: Training Ground Rules 99
Prong Collar
Prong collars look like medieval torture devices but are actually quite
humane. They are sometimes called “pinch” collars because the
prongs close on the skin folds of the neck. These collars are limited
slip, thus making them safer than slip collars, but the prongs can
do damage if the dog slips and falls.
Prong collars work best for extremely strong dogs with
thick, muscular necks, like sled dogs. Because they don’t work by
tightening, the way standard slip collars do, there is less chance of
injuring your Golden’s neck. However, like any tool, it can be
misused. Consult a professional trainer about using a prong collar.
100 Part 3: Dog Training 101
Golden Glossary
Prong collar A collar used for training purposes, made from
steel links, with prongs that turn inside against the dog’s neck.
This collar is a limited slip design; when pulled, the prongs grab into
the loose folds of skin around the neck.
Snap choke A type of slip collar that snaps onto a loose ring. It is
made of parachute cord rather than steel links and offers more control
than the standard slip collar.
Snap Chokes
Snap chokes are similar to slip collars, except that they are made
from thin parachute cord and snap onto a loose ring. You can get
a better fit with a snap choke than you can with regular training
collars. Like regular training collars, they need to fit close around
the neck with no excess hanging down.
These training collars are effective for strong pullers but are less
effective than prong collars. Like prong collars, they can be misused,
so consult a professional trainer about the proper use of snap
chokes.
Head Halters
Head halters are a popular device among those who don’t want to
use training collars. The head halter works like a horse halter, on
the idea that where the head goes, the body goes—although it has
some differences. You clip the leash on the strap hanging down,
and the strap applies pressure on the dog’s muzzle when pulled.
Chapter 7: Training Ground Rules 101
Many people swear by these halters, but I’ve seen mixed results.
The control is marginal when compared to a properly obedience-
trained dog. Dogs’ heads come in all shapes and sizes, too, and
your Golden may be clever enough to slip out of a head halter.
Some dogs will toss their heads back and forth, risking neck
injury. Dogs that are prone to overheat may have their airflow
restricted and may be in greater danger of overheating with a head
halter. Most dogs I’ve seen with these halters don’t understand that
they’re supposed to behave and simply start pulling when the own-
ers use a regular collar. Finally, these halters look like muzzles and
may give a bad impression of your Golden. AKC events don’t allow
head halters, so if you train with one, you will also have to train with
a regular training collar.
Leashes
A variety of leashes is available, including nylon, leather, cotton,
retractable, leashes made from mountain-climbing rope, and others.
When you look for a training leash, it should be a six-foot latigo
leather leash.
Latigo Leather
Why a latigo leather leash? They’re expensive, certainly, but well
worth the money. If your Golden pulls at all on his leash—and
many do—a leash made from nylon or other materials will cut into
your hands. Leather won’t.
When I first got into dogs, I
Retriever Rewards
used the traditional nylon leash.
Leather is remarkably
A trainer showed me the error
strong, but it is tasty
of my ways, and I switched to a (to dogs, anyway), so keep it
leather leash. All of a sudden, my out of reach.
dogs began paying attention to me
102 Part 3: Dog Training 101
and my hands stopped hurting. Save the nylon leashes for when
your Golden is a perfect heeler—buy a leather leash now.
What about those retractable leads? They are useful to train
“Come,” but usually aren’t strong enough for a big dog like a
Golden. Likewise, you will have
very little control with them.
Golden Glossary
Tracking leads Leashes
made from cotton or Long Lines
nylon that can be 10 to 30 feet
in length. Trainers use these Long lines are long leashes (usually
leads for tracking work (hence called tracking leads) used for train-
the name) but also for distance ing. You’ll want at least a tracking
work such as working on the lead or a retractable lead for work-
Recall command.
ing on commands such as Come.
Clicker
This is a special device used in clicker training (see Chapter 6). It’s a
small, rectangular box that has a strip of thin metal inside. You press
on the metal strip to make a definite click noise. If you plan to use
clicker training, you’ll need several of these (you can lose them).
Bait Pouches
Golden Glossary
No, we’re not talking fish! Bait
Bait pouches Little
pouches that enable you pouches are little pouches that
to carry treats if you don’t have enable you to carry your treats if
pockets or if you don’t want to you don’t have pockets or if you
get your pockets messy. They’re don’t want to get your pockets
called “bait” because when you
messy. The AKC allows bait
stack a dog in conformation,
you lure or “bait” him with a pouches in conformation dog
treat so that he will look atten- shows but not in obedience, agility,
tive. or other forms of performance
competition.
Chapter 7: Training Ground Rules 103
Treats
Treats can be anything your Golden likes. Some people use dog bis-
cuits or other doggy snacks, but many trainers offer bits of hot dog,
cheese, cooked bacon, cold cuts, liver, and other enticing items. The
treat should be small enough just to give your Golden a taste. You
don’t want your dog to spend one or two minutes eating a treat and
get distracted from his training. Also, you will be giving him many
treats when you train, and you don’t want him to get fat!
No Biscuit!
If your Golden is shy—that is, he cringes when he sees other
humans—try to bring him to places to see and meet people. Start with
relatively uncrowded parks and get him used to people there and then
slowly build up.
If your Golden acts fearful or aggressive toward people, consult a pro-
fessional dog behaviorist for help. You need to retrain and socialize
your Golden before he becomes a hazard.
Chapter 7: Training Ground Rules 105
8
The Golden Rule—Basic
Training
In This Chapter
≠ Teach your Golden Retriever clicker training
≠ Learn what positive training is
≠ Learn how to teach your Golden Sit, Down, Stay, Come, walk
nicely on a leash, and Heel
≠ Teach your Golden other useful commands
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a method of positive training that has taken the
animal training world by storm. Clicker training has been promoted
by notable trainers such as Karen Pryor and Gary Wilkes.
Clicker training is a form of operant conditioning, meaning that
the dog learns behaviors by experiencing the consequences of cer-
tain actions. Operant conditioning is how most animals, and even
people, learn. On the positive side of operant conditioning, the
animal does something and receives a reward. On the negative side,
the animal does something and receives a punishment.
Golden Glossary
Operant conditioning A learning method in which the ani-
mal learns from the consequences of his actions.
Positive reinforcement A training method in which you reward desir-
able behavior.
Negative reinforcement A training method in which you punish or
discourage an undesirable behavior.
Retriever Rewards
Where can you get a clicker? Many training facilities and
even pet supply stores have clickers, but you can also pur-
chase them online on Karen Pryor’s website at www.clickertraining.
com or 1-800-47-CLICK. You can purchase a target stick there, too.
Or if you want to make your own target stick, buy a yard-long half-
inch dowel and either paint it or wrap it with colorful tape.
Golden Glossary
Why use the clicker at all? The clicker is a way to mark the
desirable behavior. Although you can use your voice, people’s
timing often isn’t as effective as a clicker is. While you’re still trying to
say the word “Good,” you could’ve clicked and treated.
Because our dogs hear our voices so much, sometimes they tune us
out. The clicker establishes a definite means of communicating that the
action you clicked for was the right action.
© Carolyn Risdon
First, get out your clicker, your bag of treats, and your target
stick. Hold the target stick out for your dog to sniff. If he touches
the stick, click and treat. You may have to wiggle the stick a bit to
get him interested in it. Even if he accidentally touches it, you must
click and treat.
Suppose that your Golden doesn’t touch the stick? Well, you can
start by shaping the behavior. Shaping is a fancy term for teaching
the behavior you want in small increments. For example, you will
click and treat when your dog looks at the stick. Every time your
dog looks at the stick, you should click and treat. Then, after he
looks at the stick and waits for you to click, wait and see what he
does next. He may stare at it longer or perhaps nudge or paw the
112 Part 3: Dog Training 101
Golden Glossary
Cue A word or signal that a dog is supposed to associate
with a particular behavior.
Shaping Starting with a basic behavior that is relatively easy to
obtain and slowly progressing to the behavior you want. For example,
teaching a dog to touch something with his paw can be shaped to
waving good-bye, closing or opening a door, or other behaviors by
clicking at incremental steps until the dog displays the final desired
behavior.
touching it with the paw (“Paw it”). Make it easy for your Golden
Retriever by putting the target stick close to either his nose or his
paw. Wait for him to touch it appropriately (let’s say we’re working
on “Paw it”). Click and treat. He should start pawing the target
stick. Click and treat each time. Now that he’s primed for pawing
the target stick, say “Paw it” before he paws it and click and treat.
Add this cue word and move the stick around so he has to work a
bit to touch it with his paw. Give him the command “Paw it” each
time, and click and treat when he does.
You need to teach him “Nose
Golden Glimmers
it” as well. Teach your dog the
same way you taught “Paw it,” Suppose you don’t want to use
only click and treat when he noses the clicker in training? That’s
okay. Try the positive reinforce-
the stick.
ment method described
Now it’s time to take these throughout this chapter.
skills into the real world.
Positive Method
If your Golden has never been on the leash before, put a training
collar on her and clip the leash to it. Have a handful of treats in
your pocket when you begin walking with her.
At first, she may whirl around you or start pulling. Take a treat
out of your pocket and use it to lure her into the proper position, so
she isn’t pulling on the leash. Praise her and give her the treat when
she focuses on you instead of pulling. If she forges ahead or lags
behind, a gentle tug on the leash is all it takes to bring her back to
114 Part 3: Dog Training 101
where you want her to be. Whenever she walks nicely, tell her
“Good girl!” and give her a treat. As she starts walking nicely, you
can slowly reduce the amount of treats and increase the praise.
Clicker Method
You’ll need a clicker and treats. If your Golden has never been on
the leash before, put a training collar on her and clip the leash to it.
At first, she may whirl around you or start pulling. Ignore the
bad behavior and just wait—don’t start out. When she no longer
pulls, click and treat. You’ll have to be patient with her and wait for
her to do the right thing—that is, not pull. Continue to click and
treat for a loose leash. You’re rewarding your Golden for not tug-
ging on the leash.
After she’s waiting for you without pulling, start walking. If she
keeps her leash loose, click and treat. If she starts pulling on the
leash, stop and wait. When she gives you an appropriate behavior
(loose leash, sit, and so on), click and treat. Whenever she pulls, stop
immediately and wait for her to give you a loose leash. When she
does, click and treat, then start on your way again.
Your Golden will figure out
Golden Glimmers
that walking with a loose leash
Fade To slowly remove an means going forward and clicks,
intermediate training object, and that pulling means nothing
such as a clicker or target fun is happening. Because walking
stick, or an intermediate cue to
leave the end result—the cue
is a reward in itself, after she has
and the action. learned the loose leash concept,
you can fade the clicker.
Sit
Sit is a useful command in everyday manners. If your Golden is get-
ting rowdy, a quick Sit command can help settle him down.
Chapter 8: The Golden Rule—Basic Training 115
Positive Method
In the positive method, take a treat and hold it just above your dog’s
nose. Bring the treat up over and behind his head while gently push-
ing on his rear end. Tell him, “Rusty, Sit!” Give him the treat and
praise him after he sits. Some dogs may not naturally sit. If your dog
won’t sit or if he backs up instead of sitting, try teaching him with
his back to the wall so that he must sit because he doesn’t have
anywhere to go. Practice this a few times until he starts sitting on
command.
Clicker Method
In the clicker method, you’ll need to take a treat or use the target
stick and hold it just above your dog’s nose. Tell your dog to “Nose
it” and bring the treat or target stick back over his head. As he
follows the treat or the target stick, his rump will start to drop.
When it touches the floor, click and treat. Repeat several times.
Some dogs may not naturally sit. If your dog won’t sit or if he
backs up instead of sitting, try teaching him with his back to the
wall so that he must sit because he doesn’t have anywhere to go.
After you have your dog sitting with the clicker, add the cue
word. Tell him, “Rusty, Sit!” before having him sit with either the
treat or the target stick. After your dog is familiar with the cue,
you’ll need to fade the lure or target stick and stop telling him to
Nose it. Instead, substitute the cue to Sit.
Down
Down is also a useful command for everyday manners. You can prac-
tice Down when you’re watching TV or reading a book. Like Sit,
you can also use Down to help calm your Golden.
116 Part 3: Dog Training 101
Positive Method
In the positive method, have your dog sit. Now take a treat and hold
it below her nose. Bring the treat downward toward her chest and
then all the way to the floor, while gently pushing on her shoulders.
Tell her, “Goldie, Down!” Give her the treat and praise her after she
lies down. Practice this a few times until she starts lying down on
command.
Clicker Method
In the clicker method, you’ll need to have your dog sit. Now take a
treat or use the target stick and hold it below your dog’s nose. Tell
your dog to “Nose it” and bring the treat or target stick downward
toward her chest and then all the way to the floor. As she follows the
treat or the target stick, her front legs will start to drop. When her
elbows touch the floor, click and treat. Repeat several times.
After you have your dog lying down with the clicker, add the
cue. Tell her “Goldie, Down!” before having her lie down with
either the treat or the target stick. When your dog is familiar with
the command, you’ll need to fade the lure or target stick and stop
telling her to Nose it. Instead, substitute the cue to get Down.
Stay
The next command your Golden should learn after Sit and Down is
Stay. This is useful because you will sometimes want your Golden to
hold a Sit or Down for more than a few seconds.
Positive Method
Have your Golden sit beside you while on a leash. Tell him “Stay!”
and hold up your flat, open hand in front of his face for emphasis.
Take a step or two and turn to face him. If he tries to move, tell him
Chapter 8: The Golden Rule—Basic Training 117
“No! Stay!” and put him back in position. It usually takes a few
times for the dog to learn that you want him to stay. Make him stay
for a few seconds, return to him, release him with “OK,” and praise
him and give him treats.
Clicker Method
Have your dog sit beside you while on a leash. Do not click yet.
Tell him “Stay!” and hold up your flat, open hand in front of his
face for emphasis. Take a step or two and turn to face him. If he
gets up, put him back in sit and don’t click yet. When you are facing
your Golden, and he has held the sit for a few seconds, click and
treat. Return to him, release him with “OK” (see “OK! The Release
Word,” following), and click and treat.
Note that a puppy younger than six months can’t be expected
to stay longer than a few seconds. There are too many interesting
things out there to explore!
Come
Come is a vital command for your Golden to learn. Unfortunately,
too many dogs don’t have a reliable recall. This can be dangerous,
if not deadly. A dog that won’t come when you call him may be hit
by a car or may take off into the wilderness. Don’t let this happen!
