Breed All About it Golden Retriever (Animal Planet)

Step by step video takes you through training methods that Mike Lardy has used to produce consistent winners. Mike shows you how to train your retriever starting with the Basics. Covers: Obedience, Force, Fetch, Stick Fetch, Field Check, Three Handed Casting, Collar Conditioning, and much more.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

The Golden Retriever - A Noble Breed

Who does not want to be better informed about the golden retriever breed? Known for their intelligence, friendliness, gentleness, loyalty, and willingness to work, goldens are a favorite breed for families. Their strong attributes make them great hunting dogs, guide and service dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Their distinctive golden coat gives the golden retriever a natural glow. This versatile breed is famous for its high energy and playfulness.

The golden retriever is a member of the sporting group. They are large, robust dogs which stand 20-24 inches tall at withers and weigh 55-75 pounds. The American Breed Standard calls for a coat to be any shade of gold barring coats that are too dark or too light. The British standards allow for lighter shades of gold, known as cream colors. A red or mahogany 'gold' color is allowable under American rules, but not under British rules. American goldens are typically taller and more slender and have a longer coat. British dogs are stockier with shorter tails and legs.

Originally, the Labrador retriever came from Newfoundland. Fishermen brought the breed to England about 1800. In the 1800's, golden retrievers were developed in Scotland at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later Baron Tweedmouth. Golden retrievers were originally used as hunting dogs to retrieve shot game birds and waterfowl. They were bred to be great hunting dogs with water-resistant coats, an excellent sense of smell, and soft mouths that do not damage game. The breed was first arrived at by the yellow retriever crossed with a tweed water spaniel, now extinct. Afterwards, the breed was infused with black wavy-coated retrievers, Irish Setters, Bloodhounds, and the St. John's Water Dog of Newfoundland.

A dog legendary for its gentle, friendly ways, the golden retriever doesn't make a good watchdog; they are known for their affection for both their owners and for strangers. This breed thrives on human companionship. Goldens are energetic and active dogs. Exercising everyday is important for their health. Bred to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl, goldens love to swim. Active, and large in size, this breed is not the ideal apartment dog. Though they are adaptable, a prospective owner should live near a park and be willing to spend a lot of time with his/her dog. Otherwise, goldens need sizable backyards to be healthy. Known for their intelligence, these dogs enjoy learning tricks, playing games, retrieving and catching balls, and exercising with their owners. It is not uncommon for goldens to win obedience and agility competitions. Energetic and devoted, this breed also makes great working and service dogs. Having an excellent sense of smell, goldens have been employed in alpine search and rescue, and as police dogs for drug detection. Very active, this breed may not be the best choice of dog for the elderly. However, golden retrievers are great with children and other pets, and make a wonderful family pet.

Typically, golden retrievers can expect to live about 10-15 years. Unfortunately, bad breeding for profit has led to a number of common health problems. The most frequently encountered of these afflictions is hip dysplasia. Cataracts is another common ailment. Cancer represents the leading cause of death for goldens. To help avoid these health problems for your golden retriever, it is important to know a dog's pedigree and to purchase dogs from a reputable breeder. Each dog should be examined by the OFA or by PennHIP. These evaluations involve x-rays to test a dog for hip dysplasia and disease. Grooming (brushing) is recommended twice a week. They may not be a good choice for those with allergies because of shedding.

Golden retrievers are an energetic and enthusiastic breed who love and crave the company of humans. These qualities along with a gentle and friendly nature make this dog wonderful for families and active people looking for a companion.

Laurence Burrows is a golden retriever lover, and trainer. For more great tips on the golden retriever breed, visit http://www.loyalgoldenretriever.com.

Golden Retriever Breed Profile

The Golden Retriever is a perennial Top Ten popularity breed for many reasons. The normally calm demeanor, active but gentle nature and eager to please attitude combine with intelligence and trainability. They are friendly, reliable and trustworthy.

What this means to the average owner - you need to actively TRAIN them. They are eager to learn and seek to be busy. They need mental stimulation - toys, games, activities - to keep from being bored and destructive. They want to please and learn new tasks.

It is said that the Golden Retriever traces his heritage to Scotland. A yellow puppy from a litter of black wavy coated retrievers was used as payment of a debt, and ended up in the hands of Lord Chichester Marjoribanks, who took the pup to Scotland where he maintained a kennel of hunting dogs. Searching to create an outstanding dog suited to the Scottish climate, ground and game, he later bred the yellow pup to a Tweed Water Spaniel, a breed that no longer exists except for as a trace of the Golden Retriever. These offspring were bred with Tweed Water Spaniels and a red setter, but it was mostly the golden pups kept. Marjoribanks was a breeder with a vision, and these initial pups, born in the late 1860s, appear much as the Golden Retriever does today.

