I Want To Get A Dog Too And Would Like Some Advice

[dee lee]

Wonders about this myth of goldens being docile.. my golden karma is 4 yrs old she still destroys things and is a ball of energy. Not a docile bone in her body sadly. She is wonderfully bred and has been with me since 8 weeks of age. I love her but my god she is high maintenance! I also have a kelpie cross who is much easier to manage than Karma.

Dont get me wrong, Karma is a beautiful dog, but she is hard work and always has been. Not all goldens fit the stereotype. Karma is incredibly demanding and noisy if she doesnt get her own way. She still destroys things, this week she ate some wooden coasters I had on the dining table, last week she shredded a cushion that was on the lounge - and let me tell you one cushion can go a loonnngg way. She has been coming inside since I got her, she knows what is expected of her behaviour wise, she jsut chooses to ignore that at times lol.

That's why I recommend being clear with the rescue org about personal requirements.

I had contacted several GR breeders about puppies, but I knew (and had been warned by breeders) that goldies could be a handful, especially as pups. Because of my daughter's nervousness I decided that an adult dog, known to be calm, was the better way to go for us.

My feelings about choosing goldens as a good breed for my family (and they were not my only choice) were based more on whether I could take the dog to a park offlead and have a dog generally receptive to training. I wanted a good family dog.

Having had a DA staffy x I was tolerant of destructiveness, but wanted to have a breed less likely to exhibit aggression.

Honey is a totally indoor dog and is completely non destructive (aside from the occasional peg), I am happy with that but more happy with her happy nature which I have seen is pretty usual for the breed. I could live with pretty much anything just to have that lovely nature.

RPMgirl, I would love to have 2 goldens- I hope you find your pair! ;)