Is a golden retriever for me?

[Bailey-lover]

Ive been thinking about getting a golden retriever, but I have a feeling my mum will say no because I was supposed to get a pugalier but being here has turned me off designer breeds!

And made me realise I dont want a small dog I think I want a golden retriever!

I dont no how to tell my mum!

Im going to talk to her when she gets off the phone and then Ill say what she said.

All golden retriever owners help me:( it would be an inside dog how would I convince my mum to let me keep a golden retriever INSIDE!

Oh and golden retriever owners Ive been reading about them, but from all of yous point of veiw what are they like?

[KatzNK9]

Ozzy thinks that's a great idea! Goldens make great family dogs. They're happiest when they're included in all aspects of family life. I think that's a great breed choice for you.

Do you need links to sites to learn more about the breed?

http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/index.cfm

http://www.grca.org/

You can learn about Goldens on these sites.

[applesmom]

Ive been thinking about getting a golden retriever, but I have a feeling my mum will say no because I was supposed to get a pugalier but being here has turned me off designer breeds!

And made me realise I dont want a small dog I think I want a golden retriever!

I dont no how to tell my mum!

Im going to talk to her when she gets off the phone and then Ill say what she said.

All golden retriever owners help me:( it would be an inside dog how would I convince my mum to let me keep a golden retriever INSIDE!

Oh and golden retriever owners Ive been reading about them, but from all of yous point of veiw what are they like?

What are your expectations for a pup that make you think a Golden would make a better dog for you than the pup you've been promised?

[Bailey-lover]

Thanks for the sites katz:)

Applesmom.

I like that they are good in families and they need heaps of exercise because Im always running about and that they are loyal... And that they dont attack anyone ever unless there family is in danger.


Oh and also update from my mum: No for a house dog because they are huge.

Ill talk to her more tho.

[KatzNK9]

What about one of the smaller sporting dog breeds? small herding breeds? small terriers?

[Bailey-lover]

Yeah probley.

[MoJo]

Border collies are amazing family pets as well, and do not grow to be that large. Very highly intelligent and loyal. Another breed to consider I guess.

[Bailey-lover]

Ive owned a bordie collie before we had to put him down tho.

Im now looking for a small breed tho:p

[Bailey-lover]

Update: No on the golden... Im going to tell the pugalier breeder I will be looking in rescues and looking around before I can just say I wont a pugalier.

I also think I would like a rescue over a designer breed anyday!

[satalitegirl]

good for you, a rescue dog is a brilliant choice.
My chewie is a rescue dog and he is wonderful, plus their are always dogs that need loving homes, I dont think I would ever buy from a breeder unless I had lots of land and space so I could have a golden lab.
Make regular trips to the rescue home, where we went te dogs changed so quickly it took a couple of visits before the right dog jumped up at us, lol
happy looking

[skunkstripe]

Hi Bailey-Girl. I can't imagine a Golden being happy indoors. They love nothig more than running around inthe woods, getting twigs and leaves in their fur and swimming in mudholes. I think a smaller "companion dog" would be a better idea if you want your dog inside. Good luck!

[KatzNK9]

Ozzy loves his indoor time as long as he gets plenty of excercise, walks & running time. He's perfectly content & well-behaved in the house & I believe he enjoys the comforts of home as much as he does love his outdoor time.

[dlambertz]

Hi Bailey-Girl. I can't imagine a Golden being happy indoors. They love nothig more than running around inthe woods, getting twigs and leaves in their fur and swimming in mudholes. I think a smaller "companion dog" would be a better idea if you want your dog inside. Good luck!

I find that size really has nothing to do with whether a dog should be in or out. Maybe I didn't read your post correctly.
While Aja does love to have zoomie time outside she loves being a bigger "companion dog" that is an inside dog.