Working ability was of great practical importance, much like the other Scottish breeds of dogs. There was little room or funds for "free-loaders" - dogs had to pay their way. In the early 1900s the dogs made their way to shows as a "Retriever - wavy or flat coated, any other color" but in 1920 officially named Golden Retriever. In 1932 the AKC recognized the breed here in the U.S.

Currently by the standard males are 23-24 inches with females slightly smaller, with dogs 65-75 pounds and females 55-65.

Like several other large breeds the Golden Retriever is subject to some hereditary diseases. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hereditary cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), eyelid problems, a heart disease known as subvavular aortic stenosis, thyroid disorders, seizure disorders and other health issues which affect all breeds. Many of these hereditary disorders can be found by testing, and animals that show signs of these diseases should not be used for breeding. Unfortunately, many lower priced puppies do not have breeders who test for these disorders so often you don't know what you are truly getting. While the breed can easily live to over 10 years old, one statistic reports just over 60% of older goldens being affected by cancer - something that bears watching in your older dogs.

Select your puppy with longevity in mind. This is a breed that can have 8-10, sometimes 12 puppies - and a dozen growing little mouths is a lot of time to raise them properly.

Regular grooming is essential for this breed. Their distinctive coat is for outdoor activities but regular brushing is needed. Also, some Goldens get matts in the fine hairs especially near their flanks, on the chest and behind the elbow. Trimming these out before they get down close to the skin makes for a happier dog. Regular grooming keeps the burrs and other material out of the coat also. Nail trimming and dental care is needed, as with any dog.

Many naturally love water also. As with some other retrievers, take care that the dog does not become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. For a larger breed they don't eat as much as some people expect, and can easily become overweight, which shortens their life.

The selection for intelligence and function has developed a dog that today suits many needs in a wide variety of activities. From a beautiful and energetic show dog to a calm service dog, a hunter, a K-9, search and rescue, dog freestyle, agility, flyball, tracking and many other activities the Golden is a breed that seeks to perform and please.

While as a K-9 they aren't likely to have the drive to take down a criminal, their use is for other important tasks. Their nose, developed for hunting, can still be used in the field today hunting and retrieving birds. Goldens are also highly visible for searching for lost people.

An example of what these amazing dogs can do is displayed in dogs like "Austin," a Golden Retriever inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame as well as honored with the US Search and Rescue Dog of the Year from the AKC. A group of hunters found Austin, lost in the woods near Houston, and the pup was turned over to a breed rescue then trained as a hearing and service dog. His life took another turn when he became a cop. Certified in advance tracking, area and evidence search, cadaver search and air operations, Austin can search for lost people, can calmly helicopter in and with his handler dangle off the edge of a cliff.

Golden Retrievers have been on the front lines of disasters such as the Oklahoma City bombing, the World Trade Center attacks, hurricane Katrina as well as many other natural and man-made disasters around the world.

Golden Retrievers have served as heroes of other kinds too. Their work with autistic people, as service dogs with a wide range of duties and as guide dogs are but a few ways they help people. Searching for drugs, explosives and other illegal things makes use of the breed's intelligence and discernment.

Probably the most recognized celebrity of the breed is "Duke", the mischievous opportunist seeking to sell the secret recipe for Bush's beans on television commercials. "Liberty" was a White House dog, as President Gerald Ford's dog. "Victory" was another presidential dog, beingowned by Ronald Reagan. Christopher Reeves had a Golden as an assistance dog.

Among the celebrity ties in the breed is Oprah, Dean Koontz, Jim Belushi, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Tom Cruise, Billy Ray Cyrus, Neil Diamond, Ron Howard, Paul Newman, Conan O'Brien, Joe Pesci, Jane Seymour, Martha Stewart and Alan Thicke are but a few celebrities with Golden Retrievers.

Equally, the list of Golden Retriever heroes is long. Many have saved people from fires. A 15 year old Golden saved the life of a three week old baby by alerting his owners something was wrong with the child. The AKC awarded this hero with special honors - sadly, less than a year later Bullet lost his life to cancer. Goldens have also saved their owners from bears, choking, snakes, carbon monoxide, cancer, coyotes, drowning and freezing. One sniffed the owner's brain tumor while another alerted to a heart attack.

These are all expressions of the loyalty from the breed and help explain why so many people love this breed. Ranking fourth nationally in 2007, they were first in Honolulu. They rank second in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Minnepolis-St. Paul, Portland, Raleigh, Seattle and St. Louis. They were also listed third in Dallas, Des Moines, Little Rock, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, San Diego and San Francisco (tied).

The Golden Retreiver is truly a people's dog. A dog of many hats but with the same dedication, loyalty and willingness to please as a hundred years ago, they are a breed for a wide range of living situations providing the owners understand the breed, provide training and exercise and treasure the dog. Treasure him not as a human, which demeans him and takes away those special things dogs can do that we can't, but as a creature who seems to understand we are flawed and worships us anyway.

David Beart is the owner of the Professors House [http://www.professorshouse.com]. Our site covers family related issues from raising children to dog training [http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/dogs/dog-training.aspx], relationships to cooking.

