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Is Golden Retriever Right??

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junkgirl
Dog Kichi

Jul 18, 2003, 6:50 PM

Post #1 of 33 (3762 views)
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Is Golden Retriever Right??	Can't Post

Hi! I am currently looking to get 2 new puppies (so there is companion for each other). I can't decide between golden retriever, miniature schnauzer and west highland terrier (westie). My criteria/preferences for the new dogs are they should be relatively quiet (minimal barking as they could offend neighbours), obedient, easy to train, calm/not too "naughty"/not too demanding (I just want to come home from a long day's work and spend the few hours before bedtime peacefully and calmly. I prefer to have some time instead of attending to the dogs 24hrs a days. I don't mind the dogs calmly staying with me) and able to be by themselves (independent) as i work long hours (usually out at 7a.m. and back around 7.30p.m). I live in a house so they have a garden to run around. I really like the look of M.Schnauzer and Westie but dunno if they are suitable for me. I heard terriers can be very noisy.

I also plan to let them sleep outdoors and keep them outside when i am out of the house as it will be better for them especially to go to the toilet when i am not around (and so i wouldn't come back to a mess after work each day and get tired cleaning up). Will they do well outside as i heard dogs should be kept inside with people? I read that retrievers are very people dogs - they need to be near people. I will be at work for 5 days a week and only come home at night. Will this be alright if i decide to get golden retrievers? Maybe i can train them to be more independent since young.

Do such dogs exist?? Please advice!!
JunkGirl
- Dogs R For Life -

zack
Dog Kichi

Jul 18, 2003, 7:41 PM

Post #2 of 33 (3749 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi there,
since u're looking for a quiet, obedient, easy to train, calm then a golden retriever fits the bill. but put it this way not all dogs temperament r perfect. frankly speaking i don't know how miniature schnauzer and west highland temperament r like but u can actually surf this website www.akc.org to check out. it is ok if u leave your retriever outside for a long period as i myself do the same. when i 1st got mine i thought it will be very difficult for him to adapt, thank god everything went well, did not bark or gave me trouble at all.

as u can c they r plenty of members here who owns a GR and probably u can add in to the statistics.

good luck.

Regards
Thomas
>Thomas<

hunter
Ultra ALPHA

Jul 18, 2003, 8:43 PM

Post #3 of 33 (3745 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi,

there are pros and cons in keeping certain breeds. for GRs, do take note they will be obedient only if u spend time training them (yes, they're good learners). if not, like any other dogs they too will develop bad habits and be the devil that drive u crazy. anyway, any dogs could be obedient if u train them.

GRs are relatively quiet, yes, but sometimes they do bark... mine bark quite often as he grew older, i don't know. as for spending time, they crave a lot of attention from the owner, so if u leave them whole day long it'll drive them bonkers...

i can see that you're concern which breed is suitable for u before rushing out to get one, which is good; but u have to seriously consider.. anyway, the good thing is you're planning for 2 new puppies instead of 1, so if they're bored they could keep each other company.

MS and westies could be considered also :) they're talkative, but also very eager to please their owners. perhaps u should also post this in the terrier sections to get first hand advice from members who keep terriers as well :)

regards,
hunter

junkgirl
Dog Kichi

Jul 20, 2003, 6:42 AM

Post #4 of 33 (3730 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the advice guys! I think the GR is a more suitable breed for me as the MSchnauzer can be kinda noisy. I would like some peace when i get home from a long day's work and not having to go yell at my barking dog every few minutes. I don't mean not having to bother about my dog but i prefer a less fuss dog which i can just spend my time with, quietly. My only concern is that i work long hours 5 days a week, wonder if the dogs will adapt..hmmm..? Unsure

And i always read that we should spend a lot time with our dogs. Does this mean no life? Being a working person, u know sometimes u have things u would want to do on the w/kends.....By the way, how much work is grooming the GR. Judging by their coat, should be a lot of work compared to like the MS? HOw about exercise? I have a yard for them to run around..

It's hard decision...i would like to have dogs very much but i've been reading a lot about dog ownership and it's difficulties. I don't want to regret getting them...i would like to have them till they grow old and leave this world if i do get them and not get rid of them if i find that i made a mistake....
JunkGirl
- Dogs R For Life -

hunter
Ultra ALPHA

Jul 20, 2003, 9:16 AM

Post #5 of 33 (3725 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hello there,

well, in terms of grooming, space; i suppose keeping GRs wouldn't be a wrong choice. well, don't worry anyway, most GRs i see are not irritatingly talkative; in fact some are quiet fellas. MS and GRs both require constant ample amount of grooming regularly. and they both need a lot of exercise as they're active breeds.