I personally have not lived with a golden but my bil and sil have one. Lucky loves the comfort of the indoors and I can't imagine him giving it up for the twigs and mudholes ~shrugs~

[Borzoi mad]

Hi Bailley Girl

I think that you and your mum have to sit down and really have a serious discussion as to what breed she is prepared to accept in the house that you would like to have. There is no good in getting a dog of any breed whether from a shelter or a breeder or whatever if this has not been fully discussed and the pros and cons weighted up by both you and your mum. Better to sort it our first than get a puppy and a few weeks/months down the line you have to re-home it because there is resentment from your mum.
That would be my advice to you and I hope between the two of you you can decide on a breed of puppy which you will both be happy with. If you decide to go down this road I wish you good luck and hope you can both sort something out to both you and the puppies best advantage.

[skunkstripe]

I find that size really has nothing to do with whether a dog should be in or out. Maybe I didn't read your post correctly.
While Aja does love to have zoomie time outside she loves being a bigger "companion dog" that is an inside dog.

I personally have not lived with a golden but my bil and sil have one. Lucky loves the comfort of the indoors and I can't imagine him giving it up for the twigs and mudholes ~shrugs~

I did not say anything about size so I am not sure where you got this. My comments were directed towards Retrievers, irrespective of size.
I live with a Golden and my husband and hike with her regularly. These are not walks, they are 5-10 mile hikes. Based on how these these dogs (my husband used to have Labs) behave in the great outdoors, it is my opinion that withholding it from them does not make sense. Retrievers were bred to run around in the woods for hours and swim in icy waters, and not to stay indoors all the time. Sure, they like snuggling indoors, and they like people enough to be content wherever their owners are. But they brighten up outdoors. Perhaps there are those who would be happy leading the life of a companion dog indoors, but I have not seen them.

[dlambertz]

Hi SS .. I got if from this statement in your post
I think a smaller "companion dog" would be a better idea if you want your dog inside. Good luck!
So when you stated smaller I assumed that you meant size. I was sure of what I was reading I just wasn't sure if that is what you meant.

[skunkstripe]

Ah now I understand. You' right, I did mention size. :D Makes sense.
From Bailey-Lover's first post it sounded like the dog would be indoors almost all of the time except for short walks. In that case the breeds that come to my mind who were bred for this kind of lifestyle are Bichon Frise, Llhasa Apso and breeds from the non-sporting or toy groups. You're right, there are dogs who make wonderful companions who are large, I have friends who adore Newfies for that reason. But there was an update that Mom vetoeds the larger dogfs so I was making concessions to her as well. No use recommending a big dog if Mom won't like it. :)

[KatzNK9]

It sounds to me like she's lives on acreage where there's lots of roaming room outdoors. I think the idea is for the dog to live in the house as opposed the working dogs who never come inside.

[skunkstripe]

Well if that is the case then the best I can offer is that my Golden Girl lives, eats and sleeps in the house (choosing the prime spot in front of the wood stove for her snoozes) but enjoys her day trips to the forest.

It sounds like a Golden would have a wonderful life with Bailey-Lover if there is roaming room outdoors, but if Mom says no then Mom says no. And like Borzoi Mad says, a talk with Mom is needed.

[Doberman's]

Regardless of size.... ALL dogs need exercise even little ones.

[happysaz133]

I've never had a golden, nor have any of my family members/friends, but from what I have heard from people online they make wonderful pets. I think you are doing the right thing BL not going for a designer breed, and possibly taking on a rescue dog (very rewarding). What I think would be good would be for you to possibley buy a dog breeds book/encylopaedia, then you and your Mum can have a look through the book together and weigh up the pro's and con's of owning a different breed of dog to what you had originally thought. Here's the book I would recommend... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dogalog-Bruce-Fogle/dp/0751338710/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/026-5655443-1511602?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1192370031&sr=8-1
I am sure you could find a copy of this book in Australia, if not, one similar would be good. Good luck!