Start by teaching your Golden Retriever that good things hap-
pen when you call him. Give him a treat every time he comes to
you. Always praise your Golden for coming, and never call your
Golden to you when you correct him—always go to him.
tell him “No, Stay,” and put him back in his Sit-Stay. Don’t sound
angry when you do this, just be matter-of-fact. Then tell him to
Come again.
Practice Come at short distances. Then gradually lengthen the
distance with a long-line or a retractable leash (Flexi-lead™). When
you call your Golden to Come, either retract the leash or quickly
reel in the long-line. If, at any time, your Golden fails to come
directly to you, return to shorter distances.
When your Golden comes reliably, put a leash on him and put
him in a Sit-Stay. Walk out to the end of his leash. Be careful that
he doesn’t break his Stay in his enthusiasm to come to you. If he
does, put him back in his Sit-Stay.
Retriever Rewards Then, tell him to Come again.
Retractable leashes Click and treat when he comes.
are wonderful for Practice Come at short dis-
teaching Come. When you put
your Golden in a Sit-Stay, feed
tances. Then gradually lengthen
out as much line as you’ll need the distance with a long-line or a
for the recall and then lock the retractable leash. When you call
leash in place. Then go to the your Golden in, either retract the
spot you intend to call him to, leash or quickly reel in the long-
give your command to Come,
and release the lock so that the line. If, at any time, your Golden
line retracts. fails to come directly to you,
return to shorter distances.
Heeling on Leash
The correct position for your Golden to heel, sit, and lie down is
beside you, on your left side, with the dog facing forward. This is
known as the heel position. When you walk your dog, you should be
holding the leash loosely in your
left hand to control the dog, with Golden Glossary
any excess length of leash looped Heel position A
in the right hand. This will give position in which your
you the maximum control over the dog sits or stands beside your
dog—even a large, strong Golden. left side, next to your knee.
Positive Method
To put your Golden in the heel position, move him to your left side.
When he stands or sits for a few moments in heel position, give him
a treat and praise him. Use a one-word command such as “Place”
or “Heel” to mean heel position. Practice putting your dog in heel
position and reward him when he stands or sits straight in that posi-
tion. Do not reward sloppily performed commands. Try again and
give your dog the treat when he is in the proper position.
Golden Glimmers
Why worry about which foot to use for Stay versus Heel? Dogs,
especially Goldens, are keen observers and will notice which foot
you use when you say “Stay” and which foot you use when you
begin to walk at the command “Heel.” The left foot is closest to your
Golden when you heel, so he will see that movement first.
When you put your Golden in a Stay, do so on your left side and
leave with the right foot first. Your Golden won’t see the movement
right away, and it will be an extra signal to stay.
After your Golden knows the heel position, you can teach him
to heel. Your Golden should be sitting in heel position with his
122 Part 3: Dog Training 101
training collar and leash on. Have a treat in your left hand. Say
“Rusty, Heel!” and start walking, left foot forward first. If your dog
starts to forge ahead or lag behind, get his attention by showing him
the treat and lure him into the correct position. When he is in the
correct position, praise him and give him a treat. If he lags because
he is unsure what to do, pat your leg and encourage him to come
beside you. Likewise, if he forges ahead, pull him back using the
leash or have him focus on the treat and lure him back. Give him
the treat when he’s in the proper position.
When you stop, have him sit in the heel position and give him a
treat. When you start again, always start walking with your left foot.
Dogs see the left leg movement before the right. Also, it becomes
another signal to your dog that he is to move with you.
Clicker Method
To put your Golden in the heel position, have him on a leash but
let him move about freely. As he approaches your left side, click and
treat. He may be surprised by your click and treat, but he will try
to repeat the performance. As he does, click and treat and shape the
behavior until he is standing at your side.
When he stands or sits for a few moments in heel position, click
and treat. Use a one-word cue such as “Place” or “Heel” to mean
heel position. Practice putting your dog in the heel position and
click and treat when he stands or sits straight in that position.
When your Golden knows the heel position, you can teach
him to heel. Your Golden should be sitting in heel position with
his training collar and leash on. Have a treat in your left hand. Say
“Rusty, Heel!” and start walking, putting your left foot forward first.
If your dog starts to forge ahead or lag behind, get his attention by
showing him the treat and lure him into the correct position. Click
and treat when he is in the correct position. If he lags because he’s
unsure what to do, pat your leg and encourage him to come beside
Chapter 8: The Golden Rule—Basic Training 123
you. If he forges ahead, stop and wait for him to stop pulling and
go back to the heel position. When he does, click and treat.
When you stop, have him sit in the heel position and click and
treat. When you start again, always start by moving the left foot for-
ward first. Dogs see the left leg movement before the right. Also, it
becomes another signal to your Golden that he is to move with you.
Out Command
You can tell your Golden when to go to the door to go outside by
associating the word “out” with the action. When you walk your
Golden or let him outside in the backyard, simply say “Out!” It
won’t take long before he learns what “Out” means.
“Bed” Command
Bed is another command most
Goldens learn by association. Retriever Rewards
When you tell your Golden to go Play with your
Golden after each
to his “bed” or “crate,” he learns
training session. The play will be
quickly what his bed is. You can a reward, and both you and
easily teach your Golden to go your Golden will look forward
into his crate by tossing a treat to a little fun afterwards.
into it and telling him “Bed.”
9
Tricky Goldens—
Teaching Tricks
In This Chapter
≠ Understand why trick training isn’t just frivolous
≠ Learn how to teach your Golden to shake hands, speak, take a
bow, fetch, roll over, wave goodbye, kiss, and beg
≠ Learn how to make up your own fun tricks
≠ Learn how to use the clicker to trick train
≠ Learn how to identify a behavior and make it into a trick
“Oh sure, your dog can sit, but does he know any tricks?” No
doubt your friends have asked you that question. All obedience and
no play makes for a dull Golden. But tricks aren’t just fun—they
focus your Golden Retriever on learning from you.
In this chapter, you’ll learn how to teach your Golden tricks.
You’ll also learn how to make up your own tricks and have fun with
your Golden.
128 Part 3: Dog Training 101
Teaching Tricks
If you’re a serious person, tricks may seem like a frivolous waste
of time. After all, tricks don’t teach your Golden how to come or
housetrain him, so what’s the use when your Golden still isn’t sitting
100 percent of the time?
Tricks accomplish several things. First and foremost, they teach
your Golden to pay attention to you. They teach him how to learn
while doing something silly or fun. Tricks are an easy way to instill
confidence in your Golden Retriever as well. If he doesn’t quite get
a trick, no biggie—you can teach him something else. Last, it’ll give
you something to show off the
next time your friends ask whether
Golden Glossary your Golden knows any tricks.
Mark To designate a
behavior as desirable. Teaching tricks is relatively
easy. In Chapters 7 and 8, I
showed you how to train using a
clicker and target stick. You’ll be
Retriever Rewards using them for trick training, too,
Your Golden may not
because clicker training marks a
figure out what you
want from her when teaching a behavior almost immediately.
trick. If she doesn’t quite get it, The best way to teach a trick is
try breaking the trick down into
simple components or try an-
to wait until your dog exhibits the
other way to get her to do the behavior you’re looking for. For
trick. example, if your Golden does a
cute roll onto his back, you can
click and treat him for that.
Shake Hands
Shake Hands or “paw” is one of the easiest tricks for your Golden to
learn. If your Golden knows “Touch it” or “Paw it” with a clicker
(explained in Chapter 8), hold out your hand and tell him “Touch it”
or “Paw it.” When your Golden raises his paw to touch, grasp his
paw, click and treat, and then release his paw. Do this a few times
until he starts giving you his paw by himself. Continue to click and
treat. Now, give him a cue word, such as “shake hands” or “paw.”
(Be careful not to use the same word for a different command.)
Click and treat when he gives you a paw after you use the cue word.
Continue until he’s consistent.
No Biscuit!
Before you teach your dog to do something, make sure you’re
not teaching him anything dangerous or obnoxious. Your buddies might
think it’s cool that your Golden brought you a cold one from the fridge, but
you’ve just taught your Golden how to open the refrigerator, where all sorts
of good foods wait for raiding afterward. Teaching a dog to dial 911 isn’t
a great idea either—especially when your Golden starts dialing foreign
countries or summons the police for the third time on a Saturday night.
Take a Bow
A fun trick you can teach your dog is to take a bow. You can click
and treat when he does a play bow, or you can use the target stick to
lure him into the position. Start by moving the target stick just low
enough so your dog must lower his head to touch it. Click and treat.
Continue a few times until he understands he must lower his head to
get the click.
Now, lower the target stick and bring it toward him so that he
has to lower his front end just a bit to touch it. Click and treat. (If
he moves, don’t click—try to get him to lower his front end.) By
shaping his behavior a little at a time, you can get him to play bow.
Next, add a cue word such as “Bow.” Click and treat for each
bow your Golden takes.
Retriever Rewards
One way to get your Golden interested in an object is to
smear peanut butter on it. Although a few dogs hate peanut
butter (they’re space aliens—I know, I own one!), most love it and will
go to great lengths to carry something in their mouths with peanut but-
ter on it. (Use canned cheese product, such as Cheese Wiz®, for the
mutants.) Just be sure the item can’t be chewed up and swallowed.
and treats. Practice this a few times, and you’ll be having your dog
take a bow in no time.
Fetch Something
Your Golden probably knows how to fetch. (He is, after all, a Re-
triever.) But if you haven’t taught your Golden to fetch something,
you can try with either positive training or the clicker. Find a toy or
item you want your Golden to fetch. Try a Frisbee® or a tennis ball.
Show your Golden Retriever the toy and get him interested in it. If
it’s the tennis ball, try bouncing it along the ground and see whether
he runs after it. Give him praise or click and treat when he pays
attention to it. For a Frisbee, you can use special soft, flying discs
made for dogs. Try rolling one along the ground or putting food in
it. Praise him or click and treat whenever he shows interest. Let him
play with it for a while.
© Joe Johnson
Now toss the toy a short distance. If your Golden has been
enjoying the toy, he’ll go after it. (If he doesn’t, bring him over to
132 Part 3: Dog Training 101
the toy and play with him and the toy a bit before trying to toss it
again.) After he picks it up, call him to you. Click and treat or praise
him when he comes with the toy. If he drops the toy before he
comes to you, go with him to get
the toy and then tease him with
Retriever Rewards
the toy so he takes it.
Good toys for fetch-
ing include: When your Golden brings
≠ Tennis balls you the toy, offer a trade with a
≠ Rope toys yummy treat, so you’re not play-
ing tug-of-war or making him feel
≠ Frisbees or flying discs
like he must guard it. Then, after
≠ Stuffed toys he gives you the toy, play with
≠ Hard rubber toys him a bit and toss it again. Add
the word “Fetch,” and he’ll be
fetching in no time.
© Marilyn Eudaly
Roll Over
Most dogs roll over for a tummy rub. If your Golden likes his tummy
rubbed, you can pair it with the words “Roll Over,” and he’ll start
doing it in no time.
You can also click and treat when you catch your Golden rolling
over. She may be surprised and try it again, or you may have to wait
until the next time she does it.
Another method you can try is to have your Golden lie down and
use a target stick. Now tell her to “Nose it” and move the stick so
that she will have to roll over to follow it. Click and treat. Do this
several times. Add the cue words “Roll Over” when she is rolling
over, and then slowly fade the target stick.
Wave Good-Bye
This is a silly trick, but it’s a big hit, nonetheless. Hold the target
stick a bit higher than you might to get your dog to paw something
and tell your Golden to “Paw it.” Click and treat. Do this a few times
and raise the target stick to a point where your Golden has to raise
his paw. Click and treat each time.
When you have the wave at a high enough level, substitute the
cue word “Wave.” Click and treat each time. Practice several times
so your Golden knows what “Wave” means. Then start fading the
target stick.
Beg
You can practice Beg with a lure. Start with a treat and hold it over
your Golden’s nose. See whether he’ll raise himself up into begging
position. Click and treat (or praise him and give him the tidbit).
Practice this several times and add the word “Beg.” You’ll have a
begging Golden in no time.
dead when you say “Bang!” requires your Golden to do three things:
lie down, roll over on his back, and stay. You must first teach your
Golden how to do each of these things and then put them together
to make them into the full trick.
This is where the clicker comes in handy. Start first with the
easiest trick, maybe Down. Click and treat for a quick down. Then,
as your Golden drops down, add Roll Over. In this way, you’re
chaining two behaviors together. Last, have your Golden belly up
until you release him. Put the cue word “Bang!” with the chain of
behaviors, and you’ve now got a theatrical performance.
Recalcitrant Retrievers
In This Chapter
≠ Correcting bad behavior before it gets out of hand
≠ Dealing with chewing and other destructive behavior
≠ Correcting house-soiling, jumping up, digging, excessive
barking, and aggression
≠ Stopping the escape artist
≠ Separation anxiety
≠ Fear of thunder and other loud noises
One look at the local shelter will confirm that most dogs are
relinquished between the ages of six months and two years. Many
times, the puppy is no longer considered cute and has a behavior
problem their owners are unwilling or unable to change.
In this chapter, I discuss how good Golden Retrievers go bad
and what you can do to prevent it. If you’re already at the stage
where you’re having problems, I’ll recommend practical solutions
to the most common bad behaviors.
138 Part 3: Dog Training 101
every time—not just once or twice—or else your Golden will con-
tinue to be rewarded for bad behavior.
The behavior doesn’t change overnight, so expect a new routine.
If that means you must have your Golden in the crate while you
can’t watch him, then do it. But you will also have to add exercise to
his daily regimen to make up for the idle time.
You need to establish yourself as a benevolent leader—one
whom your Golden can look to for guidance. To do this, make your-
self into someone your Golden respects. See if you know the “rules
of the road” when it comes to being your Golden’s owner:
≠ Don’t yell, scream, or hit your Golden. You don’t respect
someone who does that to you; neither does your Golden.
≠ Don’t play tug-of-war. It makes you an equal to your dog.
≠ Only give commands you can enforce. If you can’t enforce a
command, don’t give it; otherwise it makes you look weak.
≠ Have your Golden earn his food and treats. No begging
allowed and no treats unless they’re earned. Have him perform
a trick or a command before giving him any food or snack.
≠ Don’t let your Golden sleep in your bed. You will look like
littermates.
≠ Don’t allow your Golden to mouth you or pull on you.
Goldens are naturally mouthy, but mouthing turns into
nipping.
≠ Don’t allow your Golden on the furniture if there are behav-
ioral problems.
