Enjoy moments together
Initially a hunting dog, today – a faithful, friendly companion to many families. But a golden retriever is not only a nice, devoted dog. With their unique skills and character traits, golden retrievers are also a great choice for special tasks.
A family dog for special tasks
Quick learners, attentive to detail, with a good memory – this is what makes these dogs perfect as guide dogs to blind people, assistants to people with disabilities, or in therapies for autistic children.
With their extraordinary sense of smell, they can work with the Police (to detect illegal drugs) or with rescue services (they are efficient in searching for avalanche or landslide victims). On the other hand, their affection towards their owner and their unique sensitivity helps them detect a drop in blood sugar level, or an approaching epileptic seizure.
For reason of their lack of aggression, golden retrievers can never become watch dogs, or guard dogs. Yet they will make a perfect friend to the elderly, children, or anyone searching for peace and quiet. This companion will stay with you for long years (golden retrievers’ life expectancy is approx. 10-12 years) and will need proper care, particularly in his or her later years.
A golden retriever needs continuous contact with people and suffers when left alone. This is also a very affectionate dog, requiring delicate treatment, strongly affected by screaming or scolding. He or she needs a lot of movement and must keep an active lifestyle at any age. A golden retriever must absolutely be walked on a longer distance at least once a day (in addition to several shorter walks). The right companion for regular joggers or trekking fans. Relatively resistant to the weather, needs to be played with outdoors in the colder season as well.
This dog has been originally bred for hunting and is therefore a great fetcher. Autumn is the time when you should not give up playing fetch, using a small ball or another object. Your golden retriever also needs a lot of stimulation at home – one type of entertainment can be to search for hidden objects, practicing the sense of smell.
An elderly golden retriever will have a slightly different lifestyle. The dog is less active, drinks more and eats more frequently. It is important to give your dog such complete food products as Nutrilove for mature dogs. Golden retrievers can have a tendency for obesity, which is why a special type of food for elderly dogs is recommended, supplying the necessary nutrients at the right proportions.
Special care, including veterinary care, is also a must. Old age (7+ years) can also be associated with hip dysplasia. Other possible health conditions include eye problems (including cataract); ears should also be of interest, as the body openings exposed to contaminants and moisture.
Yet if you take proper care of your golden retriever, with a lot of physical activity and the right food, the joy of your moments together will be as long as can be.
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