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BREED GUIDE

YOUR GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPY

Golden Retrievers have a soft mouth and an even softer heart, and they were bred in Scotland as working gundogs. As puppies they're sweet, sensitive and slow to grow up, with a busy mouth that wants to hold everything, including your hands and sleeves.

A Golden Retriever puppy running towards the camera across the grass

WHAT I'D START IN THE FIRST WEEKS

MOUTHING

PLAN FOR THE MOUTH

Goldens love to hold things, and hands, sleeves and the lead are all fair game. Keep a toy in your pocket to offer, calmly step away if the teeth keep coming, and make sure your puppy gets enough sleep.

SENSITIVITY

KEEP IT KIND

A Golden is a sensitive dog, and harsh words or telling off can knock their confidence. Reward what you like, set them up to get it right, and keep sessions short and fun.

BEING LEFT

PRACTISE APART

They love their people, and some find being left hard. Short spells alone from the first week, going away and always coming back, make a huge difference later.

Cover of The Modern Golden Retriever Handbook by Renée Patience

MODERN BREED HANDBOOKS · NO. 20

THE MODERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER HANDBOOK

The Golden Retriever in one book, from the soft mouth and slow growing up to jumping up, pulling and the dog who can't be left, written by Renée. It's an instant download for €9.99.

WANT STEP-BY-STEP HELP?

 

Puppy Club walks you through the first weeks and months with any breed, one step at a time, with a roadmap for each stage so you always know what to work on next. Essentials is €99, one payment, and you keep it for life.

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