≠ If you eat dinner at roughly the same time, eat your meal
and then feed your Golden when you’re done.
≠ Enter and leave all doors first. Have your Golden wait to
follow you.
140 Part 3: Dog Training 101
≠ He steals things.
≠ He’s able to unlatch and open doors.
pronounces your Golden healthy, you should always keep the possi-
bility of a health problem in mind in case the vet missed something
unusual or undetectable without extensive tests.
Here is a partial list of behavior problems and possible medical
causes:
≠ Growling or snapping when touched—pain in that part of the
body, abscess, tooth problems, arthritis, hip dysplasia, paneos-
teitis, or other joint problems.
≠ Growling when approaching the food bowl or stealing food
from the counter—ravenously hungry from a medical condi-
tion.
≠ Aggression toward people or dogs—low thyroid, other hor-
mone imbalance, pain, or neurological problem.
≠ Marking or urinating on the floor—urinary tract infection,
kidney problems, or bladder problems.
≠ Chewing inappropriate items or destructive behavior—tooth
problems or teething.
House-Soiling
House-soiling can occur for a variety of reasons, some of which are
medical in nature; others are training issues; and still others are
dominance issues. If your Golden has been housetrained for some
time (no accidents in three months or more) and then starts house-
soiling, suspect a medical cause. Bring him to the vet for a thorough
examination.
If your Golden has accidents where he pees in large quantities or
poops, no medical reason can be detected, and he is inconsistent in
his housetraining (that is, he has not been reliable in three months),
you can safely assume that you have to work on his housetraining
some more. Sometimes you may also have to work on your Golden’s
housetraining after a medical problem. Remember that you can’t
expect a dog to hold it for more than nine hours (and no more than
four hours for a puppy).
Golden Glimmers
Sometimes a medical problem can cause a behavioral problem long
after the medical problem has been fixed. For example, if your
Golden has been house-soiling because of a medical condition, he
might continue to house-soil after the problem has cleared up be-
cause he’s used to doing it. In this case, you must correct the medi-
cal problem and then retrain your Golden.
Trench Warfare—Digging
Digging is a tough habit to break. You can try filling the holes with
your Golden’s poop and cover them with dirt, but this will only keep
your Golden from digging in that spot again. You will then have to
watch your Golden to prevent further digging.
An effective way to interrupt this behavior is to take several pop
cans and put 5 to 10 pennies in them, and then tape them closed so
that they rattle when you shake them. When you catch your Golden
digging, throw a can toward him (don’t hit him!), close enough to
startle him. Say “No dig!” This should surprise him enough to stop
digging.
A few pop cans and your Golden should get the idea. How-
ever, this won’t work if you leave your Golden outside all day while
you’re gone. If you have an area in your yard that can be your
Golden’s kennel run, where you don’t mind a hole or two, that may
be a better solution than the pop can method.
Chapter 10: Recalcitrant Retrievers 147
Retriever Rewards
The spray bottle method is a little more unpleasant than the
pennies-in-a-pop-can method. Fill a squirt bottle with clean
water (you can also use one of those big soaker water guns). When
you catch your Golden barking, squirt him with the water. Most dogs,
even water-loving Retrievers, don’t like getting squirted and soon stop.
dogs dislike the smell and quickly learn to be quiet. However, some
dogs are clever enough to turn their head to avoid the mist, or will
quickly bark several times to empty the canister.
In most cases, barking is a way of expressing boredom. It’s
become a habit, and after started it’s hard to stop. So to stop your
Golden barking, in addition to the methods described previously,
keep him inside at night and during the day when you’re not at home
and spend extra time with him exercising, training, and playing.
It’s Houdini!
Do you constantly have to retrieve your retriever? Most escape-
artist dogs start out by being clever and bored. Combine this with
ineffective barriers, and you’ve got the makings of a Houdini.
Your Golden will continue to break out as long as you continue
to put up ineffective barriers. The trick is to set up a good barrier
the first time after he tries to escape. If your Golden escapes from
the backyard constantly, you may have to build a special dig-proof,
jump-proof, climb-proof kennel and keep your Golden inside in an
escape-proof crate when you are not at home.
Give your Golden something to do during those long hours
alone. A thick marrow bone filled with peanut butter is a fun treat for
your Golden and will give him hours of tasty enjoyment. Giving him
plenty of fun toys and making a small obstacle course—something to
climb in and on—will help relieve some of the boredom.
Raiding Parties
Temptations abound on counters within nose reach. If your Golden is
used to carrying off loot like a Viking raiding party, it’s time to stop
this behavior.
Keep all food out of your Golden’s reach. This may require that
you install child latches on your cabinets and hide your dinner in the
oven or microwave while you leave it unattended.
Chapter 10: Recalcitrant Retrievers 149
Aggression
Aggression is a serious problem. If your Golden has already bitten
someone or if you’re afraid of your Golden, seek professional help
immediately. A dog like this is a liability.
By aggression, I’m not talking about the occasional growl or
play that suddenly turns into a fight. Although those are reasons
for concern, I’m talking about a dog who attacks people or animals
repeatedly and shows no sign of backing down.
Some aggression has medical roots. Pain, seizures, neurological
disorders, and other medical conditions can cause aggression in a
dog. A trip to the vet is in order.
Several types of aggression may be displayed: dominance, fear,
pain, frustration, sexual, guarding, prey, and idiopathic.
≠ Dominance aggression occurs when the dog is trying to assert
his status over another dog or a human. This may be very
aggressive behavior, and the dog may not back down.
≠ Fear aggression occurs when the dog feels it has been put in
a dangerous situation. The dog bites out of fear to get away
from the situation. It’s usually a quick snap or a series of snaps
followed by the dog retreating.
150 Part 3: Dog Training 101
comings and goings by taking short trips out of the house and then
returning.
Some dog owners like to leave the radio or television on for
background noise. If you try this, choose stations with soothing
music or calm voices. Talk radio will often have argumentative
chatter that will only heighten your Golden’s anxiety.
I have CDs that are specially recorded for pets. I honestly don’t
know whether they work or not, but I’ve seen dogs relax to Bach
and other Baroque works. A friend of mine who is a vet recommends
that clients read a boring book into a tape recorder and play the tape
while they’re gone. Sometimes hearing their owner’s voice is all that’s
needed to calm a dog’s fears.
If your Golden continues to display separation anxiety, your vet
can prescribe medications to help.
4 In Sickness
and in Health
No matter how hard you try to care for your Golden Retriever, he
may still get sick. However, you can do plenty of things to keep him
healthy. A good diet with the right nutrition followed by good pre-
ventive care is vital for a healthy and long life.
In Part 4, we examine health issues. You learn about the com-
mon illnesses and injuries Goldens get, as well as congenital and
hereditary problems they face due to their popularity, and what to
do in case of emergency. You’ll learn how to choose the right vet for
you and your Golden Retriever. You’ll also learn how to figure out
whether there’s a problem with your Golden’s health and whether
it’s something you can fix or whether it’s time to visit the vet.
11
Chapter
Nutrition is a hot topic with pet owners. Recently pet owners have
been bombarded with fad diets, raw diets, cooked diets, bone diets, and
natural diets. Should you feed your Golden a commercial dog food, or is
that tantamount to abuse?
In this chapter, you’ll learn about dog foods, whether you should
feed dog foods at all, and what meat by-products really are. You’ll learn
how to spot a good premium brand of dog food and what will work best
for your Golden, depending on his age and activity level. Last, we’ll talk
about pudgy pooches and why you need to keep your Golden trim.
158 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
© Janna Hughes
Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water. This is Kyra.
The good news is that there are commercial foods you can buy
that are good for your Golden. Dog food manufacturers have liter-
ally spent millions of dollars in research to determine the optimum
nutrition for your dog. The dog foods we have today are better than
dog foods 20, 10, or even 5 years ago.
The bad news is that there is still a lot of junk food out there.
This food tends to be cheap and has fillers, sugar, and artificial col-
ors. This food is what you’d normally see priced at a deep discount
when compared to other dog food. This dog food may have an
attractive price but the digestibility of the nutrients is lower when
compared to premium food.
That means you must feed more
Golden Glossary
of a cheaper food to obtain the
Digestibility The per-
same amount of nutrition that a centage of nutrients in a
premium food contains. In other dog food that the dog can use
words, your Golden may have to after it is digested.
eat twice as much or more of a
160 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Golden Glimmers
The words “premium” and “super premium” are tough to define
when it comes to dog food—mostly because the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and AAFCO have no definition concerning pre-
mium food. In fact, “premium” and “super premium” are marketing
words and may not fit the dog food itself.
When I talk about a premium dog food, I mean a food that has
quality ingredients, including a highly digestible protein source, and
has a high digestibility (greater than 80 percent is usable by the
dog). To determine whether the dog food is truly premium, you must
look at the ingredient list and contact the dog food company to find
out what the digestibility is. Premium dog foods will have protein
sources derived from animal products (such as meat, poultry, or fish)
as their first ingredients.
Chapter 11: Food for Thought: Nutrition 161
Retriever Rewards
Follow the guidelines set forth on the dog food’s label for
feeding, then adjust to suit your individual dog. Most dog
foods tend to recommend more than the dog actually needs.
Most dog food labels recommend a daily ration. If your Golden
puppy is under four months old, feed him the daily ration split into
thirds, feeding three times a day. Otherwise, feed him half the ration
twice a day.
≠ If your Golden works (field trials or other hard work), feed him
a premium performance dog food that has approximately a 30
percent protein/20 percent fat by weight content.
≠ If your Golden is a senior (over 8 years), feed him a dog food
that maintains his weight and energy level. Don’t switch him to
a senior type dog food unless he is gaining weight or has some
underlying health problem.
Nutrition Nuggets
Your Golden gets his energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates in
his food. Each of these nutrients is important for a healthy dog.
Let’s take a look at each of them.
164 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient. It provides the building blocks for
muscles, bone, organs, and connective tissue at 4 calories per gram.
It is the main component of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. It
helps with muscle repair, builds and maintains plasma volume and
red blood cells, and increases mitochondrial volume (energy burn-
ers) in working dogs.
The type of protein you feed your dog is important. Dogs are
carnivores and require complete proteins that are difficult to get
from vegetable sources. Good sources of protein include meat
(chicken and poultry included), meat meal, meat by-products, and
meat by-product meals.
The first ingredient in the dog
Golden Glimmers
food you buy should be the pro-
Don’t turn up your nose at tein source, whether it is chicken,
feeding a dog food with by-
by-products, or another meat.
products in it. You might think
that chowing down on lungs, Avoid dog foods with soy or meat
hearts, intestines, and kidneys and bone meal as the first protein
is disgusting, but your Golden source; both soy and bone meal
will love it. What’s more, high- are not as high quality and gener-
quality by-products are a better
ally not as digestible as meat or
by-products.
Fat
Fat is an energy-dense nutrient at 9 calories per gram. High-quality
fat sources include animal fat. Dogs and cats use fats that are com-
monly referred to as Omega-6 long-chained fatty acids. They are
usually a mixture of saturated (solid) and unsaturated (liquid) fats.
Unsaturated fat tends to turn rancid quicker. Typical fat sources
include beef, poultry, and animal fat, which may be a mixture of
pork, beef, lamb, and horse fat. Animal fats tend to be better than
vegetable fats in providing energy.
Chapter 11: Food for Thought: Nutrition 165
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram of energy. Carbohydrates
are useful for fiber and extra energy in your Golden’s diet. In work-
ing dogs, a carbohydrate snack can help refuel a dog’s cells after sus-
tained exercise.
Most dogs benefit from cooked grains that are easier to digest.
Carbohydrates in the form of fiber help keep the colon healthy and
aid in water absorption.
No Biscuit!
Should your Golden be a vegetarian? The answer is no.
Although dogs can and do subsist on vegetarian diets, dogs are designed
to eat meat, not grains. Most vegetarian diets are based on soy protein.
Soy can cause gas and bloating in dogs that are allergic to it. If you want
to be a vegetarian, that’s fine. But feed your dog meat-based dog food.
Proponents’ Statements
Most people who feed raw diets cite a number of reasons why you
shouldn’t feed a commercial diet. Most of the reasons sound good,
166 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Fad Diets
The term “fad diets” conjures up ads that promise you’ll lose 50
pounds in three days—and they’re just about as healthy! Avoid feed-
ing your Golden diets that have strange or unusual ingredients.
Diets that aren’t formulated to meet or surpass AAFCO guidelines
Chapter 11: Food for Thought: Nutrition 169
aren’t complete and balanced and may cause severe nutritional defi-
ciencies.
Retriever Rewards
To teach good eating habits, put down your Golden’s bowl
with his food and set a timer for 10 minutes. At the end of
10 minutes, pick up his food bowl, even if he hasn’t touched it, and
don’t give him his food until his next scheduled meal. After a few
rounds of this, your Golden will learn that feeding time means it’s time
to eat.
Obesity
Obesity is a common problem among Golden Retrievers. It comes
from owners who are heavy-handed with the treats and the dog food
measuring cup and who don’t exercise their Goldens regularly.
Unfortunately, most people’s Goldens are a bit chunky. The
problem with obesity is that it can lead to health problems in your
Golden, just as it can in humans. You can help extend your Golden’s
life by keeping him trim and fit.
12
Choosing a Veterinarian
In This Chapter
≠ All veterinarians are not the same
≠ How to find the best dog doc for you and your Golden
≠ Bringing your Golden to the vet for the first time
≠ Vaccinations
A good vet is worth his weight in gold. Yes, there are many
competent vets are out there, but how do you figure out whether
this vet or that vet is right for you and your Golden?
Just like medical doctors, there are many types of vets, and not
all offer the same services. It’s up to you to determine what you’re
looking for. In this chapter, I discuss veterinarians, the types of prac-
tices and services they offer, and how to find a good one. I’ll tell you
a little about what to expect when you bring your Golden in the
first time, as well.
I’ll also discuss vaccinations—how they work and what vaccina-
tions you should consider. Not all vaccinations are appropriate in all
situations.
174 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Dog Doctors
The most important person in your Golden’s life (after you) should
be his veterinarian. It only makes sense that you find the right vet
for your Golden. Your Golden’s vet can offer guidance on how to
care for your Golden and what to do when he’s sick.
When you look for a vet, he or she should be compatible with
you. This may sound strange, but whether you get along with your
vet will affect whether you’re willing to follow his or her directions.
Because you have a lot of vets to choose from, you can afford to
be picky. Although most vets offer similar services, not all offer the
same services. For example, some vets offer mobile services (they
come to you); others offer emergency services, boarding, grooming,
or other specialized care. When shopping for a vet, consider what
services you’re looking for. Price shouldn’t be the only considera-
tion.
