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Are you thinking of sharing your home with a Golden Retriever? Get ready for a truly heartwarming experience.
These lovable dogs come with their own set of quirks and charms. Your days will be filled with joy, laughter, adventure, and a few surprises.
In this article, I’m sharing the good, the bad and the ugly, about what it’s really like living with a Golden Retriever!
I have been fortunate enough to share my life with my best friend, a Golden Retriever named Ellie for the past eight years!
Join me, as I give you an owner’s perspective.
Table of Contents
Living With A Golden Retriever: Discover These 13 Key Insights
Here are 13 essential insights that will give you a sneak peek into the delightful, and sometimes surprising, world of Golden Retriever companionship.
1. Be Prepared To Keep Up With Their High Energy
Golden Retrievers have an abundance of energy, especially when they’re young.
These energetic dogs don’t start to calm down until the age of 2 or 3, and even as seniors, they retain that playful puppy spirit.
They absolutely adore water and swimming. Once you introduce a Golden Retriever to water, you’ll never get them out. So, be ready for some splashing good times.
And, don’t be surprised if you witness the famous ‘zoomies’-those sudden bursts of energy that turn your living room or backyard into a racetrack.
With their exuberant nature, it’s important to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy. Otherwise, they can become bored and destructive.
And just a warning, their enthusiastic nature can easily knock you over when they come running.
I’ve been on the receiving end of a Golden Retriever knockdown a few times. You quickly learn to get out of the way or bend your knees.
It’s all part of the fun and charm of living with these spirited companions.
2. You’ll Have A Constant Companion
If you enjoy your alone time and personal space, forget about owning a Golden Retriever!
When you bring a Golden Retriever into your home, get ready for a loyal companion who will stick by your side through thick and thin!
These dogs thrive on human interaction and are known for their unwavering devotion.
Often found sitting on your feet, curling up next to you on the couch or bed, and even following you from room to room including the bathroom, a Golden Retriever loves to be with their family at all times.
Golden Retrievers are incredibly intuitive and have a knack for sensing when you’re sick or unhappy. In those moments, they’ll do their best to comfort you and make you feel better.
There’s nothing better than having a devoted and loving Golden Retriever by your side.
3. Don’t Expect Your Home To Stay Clean
If you’re a neat freak, be prepared to change your ways!
Golden Retrievers are not known for their tidiness.
First, you’ll have to learn to embrace all of that hair, everywhere! On your floors, clothes, furniture, and even in your food.
It’s like Golden glitter all over your home!
Some savvy owners even go as far as matching their clothes and flooring to that of their Golden Retriever’s fur, in an attempt to disguise the hair.
Second, these dogs can be messy drinkers. Some Goldens love to splash around in their water bowls, making a huge mess on your floors.
Third, they tend to drool, especially when you offer them a tasty treat. I’m constantly wiping drool off my floors!
And while we’re mentioning floors, they don’t care that you just spent hours cleaning and mopping your floors to a nice shine!
They just waltz in with their wet and muddy paws, go wherever they like, and look back at you with a big smile!
I still consider myself a neat freak, but have loosened up a bit! Sharing my life with a Golden Retriever is worth more than having a super clean home.
4. You’ll Have A Stick Collection In Your Yard
Golden Retrievers have a special affinity for sticks, carrying them, chewing on them and playing fetch with them!
These natural treasures will often be brought home from a walk, and soon your yard will become your Golden Retriever’s personal stick collection.
It’s really sweet to watch your Golden Retriever find a stick and carry it all the way home from a walk so determined and proud, as if it’s the most prized possession in the world!
And when you spot sticks in other people’s yards, you can’t help but chuckle and say “They must own a Golden Retriever too”.
It’s a heartwarming quirk that bonds all Golden Retriever owners in a shared appreciation for these playful companions.
5. You’ll Meet New Friends Everywhere
With a Golden Retriever by your side, be prepared to become a social butterfly!
