About Golden Retrievers
A beloved breed, Golden Retrievers are friendly dogs popular with young families in Australia. Their intelligent nature and excellent retrieving skills made them a historically popular breed amongst hunters.
- Golden Retrievers are often regarded as one of the most friendly and affectionate dog breeds and are commonly used as therapy and assistance dogs due to their calm and patient nature.
- They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for obedience, agility, and retriever trials.
- This large dog breed is very energetic and requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviour.
- Golden Retrievers have a strong retrieving instinct and love to carry objects in their mouth, which can be encouraged and utilised in games such as fetching or retrieving items for their owners.
“Truly a special breed. Their gentle and loyal nature, combined with their high intelligence and trainability, make them ideal family pets and working dogs. In fact, Golden Retrievers have been used for a variety of purposes, including search-and-rescue, therapy, and assistance for people with disabilities. owners of Golden Retrievers should provide them with regular veterinary checkups, a nutritious diet, and plenty of exercise”.
- Dr Jane Miller BSc, BVSc (hons)
Appearance: The Golden Retriever is known for its thick golden coat, with colours varying in darkness from each dog. With a distinctive broad frame averaging between 30 - 34 kilograms and a straight muzzle, the breed typically has a large feathery tail with the same density as its coat. Their coat comes in shades of golden, ranging from cream to dark gold, and requires regular grooming to maintain its soft and shiny appearance.
Temperament: Golden Retrievers are very gentle dogs with a soft character, making them a regular choice fit for families with children or other pets. This breed has become quickly popular in Australia for its calm nature and obedience, making them very easy to train.
Activity level: Golden Retrievers require 40 to 60 minutes of hard exercise a day. To achieve this, be sure to keep on top of your dog’s activity through agility classes or dog activities which will stimulate them mentally and physically.
Health: Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but like most breeds, they’re prone to certain conditions. The most common include hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, cancers and skin problems. Obesity is also a factor for older Golden Retrievers, so it's important to monitor their weight. Anxiety in the Golden Retriever has become a recognised health issue that needs ongoing management and support. A good health insurance policy is recommended for all pet owners.
Lifespan: Healthy Golden Retrievers are expected to live up to 10 to 12 years, but this is dependent on your dog specifically. Depending on the breeding situation, some Goldens may be subject to medical issues such as allergies, cancer and heart disease. We will help you minimise these impacts through this guide.
Browse our Golden Retriever essentials
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Suitable for dogs over 15 months old, Royal Canin® Golden Retriever Adult is specially formulated with all the nutritional needs of your adult dog in mind. Royal Canin® Golden Retriever Adult contains omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, and borage oil. These nutrients all help to support a healthy skin barrier function which in turn contributes to the healthy appearance of your dog's coat. Thanks mainly to the combination of fatty acids and an enrichment of taurine.
Royal Canin® Golden Retriever Adult also helps to support your dog's healthy cardiac function. Royal Canin® Golden Retriever Adult has an adapted calorie content – meaning it also helps to maintain your Golden Retriever's ideal weight. What's more, the kibble in Royal Canin® Golden Retriever Adult is tailor-made exclusively for the Golden Retriever. The shape and size of the kibble is specially adapted to suit the preferences of this particular breed of dog.
Healthy Skin and Coat
Golden Retriever Adult helps support the skin’s barrier role (exclusive complex) and maintain skin and coat health (EPA and DHA). Enriched with borage oil.
Healthy Cardiac Function
This formula contains specific nutrients to help support good cardiac function. Enriched with taurine and EPA and DHA.
Ideal Weight
Helps maintain the Golden Retriever’s ideal weight thanks to an adapted calorie content.
Tailor Made Kibble
Exclusive Kibble Design
The kibble’s shape, size, texture and formula are adapted to the Golden Retriever dog.
NexGard Chewables for Large Dogs (25.1 - 50 kg)
NexGard (Red) is suitable for large dogs from 25.1 to 50 kg in bodyweight.
Make NexGard your dog’s monthly treat and you’ll have reassurance of protection against flea infestations as well as ticks (including the deadly paralysis
tick), mites, lice and flea tapeworms.
Features & Benefits
- Australia's leading monthly flea, tick, mites and lice protection product for dogs.
- Soft, tasty beef-flavoured chew that dogs love.
- Convenient monthly dosing that's easy to remember.
- Can be given with or without food.
- Safe for puppies from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 2 kg.
- Not affected by bathing, swimming or shampooing.
- Safe to use in breeding, pregnant and lactating females.