Veterinarians work at a variety of facilities. These include the
following:
≠ Animal hospitals—These hospitals usually employ a large num-
ber of vets and may have specialists. They may have their own
testing facilities that a smaller clinic can’t afford. They may
handle complex surgeries and emergencies that can’t be treated
anywhere else.
≠ Veterinary clinics—Vet clinics may have one to five or more
vets. These clinics have office hours and may or may not han-
dle emergencies.
≠ Emergency clinics—These vet clinics are for emergencies only.
They usually handle after-hours calls and tend to be expensive.
≠ Low-cost clinics—A relatively new type of vet clinic, the pur-
pose behind most low-cost clinics is to provide routine services
(vaccinations, heartworm tests, spay/neuters) at a low price.
Chapter 12: Choosing a Veterinarian 175
Hospital Association for a list of vets in your area. Or you can look
through the telephone directory under veterinarians and make a list
of vets in your area.
After you have a list of vets, call them and ask questions. These
questions will help narrow down your choices for a veterinarian.
These questions have no right or wrong answers. Some questions
may be more important to you than others.
≠ What is the cost for vaccinations, office visits, and other rou-
tine services?
≠ What hours is your clinic open? Do you offer after-hours serv-
ices?
≠ Do you handle emergencies, or are you affiliated with a clinic
that handles emergencies? Are the vets on-call, and do they
have an on-call pager?
≠ Do any of the vets specialize in a particular area such as aller-
gies, neurology, or holistic treatments?
≠ Do you offer an on-site groomer or boarding?
≠ Do you offer a multi-pet discount?
≠ Do you take pet insurance?
≠ Do you make housecalls? Under what circumstances?
≠ How many Golden Retrievers does the vet see?
Find out what the vet’s training is and whether he is familiar with
conditions common to Goldens. If you’re interested in holistic medi-
cine, find out whether the veterinarian uses holistic therapies or is
strictly a conventional vet.
You should have a good feel-
ing about the veterinarian and
the clinic before bringing your Golden Glossary
Golden there. Usually the final Holistic medicine A
type of medicine that
test is when you bring your
incorporates treatments generally
Golden for his first appointment. not found in conventional medi-
Although some dogs won’t get cine such as herbal therapy,
along with any vet, the vet should acupuncture, and chiropractics.
have a gentle and caring manner
toward your Golden.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations will help immunize your Golden against deadly dis-
eases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Some of these dis-
eases, such as rabies and leptospirosis, your Golden can actually
transmit to you and other people (rabies and distemper, among oth-
ers, have a very high to 100 percent mortality rate).
Veterinarians used to vaccinate dogs every year against every dis-
ease for which there was a vaccine. Nowadays, vets are becoming
more cautious about vaccinating because of the chance of adverse
reactions and autoimmune disorders. Some vaccines, like rabies, can
be administered once every three years. Some veterinary colleges
have recommended giving fewer vaccinations.
The problem with not giving vaccinations is that your Golden
might not be protected against diseases. But then, much of whether
you should vaccinate depends on your Golden’s risk of exposure to
the disease. For example, Lyme disease may or may not be a real
issue where you live, and unless you’re planning on traveling to
the Rocky Mountains or your
Golden Glimmers Golden drinks from streams, a
What about holistic vaccines giardia vaccination might not
or nosodes? Nosodes are the be appropriate.
holistic version of vaccines.
Nosodes are not FDA ap- Follow your vet’s advice con-
proved for preventing any dis- cerning vaccines. If your Golden
ease, and there is no scientific is constantly exposed to other
evidence to show that they dogs in a dog show or hunting
work.
environment, then perhaps more
vaccinations are in order.
Chapter 12: Choosing a Veterinarian 179
When to Vaccinate
Puppies receive maternal antibodies through their mother’s
colostrum—milk produced during the 24 hours after the puppies
are born. These antibodies protect the puppy for several weeks.
Some time after the fifth week, these antibodies fade, leaving the
puppy vulnerable to disease.
Vets usually vaccinate puppies several times—it does no good to
vaccinate a puppy before the maternal antibodies fade because the
antibodies will override the body’s immune response to the vaccine.
Unfortunately, we don’t know when these antibodies go away—
the time varies from puppy to puppy—so vets try to vaccinate the
puppy after the antibodies fade and before the puppy is exposed to
diseases.
Available Vaccinations
Does your Golden need to be immunized against everything? Not
necessarily. You should definitely vaccinate your Golden against
diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, and distemper, but the degree
of risk should dictate whether you need to vaccinate your Golden
against kennel cough, leptospirosis, giardia, and Lyme disease. Talk
with your veterinarian about these vaccines and whether your
Golden is at high risk.
No Biscuit!
Is your Golden at high risk to contract certain diseases? It
depends. If you show your Golden, enter him in field trials, board him, or
otherwise expose him to a large number of dogs, then yes, your Golden is
at greater risk of contracting certain types of diseases. Likewise, if you do
a lot of outdoor training in certain areas, your Golden may be at risk of
contracting giardia and Lyme disease.
The best thing to do is talk with your vet. He or she can recommend a vac-
cination regimen that will best protect your pet.
180 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Your veterinarian has vaccines that will protect against the fol-
lowing diseases:
≠ Rabies—This disease is caused by a virus and is nearly 100 per-
cent fatal. Two types of rabies exist: dumb (paralytic) and furi-
ous. Both types affect the central nervous system. In dumb
rabies, the dog’s throat becomes paralyzed, causing excessive
salivation (drooling) and inability to swallow. Furious rabies is
the classic “mad dog” form, in which the dog becomes vicious
and attacks anything. Furious rabies eventually progresses to
the paralytic stage, and death follows within a few days.
Rabies is contagious to humans and is transmitted through the
dog’s saliva—either through a bite or through wounds in the
skin. The incubation period varies considerably: anywhere
from three weeks to three months or more.
≠ Canine Distemper (CDV)—This disease is nearly always fatal.
Distemper starts with a yellow-gray discharge from the nose
and eyes, high temperature, dry cough, and lethargy. It may
progress to appetite loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. Distemper
may affect the intestinal tract or may attack the nervous system,
causing seizures and convulsions. Some dogs may have harden-
ing of the pads, hence the name “hardpad disease.”
Distemper is highly contagious among dogs and may be trans-
mitted through the air, on shoes, or on clothing. Its incubation
period is about 3–6 days.
≠ Canine Adenovirus 2 (CA 2)—Canine Adenovirus 2 is a form of
kennel cough. Dogs who contract kennel cough have a harsh,
dry cough and may sound like they are gagging. Unless the dog
is very old or young, kennel cough is more of a nuisance than a
danger.
It is highly infectious and is transmitted through the air. The
incubation period is between 5 and 10 days.
Chapter 12: Choosing a Veterinarian 181
13
Inside and Out:
The Battle of the Bugs
In This Chapter
≠ Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms,
and heartworms
≠ Giardia and Coccidia—two nasty internal parasites
≠ Fleas and ticks
≠ How to rid your home of fleas
≠ Tick-borne diseases
≠ Mites
Bugged out? Your Golden will be if you don’t prevent fleas, ticks,
and mites. But that’s half the story—there are other icky creatures
that can infect your Golden’s insides, like roundworms, hookworms,
and heartworms.
In this chapter, I cover internal and external parasites: What they
do, how they affect your Golden’s health, and how to prevent them.
186 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Roundworms
Roundworms (Toxocara canis) are the most common worms. Puppies
frequently contract roundworms from their mothers. If your
Chapter 13: Inside and Out: The Battle of the Bugs 187
Golden’s mother has ever had roundworms during her life, your
puppy has probably contracted them. Roundworms lie dormant
in a female dog’s body and start migrating to the puppies when
she becomes pregnant. The female can further infect her puppies
through her milk. Other avenues for transmission include fecal
matter. Contracting roundworms is not a statement of the breeder’s
care. However, the breeder should deworm the puppies.
Roundworm infestation can be serious in puppies and in old
and debilitated dogs. If your Golden has roundworms, they are
benefiting from food intended for your Golden.
If he is infested with roundworms, your Golden may have a pot-
belly, lose weight, and have a poor-quality coat. Other signs include
vomiting, diarrhea, and a garlic odor to the breath. Take your puppy
and a fecal sample to the vet. Roundworms can kill a puppy.
No Biscuit!
About 10,000 cases of roundworm infection are reported in
humans each year. (The exact number isn’t known, because not all cases
are reported or diagnosed.) Roundworm can be serious in children, caus-
ing blindness. Roundworm is contracted by handling dirt or fecal material
and not washing one’s hands. This is why it’s important to teach children to
wash after playing in dirt.
Hookworms
Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) are smaller than roundworms and
feed off your Golden’s blood in the small intestine. These worms
infest your Golden by penetrating the skin or through the dam’s
milk.
Serious infestations can be life-threatening and can cause severe
anemia. Diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy are also signs of hook-
worm infestation.
188 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Tapeworms
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) are long, flat worms that may infest
your Golden’s intestines. These worms may break off and be excreted
in your Golden’s poop. They look like grains of rice in the poop or
around the dog’s anus.
Fleas commonly carry tapeworm. Your Golden may swallow a
flea, thus becoming infested. Other modes of transmission include
raw game meat. Some dogs catch and eat mice or other rodents,
which carry tapeworm.
Whipworms
Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) are difficult to diagnose because they
don’t always produce eggs in fecal matter. These worms feed on
blood in the large intestine. Like hookworms, they can be serious and
cause severe anemia. Dogs become infested by eating something in
contaminated soil.
Heartworms
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is an internal parasite that can kill
your Golden Retriever. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. Most states
within the continental United States have the heartworm parasite,
although it is less prevalent in the
Retriever Rewards western states.
It is less expensive Regardless of where you live,
and risky to prevent
have your Golden tested for heart-
heartworms than to treat an
infestation. Areas with cold cli- worm once a year and put on a
mates require six months of heartworm preventive. Heartworm
heartworm preventive. In warmer treatment is almost as dangerous as
areas, the dog must be on heart- the worms themselves, but prevent-
worm preventive year-round.
ing them is easy. In many areas,
Chapter 13: Inside and Out: The Battle of the Bugs 189
Preventives
Several different heartworm preventives are available, including
some that help control other worms. Most veterinarians now pre-
scribe monthly heartworm preventives, although a few daily preven-
tives are available. Do not use the daily preventives, as they are less
effective than the monthly preventives if administered incorrectly.
Heartworm preventives include the following:
≠ Heartgard (Ivermectin)—This is the oldest form of monthly
heartworm preventive. Heartgard Plus has pyrantel pamoate to
control roundworms and hookworms. Some dogs are sensitive
to Ivermectin, but this sensitivity is rare.
≠ Interceptor (Milbemycin) and Sentinel (Milbemycin and
Lufenuron)—Interceptor controls heartworm as well as hook-
worms, roundworms, and whipworms in a monthly preventive.
Sentinel also controls fleas.
190 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Giardia
Giardia is a microscopic organism that can cause extreme diarrhea
and vomiting. Dogs can pick up giardia by drinking water from
streams and lakes or other contaminated sources. You can contract
giardia from the same source or if you fail to wash your hands after
cleaning up after your infected Golden.
Giardia symptoms can be mild to extreme. They can be chronic
and may reoccur even after treatment. Only your vet can prescribe
medications that will cure giardia.
No Biscuit!
Don’t drink the water in small mountain towns in the Rocky
Mountains; drink bottled water instead. Many don’t adequately screen for
giardia and people with no exposure may find themselves with a nasty
case. I’ve had dogs get giardia from water from contaminated wells.
When they have it, you know it! Also be careful with coffee and tea—
most aren’t heated sufficiently to kill giardia.
Chapter 13: Inside and Out: The Battle of the Bugs 191
Coccidia
Coccidia are microscopic parasites that frequently affect puppies in
crowded puppy mill conditions. Occasionally puppies from rep-
utable breeders may contract them if a dog with coccidia comes in
contact with the puppies. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication
to treat coccidia.
To prevent reoccurrences of coccidia, use an ammonia-based
cleaner. Clean up all places where your Golden has defecated with
Pine-Sol® or a similar cleaner.
Fleas
Fleas thrive in all climates except the very cold, the very dry, and
high altitudes. If you live in one of these climates, you’re probably
feeling smug right now. If you don’t, you’re probably looking at a
map to find such a place. Fleas are horrible critters and are hard to
get rid of after you have them.
If you suspect an infestation, search for fleas on your Golden
around his belly and groin area, at the base of his tail, and around
his ears. A common sign of fleas are deposits of tiny black flea feces
that turn red when wet.
and you can contract it, too. Fleas carry other diseases, too, so don’t
consider them just a nuisance.
Declaring War
When you find fleas, the best thing is to contact your vet for recom-
mendations. Your vet will recommend products based on your cli-
mate and your Golden’s age and health. He will also recommend
products that are safe to use to-
gether. Be careful about mixing
Retriever Rewards products and always read the label.
One vet I know rec-
ommends Preventic™ If you find fleas on your
tick collars to prevent ticks from Golden, you’re guaranteed to have
attaching to dogs. It is very a flea infestation in your home.
effective against ticks, but not
against fleas. As with any collar, You’ll have to vacuum all carpets
it can be poisonous if your and furniture—anywhere fleas
Golden chews and swallows it. hide. Don’t forget to treat your
car interior as well!
No Biscuit!
Recently some prescription flea medications and systemics
have been counterfeited. These counterfeit products may not have the
same ingredients as the real products and may be dangerous to your
Golden. To avoid counterfeit products, buy your flea medications from
your vet.
Over-the-Counter Weapons
Be extremely careful when working with insecticides. These are
poisons and can harm your dog. Some medications and wormers
may react with certain pesticides, so it is important to be certain
that what you are using will not interact with other pesticides or
medications. Contact your veterinarian or your local poison control
center concerning their safety.
Many manufacturers make flea control products that are in-
tended to work together as a complete solution. When looking for
a flea control system, get one that will work in your home, in your
yard, and on your dog.
Ticks
Ticks are nasty relatives of the spider. If your Golden has been out-
side for any period of time or has run through deep underbrush, you
should check him for ticks.
194 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks carry a variety of diseases including Lyme disease, Canine
Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These
diseases can greatly affect your Golden’s health or may even be fatal.