These dogs are not shy in any way and simply love to meet both four-legged and two-legged beings.
Golden Retrievers eagerly want to get out and socialize, it’s really the highlight of their day when they meet new friends.
On your daily walks, trips to the park, or to the vet, you’ll find yourself in conversations with fellow dog lovers who simply can’t resist the charm and beauty of your Golden Retriever.
The friendly nature of Golden Retrievers opens doors to new connections that you otherwise wouldn’t have.
Personally, I have met and become friends with so many wonderful people because of my Golden Retriever Ellie.
6. You’ll Never Suffer From Boredom Again
With a Golden Retriever in your life, you can say goodbye to boredom, and hello to days filled with adventure.
These dogs are masters at banishing boredom with their boundless energy and playful spirit.
From endless games of fetch to exploring new trails, every day becomes an opportunity for excitement.
Don’t be surprised when they steal your socks, try to snatch food from your plate or decide to embark on a digging spree in your backyard.
And, of course, there’s the occasional mud bath, or even worse, a rolling session in animal poop!
Boredom may be a thing of the past, but some days you’ll be wishing for a little monotony!
7. Sometimes They Eat Things They Shouldn’t
Many fellow Golden Retriever owners have affectionately nicknamed their dogs a “walking stomach”, and I can totally relate!
My dog will eat anything and everything if given the chance, and she has been successful on many occasions!
This is especially frustrating when you are out for a walk because your Golden Retriever will eat anything off the ground, and it is almost always bad for them!
Training your dog to “leave it”, or “drop it” works to a certain degree, but when your dog is determined to gulp down something tasty, they’ll do it!
Plus, it happens so quickly, and before you know it it’s too late!
Luckily, my Golden Retriever has only suffered from a few stomach upsets. But, other Golden Retriever owners haven’t been so lucky.
I’ve come across numerous stories of Golden Retrievers requiring expensive surgeries to remove foreign objects from their stomachs.
You wouldn’t believe what ends up in their stomachs, everything from rocks to pantyhose, to socks!
But, their love of food isn’t all that bad. It actually makes them super easy to train!
One thing to note is that Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight. It’s important to resist those soulful eyes and refrain from overfeeding them.
Keeping them at a healthy weight will ensure their long-term health and happiness.
8. They Require Regular Grooming
If you’re thinking of bringing a Golden Retriever into your life, be prepared for some grooming duties.
Their beautiful, luscious coats require regular attention to keep them looking their best.
Brushing their fur regularly not only prevents mats and tangles but keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Plus, brushing helps manage shedding.
In addition to brushing, occasional baths and nail trims are essential to keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable.
Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections, mainly due to their floppy ears and their love for swimming, causing moisture to get trapped inside.
Drying the ears thoroughly after exposure to water is a must, as is regular ear cleaning to prevent infections.
The grooming requirements of a Golden Retriever are moderate, compared to other breeds, and you can easily groom your Golden Retriever at home.
You may even discover that your Golden Retriever enjoys the pampering and attention, and parades around showing off their beauty.
9. They’ll Steal Your Heart
Prepare for love at first sight when you welcome a Golden Retriever into your life.
Their heartwarming personalities, endless loyalty, and boundless affection are a recipe for instant connection.
Golden Retrievers have a remarkable ability to steal your heart with their soulful eyes and happy wagging tails.
The companionship and loyalty of a Golden Retriever is unlike any other! Your bond will grow stronger with each passing day.
Once you enter the world of Golden Retrievers, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever consider another breed of dog.
Most owners love this breed so much, that they own multiple Golden Retrievers.
What’s not to love? Golden Retrievers are basically big teddy bears.
10. They Have A Very Tolerant Nature
Golden Retrievers are one of the most easygoing dog breeds out there. They have a remarkable level of patience and tolerance.
This is one of the many reasons why they make such wonderful family dogs.
They instinctively know to be gentle around the elderly as well as babies and young children.
Plus, as the image shows above, they are very tolerant of being dressed up.
