Golden Retrievers for Dummies

by Nona Kilgore Bauer

For the past decade, the Golden Retriever has ranked among the five most popular breeds registered with the AKC, with more than 65,000 Goldens registered every year. The Golden Retriever’s personality is as golden as his outer coat. He was bred to please, and please he does. He started out as a hunting partner who delivered birds to hand and has evolved into modern times delivering whatever suits his owner’s fancy. Because Golden Retrievers were originally bred to work in tandem with humans, they are also highly trainable. Golden Retrievers For Dummies is intended for busy 21st century dog owners who don’t have time to sit down and read through 300 pages at a crack. This is a reference you can jump in and out of as dog questions rear their furry heads. This handy guide is also for you if Find out what it takes to own this active, intelligent, and friendly dog. Explore the Golden's personality traits and living requirements. Discover which diseases are hereditary. This reference guide covers all the aspects of dog ownership, If you’re serious about this Golden business and not just caving in to the kids or some other wild impulse, follow the advice of responsible dog owners and breeders. Look deep into your dog-loving soul and carefully consider the big picture. Love alone is not enough.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2000

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was very disappointed in this book. I was hoping that the newer addition would have gotten away from the scientifically debunked way of thinking that owners have to be the alpha. Unfortunately so much of the training and advice is still centered on the pack mentality. Of course it’s important that a dog listens to its owner, but a refreshed view of training is in order. For Pete’s sake this book still thinks a prong collar is acceptable. I want a refund.

[Bloss ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book (borrowed from a friend) cover to cover before getting my puppy and found it so invaluable I bought my own copy. It was certainly helpful during those early weeks!
Highly recommend!

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simple training book with little specific for Goldens. Most dogs train in the same ways.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format of this book makes it easy to flip to what you need. Training lessons make me hopeful that we be able to raise a well-behaved dog...this time!

[Tim T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t say enough about this book. Well written and entirely useful.

[Mark Manfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done and the format of the Dummies series is effective!

[Nikki Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book cover to cover before we bought our golden retriever 'Gidget' for Jorden's fourth birthday. At the time, my doctor was telling me I could possibly have a brain tumor but it turned out to be a ball of infection. Kind of gross, but I thought I was going to die and I wanted my kids to have an animal to help them get through it. These books are really good if you want to learn about a breed. We just had to have Gidget put to sleep and we miss her every day. Goldens are a fabulous family pet.

[Dana Grimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this in preparation for our new puppy and after checking it out from the library decided to buy a copy to have on hand as a reference. Looking forward to using all I have learned and hoping that the information will be helpful in practice.

The author seems to genuinely love her many golden retrievers and has a lot to share from her personal experience.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read for the road trip before we got Copper. She really understands goldens. We're not sure about the no tug-of-war rule - it's always been our dogs' favorite game! But other games are good. Like new parenting books, good to have someone holding your hand at first.

[Rachel Blom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, informative read with everything you need to know about Golden retrievers. I read it cover to cover before our puppy Chewy arrived and I was glad I did, because it helped me prepare well for him.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, of course, for owners of Golden Retrievers. Recommend by our puppy's breeder for his first week at home. Any Golden Retriever owner needs this book!
Read for my "A Book recommended by Someone You Just Met" 2016 Reading Challenge.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book helpful enough that after reading a digital copy from my library, I ordered a hard copy for reference. It will definitely be my go-to resource for help when we bring our golden puppy home!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative book about this breed. There are plenty of helpful tips on how to train them to. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a golden retriever, or thinking of adopting one.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, for when you are adopting, or buying goldens. It gives you lots of info on how to prepare, how you golden will act, and what to do about it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book to have around for reference on health problems and human pain bill dosage. it has some great stuff in it. Must get

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is what it is.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book. I have finished this book and we soon pick up our new golden retriever puppy. I am sure I shall use this book for continuous reference throughout our dogs life. A great read.

[Karen Melnyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good basic dog training book. Lots of good information. Easy to read.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information and education on bringing a Golden Retriever puppy home, specific breed information, and overall dog training ideas.