Each chew contains
- Afoxolaner
Claims
- Rapidly kills fleas
- Treats and controls ticks, including paralysis ticks
- Treats and controls mange and mites
- Treats and controls biting lice
- Prevents flea tapeworm infestations
- Controls flea allergy dermatitis
- Effective for one month
- Tasty chew
*CEESA International Sales Services MAT Q2 2024.
See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Suitable for puppies up to 15 months old, Royal Canin® Golden Retriever Puppy has a specialized kibble is designed for a Golden Retriever’s straight muzzle and scissor bite to encourage chewing. Helps protect puppy development of the immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E. Reinforces the skin barrier with essential nutrients to support healthy skin and coat. Aids digestive health in puppies with high-quality proteins and prebiotics for optimal stool quality.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your Golden Retriever pure breed puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for large breed puppies with specific nutrients to help your dog thrive. The specialized kibble shape and texture are designed for your large dog’s straight muzzle and scissor bite, encouraging him to chew. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports healthy development of his immune system and keeps his body growing strong. Nutrients reinforce the skin barrier to provide skin support and coat care. Essential nutrients like taurine, EPA, and DHA help support heart health. And to support your puppy’s digestive system, high-quality proteins and prebiotics help promote optimal stool quality.
Once your Golden puppy is over 15 months old, transition him from puppy dog food to Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years.
Immune System Support
Growth is an essential stage in your dog’s life: it is the time of big changes, discoveries and new encounters. During this key period, the puppy’s immune system develops gradually. Golden Retrieve Puppy helps support your puppy’s natural defences thanks to a complex of antioxidants including Vitamin E.
Healthy Skin and Coat
Golden Retriever Puppy helps support the skin’s “barrier” role (exclusive complex) and maintain skin and coat health (EPA and DHA). Enriched with borage oil.
Digestive Health
Combination of nutrients with high quality protein (L.I.P*) and prebiotics (FOS) to support digestive health and balance of intestinal flora, which contributes
to good stool quality.
*Protein selected for its very high digestibility.
Tailor Made Kibble
Exclusive Kibble
The kibble’s shape, size, texture and formula are adapted to the Golden Retriever puppy.
Grooming Golden Retrievers
Due to the Golden Retrievers’ thick double coat, you can expect some heavy shedding. In this guide, we will provide you with some tips to reduce the impact of this fur on your home.
Shedding patterns: Golden Retrievers shed year-round, meaning that you need to keep on top of their grooming. The period where shedding occurs the most frequently is during the spring and autumn to prepare for the changing climates. Golden Retrievers don’t shed a whole lot until they get older. Regular twice-weekly brushing and bi-monthly baths help immensely with the amount of shedding you see.
Grooming & bathing tips: To effectively manage the shedding, you need the right tips to manage all the excess fur. We recommend daily brushing of your dog outside, as to not have bundles of dog hair clouding your space. Baths every 1-2 months with a good quality shampoo will likewise reduce the amount of shedding and fur in your home. Ensure your Goldie is thoroughly dried after bathing to help reduce skin issues such as hot spots.
Nails: Taking your Golden Retriever to a groomer is also a smart choice, as professionals can take care of their nails, paws and ear trimming. This isn’t a replacement for daily brushing and should be used in conjunction with one another.
Tools: We recommend investing in some good-quality brushes and combs specifically for thicker, longer coats. By using an undercoat rake and shedding blade in conjunction with a good-quality brush, your job will be made easier.
Keeping up with the shedding of your Golden Retriever is vital if you suffer from any allergies. As a non-hypoallergenic breed, there is a heightened potential for allergy flare-ups in your home.
View our vet recommended shedding products
Gripsoft Shedding Blade
Gripsoft products are easy to use and designed to give a professional finish. The soft, rubber-sheathed, non-slip ergonomic handle provides maximum comfort, grip and control.
Shedding Blade: Use to remove dead and shedding hair on medium and long-haired breeds. Regular use will prevent matting.
Gripsoft Undercoat Rake
The Grip Soft Undercoat Rake is used to loosen lightly matted parts of the coat and to lift out dead and shedding hair from the undercoat. This rake has a row of round tipped teeth that are designed to tend to your pets under layer of hair. The JW non slip ergonomically correct handle is designed to be more comfortable on the hand making grooming a more pleasurable experience for you.
Features:
- Lifts out dead and shedding hair from the undercoat
- Non-slip handle and ergonomic design
- Finger fitting handle contours increase your comfort and control
- Features a row of round tipped teeth
- Loosens lightly matted parts of the coat
- For undercoat care
- Can be used on all hair types including curly, flat, wiry, and all lengths.