[xcolbi]

Hi Emma,

Maybe you could take a trip down to your local shelter after you talk to your Mom and see if there are any dogs/puppies that would suit your lifestyle there. ;) Or if there are any rescue centres where you live, you could also check there. Who knows? Maybe the best dog for you is one you would have never guessed. :)

[mermaid2708]

i know that i am biased, but cocker spaniels are a great small family indoors dog...only growing to about 13-16kg...but getting a rescue dog is great too...let us know what you decide...and good luck x

[xcolbi]

i know that i am biased, but cocker spaniels are a great small family indoors dog...only growing to about 13-16kg...but getting a rescue dog is great too...let us know what you decide...and good luck x

Maybe she could get a rescued Cocker Spaniel! ;)

[mermaid2708]

can i just say that i think forum users in UK and USA may have different ideas when mentioning indoor and outdoor dogs??? i consider an outdoor dog to be a kennled dog who never comes indoors...maybe a working dog. and an indoor dog as a family pet, like mine, who sleeps in the house but is regularly walked and plays in garden etc, but maybe in the USA when someone calls a dog an indoor dog they mean a dog which NEVER goes out????? please correct me if i am wrong!

[mermaid2708]

Maybe she could get a rescued Cocker Spaniel! ;)

OH YES!!! best of both worlds!!!:):):)

[happysaz133]

can i just say that i think forum users in UK and USA may have different ideas when mentioning indoor and outdoor dogs??? i consider an outdoor dog to be a kennled dog who never comes indoors...maybe a working dog. and an indoor dog as a family pet, like mine, who sleeps in the house but is regularly walked and plays in garden etc, but maybe in the USA when someone calls a dog an indoor dog they mean a dog which NEVER goes out????? please correct me if i am wrong!

Yes I was wondering this too. Mine are indoor dogs (eat, sleep and play in the house) but go outside for walks, toileting and playing.

[mermaid2708]

Yes I was wondering this too. Mine are indoor dogs (eat, sleep and play in the house) but go outside for walks, toileting and playing.

glad im not only one who was thinking this!!! dont wanna come across as a dumb-brit!!!:)

[happysaz133]

And I think of outdoors as living in a kennel outside, not coming inside.

[Borzoi mad]

And I think of outdoors as living in a kennel outside, not coming inside.


Me too Sarah and Mermaid more working dogs than pets is what they would be considered here if they were kept outside permanently.

Mine to have an outside run and a Kennel, but they are more often in the house than outside, , but when it gets too warm with their long coats they like the option of going outside.


But getting pack to Bailley Lover's original post I feel that it is what her Mum says that goes and therefore as I posted before deciding on any breed I think she and her mum have to have some serious talking to do.

[mermaid2708]

But getting pack to Bailley Lover's original post I feel that it is what her Mum says that goes and therefore as I posted before deciding on any breed I think she and her mum have to have some serious talking to do.

yes ofcourse it is ultimatly up to bailey lovers mum...i think she should find lots of information to give her mum reguarding breeds etc that are suited to their life style, its not just a question of the size of dog they end up getting, but also the age, need for attention, exercise and cost of upkeep etc, there is so much to think bout before taking the step of getting a dog. in an ideal world i would have a couple of boxers, but i know that it would not be right for us or them, so i got my little ruby...and i am chuffed to bits with her!:)

[Borzoi mad]

Hi Mermaid Yes that was the point I was making it is a big step getting a dog and must be thought out very carefully and all family involved must be considered,in order that the right choice for the life-style etc. is made bearing in mind that depending on the breed chosen this puppy is going to be part of their lives for many years to come so they need to be careful and take their time over chosing their ideal breed, as if they make the wrong decision it is a little living creature who is involved.

