So perhaps you’ve fallen in love with the golden retriever breed (I don’t blame you), or you’ve always wanted one since you were young (like me), and the time has finally come to own one? If it’s going to be your first dog, you might be wondering before committing if they are good dogs to have as a first-time owner.
Golden retrievers are excellent dogs for first-time owners as they are intelligent, loyal and obedient so easy to train, very friendly and polite, and don’t often have behavioural issues which could be tricky for a new dog owner. They love company, so it will definitely tick the box of having a close companion which a lot of the time is the reason people consider getting a dog, especially your first.
It’s great that you’re here doing your research, as it shows you care about making the right decision, which is the mentality of an amazing future dog owner. Below is more detail on why they make great first-time dogs, but also see my related post where I discuss golden retriever traits more generally – Golden Retriever Behaviour – 8 Classic Traits.
Easy to Train and Loyal
Golden retrievers are one of the easiest dogs to train and are very quick learners as they are an intelligent breed. From personal experience, this is an amazing trait when it’s your first dog as there is a lot to learn yourself about dog ownership before it comes to teaching your dog new things! You will make very quick progress with common commands with the right training, as well as be able to teach more complex commands. They are incredibly eager to please which always helps the training.
From sit and stay, to naming certain toys that they will go fetch on command. Our time record with our dog Albus is more or less a day when we taught him the difference between his left and right paw which he raises on command. Obviously with all dogs, consistent training is very important, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking you only need to teach commands once and they will remember them for the rest of their lives!
Don’t forget also that the golden retriever is from the gun dog family, which in itself is a good advert for their trainability where they are used to pick up and retrieve shot game. Read more about gun dogs here – Gun dog – Wikipedia.
Friendly, Polite, and Rarely Have Behavioural Issues
Golden retrievers are one of the friendliest and most polite dog breeds going which is a great trait to have when it’s your first dog as it provides a level of predictability for both you and visitors when engaging with the dog. You might also have a young family, which also requires trust in your dog. Note that doesn’t mean you should leave your dog with children unattended; supervision is always recommended. Do read my related blog Are Golden Retrievers Good Family Dogs? 6 Key Reasons Why! if you want to know more on why they are great family dogs!
It’s uncommon that golden retrievers have behavioural issues when brought up properly. However, this doesn’t mean to say that the breed is exempt from behavioural issues, but there are other breeds which are more likely to develop them. If rescuing your golden, or any dog, make sure to try and understand its previous ownership history as this could lead to potential issues in behaviour.
A Wonderful Companion
One of the reasons you are probably looking to have a dog is to have a or another companion in your life. The great news is, a golden retriever is one of the best. They thrive on human interaction and love to be with you, so if you’re looking for a best friend or a replacement ;-), you will find one in a golden retriever. It’s this nature which makes them such a great welcome into the world of dogs. It’s a common daily occurrence our golden Albus will just come up to me and give me his paw! They say it’s their way of stroking you like you stroke them! <3.
Our lives have changed for the better since having Albus; he is one of the best, if not the best thing we have ever done as he brings so much joy to our lives. That’s not to say another breed wouldn’t provide that, but the little golden retriever tendencies are just amazing!
Not Convinced?
You are well within your rights after reading this and my other related posts and think the golden retriever might not be for you. Completely understandable and they aren’t for everyone! If that’s the case, see this related post where I hope I can help you further – Choosing Your First Dog? 7 Tips to Help You Choose . Good luck with your search! <3