Gripsoft Slicker Brush
Gripsoft products are easy to use and designed to give a professional finish. The soft, rubber-sheathed, non-slip ergonomic handle provides maximum comfort, grip and control.
Slicker Brush: Use to remove dead and shedding hair from your pets and help untangle mats and snarls. The version with soft pins is specially designed for pets with sensitive skin and fine, silky coats.
Barking behaviour in Golden Retrievers
Common barking behaviours: Along with their friendly nature, Golden Retrievers are also known for their vocalness. Golden Retrievers have a tendency to bark for attention, which can become problematic if not trained. The barking levels of your Golden Retriever will be dependent on their personality and personal triggers for barking.
Attention-seeking barking: The primary reason for the barking behaviours of Golden Retrievers is the want for attention. This can be brought on by as small an action as turning your head away from them.
Golden Retrievers may also be vocal in other ways due to feelings of anxiety or being scared. Finding the cause of these feelings, and minimising them will likely reduce the stress upon your dog, along with reducing the barking in your home.
Our training tips: Our number one tip for reducing this type of barking behaviour is consistency in training. By consistently using a singular word such as “stop” or “quiet”, your Golden Retriever will become more likely to respond to the word by no longer barking.
Rewarding positive behaviour such as looking at you and minimising barking can also be effective. Being persistent with these practices will further help your dog in learning not to bark.
Training a Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are widely regarded as being among the top five breeds for their intelligence. This contributes to them being an easy breed to train.
Intelligence & trainability: Golden Retrievers are a breed that is eager to please you, making them easier to train. However, getting into dog training classes as soon as possible is always a good idea. Getting them used to training practices and obedience at an early age allows for a stable foundation of skills to build upon.
Group classes: We recommend enrolling your Golden Retriever into group classes as soon as possible (after their vaccinations) to help them build a foundation of obedience. However, if you’re training your dog yourself, we recommend making each training session fun for your Golden Retriever! By conducting consistent, fun and rewarding sessions with your dog throughout the week with the family, your Golden Retriever will be more likely to remember skills, as well as obey them.
Common training issues: A common training issue with Golden Retrievers is their fear stages, a period of time when a dog may become more sensitive to new experiences and exhibit fear in response to certain stimuli. Fear stages usually occur in the first two and a half years, and vary from each dog.
To combat fears such as the wariness of objects or people, ensure that you stick to your basic training and foundations. By reinforcing good behaviour and practices, your Golden Retriever is more likely to understand.
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Browse our essential training products
Vets Best Rewards Treats
Vet’s Best Rewards are made only from certified human grade Australian lamb/sheep liver and contain no additives or preservatives. Oven-baked to perfection with that irresistible taste of real liver and high in quality protein and B group vitamins, these tasty yet healthy treats can be given to your pet dog or cat as a training aid, show-ring aid or simply as a reward for good behaviour.
The treats make no-mess feeding easy – simply break off thumb-sized pieces and feed by hand. Available in convenient resealable 120g and 500g zip-lock packs.
Vet's Best Rewards also come in a granulated sprinkle form for fussy eaters. Just a couple of shakes on your pet’s food will turn an everyday meal into a tasty treat.
Available in 100g shaker tubs.
Adaptil DAP Diffuser Complete (includes 48mL vial)
Adaptil DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) products release synthetic pheromones into the local environment, helping to calm and comfort your dog. Adaptil can help comfort dogs during car travel, help promote learning during training classes, help adult dogs and puppies settle in new homes, or help reduce stress-related behaviours in response to challenging situations such as fireworks, Christmas or a new baby.
The Adaptil Diffuser is a discreet plug-in which releases comforting pheromones into the local environment. The diffuser covers an area of 50-70m2 with each vial lasting up to 4 weeks. The diffuser should be plugged into the room where the dog spends most of its time.
Adaptil Refills can be purchased and replaced as required. Up to 5 refills may be used before replacing the unit.
The Adaptil Diffuser and Refills may be used alongside the Adaptil Collar, an easy to use product which is ideal for puppy socialisation, travel, kennels and training. The dog’s body temperature warms the collar and encourages the diffusion of pheromones into the local environment. It is vital the Adaptil Collar is in close contact with the dog’s skin at all times. Each collar lasts 4 weeks and can be replaced as required.
