Personally, I think normally a well bred Golden is a good first time dog, but I think they're somewhat prone to Lassie syndrome and that's the drawback. People hear all these glowing reports about them and think they're gonna come out of the box already assembled, basically doing all the things you see Lassie do on TV. They're caught up in this lil' fantasy and overlook the reality that no matter what breed of puppy, they take work and training (Well Maddie was one of those rare dogs that fit the fantasy without the work, but I don't think that happens very often).

Although I do think it's somewhat personal perception, what pushes your buttons, as to whether the puppy was difficult to raise or not. Housebreaking happens to be mine, so Murph, who was really hard to housebreak, is always in my mind as my most difficult puppy. Oz and Maddie were a breeze to housebreak, so I look on their puppyhoods as easy. Oz had other issues, that I'm sure I spent just as much time working on (jumping up, barking, timid), but they don't register on my radar, because they didn't bother me as much.

Anyway, we've all got start somewhere, and in comparison to some other breeds, I think Goldens are a good first pick. Well maybe not as good as a Collie , but still a great dog to learn through all the novice mistakes with.

Par...