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