Your vet can test for tick diseases through a blood test and can treat
them with medications. If your Golden tests positive for a tick-
borne disease, you may want to consider having your own doctor
test you for the same disease. In rare instances, contact with your
dog’s bodily fluids may transmit these diseases to you.
≠ Lyme disease—Common signs of Lyme disease are lameness
and fever. A dog with Lyme disease may lack appetite, be
unusually tired, and have swelling of the lymph nodes. The dog
may have bouts of unexplained lameness that may become
chronic.
≠ Canine Ehrlichiosis—Common signs of Canine Ehrlichiosis
are fever, discharge from the eyes and nose, and swollen limbs
(edema). A dog with Canine Ehrlichiosis may lack appetite, be
unusually tired, and have swelling of the lymph nodes.
≠ Babesiosis—Common signs of Babesiosis include fever,
lethargy, and lack of appetite.
≠ Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)—Common signs
of RMSF are high fever, abdominal pain, coughing, lack of
appetite, lethargy, swelling of face or limbs, depression,
vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain.
grasp the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible with the tweezers
and gently pull. Don’t try to pull the tick out if it resists—you may
leave portions of the tick embedded in your dog, which may become
infected. Wait for the tick to drop off and dispose of it by sealing it
in a jar with some bleach or ammonia.
Mites
Mites are microscopic arachnids, related to ticks and spiders. There
are several types of mites, including those that cause sarcoptic and
demodectic mange and those that enter the ears and cause infection.
Ear Mites
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) will make your Golden miserable. If your
Golden has reddish-brown earwax, he may have ear mites, especially
if he scratches or shakes his head frequently. Those floppy ears are
great for mites and bacterial infections, so it’s important to keep
your Golden’s ears clean.
Don’t try to treat ear mites with over-the-counter solutions,
because your Golden may already have a secondary infection. Your
vet will clean out the reddish-brown gunk and give you ear drops
to kill the mites and handle any infections.
Mange Mites
Two types of mites cause mange. Demodectic (Demodex canis) mites
feed primarily on the cells of hair follicles. Mange appears as dry,
scaly red skin, with hair loss, mostly around the face. Demodectic
mange exists on all dogs, but the severe reaction is thought to be
triggered by a depressed immune system. Most of the time, localized
demodectic mange clears up on its own. If it is generalized or
doesn’t clear up, it’s hard to treat.
196 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Healthy Choices—
Preventive Care
In This Chapter
≠ Learn why spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever is a
good idea
≠ Give your dog a weekly health check
≠ Brushing your Golden’s teeth keeps the doggy dentist away
≠ Learn how to clean your Golden’s ears, keep his toenails short,
and keep his anal sacs clear
≠ Grooming your Golden doesn’t have to be a chore
≠ Don’t struggle with your dog when you give medications
Golden Glimmers
How do purebred dogs become unwanted? One of the reasons is
that so many backyard breeders and puppy mills are producing
puppies and selling them to whoever will buy. They don’t screen
their buyers, and they don’t take back their dogs. They see that
Goldens are popular and breed more of them. These dogs may
have health and temperament problems, or they may end up in a
shelter when the owners decide the dog is inconvenient.
Retriever Rewards
Many humane societies offer coupons for low-cost spays
and neuters. Two organizations, Spay USA and Friends of
Animals, offer low-cost spays and neuters where prices depend on
region or work with veterinarian to help reduce the cost. Contact
Spay USA at www.spayusa.org or (800) 248-SPAY, or Friends of
Animals at www.friendsofanimals.org or (800) 321-PETS.
Chapter 14: Healthy Choices—Preventive Care 201
one side, check the other side to see whether it’s normal. For exam-
ple, if you feel a lump on the right elbow, check the left elbow in the
same place. If there is a similar lump there, you can safely discount
the lumps as normal.
≠ Eyes—Your Golden’s eyes should be clear and bright without
excessive or pus-like discharge. No redness or tearing.
≠ Nose—Your Golden’s nose should be cool to the touch and
moist. Hot and dry may indicate a fever. There should be no
discharge or blood.
≠ Ears—Your Golden’s ears should be clean and sweet smelling.
Any foul odor or excessive buildup of wax indicates a possible
ear problem.
≠ Mouth—Your Golden’s teeth should be white and clean, with-
out tartar buildup. The gums should be a healthy pink, not red.
Your Golden’s breath should not be foul smelling—if it is, it
may suggest tooth or gum problems.
≠ Legs—Feel down your Golden’s legs to check for any lumps or
bumps. Inspect the footpads for cuts and foreign objects such
as grass seeds and foxtails. Look at the toenails—they shouldn’t
be red or broken. Move the legs slowly and gently to check for
full range of motion. There should be no clicks or pops.
≠ Skin and fur—Are there any sores, bald patches, or red areas
on the skin? Is the skin dry or flaky? Are there dark grains
through the fur that turn red when wet (a sign of fleas)?
≠ Tail—Is the tail healthy looking or hanging limp? Has your
Golden been chewing on it?
≠ Sexual organs—Is there
Retriever Rewards
discharge from the vagina
Examine your
or penis? In intact female
Golden thoroughly at
least once a week to spot possi- dogs, discharge is normal
ble health problems. only during estrus.
Chapter 14: Healthy Choices—Preventive Care 203
Golden Glimmers
The condition of a dog’s teeth largely depends on genetics and diet.
I’ve seen dogs with horrible-looking teeth improve dramatically once
they were put on a premium diet. I’ve seen other dogs who, despite a
premium diet, had thin enamel and bad teeth. You can still make a dif-
ference in the health of your Golden’s teeth by brushing them regularly.
204 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
the ear canal. Now, take sterile gauze or sponges and gently wipe
out the excess solution. Never stick a cotton ball, swab, or anything
else down your dog’s ear canal.
portion. Otherwise, nibble away the nail no more than 1/4 inch. If you
cut into the quick, your Golden will let you know in no uncertain
terms—and won’t want you near his paws again! He’ll also bleed
profusely.
Clip your Golden’s nails once a week to prevent them from over-
growing and breaking (which can be painful). Use a dog nail clipper
(either a guillotine or scissors action), and trim back the nail by snip-
ping off a small portion at a time. If the nail feels spongy or hard to
cut, stop immediately. You can use a nail grinder, which will help file
away the nail instead. Some dogs handle the nail grinder better than
the clippers.
Have styptic powder or sodium nitrate on hand, in case you
do cut the quick. Packing the nail with styptic powder will stop
the bleeding. You can buy styptic powder at pet supply stores or
through pet supply catalogues. In a pinch, cornstarch will also do.
A Golden’s Coat
Okay, now that you’re forewarned, you should brush your Golden a
minimum of once a week—three times or more if she gets dirty or is
seasonally shedding. Some Goldens shed twice a year; most shed
year-round in warmer climates. And that beautiful golden red fur
mats easily if you don’t brush and comb frequently.
When your Golden sheds, she’ll normally shed out her under-
coat, the downy inside layer that keeps her warm. You’ll often see the
undercoat come out in tufts between the harsher topcoat or guard
hairs. Use an undercoat rake, a wire slicker brush, and a long comb
to get out the dead hair. Undercoat rakes look like long combs that
may have serrated teeth. They have a wooden or plastic handle that
enables you to rake through the coat. A wire slicker brush has a han-
dle like the rake and a flat rectan-
gular or square head with dozens Golden Glossary
or hundreds of fine wires that trap Mat A clump of tan-
the loose fur as you comb it. A gled fur that may or may
not have a foreign object
long comb is just that—a metal
in it.
comb with long teeth.
≠ Grooming table (This will save your back, because you won’t
have to bend over.)
≠ Shampoo and conditioner for dogs
≠ Nail clippers and styptic powder
≠ Blow dryer for dogs (Don’t use human hair dryers, as they are
hot and can burn your Golden’s skin and hair.)
Baths
You usually don’t need to bathe your Golden unless he is dirty or
has been swimming. If your Golden swims in a pool, the chlorine
can damage his coat if it’s not rinsed out. Saltwater may also damage
a coat.
Dog shampoos and rinses are
Retriever Rewards specially balanced for your dog’s
One way to facilitate skin, so don’t be afraid to use
the shedding process them. Don’t use human shampoos,
is to give your Golden a warm
bath when she starts shedding. Be
because they are formulated for
sure to use a drain guard so that humans, not dogs, and will strip
you don’t have to call the plumber the oils from your Golden’s coat.
afterward to unclog the pipes.
When you give your Golden
a bath, do so in a warm place, away
from drafts. Comb and brush your
Retriever Rewards Golden first to remove excess dirt
A recent phenomenon and hair. Then, soak your Golden
is do-it-yourself dog with tepid water, lather him up,
washes. These facilities provide and rinse well. Apply a conditioner,
the grooming-style tubs, water,
if desired, and rinse thoroughly.
soaps, towels, grooming tables,
and blow dryers, making bathing Always rinse your Golden until the
your Golden a breeze and keep- water runs clean—excessive soap
ing the mess out of your home! attracts dirt and may irritate your
Golden’s skin.
Chapter 14: Healthy Choices—Preventive Care 209
© Teresa Bullard
An outdoor bath is okay, if it’s warm. This is Ginger
and her owner, Steven Bullard.
© Carolyn Risdon
Golden Glimmers
If you can’t find time to groom your Golden, consider using a profes-
sional groomer. Don’t wait until his fur is matted or he’s filthy—a visit
once a month can keep your Golden glowing.
You can find a good professional groomer by asking your veterinar-
ian or friends with dogs. Sometimes a vet will have an on-site
groomer who works at his clinic.
Giving Medications
Occasionally, your vet may ask you to administer medications to
your Golden. The most frequent are pills, but occasionally you
may have to give liquids.
It helps if your Golden is comfortable with you handling his
mouth. Start at an early age to get him used to you touching his
mouth. (Brushing his teeth is an ideal time for this.) When your
Golden is used to you touching his mouth, giving medications is
less stressful.
Pill Popping
People seem to have a hard time giving pills to dogs. The truth is,
practice makes perfect. Most dogs will swallow a pill readily if you
open their mouths, pop the pill into the back of the mouth, and
close their jaws with their head tilted upward. You can blow a small
puff of air into your Golden’s nose, and it will cause him to swallow.
Stroking the underside of the throat helps too. Some pet owners use
a little device called a pet piller. It does the same thing, only a little
more accurately. If your aim to the back of the throat is lousy, try
one.
If you can’t get the hang of this, try sticking the pill in a wad of
peanut butter. Most dogs love peanut butter; it sticks to the roof of
their mouth—which provides hours of entertainment for you—and
Chapter 14: Healthy Choices—Preventive Care 211
gets the pill down without a fuss. An alternative is to hide the pill
in a piece of hotdog or some other treat. If the pill can be ground
up (some can’t—check with your vet), try mixing it with one of his
meals. Check with your vet to make sure the medication can be
given with food. Of course there are those dogs who are so clever
that they eat around the pill, so you’ll have to watch for that.
Liquid Medications
Liquid medications are fairly easy to administer. Ask your vet for an
oral syringe (a plastic tube with a plunger but no needle) with the
amount marked on the syringe in permanent marker. Fill the syringe
and then pull your Golden’s lower lip out, near where it joins the
upper lip, to form a pouch. Squirt the medication gently into the
pouch, release it and tilt your Golden’s head back. If the dose is a
large amount, give it in small portions and allow your Golden to
swallow in between administering the portions.
Illnesses, Hereditary
Ailments, and Emergencies
In This Chapter
≠ Learn what congenital and hereditary diseases affect your
Golden
≠ Learn about common illnesses and injuries
≠ Learn how to treat many common problems
≠ Learn how to deal with skunk odor
≠ How to assemble a first aid kit
≠ How to handle emergencies
Goldens are the second most popular of the AKC breeds. Unfor-
tunately, with their popularity also comes hereditary diseases. In this
chapter, you’ll learn about the most common hereditary diseases found
in Goldens.
214 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
You’ll also learn what diseases and ailments are common in dogs
and how to recognize and treat them. Some you can treat; others
require a vet’s assistance. Finally, we’ll take a look at first aid kits and
emergencies.
Allergies
Ah-choo! We all think of hay fever when we talk about allergies.
You might be surprised to hear that dogs get it, too. Goldens suffer
from an extraordinary number of allergies, some severe. Most are
hereditary. Your Golden can suffer from contact allergies—external
exposure to irritants and to food. Flea allergy dermatitis is also
prevalent in the breed. Most allergic Goldens have low thyroid
(hypothyroid), which complicates matters.
Some contact allergies are apparent; some aren’t as easy to diag-
nose. For example, if your Golden’s skin looks irritated and is itchy
after using a particular shampoo, you might guess that the dog is
allergic to a chemical in that shampoo. However, you might not
know why your dog’s nose and face are swollen and irritated. Many
Chapter 15: Common Golden Retriever Illnesses, Hereditary Ailments, and Emergencies 215
dogs are allergic to plastic or rubber and may react to their plastic
food bowls. Most contact allergy diagnoses are based on the owners’
observations. You may have to have your vet screen your Golden for
possible allergens and go from there. Because allergies are hereditary
in Goldens, you will want to make sure that the breeder of your
Golden has screened for them.
Food allergies usually manifest as skin or stomach disorders.
Dogs can be allergic to certain ingredients in their food such as corn
or wheat, or the protein source, such as beef, soy, or lamb. These
types of allergies manifest with digestive upsets and skin problems.
Dietary allergies are a bit tricky to diagnose. Your vet will recom-
mend a hypoallergenic diet for several weeks. This diet usually has a
novel protein source—that is, a protein source that dogs generally
don’t eat such as fish, venison, or even kangaroo meat. It may have
an unusual carbohydrate source too, such as potatoes. After your
Golden is on this diet several weeks, you add the potential problem
ingredients to determine what the allergy is. Some dog owners are
so relieved to have their dogs free from the allergy that they keep
them on the hypoallergenic diet.
Inhalation allergies tend to be less common than other allergies
in pets. They usually show up as a respiratory ailment (sneezing,
coughing, or running nose) but may show up in other ways. Your vet-
erinarian will have to determine the cause of the inhalation allergy.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is usually hereditary in dogs and quite prevalent in some
lines. Idiopathic epilepsy (epilepsy in which the specific cause is not
known) in dogs is similar to epilepsy in humans.
If your Golden is epileptic, your vet will need to perform some
tests to rule out other causes. If the seizures are frequent or become
worse, your vet usually will prescribe a medication to help control
the seizures.