"does this mean no life." that depends on how sincere are u to keep a dog. are you keeping the dog for the sake of keeping it, or are you really ready to give all that you have and love this new companion of yours? when u keep a dog and began to love it, u will no longer treat it as a burden, but instead u try to provide him with all the care u could give, and spending as much time as possible with him. that's what dogs are for. to be loved and cared for. and also as a companion.

if you are worried that u might not have time for them, since you're most often busy at work, i do suggest you to reconsider keeping dogs if you don't feel you're ready. think about it, what will it be like if you simply don't have enough time for them? any dogs, regarding of which breed, will definitely crave for their owner's attention everyday. they'd probably be able to adapt, but what's the purpose of keeping them then? the whole purpose was to spend time with them, love them, watch them grow... feeding, grooming and basic care are secondary. no point having good food, ample space but 2 unhappy dogs.

i'm not trying to scare u/discourage you from owning a dog. in fact, owning a dog is the most beautiful experience that one could get in the whole life and only dog owners will know it. i feel that you're really responsible enough to consider so seriously beforehand, unlike some morons who just rush out to buy a pet and in the end abandone them like trash.

ask yourself if you're really ready for all this. are u ready to spend money, time, effort to your dogs? think about it.

(do join us in our gathering on august 3rd. many dog lovers and dog owners there. perhaps they could share with u their dog-keeping experiences :) check out the "event calendar" section)

regards,
hunter

BaoBao
Enthusiast

Jul 20, 2003, 9:24 AM

Post #6 of 33 (3724 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

choose a golden!
get a golden!
love a golden!
Laugh

~~cheers~~

junkgirl
Dog Kichi

Jul 21, 2003, 10:25 PM

Post #7 of 33 (3710 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd just like to say KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK PEOPLE! Wow..this forum is just amazing! It can match (if not better) those foreign ones. And the ppl are all very helpful, friendly and sharing - just like one big family. This shows that Msia isn't that bad after all if ppl would just stop complaining about the things we don't have or can't do and start to appreciate the things we do have and can do.

I think i'll go with the GR as they r a calmer, relaxed breed. What's the grooming and exercise like for them? Do they really shed a lot of hair but i guess it doesn't really matter to me. I like the cream or light gold color in GR. How do i tell the color in a puppy? Also, if i get them from a breeder with parents' papers - how important is the hip, elbow, eye and heart cert and does it matter at all? ....i'm just very excited about getting them....but doing all my "homework" 1st.

THANKS Wink

JunkGirl
- Dogs R For Life -

mackmack
Doggyman

Jul 22, 2003, 1:12 AM

Post #8 of 33 (3706 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

"but it just doesn't really matter to me"

GREAT phrase. we need to hold such an attitude as being a dog lover.

we shall know all the "pros and cons" to get ready, and be responsible. but afterall, we shouldn't be bothered much as we can really give in our best. Smile

would suggest u to do online reading or get a book of GR. Coz u already made up ur mind, but maybe need more FACTS to read for preperation.

--I have Howling Bean and Lazy Mack.--

(This post was edited by mackmack on Jul 22, 2003, 1:14 AM)

hunter
Ultra ALPHA

Jul 22, 2003, 10:55 AM

Post #9 of 33 (3697 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hiya,

so u're finally decided that u're ready for a dog :) a GR.. yay!!! another potential GR owner to add in the list. hehe.

about the color of the GR, u should look at the pup's ears (normally it'd be darker brown) to see what color will they be when they grow up.. for those cream colored GRs, as they grow they turn browner and browner (the color of their ears)... but will still have the light shades of cream color :)

grooming and exercise is necessary.. GRs shed quite a lot of hair especially during their shedding season... if u groom more their hair will be nice and glossy. adequate exercise should be given also so that they keep themselves fit and prevent from being obese.

as for hip, elbow, eye and heart.. the main concern is the hips for the dog as GRs tend to get hip displaysia... i'm not really sure about this topic, maybe other experience members could help.

hope this helped and may u be blessed with a happy healthy GR in future :))

regards,
hunter

junkgirl
Dog Kichi

Jul 22, 2003, 10:36 PM

Post #10 of 33 (3690 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Just wondering if u guys keep ur dogs outside or inside? Also, what sort of exercise do u give ur dogs? I am a very not-active/ (lazy in other words) person ( i hardly go for walks not to mention jog. That's y i m looking for dogs that r calmer and more relaxed...no rough or strenuous exercises ) but for the sake of my potential GRs, i'll take them for walks in the morning before i go to work cos it might already be dark when i get home from work.

