Your dog's health

By recognising health problems in a Golden Retriever early you can seek advice and treatment from a veterinarian.

Reduce Golden Retriever health problems by purchasing a puppy from a responsible New Zealand breeder. Always inspect breeding facilities and breeding dogs, never buy from a distant online seller.

6 health Issues to watch out for:
Joint Dysplasia, Skin Allergies and Infections, Ear Infections, Hypothyroidism and Cataracts Cancer

Grooming your dog

Golden Retrievers shed subject to the time of year. They shed small amounts year round however twice a year they "molt" and shed heavily.

To reduce shedding:
Brush your Golden Retriever regularly once or twice a week, and daily during the heavy shedding times. Using a comb or deshedding tool will be essential during molting. Bathing a Golden Retriever, unless the dog is heavily soiled, is only required once a month. Clipping a Golden Retriever is not recommended. Nails should also be trimmed regularly and teeth brushed to keep them clean.

Exercising your dog

Adult Golden Retrievers need at least 45 minutes of exercise a day. For normal growth, Golden Retriever puppies need less strenuous exercise than adult Golden Retrievers. 

This playful breed needs both physical and mental exercise to work off their boundless energy. Their name gives a clue to an easy way to do so—retrieving. Golden Retrievers also have excellent noses, so games that incorporate scenting, like “find it,” can help to burn off their puppy-for-life exuberance. Walking, running, playing fetch or training are great physical activities.

Mental stimulation can be provided through interactive dog toys, learning tricks and playing games like hide and seek. Exercises such as hiking, agility, or swimming provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Chewing is also an important behaviour that can be supported by giving your Golden Retriever safe items to chew.

With their gentle ways and gorgeous looks, it’s no wonder Golden Retrievers are a favourite with New Zealanders. These playful, energetic pups will fill your life with joy, fun and activity. Get ready for long walks or runs, games of fetch in and out of the water, and maybe even an agility class or two.

Training your Golden Retriever

Not only are they affectionate, they’re also eager to learn, so Golden Retriever training is straightforward and enjoyable. And when put to a task, whether work or play, most Golden Retrievers develop a single-minded focus to get the job done.

Like every dog, they excel when trained using treats and dog-friendly positive-reinforcement training. Because most Golden Retrievers are toy-driven, balls and toys are a great way to supplement treat training.

When it comes to training a Golden Retriever puppy, it’s important to note that some can become over-excited during the training process and might require a quick pace to stay focused. Like many dogs, Golden Retriever puppies can be mouthy, so consistent early training will help to decrease this natural tendency to nibble. Golden Retriever potty training is also straightforward, requiring typical supervision and consistency to get the job done.

Golden Retrievers are loving, smart, playful, majestic beings who make great companions and family dogs.