| Those of you who want a Golden Retriever but | | | | of time to get to know them, and to know all about |
| aren't ready to go through the trials and tribulations | | | | them, just to make sure that they are right for your |
| of a puppy, should look into adopting an older Golden. | | | | lifestyle. Also, do involve the other members of your |
| Older Golden Retrievers are mature, and prove to be | | | | family in all of these initial decisions, as it is important |
| great in homes where they need to spend a quality | | | | that everybody feels happy about welcoming a new |
| amount of time by themselves. They are a very | | | | member into the family. |
| adjustable breed, being good tempered. No matter | | | | You will find life much easier in the early days if you |
| how old the Golden may be, he will quickly become a | | | | spend a bit of time helping your new family member |
| valued member of your family in little to no time at | | | | adjust to your home and its environs. You will find |
| all. | | | | things easier if you do, and your new family member |
| Where do you find an older Golden. Well your first | | | | will certainly appreciate you taking the time to help |
| stop should be your nearest breeder because | | | | them settle in. |
| strange as it may seem they often do have older | | | | You should always give your new Golden Retriever |
| dogs for sale. It may be a retired show dog, or a | | | | at least a month or so to get used to his new |
| dog which has produced several litters and will not be | | | | environment, before you start his new obedience |
| needed again. There is a whole host of reasons why | | | | training. Even though your new dog may have some |
| they might have a mature dog they wish to find a | | | | prior obedience training, you should still enroll him in a |
| home for, so, give them a call and enquire. | | | | new class. This way, he can brush up on training and |
| Most older Golden Retrievers are already | | | | you can work with him to help him understand. Once |
| housebroken, and know a lot of behavior patterns | | | | you have finished training, he'll understand your |
| and how to adapt to a new and loving family. | | | | commands better and you and him will get along just |
| Although it will be a little hard on your new dog at | | | | fine. |
| first, if you give him plenty of love, attention, and | | | | All Golden Retrievers, regardless of their age, love |
| patience, he'll be just fine. You need to keep | | | | attention. Older Golden's on the other hand, may |
| reassuring your new Golden on a regular basis, and | | | | have medical problems that you aren't aware of. You |
| let him know that you are his new owner and that | | | | shouldn't let this stop you from getting one though, |
| you love him and you are glad he's a member of | | | | simply because the rewards that you'll find are far |
| your family. | | | | greater than any cons that may come to mind. |
| When you meet your Golden for the first time you | | | | Although many people don't give a lot of thought to |
| may well be so taken with them that you are | | | | getting an older Golden Retriever - they are perfect |
| tempted to 'wrap them up and take them home' | | | | for families who don't want to put up the time and |
| straightaway. But, avoid this temptation. Take a bit | | | | troubles of raising a puppy. |