Jun 10, Dog Breed Activities -- Fun Dog Sports and Events

The wide range of dog breed activities available today will keep you and your Golden Retriever happily occupied and enjoying each other's company.

For many people, just having a dog as a companion is enough.

But for those who enjoy a challenge, there are plenty of exciting activities you can get involved in.

These range from dog shows and dog obedience events to more energetic competitive team sports.

We'll look at several such dog sports, including dog agility and flyball.

And you can "ease into" competitive obedience with the Canine Good Citizen test and Rally Obedience.

Frisbee dog competitions are an extension of one of the Golden's favorite games--retrieving!

And most Goldens can't get enough of the various dog water sports available, including the ever-popular dock diving.

Canine freestyle is a fairly new dog sport, but it's just the ticket for dogs and people who enjoy dancing together to music.

Click here to share a story and photo about the particular activity your Golden Retriever is involved in, and read stories from others about their talented Goldens, too!

Goldens put their whole heart into everything they do.

They're equally happy trotting around a show ring, racing through an agility course, or dashing after a pop-up tennis ball in a lively game of flyball.

You and your dog can receive recognition in the form of ribbons, trophies, and titles.

Or you can simply enjoy the pleasure of learning and performing together at the dog events you choose to pursue.

There's such a large variety of dog breed activities that you may be wondering how to get involved in anything!

Well, one of the best places to find out about dog events in your area is to get in touch with your local Golden Retriever Club.

You can also check the Community Events section of your newspaper.

Attending any of the outdoor dog events held throughout the summer will give you an idea of what might appeal to you and your furry friend.

Sometimes the price tag on dog competition supplies makes people hesitate to try anything.

But many dog clubs already have equipment and courses for such activities as flyball, agility and Frisbee--or they might be able to steer you toward clubs that can help you.

Dogs that work and play with people and other dogs lead happy lives. And you'll have fun, too!

As you work with your Golden, you'll both improve in your concentration, teamwork, consistency, patience, and the joy of accomplishment.

Because your dog loves to be with you and is always eager to please, your activities together are the basis for an ever-deepening friendship.

Dog breed activities also provide a fun way to continue your dog's training throughout his life and give him the exercise he needs to stay fit and trim.

And if you?ve been looking for worthwhile activities for a bored dog, any of these options will keep him busy and out of trouble. It's definitely a win-win situation!

Return From Dog Breed Activities
to Lovable Golden Retriever Home Page

View the original article here

Jun 10, Dog Breed Activities -- Fun Dog Sports and Events

The wide range of dog breed activities available today will keep you and your Golden Retriever happily occupied and enjoying each other's company.

For many people, just having a dog as a companion is enough.

But for those who enjoy a challenge, there are plenty of exciting activities you can get involved in.

These range from dog shows and dog obedience events to more energetic competitive team sports.

We'll look at several such dog sports, including dog agility and flyball.

And you can "ease into" competitive obedience with the Canine Good Citizen test and Rally Obedience.

Frisbee dog competitions are an extension of one of the Golden's favorite games--retrieving!

And most Goldens can't get enough of the various dog water sports available, including the ever-popular dock diving.

Canine freestyle is a fairly new dog sport, but it's just the ticket for dogs and people who enjoy dancing together to music.

Click here to share a story and photo about the particular activity your Golden Retriever is involved in, and read stories from others about their talented Goldens, too!

Goldens put their whole heart into everything they do.

They're equally happy trotting around a show ring, racing through an agility course, or dashing after a pop-up tennis ball in a lively game of flyball.

You and your dog can receive recognition in the form of ribbons, trophies, and titles.

Or you can simply enjoy the pleasure of learning and performing together at the dog events you choose to pursue.

There's such a large variety of dog breed activities that you may be wondering how to get involved in anything!

Well, one of the best places to find out about dog events in your area is to get in touch with your local Golden Retriever Club.

You can also check the Community Events section of your newspaper.

Attending any of the outdoor dog events held throughout the summer will give you an idea of what might appeal to you and your furry friend.

Sometimes the price tag on dog competition supplies makes people hesitate to try anything.

But many dog clubs already have equipment and courses for such activities as flyball, agility and Frisbee--or they might be able to steer you toward clubs that can help you.

Dogs that work and play with people and other dogs lead happy lives. And you'll have fun, too!

As you work with your Golden, you'll both improve in your concentration, teamwork, consistency, patience, and the joy of accomplishment.

Because your dog loves to be with you and is always eager to please, your activities together are the basis for an ever-deepening friendship.

Dog breed activities also provide a fun way to continue your dog's training throughout his life and give him the exercise he needs to stay fit and trim.

And if you?ve been looking for worthwhile activities for a bored dog, any of these options will keep him busy and out of trouble. It's definitely a win-win situation!

Return From Dog Breed Activities
to Lovable Golden Retriever Home Page

View the original article here