Eye Disease
The Golden’s popularity has unfortunately made him susceptible
to certain hereditary eye problems including Cataracts, Central
Chapter 15: Common Golden Retriever Illnesses, Hereditary Ailments, and Emergencies 217
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is becoming more common in Golden Retrievers.
It occurs when the dog’s thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hor-
mone. Symptoms can include lethargy, dull and dry coat, obesity or
weight gain, and a thinning haircoat. The dog may seek warmer
areas. Hypothyroidism can cause infertility in intact males and
females. It can cause aggression, too, so it’s always important to
check for hypothyroidism if your Golden shows any aggression.
Some forms of hypothyroidism may be hereditary, so it’s inadvis-
able to breed a hypothyroid dog. Your vet can diagnose hypothy-
roidism through a blood test. If your Golden has hypothyroidism,
your veterinarian may prescribe a form of thyroid hormone. OFA
has a relatively new thyroid registry. Breeders should test and regis-
ter their dogs with the OFA.
Retriever Rewards
OFA, CERF, GDC, and PennHIP all offer various genetic data-
bases for hereditary defects such as hip and elbow dyspla-
sia, eye problems, cardiac problems, thyroid problems, and even
epilepsy. If you purchase a Golden puppy, be certain that the breeder
shows you proof that your puppy’s parents have been screened.
must work harder to push more blood through the narrow opening,
causing more problems.
SAS can be difficult to diagnose. The heart murmur, a common
symptom of SAS, may be difficult to detect. The dog may also have
arrhythmias. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose SAS through
either a Doppler echocardiography or cardiac catheterization. The
prognosis for a long, healthy life is poor.
Bad Breath
Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren’t supposed to have bad
breath. Bad breath may indicate a more serious problem such as
an abscessed tooth or gum disease. You can avoid stinky breath
by brushing your Golden’s teeth regularly and feeding him a high-
quality dog food.
If your Golden has bad breath, bring him to the vet for a full
checkup. Your vet may want to clean his teeth at that time.
Broken Toenails
Your Golden may experience cracked or broken toenails, especially
if you allow them to grow too long. Trim the toenail and file off
any rough edges if the toenail has broken below the quick (see
Chapter 14). If the nail is bleeding, you can stop the bleeding with
styptic powder, silver nitrate, or an electric nail cauterizer available
through pet supply mail-order catalogs. You then can paint the nail
with a skin bond agent, which is available from your veterinarian or
through veterinary supply houses.
220 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Foxtails
Foxtails, or grass awns, are seeds from grasslike plants. They have
a sharp, burrowing head with a tail that looks like a fox’s tail (hence
the name). These seeds have a nasty habit of getting into your
Golden’s fur and ears. With each movement, they burrow into the
Golden’s skin.
Check your Golden thor-
Retriever Rewards oughly for burrs and foxtails
Check your Golden after he’s been outside. Check
after every time he’s his ears, too.
been in a field. Foxtails or grass
awns can burrow their way into If you find a partially buried
a dog’s skin and cause danger- foxtail, use tweezers to pull it out
ous abscesses. Foxtails have
and watch for signs of infection.
been known to burrow through
skin into organs. These are Take your dog to the vet if you
nasty seeds that can do a lot of see pus, swelling, or redness
damage. around the site.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are areas of moist dermatitis (skin inflammation) that may
become infected. The symptoms are reddening skin, missing hair,
and oozing woundlike lesions. Allergy, matted fur, or some other
form of irritation frequently causes them. Shave or clip all hair
surrounding the hot spot and clean twice daily with a 10 percent
Betadine/90 percent water solution. If the hot spots are too painful,
Chapter 15: Common Golden Retriever Illnesses, Hereditary Ailments, and Emergencies 223
Incontinence
Incontinence is generally a sign of a more serious problem such as
a bladder or urinary tract infection or bladder stones. Have your vet
examine your dog to determine the cause of incontinence.
Occasionally, spayed female dogs dribble and may require cor-
rective medication.
If your Golden crouches down and urinates when you yell at
him or touch him, it may be a form of submissive urination. This is
a sign that he respects your authority. Some dogs are more submis-
sive than others. Scolding or yelling at your Golden will only aggra-
vate the problem. You can stop this behavior by remaining calm and
224 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
speaking quietly. Pet your Golden under the chin and don’t
act angry. Most dogs who are overly submissive require some
gentle confidence builders such as training and other positive-
reinforcement techniques.
Irritated Eyes
Occasionally, you may see redness in your Golden’s eyes, or they
might be goopy or teary. Dogs don’t cry, so any excessive drainage
is most likely due to an eye infection (conjunctivitis) or injury.
Your vet can determine what type of infection or whether
your Golden’s cornea has been scratched. He will prescribe the
Chapter 15: Common Golden Retriever Illnesses, Hereditary Ailments, and Emergencies 225
Ringworm
Ringworm isn’t a worm, but a fungus. Ringworm causes hair loss,
leaving round patches of scaly skin. It is contagious to humans and
other animals, so use disposable latex gloves when treating it. Use a
mixture of 90 percent water to 10 percent betadine (available from
your veterinarian) to treat the skin. Shampoos and soaps containing
iodine work well.
Your Golden can get ringworm from other animals or from the
soil. After it is in the soil, it is difficult to eradicate. Your veterinar-
ian can prescribe oral medication for chronic or widespread ring-
worm.
Scratching
Excessive scratching is a sign of a potential skin problem. Examine
the area your Golden is scratching. Is the skin irritated and red? Is
your Golden losing hair? Is his skin scaly and flaky? Does he show
signs of infestation (fleas or mites)?
There are a lot of potential problems with scratching. Your
Golden could be suffering from allergies, flea bite dermatitis, hot
spots, or even mange. If his coat is crinkly and dry, it could suggest a
potential thyroid problem such as hypothyroidism. Other problems
might be bizarre, such as zinc responsive dermatosis.
If your Golden isn’t losing hair and is just scratchy, without open
sores, perhaps it’s time for a bath. Some good medicated shampoos
for dogs help relieve scratching. Some dog owners like giving a
cooked egg or a teaspoon of Canola oil once a week to help improve
their dog’s coat.
226 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Seizures
Seizures in dogs stem from a multitude of causes including some
serious diseases such as rabies and distemper, an imbalanced diet,
trauma to the head, brain tumors, epilepsy, hormone imbalance,
environmental causes such as
chemicals, or heatstroke. How-
Golden Glossary ever, there are also idiopathic
Idiopathic A disease seizures, meaning we really don’t
or condition whose know why the seizure occurs. Most
cause is unknown.
dogs with idiopathic seizures may
have a genetic component to them.
Two types of seizures are possible: grand mal and petit mal. With
the grand mal seizure, the dog goes into convulsive fits. He may lose
his bowel and bladder control. He may shake convulsively and whim-
per or cry out. Usually these seizures last a few seconds to less than
five minutes. When the dog comes to, he is usually disoriented.
Petit mal seizures are brief. Sometimes the dog simply blanks out
or spaces out for a few moments. Other times, he may have a sudden
facial expression such as a snarl, or he may fall over. As with a grand
mal seizure, the petit mal will leave the dog disoriented.
In rare instances, a seizure may cluster—that is, continue for
more than a few minutes. In this case, the dog may suffer brain
damage or even death if it is not immediately treated.
I have owned three dogs with epilepsy. It’s disconcerting to see
an epileptic seizure the first time. If your Golden has a seizure, don’t
panic. Take him to your vet after the seizure for a checkup to rule
out other causes. The good news is that just because your dog has a
seizure, it does not mean he will have another. Some dogs have one
seizure and never experience them again.
What causes a dog to have an idiopathic seizure? There are a
number of potential causes. Stress may bring on an epileptic seizure,
Chapter 15: Common Golden Retriever Illnesses, Hereditary Ailments, and Emergencies 227
but some dogs experience seizures only in their sleep. Some dogs
have seizures due to hormonal changes such as estrus (spaying usu-
ally helps those).
If your Golden is diagnosed with idiopathic seizures, your
vet may want to put him on a daily regimen of phenobarbital,
primadone, or potassium bromide.
Skunks
Nothing is much worse than getting skunked. But before you go
and buy out the local supermarket’s stock of tomato juice, save
your money. You’ll just get a stinky pink Golden. Purchase a good
commercial skunk-odor remover or use this do-it-yourself baking
soda/hydrogen peroxide remedy:
≠ 1 quart hydrogen peroxide
≠ 1/4 cup baking soda
≠ 1 teaspoon of shampoo or liquid soap
Wash the dog with this and rinse thoroughly. Don’t get any in
your dog’s eyes. Don’t save any of it in a container—it might
explode.
Health Emergencies
As much care as you take to keep your Golden Retriever safe, emer-
gencies can and do happen. That’s why it’s important to know what
to do.
230 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Broken Bones
Fractures to the head, chest, or back may be life threatening. Use a
stiff board to transport the dog (slide the board under the dog), or
if you can’t find one, hold a blanket taut and lift him on that. Seek
immediate veterinary attention. If your dog has broken his leg, you
can fashion a splint from a stick, a rolled-up piece of stiff cardboard,
or even a rolled-up newspaper. Put the splint alongside the broken
leg and wrap either VetWrap™ or tape around it. Transport your
dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Burns
A severe burn, in which the skin is charred or the underlying tissue
is exposed, requires immediate veterinary attention. You can treat
minor burns over a small area with ice packs or cold water. Don’t
use water on extensive burns, or you may send the dog into shock.
Aloe vera is a good treatment after the burn has blistered.
Chapter 15: Common Golden Retriever Illnesses, Hereditary Ailments, and Emergencies 231
Electrocution
In case of electrocutions, do not touch your dog, or you may also be
electrocuted. Use a wooden broom handle or other nonconductive
232 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
item to unplug the cord or to move your dog away from the source of
the current. Treat as for shock (see “Shock,” later in this chapter) by
maintaining proper body temperature and seek emergency veterinary
treatment. If the dog is not breathing, administer mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation by closing his mouth and breathing into his nose.
Fishhooks
If your Golden has stepped on a fishhook or one has pierced her lips,
bring her to a vet. If no vet is available, you may have to muzzle your
Golden and look for where the barb is. Push the barb through the
skin if necessary to expose it and then snip it off with a pair of wire
cutters. Then remove the hook. Contact your vet; he or she may
want to prescribe antibiotics. Only your veterinarian should remove
swallowed fishhooks and fishhooks that you cannot extract.
Overheating
Overheating can occur on warm days, but also when a dog is in a
confined area or doesn’t get enough air circulation. Overheating is
often combined with dehydration, which is dangerous alone and
even more perilous in combination.
A common scenario is leaving a dog in a parked car on a warm
day. Even with the windows cracked or rolled down, even with the
car parked in the shade, internal temperatures can quickly rise to
lethal levels.
Golden Glimmers
You can tell if your Golden is dehydrated by doing a simple skin
snap test. Gently pull up the skin at the nape of the neck and
release it. A well-hydrated dog’s skin will snap back quickly; a
severely dehydrated dog’s will “melt” back or even hold its shape.
Perform a skin snap test on your Golden to see what it looks like
when he’s healthy so that you know what is abnormal.
234 Part 4: In Sickness and in Health
Poisoning
Contact your veterinarian or local poison control center and have
the substance or chemical available so you can properly describe
it. Follow the veterinarian or poison control center’s instructions.
Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so. Some acids, alkalis,
and other substances can harm your dog more if they are vomited,
especially if they get into the lungs.
Chapter 15: Common Golden Retriever Illnesses, Hereditary Ailments, and Emergencies 235
Shock
Symptoms of shock include pale gums, rapid and weak pulse, shallow
breathing, weakness, and unresponsiveness. In situations of shock,
you should maintain body temperature, which means blankets if cold
and cooling if hot. Seek veterinary attention immediately.
Disaster Planning
In This Chapter
≠ How to plan for a disaster
≠ What identification options are available for your Golden
Retriever
≠ What to do if your Golden gets lost
Retriever Rewards
One way to try to have your Golden rescued during a disas-
ter is to put a rescue alert sticker in your windows or near
your front door. These stickers alert emergency personnel that your
Golden is inside and they should rescue him. You can obtain free
rescue alert stickers from the ASPCA by going to http://www.aspca.
org/site/PageServer?pagename=emergency and looking for the
sticker link or going to http://tinyurl.com/wx6v. You can also pur-
chase them from various pet suppliers.
Where to Stay
Where you stay is vitally important in a disaster. Most pet owners
assume that family or friends outside of the disaster area will take
you, but don’t assume! Ask now and make arrangements. You may
242 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
ID, Please
All dogs should have two forms of ID: Permanent and tags. In this
section, we look at both forms of ID and what are the pros and cons
of each.
Tags
If you don’t have a tag on your Golden Retriever, put one on now!
Anyone at a shelter can tell you about a dog who appeared at their
shelter with a collar and no tags—and no means of identifying the
dog. There’s really no excuse for your Golden to have no tags or
tags so old that a person can’t read them. Tags are cheap and easy
to get. Some Internet pet supply sites offer tags for free, and most
pet supply stores have tag machines that will engrave a tag with
whatever you like on them. They cost around $4 to $6, unless
you get the gold-plated variety. You can leave the store with your
Golden’s kibble and a brand new tag to put on his collar.
Keep all information updated on the tag. If you move or if you’re
traveling, purchase a tag with that information and the traveling
dates listed. And periodically inspect the tag for wear—is it legible?
244 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
Golden Glimmers
The following is a list of animal registries that allow you to register a
tattooed or microchipped pet.
AKC Companion Animal Recovery
5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 250
Raleigh, NC 27606-3389
1-800-252-7894
Website: www.akccar.org
National Dog Registry
Box 116
Woodstock, NY 12498
1-800-637-3647
Website: www.natldogregistry.com
Tattoo-A-Pet
6571 S.W. 20th Court
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317
1-800-828-8667
Website: www.tattoo-a-pet.com
Lost Dog
Even if you’re a conscientious pet owner, your Golden might acci-
dentally get out. All it takes is a meter reader to leave a gate open or
someone to forget to close the door. You turn your back, and sud-
denly, your dog is gone.
Don’t panic. It’s a terrible feel-
No Biscuit! ing to know that your beloved
If your Golden gets Golden is out there somewhere,
loose, you might be angry at lost, but if you keep your head, you
him. Even if you are, don’t pun-
can probably get him back safely.
ish him! Your Golden will learn
that you’re not someone he Many dogs return home after a
wants to come to because he’ll romp around, hungry and tired. If
get punished. he does come home, give him praise
and snacks. He came home, and you
should always reward him for that.
No Biscuit!
