*Vent*....

[DogLover9501]

Originally posted by wolfie
Everyone has to start out as an inexperienced owner!

When we first got Cocoa I had no idea how to take care of a dog. (I was 13) In fact, we didn't even know what a Shih Tzu looked like when we went to pick her up from the family that was getting rid of her! We didn't know how to housetrain a dog, what a crate was, how much vet bills cost, nothing. But when Cocoa came home we started asking the vet questions, getting dog books from the library, ect. We became good responsible pet owners.

So don't worry about your friend, just help her out with all her questions, and she just might turn out to be a responsible pet owner too.

I agree!!

I grew up with a pom, but she was my moms.

I was about 8 years old, when I got my little sweet black lab puppy, and I didnt know a whole lot either, I would hide away in those "chewing" stages, but as he got older, and I got older, I learned about them, trained him to do lots of things, got him walking right, eating right.

And surprised my parents with all the things I have learned about the breed and all the things I have taught him!

So I think with alot of advice from you, and alot of committment(sp?) and dedication from her, she will do fine!

[DogLover9501]

BUT I also know what you mean by not for a first time owner.

But NOBODY would want a first time owner to get a dog like their dog.

Like when we first got Jasper, a friend of my dads asked me his breeders # and prices..etc..etc...etc and thats ALL nothing about the breed, and all he owned was a GSD that was tied up to a little chain his entire life, and I kept saying....well Boxers are NOT outside dogs..etc..etc and he was not even listening to me! But thank god--they didn't get one!

So I know how frustrating that is, maybe you could ask her to find maybe a GROWN golden at a shelter? or maybe a better breeder, who health checks them, or maybe hold off on the whole thing, until she buys everything she needs and researches a bunch of different breeds. Or ask her why ELSE she wants a golden, if she knows anything about their temperment, needs and personality! And if not--doesn't she think she should learn?

Just keep trying

[QueenScoopalot]

I've never had a purebred dog...with the exception of Peanut who's a four and a half lb. longhaired chihuahua. She was rescued from an alcoholic man unable to care for himself. I hope this person knows that it's a lot of work housebreaking and training a puppy. Too many end up in shelters due to bad training. It's one thing to fall in love with a puppy, and a whole other ballgame to be in it for the long haul! Leslie, it is Puerto Rico where shelters around the north east are shipping in "satos". I guess that in one way says something right is going on, as far as dogs not reproducing around here, as in other areas of the country. If only it worked with cats.

[leslie flenner]

What are satos?

[QueenScoopalot]

I believe sato means lost one in Spanish. Something like that anyway

[catnapper]

Ugh. I went through the same exact thing with my friend a few years ago. She was determined to get her daughter one for Christmas.... 1st time dog owner gets puppy as a cute gift. She was immediately overwhelmed and kept the poor guy tied to the banister on a 4' chain all day. Another friend and I tried to tell her that she was abusing this dog and that she should give him to a rescue so that he's find a family that would be better suited to him. She still has him, he still sits tied to the railing everyday. She couldn't deal with a big, lumbering (and VERY dumb... true, he is the dumbest dog I ever met) dog that jumped and chewed his way through everything. He also is the sweetest dog I ever met. I feel so bad that she wouldn't listen to us.... we know her and we "knew" a golden was the wrong choice for her. She needed somethng with less energy and 'oomph' - also something a wee bit older.

No wonder he always bolted as soon as he got outside without a leash.

I hope your friend is willing to take the time neccessary to give the pup (whatever breed) the time and attention it needs.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Before I convinced her about it, she wanted to keep the dog in the garage. I told her "NO..you can't keep a puppy, or a dog in a garage." So, she said the dog will stay inside.

I hate this.

[Karen]

Buy her the best "training a new puppy" book you can find. Wrap it up nicely, and offer to help as much as you can.

There is no "ideal" dog for a first-time owner IMHO. She will learn, and best yet, she has you to help her. And as you have been well-trained by Daisy, I am sure you will be able to help.

[guster girl]

Originally posted by GoldenRetrLuver
Before I convinced her about it, she wanted to keep the dog in the garage. I told her "NO..you can't keep a puppy, or a dog in a garage." So, she said the dog will stay inside.

I hate this.

If you're really so against it, you may want to just do as Karen suggests and get her a couple of really good books, and, point her in the direction of a good obedience class for puppies. I think she's just uneducated, but, if it's something you really hate, then, you may not want to get too involved. But, if it's just venting, then, look at this as an opportunity to teach a person on the care and attention a dog needs. That's a good opportunity!

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Thanks Karen. I'll try that. I haven't seen her since the end of last year, so I'm not sure when/if I'll see her again. I also have a book called "Golden Retrievers for Dummies" which I got when Daisy was a pup. I think I'll send her that too, or buy her a copy. I'll see if I can go over to her house when she gets the pup, before she moves...

[clara4457]

I actually think rescue organizations are good places for first time dog owners to adopt a dog from. The advantage of a rescue is that they usually know a great deal about the personality of the dog they are adopting out and will only adopt out dogs that would fit into the lifestyle of the adoptee.

A book suggestion I have is Ian Dunbars "Before and After Getting Your Puppy : The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog". It is easy to read and follow.

Everyone was a first time dog owner at one time and I think your friend is very lucky to have you as a resource. I would also research some obedience classes in your area and suggest she attend them when she gets the puppy. It will not only help solidify their bond, it will help her become more committed to the dog.

Hope everything turns out well.

[K9soul]

Clara, that's true. I was more thinking along the lines of if someone is getting a young puppy.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Thanks for the input guys.
I told her about rescue organizations (gave her a few Golden Retriever Rescues), animal shelters, and all of that, but she's sold on getting a young puppy now from this person. I was talking to her yesterday, and said I would find some Obedience Classes in her area, and a Veterinarian. We'll see how it goes. If I do end up going to see the pup, I'll be sure to take pictures.

[K9soul]

You're a good friend and a wonderful advocate for dogs Julie! That girl is lucky, I sure hope she will do the right thing and listen to someone who knows the bad along with the good of having dogs.

[ParNone]

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...