Golden Retrievers for Dummies (Paperback)

~ (Author) "If you live in a typical neighborhood, then you're probably neighbors with at least one Golden Retriever..." (more)
Key Phrases: generalized demodex, retriever club, hunting tests, Golden Retriever, Close Encounters of the Furry Kind, Bitter Apple (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For the past decade, the Golden Retriever has ranked among the five most popular breeds registered with the AKC, with more than 65,000 Goldens registered every year. The Golden Retriever’s personality is as golden as his outer coat. He was bred to please, and please he does. He started out as a hunting partner who delivered birds to hand and has evolved into modern times delivering whatever suits his owner’s fancy. Because Golden Retrievers were originally bred to work in tandem with humans, they are also highly trainable.

Golden Retrievers For Dummies is intended for busy 21st century dog owners who don’t have time to sit down and read through 300 pages at a crack. This is a reference you can jump in and out of as dog questions rear their furry heads. This handy guide is also for you if

You own a Golden Retriever or thinking about getting one.

You've just brought home a Golden pup.

You want to find the best way to raise and train your Golden.

You want to help your Golde n to not just survive but to thrive.

Find out what it takes to own this active, intelligent, and friendly dog. Explore the Golden's personality traits and living requirements. Discover which diseases are hereditary. This reference guide covers all the aspects of dog ownership, including:

Looking at breeders, rescue groups, and animal shelters

Adopting and caring for older dogs

Selecting a puppy with help from an established testing process

Dog-proofing your house and yard

Crate training, housetraining, and obedience training

Canine communication and growing pains

Feeding, exercising, and playing with your Golden

Dealing with illness, problem behavior, and treatment

Grooming for health and beauty

If you’re serious about this Golden business and not just caving in to the kids or some other wild impulse, follow the advice of responsible dog owners and breeders. Look deep into your dog-loving soul and carefully consider the big picture. Love alone is not enough.

From the Back Cover

"A gold mine of information…. The author knows her retrievers." Mickey Strandberg, noted Golden Retriever breeder Praise for Golden Retrievers For Dummies® "What a thoroughly wonderful book!" — Joyce Kinghorn, Former President, Golden Retriever Club of America "A valuable, highly educational read for a range of people, from new to experienced dog owners." — Kaye Fuller, DVM, and Roger Fuller, former Western Director, Golden Retriever Club of America

Find out about your Golden Retriever's special needs

Get the lowdown on keeping your dog healthy and content There's much more to a Golden Retriever than its lush coat, sunny disposition, and desire to please. This fun and friendly book shows you how to prepare your home for a new Golden puppy, socialize and train your new pet, and much more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (October 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552678
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552670
• Product Dimensions: 1 x 7 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #192,773 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book BEFORE you get a dog, August 6, 2001

By A Customer

Having been considering a Golden Retriever puppy for some time, I read this book with great interest. There is not a stone left unturned (or toy left unchewed)in the book. The author knows her dogs and covers every aspect of puppyhood and EXACTLY what to expect. If you read this book and follow it's advice, I don't know how you wouldn't end up having a great dog, instead of just a "good" dog. She puts the responsibility squarely on the owner and that you can't just have a casual relationship with your dog. You have to make a commitment to the dog. I have recently adopted an older Golden (thus the reason I bought the book)and while I would love to enjoy a puppy and train it through the years, I also realize it could take more time than I have to give at this moment, so I am extra glad I read the book. As I said, it should be required reading BEFORE anyone considers getting a dog. Also, don't fear, you will not be committing many nights to read the book, it is broken down very well and is a quick read. The dummies books also make it very easy to look up something specific when needed.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want one!, March 26, 2001

By	M. H. Bayliss "book queen" - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The author is a self-avowed golden nut who worships her dogs and lets them sleep in her bed (not as puppies though -- only after her dominance as the alpha dog is gained!). Every owner should have to read this before getting a puppy. Too many people think of puppies as cute little furballs but give little attention to their training. Even these adorable little dogs need strict training and discipline so they can rise to their best behavioral level. You'll learn all the things you SHOULD do to train your dog and many that you shouldn't like rubbing its nose in feces (who ever thought of that!). Obviously, some dog owners must be a bit daft. Do yourself a favor and read this book before committing to raising a puppy. No one should get a puppy unless they are prepared to work at being a good trainer. Even this forgiving and friendly breed needs structure.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST-READ FOR ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE GOLDEN OWNER, April 2, 2001

By	Baby's Mom (Metro Detroit, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This woman knows and loves her goldens! What a valuable source of information! I first read it from cover-to-cover the first week I had my Golden Pup home (in between trying to housetrain her and keeping her from chewing on the pages...I had to flip forward to the parts that addressed those issues first!) I have since kept it as a reference to refer to when needed.

The book is well laid out, has little tidbits of information that could be used to impress your co-workers and friends with your "golden knowledge", is humorous, heartwarming, and very, very on-target. The author does not sugar-coat anything, and deals with the GOOD and the not-so-good aspects of this breed. I own other books on raising and loving your Golden, but this one's my favorite.