Golden Retrievers have a remarkable ability to remain calm and composed in various situations, which is a testament to their truly special nature.
With a Golden Retriever by your side, you’ll witness firsthand the beauty of unconditional love and acceptance.
11. Be Prepared To Share Your Furniture
Once a Golden Retriever discovers how comfortable it is to lay on your couch or your bed, they’ll never want to lay anywhere else!
I was one of those dog owners who didn’t want my dog on the couch and even went as far as putting aluminum foil down to act as a deterrent. But, that lasted maybe a week tops!
Once my Ellie discovered the comforts of the couch, she turned it into her spot. Now I share the couch with her. LOL!
I don’t mind one bit, her comfort is my priority.
So, if you’re a stickler for keeping dogs off your furniture, you may want to reconsider bringing a Golden Retriever into your home.
These dogs love to be near you at all times and enjoy snuggling next to you while sharing your favourite spot.
12. Not All Golden Retrievers Are Good At Fetch
Naturally, you would assume that Golden Retrievers excel at retrieving and playing fetch. It is in their name after all.
But, fetch doesn’t come naturally to most Golden Retrievers. It has to be taught. And even then, some still aren’t good at it.
Some Golden Retrievers excel at watching you throw the ball, and watching you retrieve it. Probably thinking to themselves, ‘Man, I got my human trained!’
Or, perhaps your Golden Retriever is just like mine who excels at not giving the ball to you but wants you to throw it.
Playing fetch isn’t every Golden Retriever’s cup of tea. Some enjoy other activities and have unique interests. It’s all part of their charming diversity.
13. Your Time Spent Together Is Way Too Short!
One of the bittersweet truths about sharing your life with a Golden Retriever is that their time with us always feels way too brief.
Despite their boundless energy and playful spirit, this beloved breed is not immune to health issues that affect their lifespan.
Genetics plays a huge role in their lifespan, as well as how you take care of them.
This breed is prone to cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, heart disease, thyroid issues, and skin conditions and allergies.
The list of health issues may be long, but it doesn’t mean that every Golden Retriever will be affected by them.
With an average lifespan of just 10 to 12 years, every day counts in creating cherished memories with your Golden Retriever.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve been given a glimpse of what it’s really like living with a Golden Retriever, do you still want to share your home with one?
If you do, get ready for a truly amazing journey filled with love, laughter, surprises, and unforgettable moments that you’ll cherish forever!
If you’re considering this amazing breed, check out my Beginners Guide to Golden Retrievers to learn everything you need before welcoming a Golden into your life.
And, if you’re already lucky enough to have a Golden in your life, you know that the adventures, laughter, and unconditional love they bring make every moment golden!
So, whether you’re considering a Golden Retriever or already have one by your side, cherish every moment of this wonderful friendship. It’s a bond that’s truly special!
Do you live with a Golden Retriever? Please share your heartwarming stories or funny quirks your Golden Retriever has in the comments below.
Let’s celebrate the joy of living with Golden Retrievers together! Your stories might just bring a smile to someone else’s day.
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
We were rescued by a golden retriever 9 years ago. He was a rescue and adopted us, we have just lost him this last week. Rider did everything you described and then some. Loved playing catch and loved to swim and never met a stranger. He was the best dog with the best attitude and left a hole in our hearts. He would have been 11 this year. If you get a chance adopt one for yourself, you will not find a better and more loving partner.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for sharing your story with us. I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and Rider shared many wonderful memories together. Cherish those memories. I wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Jenny.
We’ve had Goldens since 1984. All 3 died of cancer, at age 14, 11, & 8. After the 3rd one tried a yellow Lab. He destroyed kitchen floor, dry wall in the pantry & even woodwork. After 13 mos, found him a good home with a dog trainer! Still broke my 💔 when he left. Anyway went back to Goldens. He’ll be 6 in April & is over weight, my fault 🙄, as was the last one. Also have son’s female when he moved back home “temporarily”…almost 2 1/2 years ago LOL.
