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Original poster

I want a golden retriever but DH wants a springer!

14 replies

McDreamy · 02/04/2008 10:00

We have an old lab but when we come back to the UK we want to get another one.

Anyone got either of them and can give me any tips?

We have 2 small children (5 & 3) and a very soft laid back lab.

OP posts:
cornsilk · 02/04/2008 10:02

I also want a dog - shall lurk!

Slouchy · 02/04/2008 10:04

Springers lovely but very active and bouncy - need LOTS of walking. Would this fit in?

YouKnowNothingOfTheCrunch · 02/04/2008 10:05

Springers are very bouncy, we've got a cocker (slightly smaller and less mental but still easily trained). I think it depends how much space you have, really.

Springers are very friendly, but not at all laid back, they never stop moving.

No experience of golden retrievers though I'm afraid.

Original poster
McDreamy · 02/04/2008 10:06

Well I have one dog to exercise already. I am at home all day. I think the retriever needs a fair amount of exercise too so yes I think walking shouldn't be a problem.

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Bluebutterfly · 02/04/2008 10:09

Growing up we always had labs at home. I love them still. Dh and I decided to get a basset hound (now 5) and he is every bit as gentle as a lab, good with children, and friendly with other dogs - in fact they are happier with the company of another dog.

Not that I am biased or anything.

Bluebutterfly · 02/04/2008 10:10

here

Buddhababe · 02/04/2008 11:37

I have a Goldie. Great dogs with children (I have a small toddler and one on the way). At first I was nervous when he was a baby as our dog is full of energy but he is so careful walking around him now and they are great pals.

One thing I would look into though is training. They need alot of exercise. He is a little difficult on the lead and at times it has been frutrating bringing him and the buggie on walks. If you are getting a male, look into neutering and training from the beginning. Bitches are easier I hear but still need training. I didn't do this from the start and it has been a little difficult for me now. He is 3 years old and is a fiesty adolescent...

Will you get a puppy? If so, research the breeder e.t.c. Also, if you get her/him as a puppy, they will be much easier to train. Our dog is brilliant around the house in partcular, doesn't bark much, very playful.

Oh, think about your garden also. Is it big (ish). THey are fond of digging. So, protect the good plants. They love chewing on woody plants in particular. One way to help with this is to get them plenty of toys and bones to chew on, to bring them on walks and to correct them as soon as they start acting up....

Any other questions just ask.

sadandtired · 02/04/2008 11:58

Well Springers are very high energy, so only go with that if you are sure you can cope, but having said that, while Goldens can be a lot more placid and laid back, that is not a universal trait. Ours is 15 now and is only just grudgingly growing up and acting more his age!
Whichever you choose - make sure you do your research and try and pick an individual accordingly.

horseshoe · 02/04/2008 19:21

Would you consider adopting from a rescue. That way you can meet the dogs first and concentrate on personality rather than breed. IME buying a puppy for its breed is the wrong way to go as you cant generalise a breed based on other dogs of the same breed.

Personally though? I love a LAB!!!

MuffinMclay · 02/04/2008 20:22

springer, springer, springer!

I've had 2, but only have one now. One was a total nutter and couldn't stay still for 5 minutes. The other, still with us, loves his walks but the rest of the time is a lazy lump. He spends most of the day dozing on the sofa or a bed (5 years old).

soapbox · 02/04/2008 20:26

I think a springer can be hard work because it is more than just exercise they need. IME they seem to want to be played with almost constantly and will really annoy you until you throw the ball one more time etc etc. Whilst a retriever likes long walks they do tend to lie down and sleep at least for part of the time!

redwino · 02/04/2008 20:29

You should get a springer. They are the best dogs ever. Graet with children, very trainable and much less likely to pile on the pounds than a lab. I grew up with labradors but have a springer now and wouldn't have anything else. I do love labs too, but springers are just so springy!

samiestresure · 02/04/2008 20:56

hi we have 8 golden retrievers and wouldnt have it and other way they are aged between 8 months and 12 years my son is only 14 weeks and they are all great around him and also all my friends have kids of different ages and the dogs all love them and they love the dogs u can do anything to them and they dont bat an eyelid my step daughter pulls there tails and falls asleep on them and they still dont bother. they do need a good walk everyday at least half an hour and if u wanna know more just ask. if u do want a goldie make sure u go through the golden retriever club. (or ask me, my mum breeds them and purely for temperement but we can help point u the right way to breeders in ur area). gud luck xx

Original poster
McDreamy · 02/04/2008 22:01

Thank you all so much some great advice. I am still in the retriever camp, I think they are lovely dogs.

I would prefer to get a puppy and train than a rescue dog. Can't think of any other questions at the moment but I'm sure I will be back!

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