Some unscrupulous Most dogs don’t go far, so you
people call owners with the may have luck scouring the neigh-
news that their lost dogs have borhood and knocking on doors.
been found in another town and
ask for money to ship them. If
Put up signs with a recent photo of
you receive a call like this, tell your Golden and a detailed descrip-
the person to take the dog to a tion. Contact area shelters and give
veterinarian or a shelter of your them a complete description of your
choosing and then you can Golden in case someone finds and
make shipping arrangements
with the vet or shelter. drops your Golden off. Even if they
tell you that they don’t have your
Chapter 16: Disaster Planning 247
17
On the Road Again—
Traveling with Your Golden
In This Chapter
≠ Traveling by car and plane
≠ Boarding your Golden Retriever
≠ Hiring a pet sitter
≠ What to do if your Golden gets lost
planning, ask yourself if this is a wise thing to do. Will the place you
intend to travel to have lots of things for you and your Golden to
do? Or will you have no time to spend with your Golden because
you’ll be stuck in business meetings or perhaps playing the casinos,
where dogs aren’t allowed?
Another thing to consider is
No Biscuit!
your Golden’s manners. Is he well
Many national
parks and even some national trained, housebroken, and well
forests prohibit dogs. Contact mannered in the car? If your
the National Park Service or the Golden doesn’t have rudimentary
National Forest Service to find obedience training, perhaps you
out the rules and regulations
should consider leaving him at
regarding dogs at the park or
forest you intend to visit. home with a pet sitter or boarding
him at a kennel.
Traveling presents its own set of problems. There is the real
concern of having your Golden get loose and run away. In an unfa-
miliar area, your Golden can easily become lost. You must always
think ahead and plan your trip—many hotels and motels do not
accept dogs, and those that do often require a damage deposit or
extra fee. Your Golden may become noisy in unfamiliar surround-
ings and may whine or cry if left alone. You may be paying for room
service or choosing fast food instead of restaurants more often.
You should consider traveling with your Golden if …
≠ The destination spot is a good one for dogs. This would
include places where you can hike and camp (that allow dogs)
and exercise your dog.
≠ The hotels or motels on your route accept dogs, or you are
traveling by RV and the RV sites accept dogs.
≠ You do not have to leave your dog in a parked car for very
long.
≠ You have time to spend with your Golden on the trip.
Chapter 17: On the Road Again—Traveling with Your Golden 251
Don’t head off on your adventure just yet. Even though your
Golden is well-mannered and the place you’re going to is fun for
pets, you have to plan your trip. Where are you going to stay? What
are you going to bring? What will you do when there’s an emergency
or when your best-laid plans go awry?
Start by planning out your trip in detail—where you’ll be staying
and alternatives in case something unexpected happens. Consider
what you need bring with you. Your Golden also will need you to do
his packing and planning.
Golden Glimmers
The following is a checklist
for things you need to plan before Water from an unfamiliar
setting out on any adventure with locale sometimes causes stom-
your Golden: ach upsets in dogs. If you’re
driving and you have the
≠ Find accommodations in room, pack enough water
advance for both you and from home. Otherwise, you
can try giving your Golden
your Golden at every place
bottled water.
you’ll be stopping.
252 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
Retriever Rewards
Before going anywhere with your Golden, you’ll want to get
his health certificate less than 10 days before you leave.
You’ll need a health certificate when you travel via plane and if you
go out of the country. When you visit your veterinarian, make sure
your Golden is up-to-date on all his vaccinations. Also, ask your veteri-
narian whether your Golden needs any other vaccinations or heart-
worm protection. This is important whether you’re visiting someplace
that has heartworm year-round, such as the Deep South, or if you’re in
an area where heartworm isn’t prevalent.
254 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
Car Travel
If your Golden is used to traveling to fun places and doing fun
things, then he should have no problems with a road trip or two.
However, some dogs just can’t tolerate a car ride either because of
behavioral issues or carsickness. If this is the case, you’re better off
leaving your Golden home with a pet sitter or boarding him. But
occasionally you can’t do that, especially if you’re traveling cross-
country to a new home. In this case, talk with your vet about a tran-
quilizer or sedative so that your Golden can sleep most of the time
in his crate while you drive.
Before you go on any road trip, have your vehicle serviced.
Although this doesn’t seem like advice you would find in a pet book,
it is important for your Golden as well as for you. There’s nothing
worse than having a major breakdown in the middle of nowhere
with a pet relying on you to get you both to safety. Make certain
that your brakes, air conditioner, heater, windshield wipers, tires,
automatic steering, engine, and transmission are all in good working
order. Have the engine tuned up, and the fluids changed. Make sure
all fluids are topped off before you leave.
It might be worthwhile to purchase a roadside assistance plan.
AAA offers a good one, but others are available. Just be sure the
roadside assistance works where you’re traveling and everywhere in
between.
Chapter 17: On the Road Again—Traveling with Your Golden 255
You must also be careful while driving your car. Your Golden
can overheat even with the air conditioning running. If he’s in the
sun and has no airflow, his crate can quickly heat up. Check on your
Golden Retriever frequently if you use a crate, especially in the sum-
mertime. Be sure that your Golden is cool, and there is sufficient
airflow through the crate to avoid the dangers of overheating.
One useful device is a portable fan that runs on batteries. These
are great to clip onto your dog’s crate and will help keep her cool in
hot weather.
Cold weather can be dangerous too. If your Golden is cold in
the wintertime, there are doggie sweaters to fit even his size. (Hint:
There are sweaters in plain colors or macho patterns.) Be aware that
places with snow and ice are likely
to use chemical deicers that may
Retriever Rewards
be caustic to your Golden’s paws.
Fill 2-liter pop bottles
with water and freeze You can either purchase booties
them. Put them in your Golden’s for your Golden Retriever from
crate during hot weather to keep pet supply catalogues or be certain
him cool. When the ice melts, to wash off his paws when he
you have cool water for your
Golden to drink.
comes inside.
Plan no more than four hours
between stops (more frequently if
Retriever Rewards your dog is elderly or a puppy).
There are portable Rest stops frequently have places
water jugs and to exercise your dog, but do so
dishes for traveling. Some manu-
only on leash. Many dogs who are
facturers of backpacking equip-
ment also make portable dog normally reliable off-leash may not
water bowls of waterproof nylon be in unfamiliar surroundings. Be
that fold flat when not in use. a responsible owner and pick up
after your dog when he defecates.
Chapter 17: On the Road Again—Traveling with Your Golden 257
Air Travel
The friendly skies are not so friendly when it comes to dogs. Regu-
lations are constantly changing, so be certain to contact the airline
well ahead of purchasing your tickets to find out the airline’s (and
the FAA’s) latest rules and regulations regarding transporting dogs.
Some airlines will not transport dogs at all, and others may have
size or temperature restrictions.
Assuming you can fly with your Golden Retriever, arrive several
hours ahead of your flight to get through security and get your
Golden ready for loading onto the airplane. Some security proce-
dures require that you take your Golden out of his crate while secu-
rity inspects the crate. In this case, you must have a leash available.
The airline may require food and water dishes; if your dog chews
plastic (many do!) you can clip a
small stainless steel bucket (avail- No Biscuit!
able through pet supply cata- Taking plane flights
logues) with a double snap to the with transfers and layovers can
inside of the crate as a water bowl. be disastrous. Your dog might
Prepackage all dog food and tape end up on a different flight if
there’s a transfer, and there have
that to the top of the crate.
been stories about dogs left on
You should also have a package the ramp in the sun during the
taped to the crate with all paper- layovers.
work, stating where your dog is
going, your home address and
phone number, your cell number, Retriever Rewards
any emergency numbers, and any Airline and FAA regu-
specific instructions in case you lations are constantly
changing. Contact the airline
get separated from him. Include
before you make your reserva-
copies of all health records and tions to find out what the latest
vaccinations. Write a message to travel restrictions are.
the baggage handlers to let them
258 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
know your Golden’s name, his (and your) destination, whether he’s
been fed and had water, and whether he is friendly or not.
Accommodations
Wherever you decide to stay, be certain to choose a place that not
only allows dogs but allows dogs as big as Goldens. It’s strange, but
many hotels and motels that allow pets allow only pets smaller than
a certain size (as though a smaller pet would be less destructive?).
Also, hotels and motels frequently change management, and those
that once allowed pets sometimes change to a “no pets” policy.
How do you find a place to stay with your pet? One way is to
get the national listings of several hotel chains and keep them handy.
Another is to use a Travel Club’s information (like AAA, which lists
whether or not they accept pets). Several excellent books list places
to stay with your pet. One chain, Motel 6, usually allows pets and
is a standby if you can’t find a pet-friendly hotel in the area. Camp-
grounds such as those run by KOA allow pets, but always check with
the campground before showing up with your Golden.
Golden Glimmers
Did you know that there are pet spas? Your Golden can have a fun
vacation while you’re on your trip. You can look for such facilities in
the telephone directory or ask a friend or dog trainer whether they
know of any. Hotels that accept dogs may have their own spas or
know about ones nearby. Some places will also train your Golden
while you’re on vacation. These places usually cost more, but they’re
less stressful for the dog than a standard boarding kennel.
Golden Glimmers
Some amusements parks, like Disneyland and Disneyworld, have
kennels where you can board your Golden while you’re enjoying
the park. For $10 a day, your Golden Retriever will get food and
water, and the staff watch him. In case of an emergency, such as
your dog getting sick, the staff will contact you. You’ll have to come
back and walk your dog so that he can relieve himself. They have
no overnight boarding, so you’ll have to stay in a place that allows
pets.
Boarding Kennels
If you are going on a vacation that is not conducive to taking your
Golden Retriever, or if your Golden does not travel well, you may
want to consider boarding your dog. You can find different types of
boarding facilities:
≠ Veterinary boarding facilities—These facilities are usually run
adjacent to the veterinary practice. The vet is on-call 24 hours
a day.
260 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
≠ What disinfectants do you use and how often do you clean the
kennels?
≠ Do you provide indoor-outdoor, strictly indoor, or strictly out-
door runs?
≠ What vaccinations do you require and how recent do they need
to be?
After you have found a few kennels in your area that fit your cri-
teria, make an appointment with them for an inspection. If the staff
is reluctant to allow you to tour the entire facility, you should con-
sider another kennel.
Contact the boarding facility well ahead of time. Most good
boarding facilities fill up quickly—during peak times, small facilities,
and even larger ones, may be full weeks or months in advance. If
you own multiple dogs, this may present a special challenge if the
facility is small.
Pet Sitters
If you have multiple dogs or if your Golden Retriever does not do
well in a boarding kennel, consider hiring a pet sitter. All pet sitters
will come to your house and feed and water your dog as well as walk
and exercise him. Some will bring in the mail and newspapers, water
plants, feed other pets, and make
the home look lived-in while you
Retriever Rewards
are gone. A pet sitter can be any-
Find someone who is
one from a bonded and insured bonded and insured
service to the kid next door. to pet sit. After all, you’re letting
Whomever you choose as a pet this stranger have the keys to
sitter, remember that you are giv- your house.
ing them full run of your house.
Ask your vet, dog trainer, and other pet-owning friends who
does pet sitting in your area. Quite often vets and trainers know
262 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
Retriever Rewards
Before you leave on a trip, be certain that your Golden
Retriever has two forms of ID—tags and a permanent form,
either microchip or tattoos. Tags, because not everyone knows to look
for permanent ID; permanent ID, because your Golden may lose his
collar and tags. See Chapter 16 on ID.
are the difficult puppy days, and now you can enjoy your best friend
with a minimum of fuss. I’ll cover how to make your Golden more
comfortable and whether or not you should bring a new dog into his
life at this time. I’ll also cover the eventuality of euthanasia and how
to know when it’s your Golden’s time to say good-bye.
Golden Glimmers
When is a Golden old? It depends. Just as some people don’t seem
old even when they’re in their seventies, some Goldens don’t seem old
at an age when others are. Good genetics and a lifetime of exercise,
good nutrition, and medical care can make the difference between a
10-year-old dog who seems old and one who still acts young.
Many pet books place seniors at 7 or greater. But Goldens can live
13 to 15 years, with good care. From 8 to 10 years old, you start
seeing more changes due to old age. After 10, I would start calling
the dog a senior.
Give your Golden a soft bed to make his joints more comfortable. This is Brandy.
268 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
Old-Age Ailments
Dogs have more problems when they age. This includes loss of cer-
tain senses, cancers and tumors, and, of course, arthritis. Many
problems can be mitigated with modern veterinary medicine, but
vets aren’t miracle workers. If you notice that your dog has a partic-
ular problem, it’s best to bring him to the vet when you notice it,
rather than wait for it to become a real problem.
Arthritis
Arthritis seems a constant in old age—for both people and dogs. If
your Golden is not active, you may see signs of arthritis early. Some
supplements, such as glucosamine and MSM (found in Cosequin,
Glycoflex, or Synova-Cre), can help relieve arthritis. These supple-
ments work well on some dogs but do nothing for others. Your
Golden usually has to be on it for more than six weeks before you
can see any effect.
Your vet can help mitigate some of the effects of arthritis with
anti-inflammatories. Aspirin is a common pain reliever—ask your
vet for the proper dosage. Do not give your dog either acetamino-
phen or ibuprofen—they are toxic
No Biscuit! to dogs. Your vet can prescribe
Never give anal- the right amount of buffered
gesics such as acetaminophen or aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or
ibuprofen to your Golden. These steroids to alleviate pain and
are toxic to dogs. Talk to your swelling. Keeping your dog off
vet about anti-inflammatories and
the proper dosages. the hardwood floors and keeping
him warm will go a long way to
making him comfortable.
Chapter 18: The Golden Years 269
Blindness
You may not even notice if your dog goes blind. Most dogs are quite
adept at getting around their home and even their neighborhood
even though they’re blind. The owner usually notices something is
amiss when the dog bumps into something that normally isn’t there.
Have your vet confirm your suspicions if you think your dog is
blind.
Now is not the time to rearrange the furniture. Keep your dog
at home and in familiar surroundings if he is blind or impaired visu-
ally. Don’t let him off the leash, or he might wander around and
become lost. When in a strange place, keep him beside you—you
are his seeing-eye person now! Keeping a steady stream of chatter
going will help guide him when you’re on walks so your Golden
will follow the sound of your voice.
But your dog doesn’t necessarily have to go blind or be without
sight. Depending on the type of eye problem, veterinary advances
have helped restore dogs’ sight. Vet opthamologists can diagnose
and treat certain problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Corneal
transplants—once only in the realm of human medicine—are avail-
able to dogs as well.