They get along great, just some horse play every now & then!
Bottom line, there’s nothing like a 🐕 🐾🐾
Hi Goldens Mom,
Thanks for sharing your story with us, and putting into perspective that there truly is nothing like a Golden Retriever! Many of us fellow Golden owners will never own another breed.
Take care,
Jenny.
Jenny, we have a most wonderful little Golden, Sadie, who will be 2 on December first. She was 8 weeks old when we got her, and if I didn’t love her so much already…I might have given her up. She bit me to death and in turn was into all of my stuff, boredom. She has become a beautiful lively dog, and my husband and I love her as much as she loves us. You are right, she loves to swim and run. Anyone who is having a hard time with the new puppy stage, just hang in, and you’ll end up with your best friend.
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for sharing your story, which is all too familiar to myself and I’m sure many other first time puppy owners.
The puppy and adolescent stage is the most difficult. It is during this stage that many owners question what they got themselves into! lol.
There have been times when I wanted to give my sweet Ellie away as well.
But, as you said it certainly gets better!
I can’t imagine my life without Ellie, and I’m sure you can’t imagine life without your Sadie.
Your words of wisdom to other owners is spot on – hang in there!
I appreciate your comments,
Take care.
Jenny.
I have read your thoughts on Golden’s and of course your own. You are always right on!
My husband and I really wanted a Golden after having years of Terriers. Sadly my husband passed away before we were able to make that a reality. 7 months ago I got a wonderful 8 week old Golden. Ollie is now 7 months old and is such a teenager!! We walk several times a day and have a yard he can run around in but it’s never enough until he passes out on the couch with his head on my lap. I am so grateful to have him to always lift my spirits.
Thank you for all your honest thoughts on our dear Golden’s.
Hi Donna,
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing your story with us. I am sorry to hear of your husband and that he couldn’t be around to share in the joy of owning a Golden Retriever. I am glad that you have Ollie to lift your spirits, I am sure he is keeping you entertained and busy. Golden’s certainly have a way of putting a smile on your face. I certainly know how trying the teenage phase can be, but don’t worry it doesn’t last forever!
Thanks again,
Jenny.
Son added a golden to the family circle last month. Ellie is now 12 weeks and growing so quickly. She is super active and smart. My husband and I babysit her twice a week. I love being outside with her and watching her explore. She runs back to me to get some love and then off again. Your article answered so many questions.
Hi Reebs,
Thanks for sharing your story, I think it’s great that you are able to be a part of Ellie’s life and watch her grow. I love how you mention that she comes back to you to get some love and then she’s off to explore again, I can totally picture that!
I’m glad my article was of help to you.
Enjoy all the wonderful moments with Ellie, they really do grow up so fast!
Take care,
Jenny.
I really liked your article about golden retrievers. I have always been a dog person but I’ve been really stressed about saying good bye to the family dog when I go to Lewiston for college next year. The house that I will be living in there, is a family friend’s rental. You are allowed to have dogs there and I really want to purchase or adopt a golden but I want to make sure that they will be home ok while I’m in school. I love spending time with my current dog and I feel like I take better care of her than I do myself. What do you think I should do?
Hi Emma,
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Golden Retrievers are not good at being home alone, they need and want constant attention and affection. In my experience, I am fortunate enough to be working from home and therefore I am always around my dog Ellie.
Before, when I had a job that I had to be away from home, I would take Ellie to a doggie daycare. This way she was around other dogs and people and had plenty of attention and interaction.
I cannot tell you what to do, but I certainly understand your love for this breed. If you do decide on a golden, maybe you could take them to doggie daycare or have someone walk or dog sit while you are in school.
I hope you thoroughly think this through, as it is a huge responsibility. I hope everything works out for you.
Thanks again for your comment, and all the best to you.
Jenny.
