| Those of you who want a Golden Retriever but | | | | |
| aren't ready to go through the trials and | | | | If you have been thinking of adopting an |
| tribulations of a puppy, should look into | | | | older Golden Retriever, you should make sure |
| adopting an older Golden. Older Golden | | | | that you learn everything you can about him. |
| Retrievers are mature, and prove to be great | | | | You should also determine his temperament, |
| in homes where they need to spend a quality | | | | and whether or not it is compatible with your |
| amount of time by themselves. They are a | | | | family. You should also learn important |
| very adjustable breed, being good tempered. | | | | things as well, such as his diet, likes, |
| No matter how old the Golden may be, he will | | | | dislikes, daily routine, and his habits. |
| quickly become a valued member of your family | | | | Before you decide to take him, you should |
| in little to no time at all. | | | | always make sure that the members of your |
| | | | family meet him as well, so you can talk it |
| Many times, breeders will have older dogs for | | | | over and decide whether or not everyone wants |
| sale. There are several reasons for this, | | | | the dog to be a member of your family. |
| which include show dogs that have lost their | | | | |
| potential, studs that have been used for | | | | With an older dog, you need to take care of |
| breeding, female Golden's that have been bred | | | | him for the first days, and let him know |
| a few times then retired, or other types of | | | | where everything in your home is. You will |
| special conditions where a breeder is helping | | | | need to show him where he sleeps, where he |
| a friend get rid of his Golden Retriever. | | | | should use the bathroom, and where his food |
| There are other reasons as well, although | | | | is. Take your time and be patient with him, |
| whatever they may be - the adult Golden | | | | as will normally take him a few days to learn |
| Retriever will be available for anyone who | | | | how things in your home work. |
| wants him. | | | | |
| | | | You should always give your new Golden |
| Most older Golden Retrievers are already | | | | Retriever at least a month or so to get used |
| housebroken, and known a lot of behavior | | | | to his new environment, before you start his |
| patterns and how to adapt to a new and loving | | | | new obedience training. Even though your new |
| family. Although it will be a little hard on | | | | dog may have some prior obedience training, |
| your new dog at first, if you give him plenty | | | | you should still enroll him in a new class. |
| of love, attention, and patience, he will be | | | | This way, he can brush up on training and you |
| just fine. You need to keep reassuring your | | | | can work with him to help him understand. |
| new Golden on a regular basis, and let him | | | | Once you have finished training, he will |
| know that you are his new owner and that you | | | | understand your commands better and you and |
| love you and you are glad he is a member of | | | | him will get along just fine. |
| your family. | | | | |