PetLvr.com - [The Blog]

Housebreaking is something anyone will want to do no matter the breed of dog they own. Fortunately for the human companions of Golden Retrievers, that’s a much easier task with these intelligent, eager to please pups.

Beginning as early as four weeks for some, but certainly no later than eight weeks of age, Golden Retriever pups have the mental capacity and bladder and bowel control to receive potty training.

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Golden Retrievers are among the more active breeds and require a lot of exercise to stay fit and happy. Originally bred for game fetching, these energetic dogs can run much of the day, even late into life.

Training and exercise should start young, at around 8-10 weeks. At first the level of activity should be no more than what the pup is willing to do spontaneously. They’ll scamper around, explore bushes and wrestle with one another in between naps. But add to that by getting them to follow you in a particular direction, at least briefly. That’s the beginning of focusing on you and doing as you ask.

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Apart from hip dysplasia, there are half a dozen common conditions or diseases that Golden Retrievers tend to suffer from. That’s not to say most Golden’s are unhealthy. They suffer no more than any other breed. But there are a group of afflictions that are more typically found among them than some others.

Skin diseases and conditions top the list of concerns for most Golden Retriever caretakers. Something as simple as a mosquito or flea bite can cause a small itchy section. Golden Retrievers are very mouthy and tend to chew what they can reach. That quickly produces a raw, moist patch called a hot spot that the dog tends to enlarge. Keeping them unable to reach it via a collar or bandage, or uninterested via sprays is the standard treatment.

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