Tell me about golden retrievers please

[Naicecuppatea]

My parents had a beautiful golden when I was growing up and I wouldn't want any other type of dog. We have 2 school aged children and I would love to get one now. Please remind me, what do I need to be expecting?

I crate my 10 week old pup at night and if we go out ( never for long just school run) . He doesn't mind it, in fact he's fast asleep in there now with the door open. It keeps him safe and also gives him a refuge if he feels he needs it.
I haven't taken him in the car much, he usually sits in the back with DD and is happy but I would prefer him in the boot. I tried him in the boot once and he got very distressed and pooed everywhere, even though it was a very short journey. His crate is too big for the boot so I am looking into another solution - maybe a smaller crate or carrier.

I got him used to the car as soon as I could, I have a Yaris and am sooooo glad I didn't buy a bigger car as planned! Mucky dog! Enough space to sit/lie down, just get a good boot liner. I bought a ramp for the car too, eventually he got too big to lift in so I use a folding ramp, trying to minimise jumping before a year to protct his joints (I'm probably a bit ott about this anyway!)
About leaving him, we started off with short periods but stuck to a routine. I put treats in his crate, said goodbye, gave a cuddle and left, closed the door behind me. When I come back I didn't make a fuss and say hello after a minute or so. Same with eg fireworks. First time he froze and looked at me. I just gave him a cuddle and distracted with a toy. After the third lot he didn't even flinch. Good luck! It's hard work but it really pays off to put the work in early on!

I have a two year old golden retriever, bought as a eight week puppy when my twins were 2 and a half, he has always been brilliant with them never nipped them or jumped up at them. He has chewed their toys though, loves to chew plastic or wood. Loves muddy puddles and my house gets covered mud. He has an hour and a half walk each morning which involves running around the local park and swimming in the river. He can't miss his walk so I need to pay to have him walked on the days I work or when the children are ill. He loves all people and I have made lots of friends while walking him.

Love all these GR descriptions!

I absolutely love my goldie. He's almost 4 now and I have a 2.5 year old DD and they love each other. Obviously I work at teaching her to be gentle and always supervise but when she threw herself on him he just looked at me.

I agree with the PP who said research neutering. DDog is entire and I can't come up with a good reason to neuter now. Also wary of the implant as it can't be removed if there are adverse reactions.

His recall is rubbish and he doesn't receive. He loves a good game of chase and tug. He's not particularly destructive. He's learned how to open doors and likes to lie on the windowsill to watch the world do go by.

Oh and if I'm doing crunches exercising he tries to give me belly rubs!

We had one when our DC were little and she was a good family dog. My own daughter has one now she has DC and he is the same. Only negative we found is they were real chewers as puppies and my daughter's dog tries to eat everything including poo! I wouldn't have one now as our house and cars are too small and I can have rescue dogs as I don't have small children to worry about any more.

I love my Goldies! We currently have 2, both bitches age 2 and 13, but have had goldies since we got married 35 years ago - great fun, active dogs who are a real family member, would recommend them to anyone.
But- they moult, then moult some more. The soft fluffy fur gets everywhere, you will never own fur free black trousers ever again! Regular brushing helps, but several of mine see that as an invitation to play "chew the brush "
They also like to chew. All pups do but for Goldies the novelty never wears off. The advantage is it trains the kids to pick up their stuff, but current pup is still in disgrace for chewing DGD's Queen Elsa... Others have eaten more socks and underwear than you can count, one made a hole in a carpet...
They also like gardening- excavating, pruning and replanting. But not weeds, of course.
They love mud and water, or even better muddy water and will swim and or roll in it at every opportunity.
Personally I prefer the "working" type - bit smaller, more althletic and cleverer , some of the show types are massive and to my eye clumsy looking, and a bit dim.
If you are looking for a Goldie, chat to some owners, what "family" does their dog come from? Look on breed websites, see which suits you best. There are also several rescue sites if you want an older one.
Which ever you go for, make sure the parents hip score is good and the eyes have also been tested, to avoid painful and expensive trouble later.
Good luck!