I’m considering getting a golden retriever. It’s interesting that they have such high energy levels! That’s definitely something I need in a dog. I need to be able to go jogging with them, and stuff like that.
Hi Braden,
I think it is great that you are considering getting a Golden Retriever. A golden would make an excellent jogging companion for you. They do have a high energy level, especially when they are young (up to the age of 3-4), then they mellow out as they get older. Golden Retrievers are wonderful and so loving!
Thank you for taking the time to comment, if you have any questions or need some more information about Golden Retrievers please do not hesitate to contact me. Also, check out my website for other interesting and helpful articles.
Take care,
Jenny.
Your article described our Golden Retriever, Max, completely! He was totally a part of our family. In fact, my husband and kids said that I loved him more than them! Ha! Ha! He definitely kept us entertained, especially when he would get hot in the summer and would go sleep in the bathtub.
We lost him unexpectedly in February at the age of almost 11 and our house was empty without him.
For Mother’s Day, my sons gave me two golden retriever male puppies. The breeder said they were best friends as soon as they were born so he was happy we wanted two because he hated to separate them. I love them already but I sure forgot about that puppy stage! Potty training is going ok but it’s exhausting! They are funny because when they finally land, they have to be by each other.
Hi Angie,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Golden Retrievers sure do have a way of stealing your heart, and making you laugh. I can just picture your golden sleeping in the bathtub, too funny. So sorry to hear that you lost your beloved Max, it is the absolute worst part of dog ownership.
I am happy to hear that you received the best Mother’s Day gift, 2 golden’s!! How great, now you will have double the trouble, double the laughs, and double the love. The puppy stage takes a lot out of you for sure, but just enjoy it, because it will not last forever.
I wish you all the best with your 2 male golden puppies.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.
Congratulations “Mom”…it sound like you have a whole new exciting chapter in your life. What a treat!
You hit some great points….#1 these dogs are high energy as you note right from the start. If you don’t exercise them daily that energy comes out in some unique ways. One thing they like to do when they get frustrated is DIG. They will dig along a fence line if they don’t get enough exercise….outside the fenced area.
Goldens can also be a bit territorial and will do a territorial bark (excessively) or growl or bite if they feel threatened or is strangers approach their area.
I wish you many happy years together!
Hi Tim, thank you for your comment. Yes these dogs DIG!!! When Ellie was a puppy she would dig and dig some more. She has since grown out of the digging phase, but it could more likely be that we are exercising her more. I find that when she starts to dig now, it means that she is tired and bored and its time for her to go inside and rest.
You speak from the heart with a gentle but sure authority on the topic at hand, and I left your website feeling as though someone really cared enough to share the truth about the facts of having a pet.
So often we forget that we need to fit in with the pets we decide to bring into our homes. I found your advice very sound and at times felt reprimanded since I don’t spend as much time as I should exercising my dogs, although for the owners that I house-sit for, I need to carry out their wishes and sometimes it includes long walks for their pets.
I’m so glad you’ve confirmed a lot of questions I’ve had about my cross-breed of Labrador and Border-Collie being a puppy still and also eating so much… it becomes a bit expensive at times! But not overweight by any means.
Overall, I am pleased I came across your website and am grateful to you for sharing your insight about Golden Retrievers, and yes, you are right, they make your heart melt!
May you continue to prosper in your new-found adventure with an amazing companion! 🙂
Edu
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad that I was able to confirm some of the questions you had. I will continue to write insightful articles about my experience as a first time dog mom. Thank you.
Jenny,
I really feel like you described Golden Retrievers. I love how you say it like it is. I have more experience with cats than dogs. Your article is nice to know in case I decide to switch from cats to dogs.
Also, I want to know how long does it take to brush your dog’s fur and how often do you give her a bath?
Hi Shira, to answer your questions I brush Ellie daily, it is part of her routine and she has come to expect it. I brush her for about 10-15 minutes a day, and that is a thorough brushing. She lays outside chewing her stick and I brush, she loves it. If I didn’t brush daily, it would take me longer the next time, to get any tangles and debris out. As far as bathing her, it all depends if she happens to roll in something gross, if not then maybe once a month, it’s really not that often. She keeps herself pretty clean. Thank you for your comment.
