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Golden Retrievers For Dummies

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Get the most out of this Golden breed Man’s best friend doesn’t get any better than the Golden Retriever. Originally bred as hunting companions who retrieved birds and hares and delivered them to hand, the breed today is much more than “just a hunting dog.” Highly intelligent and eager-to-please, Golden Retrievers have a history as working dogs that makes them easy to train. Attired in a luxurious fur coat and blessed with a gentle and affectionate nature, they are the third most popular breed in the United States and a favorite for families with young children. Written in a friendly style by Retriever-owner Nona Kilgore Bauer, the 2nd edition of Golden Retrievers For Dummies puts everything you need to know about your furry friend right in your hand. You’ll learn how to care for a Golden Retriever from puppyhood to its stately golden years and how to communicate with them better. You’ll also learn about grooming and training, as well as how to deal with common ailments and behaviors. Whatever you’re looking for from your Golden Retriever, this book will help you get there, making for happiness all around—and many golden years ahead!

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2000

72 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

Nona Kilgore Bauer

33 books4 followers

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5 stars
81 (32%)
4 stars
104 (41%)
3 stars
52 (20%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Maria.
6 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Bloss ♡.
1,179 reviews75 followers
September 16, 2017
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!
920 reviews38 followers
September 16, 2018
Simple training book with little specific for Goldens. Most dogs train in the same ways.
337 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2021
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!
8 reviews
May 15, 2025
Can’t say enough about this book. Well written and entirely useful.
Profile Image for Nikki Nielsen.
165 reviews18 followers
February 3, 2008
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.
Profile Image for Dana Grimes.
943 reviews
August 5, 2011
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.
441 reviews
February 3, 2009
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.
Profile Image for Rachel Blom.
Author 6 books10 followers
April 8, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Sarah.
234 reviews
July 19, 2016
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.
Profile Image for Megan.
54 reviews
February 11, 2024
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!
Profile Image for Deborah.
95 reviews
May 17, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Zoe.
14 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2008
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.
Profile Image for Heather.
255 reviews
April 29, 2009
Best book to have around for reference on health problems and human pain bill dosage. it has some great stuff in it. Must get
Profile Image for Paul.
12 reviews
March 10, 2014
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.
Profile Image for Karen Melnyk.
5 reviews
May 10, 2015
This was a good basic dog training book. Lots of good information. Easy to read.
Author 1 book12 followers
January 6, 2016
Great information and education on bringing a Golden Retriever puppy home, specific breed information, and overall dog training ideas.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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