my mom said i could finally have a dog but..thank you?

Question

yes my mom said i could get a golden retreiver but what are some things i need to know food is it hard taking care of a dog and i do have time were getting a puppy and whats better breeder or adopting thank you

Answer 1

i dont have a dog, so i cant be much help
but, you need to walk it frequently, fill its water bowl and food whenever it gets low, etc etc

Answer 2

Golden retrievers are a great family dog! I currently own one (as you can see, in my avatar there is a picture of my dog!). She is a great dog! Though, goldens can be hyper, they are great around most dogs, and all kids! If this is your first dog, I would recommend that you get a dog (at least 2 years old), instead of a pup. Yes, pups are very cute, they can be a lot harder to train than you think. They need to be attented to every second, it seems. I am not sure if you are still in school, but, it would be awfully hard to train your pup, while doing school work, at the same time! Also, pups can easily take apart shoes, bags, couches, and many other favorited things. It's best to adopt a dog that has already been house broken, and fits your lifestyle. Don't get a dog just because you feel bad for him, or, because he is cute. You are looking for a dog that is going to be with you for the next 10 or even longer, years.

I would highly suggest that you read more about the golden retriever dogs. They, like I said before, are great dogs, but, they do have their ups and downs. Check out some good books at your local library, and even check out some good websites! The more you research, the more prepared you will be!

Thanks, and, good luck,

~ Future Vet

P.S. If you have ANY more questions about goldens, please, email me at: [e-mail]! Thanks!

Answer 3

Go to or call a local animal shelter and ask if they have any goldens or golden mixes available for adoption. Mixed breeds often have less health problems because their resistance to disease and serious conditions is better. Dogs are not hard to take care of, but it IS time consuming. They need walking several times a day, lots of training, and lots of bonding activities. They need to play, and to work...meaning they need to retrieve. They are genetically hard-wired to retrieve and to expend a lot of energy doing it, so if you don't provide that, your dog will have extra energy building up that may wind up in chewing up furniture, clothes, etc. Print this out and talk with your mom about it.

DO choose an adoption if you aren't wanting to put the dog in breed shows. There are so many sweeties in cages waiting for homes, or for euthanasia...the exact lineage of the dog isn't that important unless you're wanting to get into showing. Do the world a favor and adopt an existing retriever or a close cousin. Good luck, sweetie, and enjoy your new lifetime friend!

Answer 4

Yes, a dog is ALOT of work. Its very time consuming and requires energy. They need to be walked several times a day, fed, given water, played with, and with a golden retriever, remember that extra grooming is involved becuase they do have long fur. Also, pure breed golden retrievers have a tendency to smell when they get older. I have always fed my dogs Purina. They usually do best on it. Its great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Give the a little avocado every now and then, it makes their coat beautiful and my dogs have always loved them. Its always better to get a dog through adoption. Pound dogs are usually really grateful, they seem to know what you saved them from. And if you wont take them, someone else might not either. Its why millions of dogs get killed every year. Pounds sometimes have purebred golden retrievers, but if you are determined for a purebred, try a rescue.

Answer 5

If you are getting a golden retriever, then it does not matter whether you get it from a breeder or adopt the puppy. Ask the person who is currently caring for the puppy about their diet, etc, they should be able to tell you exactly, that way, the dog won't change their eating habit. Good luck and congrats.

Answer 6

If you aren't prepared for a dog, why are you asking for one?

I'd suggest adoption from a shelter. A breeder would be good, more expensive, and you'd more than likely be getting a puppy.

Dogs need to be walked, fed, played with, trained, and everything else. It's just like a small child.

If you want something easier, I suggest a cat. They are more independent, with dogs being more dependent.

Answer 7

Adopting is better if you want to save a dogs life, but buying from a reputable breeder is also good because then you get to spend more time with your puppy :)

Answer 8

You need to do a lot of research. I hope you live somewhere where your dog can run around a lot because that breed likes to run!
I would adopt a dog. There are sooo many cats and dogs that are picked up as pets but dumped off at shelters after they become "not cute". It is heartbreaking to see shelters full of unloved former pets. I have adopted 2 cats and I could never imagine them being put down because they ran out of time.

Answer 9

Definitely adopt! Sometimes if you adopt an older puppy 6-9 months from a rescue they are in foster care and are already house trained. This could save you ALOT of hassle. Good Luck!!

Answer 10

better to ge an older dog - its too easy to make mistakes with a pup if you dont know what you are doing - puppy food is more expensive.. and pups still require to be spayed or neutered..

go to your local shelter and adopt.. or adopt from a rescue

reputable breeders charge alot but their dogs are good quality

main thing NEVER NEVER get from a Pet Store..
NEVER NEVER pay for a dog that has not seen a vet and been vaccinated

if you are in USA - http://dogsindanger.com

Answer 11

Congrats! But i do have a few questions for you. Are your parents going to help you with it? The reason why i ask is cause it is defiantly a lot a responsibility. Also are your parents going to take the responsibility if the dog gets sick? Dogs need vet care if they get sick and for their shots and things like that so that means money and that is something that i think a parent should take care of. Unless of course you have a job and you are willing to pay for it yourself, but lets say you don't have the money will your parents pay? There are to many people who get their kids dogs and then when the dog needs to go to the vet they say hey you wanted him i can't help you. imo if your parents are going to get you a dog then they should pay if you can't. Good Luck!