U guys seem to have a lot of time to spend and play with ur pets...how lucky! R u all studying or have the advantage of not having to work? As for me Frown

, i have to 'cari makan' to be able to feed my dogs. If not we'll all starve together.
JunkGirl
- Dogs R For Life -

junkgirl
Dog Kichi

Jul 23, 2003, 7:52 PM

Post #11 of 33 (3682 views)
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Re: [zack] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

U have a good looking GR Thomas Wink

. Is the dog's name Zack? Wish my to-be-dogs will grow up to be as handsome and healthy as urs..hehe. What sort of exercise do u give ur dog?
JunkGirl
- Dogs R For Life -

junkgirl
Dog Kichi

Jul 23, 2003, 8:03 PM

Post #12 of 33 (3681 views)
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Re: [hunter] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Hunter for all the info and advice!! U know, i thought u r a guy too but then i read somewhere in the forum u mentioned u r a girl! Oops..hehe..i guess the name hunter sounds macho...is it ur dog's name? The pic that u used..is it ur GR? Very "handsome".. Sly

....all the GR owners in this forum have healthy and good looking dogs. They should feel proud to have owners like u guys!! Wink

I notice a lot of GR lovers in this forum too. GRs must be a very popular breed in Msia. That's good..at least ppl r breaking away from the typical shih tzus and pekingese (not discriminating but just personal view that years ago it's like a trend - pekingese and shih tzus. I think the trend now is moving to MS and Pugs. There should be more variety and knowledge in breeds rather than get the "in" breed). Tongue

JunkGirl
- Dogs R For Life -

hunter
Ultra ALPHA

Jul 24, 2003, 5:29 AM

Post #13 of 33 (3672 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi,

<- - - Yep! this is Hunter :) my first dog. now he's 2 1/2 yrs old. hehe, not only GRs from this forum are good looking, all GRs are really handsome boys and pretty girls.

yes, GRs are popular.. but don't think they're the *most* popular in malaysia just yet. labradors, pugs, min pins, shih tzus, german sheperds are among the few top breeds in malaysia also :)

i don't think ppl are after the "in" breed these days. they go for what they like. just like children choose what flavor of ice cream they want to eat. it's all about individual preference.

regards,
hunter

cdmoo
ALPHA

Jul 24, 2003, 7:17 AM

Post #14 of 33 (3669 views)
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Re: [hunter] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi Hunter,

As I understand, Rotti (which u missed out) is the no.1 registered breed in MKA.

Smile

regards,

CD Moo

mackmack
Doggyman

Jul 24, 2003, 7:55 AM

Post #15 of 33 (3669 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I will keep my dog in house.

regarding about time to lepak in this forum,

it is just the same theory: when you love the dog, u give in everything. when u found this website attactive, you be addicted.

Time is an issue, but manageable. Next time when you own the 2, no matter how bz you are going to be, you'll know what i mean~ Wink

--I have Howling Bean and Lazy Mack.--

hunter
Ultra ALPHA

Jul 24, 2003, 9:09 AM

Post #16 of 33 (3664 views)
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Re: [cdmoo] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi,

oh, yeah.. how could i missed out the rotties? forgotten already :)

regards,
hunter

Trivor
K9 Servant

Jul 24, 2003, 4:40 PM

Post #17 of 33 (3658 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi,
I keep Golden inhouse. Golden is not a watch dog, she won't baek strangers. In fact, she will greet them.
I work 8 hr + a day too. I leave her alone in the house and sometimes go home during lunch (Office is about 5 min drive from home) to meet her.
She is doing good. sometimes tends to chew things like shoes/ newspapers. But I talk to her and she understands me.
I spent almost my free time with her, groom her, walk her, bring her out for jogging, play with her, sing a song to her, dance with her... all kinda things.
I agree with Mack2. If you love her, you'll do everything for the dog!
BTW, golden needs exercise and attention. If you are not exercise person & can't allocate time for your dog, pls consider other breeds. Don't end up with an abondon dog due to "mistakes".
Hope you'll get your desire dog soon and love him forever!!!

~ Trivor ~
~ SC & Low, mama and dada ~

sweeeng
ALPHA

Jul 24, 2003, 6:06 PM

Post #18 of 33 (3655 views)
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Re: [hunter] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Li Ping,

Labs are getting popular only now. Previously ppl will say it's a stray dog and why waste $$ getting one. Then have to explain to these ppls that it's the same type of dog that bill clinton has... (if I'm not mistaken, la)

Regards,
Swee Eng

zack
Dog Kichi

Jul 24, 2003, 7:27 PM

Post #19 of 33 (3652 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi,

yes his name is Zack. i understand your situation now, before i got zack i use to have an easy life. Having a dog is a big

responsibility, it is almost close to having a children of your own so to speak. Just like u, i m in the working life for the past 6 years now. when i got zack when he was 10 weeks old and guess what, i need to wake up early in the morning 6.30am to take him out for a pee/poo (before that i use to wake up at 7.45am). after my office work i will rush back home and do the same(before that take my sweet time yam cha) i was very committed to zack, even my mom envy him it is amazing how the bond was formed, if u want the dog to be healthy and beautiful u need to give him good food, supplements, prevention tablets(such as heart guard,deworm,vaccination).