Savourlife Australian Chicken Training Treats
SavourLife’s Australian Training Treat Range are delicious, bite-size, meaty chunks; perfect for training and rewarding (and great as toy stuffers too!). Based on our popular Strips Range recipes we make them right here in Australia, from ingredients including real Australian meat, and they contain no artificial colour or flavours. Great to have on hand when you are walking, playing or having fun! We have done the hard work for you!
These tasty morsels are perfectly sized in little cubes to easily train and reward. No more cutting up meat or trying to break treats with your hands! Our Training Treats are high-value; that’s training speak for ‘your dog will do anything for the taste!’ Not only do dogs love them, they are healthy too! They are enriched with vitamins and minerals, plus we have added fish oil, packed with Omega 3&6, for a shiny and healthy coat. As an added bonus they are low in fat and salt.
Exercise Needs For a Golden Retriever
Moderate level of exercise: The recommended level of exercise for a Golden Retriever is anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes per day. This involves hard exercise that can be accomplished through daily walks and playtime.
Regular walking: A great activity for you and your Golden Retriever is long walks. Your Golden Retriever will more than enjoy the time outside, whilst also achieving the recommended amount of exercise.
Keep exercise frequent: As Golden Retrievers were bred to sustain a full day of hunting, you need to have a plan for daily exercise. A fenced-in dog park is another great opportunity for your Golden Retriever to get in their daily exercise as well as interact with other pets!
Creating a routine: To keep a daily routine, consistency is key. Being consistent with your schedule is extremely important, as habits form from repetition. By ensuring that your Golden Retriever receives a walk every day, you are more likely to start sticking to a routine without thinking about it.
Golden Retriever Behaviour Issues
Golden Retrievers are known to have some common behavioural issues, such as jumping on people, tugging on a lead whilst walking, digging, barking and chewing destructively. Each of these behaviours can be overwhelming to tackle but can be addressed through training and patience.
Some common causes for these behaviours are typical for a Golden Retriever, with the main cause being the need for attention.
Pulling on the lead: If your Golden Retriever is pulling on the lead, it is likely that your dog is overly excited. Whilst this behaviour may calm down after the first two years, it is best to jump in early to combat this behaviour. Begin by teaching your Golden Retriever to walk on a loose leash in a low-distraction environment, such as your backyard. Use treats and praise to reward your dog for walking calmly beside you.
Prevention: A large way to prevent or minimise these behaviours is to tire out your Golden Retriever before the behaviours present themselves. This could be done through big play sessions before guests come around, or running in a fenced backyard or dog park before a walk.
Chewing and digging: For chewing, your dog may be teething, which means they need the appropriate accommodations. Toys and redirections will assist in your furniture being saved - along with your dog relieving their pain! As for digging, redirection and distraction is the key to minimising the impact of these behaviours. Through mentally challenging and stimulating toys, your dog can still fulfil their urge without ruining your garden or furniture.
Reward positive behaviours: If this isn’t possible at the time, be sure to reward positive behaviours, such as having all four paws on the ground, sitting, not pulling etc. Therefore, your Golden Retriever will have a positive connotation with the behaviour you want them to learn.
See our behaviour management products
Buster Nylon Muzzle
Buster Nylon Muzzles are snug fitting muzzles with a click-lock clamp adjustable strap. Lightweight for your dog’s comfort and machine washable, the muzzles allow for panting and drinking but should only be used for short periods of time.
A perfect choice for hard-to-groom dogs and to inhibit biting during first aid treatments.
- Size 0 - toy dogs, English Yorkies, Mini Poodles, Mini Dachshunds
- Size 1 - Whippets, Westies, Jack Russells, King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Standard Dachshunds
- Size 2 - Beagles, Border Collies, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Standard Poodles
- Size 3 - Labradors, Setters, Retrievers, Dobermans, Bull Terriers, Staffies
- Size 4 - large dogs, Wolfhounds, Great Danes, Bloodhounds, St. Bernard
- Size 5 - Extra large dogs, Rottweiler
- Size 6 - Extra-long for large Wolfhounds, Great Danes
- Size 7 - Extra-long for large Rottweilers
- Size 8 - Special model for Boxers and brachycephalic dogs
Zylkene 225mg
Zylkene help restore balance and harmony in your pets' lives, naturally. Zylkene® is an innovative, nutritional supplement you can trust to help reduce chronic and situational stress in dogs and cats, and increase their ability to cope with change. Promotes and enhances relax behavior in pets.
- All-natural, non-sedating nutritional supplement.
- Zylkene® reduces the signs of stress, without any known side effects.
