Okay, so, I got this large golden retriever a while back. What a handful! But, I mean, who can resist those puppy eyes, right? Anyway, I thought I’d share my journey of raising and training this big furball.
First off, let me tell you, these guys are huge. I mean, I knew golden retrievers were big, but this one? He’s like a small horse. When I first picked him up, he was this cute little fluff, but boy, did he grow! And fast! We’re talking 70 pounds of pure, energetic dog.
So, I started with the basics. You know, “sit,” “stay,” “come” – the usual stuff. I used a lot of treats because, let’s be honest, goldens love their food. I also made sure to be consistent, with training the guy every day. Short sessions, though, ’cause his attention span is, well, not the longest.
Training
I’ve got to say, training a big dog is way different from training a small one. They need a lot of exercise. I take him on long walks, sometimes twice a day, and we also play fetch in the park. He loves it! I tried taking him to the dog park a few times, and he had a blast. He gets along with other dogs, which is good.
- Daily Walks: I began with a simple walk twice a day. I used a sturdy leash and started by walking around the block. As he got used to it, I increased the distance.
- Fetch Sessions: We play fetch in the park almost every day. It’s a great way to burn his energy. I started with a tennis ball and now he brings back a small frisbee!
- Dog Park Visits: I started taking him to the dog park once a week, then increased it to twice a week. He loves playing with other dogs and it’s a great way for him to socialize.
One thing I learned is that these dogs need mental stimulation, too. So, I got him some puzzle toys. These were a lifesaver! They keep him busy when I’m at work. Plus, he’s gotten pretty good at figuring them out. Smart dog!
I also tried enrolling him in a training class. It was a bit of a disaster at first. He was just too excited to be around other dogs. But, the trainer gave me some tips on how to keep him calm, and it eventually worked out. He’s not the most obedient dog, but he’s getting there.
I’ve also been working on his manners. Goldens are known for being friendly, but they can also be a bit jumpy. I’ve been teaching him not to jump on people, which is still a work in progress. It’s hard when he gets excited, but we’re making progress.
Food-wise, I feed him special large breed food. I read somewhere that it’s important for their joints and stuff. I also give him some homemade treats sometimes, like cooked sweet potato and carrots. He seems to like them.
Results
All in all, it’s been a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it. He’s a great companion, and we have a lot of fun together. He’s still got some quirks, but hey, nobody’s perfect, right? He’s my big, lovable goofball, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything. Raising a large golden retriever is definitely an adventure, but it’s one I’m glad I started.
