Golden Retrievers for Dummies

by Nona Kilgore Bauer

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764552678
• ISBN13: 9780764552670
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Strongly Recommended by the GoldenRetrieverInstitute.com

I am a Director of the Golden Retriever Institute (http://www.GoldenRetrieverInstitute.com) - one of the world's leading organizations engaged in research into the welfare and training of Golden Retrievers. I can tell you from my experience that this book should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of purchasing a Golden Retriever or already has one. The book does an excellent job of covering the basics of taking care of, maintaining and training Golden Retrievers. The sections on taking care of your Golden Retriever's health and ensuring that it has a long and healthy life are some of the best I have ever seen in books of this genre. And the Part of Tens will give you dozens of ideas regarding fun things you can do with your dog. Strongly recommended.

The best Golden book, even if you dont live in US

I bought this and 3 others Golden books, but this is by far, the best I ever see! It covers all aspects for a happy life with a Golden Retriever. The info about house break in and basic training are the most efective. I put in pratice with my Golden and for a first time dog owner like me, it worked 100%. The "don't" do part of the book is great! It told me what not to do, and it works more than many oral comands. Thanks to this book, my Golden is a happy, obedient and healthy dog. Even living in Brazil, without much of toys, food, address, etc mentioned in the book, it is a must have book. I higly recommend for the first time Golden owner and for those who already has previously dog experience. And an extra bonun is the excelente price for so many good quality informantion. I hope the author will bring us another Golden book soon.

Read this book BEFORE you get a dog

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.

I want one!

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.