No Biscuit!
One controversial medication commonly prescribed for arthritis
is Rimadyl™—also known as Carprofen. Some dogs have developed liver
disease while on Rimadyl. Still, many vets use Rimadyl to help alleviate
arthritis pain. If your Golden is suffering from arthritis and you want to try
Rimadyl, talk to your vet about potential risks and side effects. Your vet
may want to run blood tests to determine whether Rimadyl is right for your
dog.
Other medications within the same family as Rimadyl, such as Zubrin and
Dermaxx, are also possibilities. These may work better or have no effect
on your Golden’s arthritis.
after even light exercise. There’s no cure for congestive heart failure,
and it will ultimately be fatal, but it can be mitigated by diet and
medication. You can help prevent congestive heart failure by keeping
your Golden active and fit. Obesity can help cause or aggravate con-
gestive heart failure.
Deafness
If your Golden acts as if he’s ignoring you, he may be going deaf.
Deafness can come on gradually or suddenly. Clap your hands
behind your Golden’s head or rattle the food bowl while he’s in the
other room. If he doesn’t react, he’s probably deaf.
Deaf dogs can be exceedingly frustrating. You’ll find yourself
shouting at your Golden for no good reason—as though your
Golden will hear you talking louder. The truth is that after the hear-
ing goes, your Golden is unlikely to hear even shouting. Some deaf
dogs can hear whistles, but some are as totally deaf.
If your Golden is deaf, you’ll
have to teach him hand signals. Golden Glimmers
Start slowly—teach your dog as Hearing aids for dogs? That’s
you would a puppy. It may take a right. They are specially made
little bit of time for him to pick up to the dog and may offer a
on it, but most dogs are pretty quality of life that your Golden
wouldn’t have without them.
clever and figure out what we
want in spite of ourselves.
Dental Problems
Older dogs are more prone to dental problems due to worn or
chipped teeth and tartar buildup. Stinky breath, bleeding gums, loss
of appetite, broken teeth, or a buildup of brown tartar or plaque
indicates the need to go to the vet for a tooth cleaning and possible
extraction.
272 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
Retriever Rewards
Feed your Golden according to his weight and activity level.
Don’t necessarily switch your Golden to a senior diet unless
he’s gaining weight, his activity level has decreased, or he has a
physical condition that warrants a change in dog food. Many of my
senior dogs still work and are active—and get premium performance
dog food.
You can keep your Golden’s teeth healthy by brushing his teeth
often and giving him chews that help clean his teeth and gums.
Retriever Rewards
If you decide to bring another dog or a puppy into the family,
always choose a neutral area such as a park for your Golden
to meet him. Let your Golden greet the newcomer while on leash.
Praise your Golden for good behavior and discourage bad behavior.
It may a take a few sessions before you can let your Golden loose
with the other dog or puppy.
Saying Good-Bye
Saying good-bye is perhaps the hardest thing to do as a dog owner.
I’ve had to put several of my dogs down, and the truth is, it doesn’t
get any easier. Nor is the decision always clear cut.
Sometimes it’s obvious: Your Golden is in great pain and is
dying from a terminal disease or injury. Other times, the diagnosis
is unclear, or you’re sitting in an emergency room and don’t know
274 Part 5: The Golden Life—Living with a Golden
what to do. Heroic efforts may be required that cost far beyond
what you can afford, and your Golden has a very slim chance of
recovery. In times like this, talk to someone you can trust—perhaps
your own vet—or obtain a second opinion. Other friends who are
dog owners may be able to see clearly when you cannot. They may
offer you advice untainted by the emotions of the situation.
Don’t allow your best friend to suffer needlessly. Although it is
tempting to try heroic actions to save your pet, you may discover
that the end result is still the same. Dogs don’t live forever, and even
though you want your Golden to live a little longer, it may not be
humane or even possible.
Euthanasia is painless and quick. The veterinarian will adminis-
ter an injection, and your pet will be gone. You can stay with your
Golden during his final minutes or leave—your choice. Many pet
owners opt to stay with their Golden during the last few minutes as
it brings closure.
You will grieve. This is normal and natural. Don’t talk to non-
dog owners who tell you she was only a pet. No, she wasn’t. Your
Golden was your friend, and it would be callous to not grieve for a
good friend who just died.
Talk to your vet about grief. He or she may be able to refer you
to free or low-cost pet loss counseling. Many veterinary colleges
offer free or low-cost pet loss hot-
Retriever Rewards lines. Take care of yourself during
An excellent pet loss this time. Keep busy and active—
site on the Internet is exercise and eat a balanced diet.
www.petloss.com. It has some Avoid being alone and going into
of the most comprehensive lists
depression. You aren’t denying
of pet loss support groups, hot-
lines, and information to be that you have grief over the loss—
found anywhere. you are helping yourself deal
with it.
Chapter 18: The Golden Years 275
With time, the pain and anguish of your pet’s death will fade.
You will start remembering all the good times you had together.
Perhaps, in time, you’ll be ready to own another Golden Retriever.
Perhaps you will get a puppy to keep you occupied. If you do,
remember that no puppy will replace your beloved pet, and that no
dog will be like your Golden. Your new puppy or dog will have a
different personality and different behaviors—don’t expect the same
thing out of this puppy. However, in time, you may grow to love this
new addition as much as your beloved pet.
A
Glossary
AAFCO The Association of Animal Feed Control Officials.
This regulatory committee sets the standards for pet nutrition.
agility A sport in which dogs go through a specially designed
obstacle course. It is a timed event, so dogs that complete the
course accurately in the least amount of time do well.
American Kennel Club (or AKC) The AKC is the oldest and
largest national purebred dog registry in the United States. The
AKC was founded in 1884.
ASPCA American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals.
bait pouches Little pouches that enable you to carry your treats
if you don’t have pockets or if you don’t want to get your pockets
messy. They’re called “bait” because when you stack a dog in con-
formation, you lure or “bait” him with a treat so that he will look
attentive.
Champion (CH or Ch) A dog that earns 15 points in conforma-
tion dog shows, including 3 points or better under two different
judges.
278 Appendix A
(hence the name) but also for distance work such as working on the
recall command.
trichiasis, entropion, ectropion, or distichiasis These are all
eyelid or eyelash abnormalities, usually congenital or hereditary.
Tricuspid valve dysplasia Malformation of one of the valves in
the heart caused by congenital or hereditary reasons.
undercoat A layer of fur beneath the top coat that insulates and
keeps a dog warm. It sheds out periodically, usually twice yearly.
undershot bite A bite in which the lower incisors are in front of
the upper incisors when the mouth is closed.
Appendix
B
Organizations
Agility Association of Canada (AAC)
RR #2
Lucan, Ontario
N0N2J0
519-657-7636
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
P.O. Box 150899
Denver, CO 80215-0899
Website: www.aahanet.org
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)
1997 Wadsworth Boulevard, Suite A
Lakewood, CO 80215-3327
Website: www.acvim.org
American Kennel Club (AKC)
5580 Centerview Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606-3390
919-233-9767
Website: www.akc.org/
E-mail: info@akc.org
284 Appendix B
C
Books and Periodicals
Books
Alderton, David. The Dog Care Manual. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational
Series, 1986.
American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book, 19th Edition Revised. New
York: Howell Book House, 1997.
Benjamin, Carol Lea. Second-Hand Dog. New York: Howell Book House, 1988.
Bonham, Margaret H., and James M. Wingert, D.V.M. The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Dog Health and Nutrition. Indianapolis, IN: Alpha Books, 2003.
Bonham, Margaret H. An Introduction to Dog Agility. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s
Educational Series, 2000.
———. The Simple Guide to Getting Active with Your Dog. Neptune City, NJ:
TFH Publications Inc., 2002.
Coffman, Howard D. The Dry Dog Food Reference. Nashua, NH: Pig Dog
Press, 1995.
Eldredge, Debra, D.V.M. Pills for Pets: The A to Z Guide to Drugs and
Medications for Your Animal Companion. New York: Citadel Press, 2003.
Fogle, Bruce, D.V.M. The New Encyclopedia of the Dog. New York: DK Books,
2000.
Giffin, James M., M.D., and Liisa D. Carlson, D.V.M. The Dog Owner’s Home
Veterinary Handbook, 3rd edition. New York: Howell Book House, 2000.
288 Appendix C
James, Ruth B., D.V.M. The Dog Repair Book. Mills, WY: Alpine Press, 1990.
Klever, Ulrich. The Complete Book of Dog Care. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s
Educational Series, 1989.
LaBelle, Charlene. A Guide to Backpacking with Your Dog. Loveland, CO:
Alpine Publications, 1993.
Palika, Liz. Purebred Rescue Dog Adoption: Rewards and Realities. Hoboken,
NJ: Howell Book House, 2004.
Streitferdt, Uwe. Healthy Dog, Happy Dog. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s
Educational Series, 1994.
Volhard, Joachim, Wendy Volhard, and Jack Volhard. The Canine Good
Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One. New York: Howell Book House, 1997.
Zink, M. Chris, D.V.M., Ph.D. Peak Performance: Coaching the Canine
Athlete. New York: Howell Book House, 1992.
Periodicals
AKC Gazette
51 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10010
Dog Fancy Magazine
P.O. Box 53264
Boulder, CO 80322-3264
1-800- 365-4421
Website: www.dogfancy.com
Dog World
P.O. Box 56240
Boulder, CO 80323-6240
1-800-361-8056
Online Magazines
Everything Golden
www.everythinggolden.com
GR Weekly
www.grweekly.com
Index
A cancer and tumors, 269
CDS (Cognitive Dysfunction
Syndrome), 270
AAFCO (Association of American
congestive heart failure, 270
Feed Control Officials), 59, 158
deafness, 271
AAHA (American Animal Hospital
dental problems, 271-272
Association), 175
urinary tract problems, 272
abscesses, 223
air travel, 257
accidents, housetraining, 84-85
AKC (American Kennel Club), 9
accommodations, travel, 258
registration, 29-31
administration of medications,
standards, 11-15
210-211
conformation, 13
adult dogs
females, 14
activity, 266
importance of, 11-12
ailments, 268
males, 14
arthritis, 268
show-quality versus pet-
blindness, 269
quality, 12-13
cancer and tumors, 269
website, 13
CDS (Cognitive Dysfunction
AKC Companion Animal
Syndrome), 270
Recovery, 244
congestive heart failure, 270
alcohol, 169
deafness, 271
allergies, 214-215
dental problems, 271-272
alternatives to crates, 78-79
urinary tract problems, 272
American Animal Hospital
comforts, 267-268
Association. See AAHA
crate training, 80
American Boarding Kennel
euthanasia, 273-274
Association, 260
getting another dog, 272-273
American Kennel Club. See AKC
selection, 49-50
American Red Cross, 240
versus puppies, 37-38
anal sac expression, 206
Advantage (Imidacloprid), 192
Ancylostoma caninum (hookworms),
aggression, correcting bad behav-
187
ior, 149-151
animal hospitals, 174
agility class, 92-93
animal shelters, 35-36
ailments, senior dogs, 268
Anipryl, treatment of CDS
arthritis, 268
(Cognitive Dysfunction
blindness, 269
Syndrome), 270
290 The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Golden Retrievers
tapeworms, 188
whipworms, 188
M
interviews, veterinarians, 176
males
irritated eyes, 224-225
standard, 14
Ivermectin (Heartgard), 189
versus females, 38-39
mammary tumors, 201
J–K mange mites, 195-196
meat by-products, 60
jumping up, correcting bad meat meal, 60
behavior, 146 medication administration,
junk food, 159 210-211
microchips, identification,
Kaopectate, 221 244-246
KC (Kennel Club), 31 microfilariae (heartworm
Kennel Club. See KC larvae), 189
kennel cough (Canine Infectious Milbemycin (Interceptor), 189
Tracheobronchitis), 180-182 Milbemycin and Lufenuron
kennels, 58, 259-261 (Sentinel), 189
mites, 195-196
L mixing food brands, 161-162
mobile clinics, 175
labels (foods), 60, 160 Moxidectin (Proheart 6), 190
latigo leather leashes, 101-102 multi-dog households, 41
leashes, 101-102 muzzles, 14, 230
Leave It! command, 124
Leptospirosis, 181 N
lifecycle, heartworms, 189
Limited Registration (AKC nails and nail care, 205-206
registration), 31 National Dog Registry, 244
limited slip collars, 98 National Forest Service, 250
Litter Registration (AKC National Park Service, 250
registration), 31 Nature’s Miracle, 84
locking mechanisms (crates), 77 neck, 15
Lomberdale Blondin, 11 negative reinforcement training,
lost dogs, 246 89, 108
low-cost clinics, 174 neutering pets, 198-201
Lufenuron (Program), 193 nose, 14
lumps on the skin, 223 Novice training class, 91
Lyme disease (Borellosis), 182, 194 nutriceuticals, treating ED
(elbow dysplasia), 215
Index 297
U websites
AAHA (American Animal
Hospital Association), 175
UKC (United Kennel Club), 31
AKC (American Kennel Club),
undercoat, 14
13
undershot bite, 14
AKC Companion Animal
United Kennel Club. See UKC
Recovery, 244
university clinics, 175
American Red Cross, 240
unsafe foods, 169-170
Friends of Animals, 200
unsafe household products, 62
National Dog Registry, 244
urinary tract problems, senior
Pet Assure, 183
dogs, 272
pet loss site, 274
USDA, posting missing pets, 247
Pet Plan Insurance (Canada), 183
PetCare Insurance Programs, 183
V Petshealth Insurance Agency, 184
Premier Pet Insurance Group,
vaccinations, 178 184
available vaccinations, 179-183 Pryor, Karen, 109
when to vaccinate, 179 Spay USA, 200
veterinarians, 173-184 Tattoo-A-Pet, 244
boarding facilities, 259 USDA missing pets, 247
clinics, 174 VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance),
first visits, 69, 177-178 184
interviews, 176 weekly health exams, 201
pet health insurance, 183-184 whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), 188
recommendations, 175 worms
vaccinations, 178-183 heartworms, 188-190
visiting facilities, 176-177 hookworms, 187
Veterinary Pet Insurance. See VPI roundworms, 186
visiting breeders, puppy selection, tapeworms, 188
46-49 whipworms, 188
vomiting, 221
VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance), X-pens, 59, 79
184
Zubrin, 270
W–X–Y–Z
walking on a leash, training,
113-114
Watch Me! command, 125
Wave Good-Bye trick, 133