Hi
Thank you for this very informative, helpful and interesting article.
You have raised very valid points to know before and during introducing a Golden Retriever into the family.
Although I do not have one, my friend does and she is so lovable and a big part of the family.
By this I mean she takes up a lot of my friends time just like having a small child, you have to keep your eye on her because she is so cheeky and will get up to her little tricks if she thinks that she is not being watched.
She is also so clever and quick to learn, so training her is so easy.
You are so right when you say that you will never be bored, I laughed when I read that part.
I will be getting my friend to read this article.
Many Thanks
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer for commenting. My Ellie is the same way, always trying to see what trouble she can get into, we have to watch her constantly. Yes it is like having a small child, ha ha. I’m so glad you enjoyed my article.
Hi
Thank you for this informative, educational and helpful article on Golden Retrievers
I do love these dogs although I have never had one but my friend does and will be getting her to read this article.
I feel that you have raised some very useful points that should be considered before owning a Golden Retriever.
They are wonderful dogs to have around and very lovable they become a big part of the family.
Thank you
Jennifer
Thank you for your comment Jennifer. I am glad you enjoyed my article. Its great that you are able to spend time with your friends Golden Retriever, and you are able to see firsthand how great this breed is. I hope your friend enjoys this article also. Thanks for sharing.
We have never had a golden, but we had a yellow lab (he had to put down last year due to cancer) and I know they have some similar traits. You’re totally right on the house never being clean-ha! Hair everywhere. We currently have a corgi, and she always acts like she wants to go outside so bad, but then she just turns right around and stares in the door…LOL. So many dogs don’t like to be outside without their human, that’s for sure. Our lab was the same way!
We aren’t ready to get another dog yet, but I have considered a golden retriever or a golden doodle (to try and lessen the hair issue).
Hi Holly, sorry to hear about the loss of your lab. Goldens and Labs do share some similarities, and both love human attention. I’m glad you are considering a Golden Retriever in the future, or a Golden Doodle. Thanks for commenting.
When I was younger we had a golden retriever, she was so much work. But the laughter we got from her and her antics was pretty amazing. She had so much energy, that we were never able to sit down with her. Nope she had to always be up and running.
If we didn’t run with her, she would nudge us until we did. Now I miss her. My daughter now has a Chihuahua cross russell terrier, he seems like the same amount of work. But he isn’t as playful as my childhood golden retriever was.
Hi Jag, I can relate to the fact that goldens are a lot of work. They require so much time and exercise, some days I’m exhausted. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way, the love that they give you is amazing, as well as the laughs. Thanks for commenting.
We have had Golden’s basically most of our lives. Ginger, then Samantha, Noah, Kristy and now Molly. ( My wife don’t know it yet, but I’m looking for another puppy.) We wouldn’t be without a Golden. If you want a loyal dog this is the one. Golden’s are very therapeutic. If you sick, they know, sometimes even before you know. Best dog to have as a family member!
Thank you for your comment Chuck. Sounds like you are a Golden Retriever lover for life. They truly are the best breed of dog. Hope you get your puppy, all the best to you.
Great post! I do not have a golden retriever at the moment as I am a renter but I grew up with one and they are easily my favourite breed of dogs. So loyal and beautiful <3
Hi Michelle, thank you for your comment. I am so glad you enjoyed my post.
What a wonderful write up! Golden retrievers have been my favorite among dogs for years. I am between dogs right now, but I hope to have another one soon. Golden retrievers are so good with children, and such wonderful companions. Thank you for so many useful tips, and such a nice webpage.
Hi Clay, thank you for your comment. Glad you enjoyed my post, and I couldn’t agree more about Golden Retrievers being wonderful companions. I hope you get your Golden soon. All the best.