- Easy once-a-day administration.
Administration:
The capsules can be administered orally as a single dose, or opened and sprinkle onto your pet's food. Most animals find it palatable and owners find it easy to administer.
It is advisable to begin administration at least 8 days before expected stressor, when possible. The medicine should be given once every day and can be doubled if the situation is exceedingly stressful.
It is suitable for both a short-term treatment, which could be for a few days, or for longer periods if needed. Usually a course is given from between 2-4 weeks. Then the situation is re-assessed. If in doubt contact your vet for more information.
Storage:
Store in a cool and dry place. Close well after each use. Keep out of reach of children.
PAW Complete Calm Chews for Dogs
Unwanted feelings of nervousness, anxiety, stress and fear can all impact your dogs mental wellbeing. Help your dog adapt to changing situations and bring them back to a place of calm with PAW Complete Calm for Medium and Large Dogs.
These tasty chews contain tryptophan to help reduce stress-related behaviour and anxiety-induced aggression, as well as B group vitamins to support the general health and nervous system function in your dog. These nutritious chews contain a rich source of vitamins and minerals which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Highly palatable chew formulated with tasty fish and chickpea protein that is easy to give to your pet on a daily basis.
Tryptophan has been demonstrated to benefit dogs displaying signs of:
- Stress related behaviours such as vocalisation, marking and changes in appetite.
- Anxiety induced aggression.
- General anxiety driving changes in serotonin levels (eg. separation anxiety, travel anxiety).
For animal consumption only. Read the label carefully before use.
Golden Retriever Nutritional Guidance
With their long lifespan, you need to evaluate the nutritional needs of your Golden Retriever through each stage of their life. As a general rule throughout their lifetime, it is important to not overfeed them as it can lead to obesity - leading to many other issues.
Aim for balance: The types of food typically appropriate to feed your Golden Retriever incorporate a balanced diet consisting of protein, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats and prebiotics. With all dogs, it is stressed that you do not feed cooked bones to your Golden Retriever. This can lead to a multitude of issues with their health and well-being.
Portion sizes: In terms of portion sizes, follow the directions on the particular food being fed. A conversation with your veterinarian about an appropriate diet is also recommended.
Frequency: Whilst you are able to split these portions into two meals for your dog (breakfast and dinner), it is recommended to feed your Golden Retriever in small portions throughout the day to keep them active and healthy.
Quality over quantity: We recommend always looking at the ingredients that are present in your dog food! Ensuring that there is a source of protein, healthy fat as well as all the nutrients needed for your Golden Retriever is so important. Looking at the back of the packet, or asking your local vet can greatly inform you of the food appropriate for your dog.
Browse our range of food & nutritional products
Dry Dog Food - Vet Approved Diets
Browse our extensive range of Dry Dog Food today and find food your puppy or adult dog is guaranteed to love. We stock a wide range of leading brands including Royal Canin, Advance, Hill's, Eukanuba, and more. Our Puppy Food range is perfect for puppies of any size, and we also offer a wide range of Prescription Diets for your dog, to help with Weight Management, Skin & Food Sensitivities, Mobility Issues, Sensitive Stomachs and more. Browse our range today on Vets Love Pets.
Dog Treats - Premium Vet Recommended Treats
Check out our large range of Dog treats to help keep your energetic Dog busy and happy. We stock a large range of dental chews including Greenies Dog Chews, and Veggiedent Fr3sh Chews, which are perfect for keeping your dogs teeth clean and healthy. We also stock delicious Soft Dog Treats which are perfect for training your dog, including Vet Best Rewards Treats, Prime100 Treats, and Savourlife Training Treats. We have a wide range of chews your dog is guaranteed to love, shop the best dog treats online today.
Vet Recommended Dog Food - Prescription Dry & Wet Food
Browse our wide range of the best dog food in Australia. We stock leading brands such as Royal Canin, Hill's, Purina Pro Plan and more, all of which offer prescription diets that can be beneficial to your dog's health. We also stock a range of Diet Dog Foods to assist with weight management, and Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs, perfect for dogs with certain food sensitivities. Enrich your Dog's lives by providing them with a vet-endorsed diet with our many different products and treats made for your dog.
Conclusion
Whether you have a Golden Retriever or you're thinking about getting one, we hope you learnt something by reading our article. Whilst this guide is great start to learning about Golden Retriever ownership, never stop seeking out new information from reputable sources. Share your experiences with other Golden Retriever owners, and always continue to learn more about your dogs breed, temperament and how best to care for and love them.