my advice is when u get your new pup u should have a journal and record every detail of your dog like (when is he vaccinated and when will it be overdue....stuff like that, so that u u wont forget or miss it.

good luck JunkGirl
>Thomas<

junkgirl
Dog Kichi

Jul 24, 2003, 8:03 PM

Post #20 of 33 (3649 views)
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Re: [zack] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hahaha....I guess ur mum must be thinking..."Wah..with the dog u so hard working-get up early and go straight home from work, put in so much effort. Before the dog, so lazy and always not at home"..eheheh Tongue

. R u staying with family cos i think if ur mum is around when u r at work, it helps. As for me, there will be no one around the house in the daytime on weekdays

Ya, i m feeling exactly like u said, now i have easy life and if i get puppies..hmmm..but i can adjust. Everyone is telling me GR need a lot of exercise like jogging, swimming etc....but errr...i am not that active leh.....i'll probably faint if i go jogging..ehehhe...then the dog will be laughing at me and thinking "Oh my god, what a hopeless owner i have..jog for few seconds also pengsan"..ehhehe..i will take it out for a walk before i go towork in the morning..which means i have to get out of bed at 6 a.m. Crazy

!!!

Regards,

Junkgirl

junkgirl
Dog Kichi

Jul 24, 2003, 8:21 PM

Post #21 of 33 (3646 views)
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Re: [Trivor] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wah..u r so lucky to be only 5 mins from ur workplace. It takes me 1 hr to get home. U can spend more time with ur dog then. Yes, i am not an active person but i will take my dog for walks. I don't think i will jog, if not i might pengsan..ehehe Tongue

It's alright that GRs r not good guarddogs...i m not after guarddogs bcos i think guarddogs like GS or Rotts need extra training and care or they might become ferocious as a result of their guarding instinct. THat's y ppl or other dogs get bitten or even killed bcos the owners of such powerful dogs didn't train them properly. It is not the fault of the dogs that they r bad, it is just the owners r not good.

I thought of getting MS since they require less exer since ppl keep telling me GR need lots of exer. But MS needs a lot of grooming work and they can bark a lot which won't suit me. U see, i want a dog that is not like a brat - naughty, always up to mischief..have to keep an eye on hime every second to see what's it up to. I don't want this cos i am not retired, i still have to work and when i get home-i wanna have some peace and quiet. I think GRs will be more willing to just sit beside me when i m watching tv, cooking and on the net, rite?

Regards,

Junkgirl

zack
Dog Kichi

Jul 24, 2003, 8:37 PM

Post #22 of 33 (3645 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

yes i m currently living with my parents, but gonna get my own home very soon, by that time i will let zack in the da house(currently forbidden by my mom in her home) Crazy

.

sometimes if there is any exhibition fair in which i have to work till 9pm, i will have no choice but to beg my mom to take over my usual stuff(which she is not happy to do) Crazy

, but now she is improving her perception towards zack.... Sly

treating him very good which is unusual.

be prepare to sacrifice for your new coming firkid Pirate

>Thomas<

Trivor
K9 Servant

Jul 24, 2003, 9:58 PM

Post #23 of 33 (3644 views)
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Re: [junkgirl] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello there,
I was actualyl telling the same topic with Alyssa on "before getitng a new dog" forum... it was a vey interesting chat afterall...
If time allow, pls join agility training. The training will be sufficient to burn of the excess energy of your golden.
Golden, too, needs regular grooming. I brush Trivor everyday without fail. It takes about 10 min to finish the brushing and grooming. It is real fun to tickle her tummy and brush her muzzle.... Laugh

Hmm, golden puppies maybe a bit playful though. They tends to bite and chew things. But along the way, they would behave well and stable. Again, this needs training, exercises, attention and lots of love Smile

~ Trivor ~
~ SC & Low, mama and dada ~

hunter
Ultra ALPHA

Jul 25, 2003, 7:21 AM

Post #24 of 33 (3638 views)
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Re: [sweeeng] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi,

bah.. it's not like this nowadays. labbies are really getting quite a recognition :) !! in fact in US it's the top most registered breed.. 2nd then only is the GRs.

to me, they are good looking, smart and has a very charming personality. and yes, i think i've heard clinton has labbies too.

regards,
hunter

hunter
Ultra ALPHA

Jul 25, 2003, 7:23 AM

Post #25 of 33 (3639 views)
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Re: [Trivor] Is Golden Retriever Right?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi trivor,

hey, do u take trivor to agility training? as u probably know, there is agility training at padang merbuk. we shifted out some of the equiptments last weekend (pretty heavy though).

if you haven't join and would like to try out, do check it out at padang merbuk. it'll be fun :)

regards,
hunter

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