[sheplovr]

NOT. I have cleaned toooo many interiors in autos for my husband and is is always the Labs n Retrievers cause too many own them. I had the best English Bulldog anybody would love to have for a pet. She was adorable. I feel the way you raise your pet is the way it ends up as an adult. Also, many breeds make super family pets. I love shepherds and the hair, but I brush daily the 3 I keep inside. I have a Dyson sweeper also. It is really not bad.
I have had many breeds that made great pets. And many great mixes that melt your heart. Whatever you like most is what to get for you should have it years. Some of them are some harder to train once past the block great pets. It is all in what you prefer and like most. It is an investment like jewerly almost? Only thing jewerly lasts forever and is handed down and increases in value mostly. Do not let anybody pick your pet. Also, many purebreds are in shelters, as long as they are temperment tested I would adopt one. Many are not. Just my opinion, I love all dogs, fish, birds, etc.

[Sabledog]

Bailey, have you thought about getting a beagle? they make excellent family pets, have plenty of energy and are not too big, and are just as happy indoors as they are outdoors, they are good natured and loving, they have short hair and dont require much grooming. and they are cute :)

http://www.akc.org/breeds/beagle/index.cfm

[KatzNK9]

:thumbsupsmileyanim: That's a great idea, Sabledog! Why didn't I think of that? I had one when I was a kid. Great little dogs.

[xcolbi]

Good idea, Sabledog! :)

[skunkstripe]

can i just say that i think forum users in UK and USA may have different ideas when mentioning indoor and outdoor dogs??? i consider an outdoor dog to be a kennled dog who never comes indoors...maybe a working dog. and an indoor dog as a family pet, like mine, who sleeps in the house but is regularly walked and plays in garden etc, but maybe in the USA when someone calls a dog an indoor dog they mean a dog which NEVER goes out?????

Yes I was wondering this too. Mine are indoor dogs (eat, sleep and play in the house) but go outside for walks, toileting and playing.

I think I might be responsible for the confusion-sorry! Maybe it was because of some recent posts I saw from people who were not willing or able to get their dog outside to poo and were using indoor pads. Maybe I was mixing it up with indoor cats (who NEVER go outdoors). Maybe it was just too early in the morning for my brain to be working. :rolleyes: To me if someone says 'outside dog' then that means the dog lives outside in a kennel. And if they say "pet" then I assume that the dog lives indoors, but like happysaz says, do go outside for certain activities.

[Bailey-lover]

Update: In 2 weeks my pugalier pup will be home! Its born now! ITS 6 weeks! old.

[Christine283]

Update: In 2 weeks my pugalier pup will be home! Its born now! ITS 6 weeks! old.

I'm confused. Are you back to the pugalier or are you still thinking about another breed?

I have a Golden and a Beagle and have found both to be great. They probably spend equal amounts of time indoor and outdoors. The only caution with the Beagle is to make sure they are secure (be it by fence or lead) when outside since their noses tend to take over when they catch a scent :rolleyes:

[Bailey-lover]

Im back to the pugalier.....

Its coming in 2 weeks!

[KatzNK9]

Congrats, Bailey! We'll look forward to lots of pics.

[dlambertz]

I love seeing puppy pictures. Can't wait to see yours :)

[April]

Congrats Bailey. Pugaliers are cute. I love Goldens but I have met one that was people/dog aggressive, owned by a young teenager & another fellow that was a real handful for his middle aged owner. We see a lot of inappropriate breeds with owners that should have something they can cope with & not the dog of the month.
With any dog they need proper socialisation & training. Book your puppy into puppy preschool & then into a good positive method obedience club if you can. Get him used to every noise possible inside & out plus ppl of every age, description, gender from babies, men with beards, screaming children etc,etc, etc., & you'll have a well rounded dog.

[puppieluv]

shouldnt get one. Golden's are over bred and tons of health problems, n stuff.

[Bailey-lover]

Thanks guys Ive picked out a little blue collar with a bell on it:)

[Bailey-lover]

http://www.dogforum.org/showthread.php?p=160736#post160736

[Borzoi mad]

You must be really excited ...... Good luck with your new (crossbreed) puppy. I take it you are still sticking with the name Bailley? Look forward to pics.

[Bailey-lover]

Yes I am:)