Who doesn’t love golden retrievers? I've owned four in my time. Each one I raised proved to be loyal, have great personalities, and they are very athletic dogs. No wonder they are great for the whole family.
These irresistible pups are often used in movies because they listen well to commands and are generally pleasant.
Life with a golden can be great, but there are some maintenance aspects that must be considered. If you want to keep your house sparkling clean with these fluffy dogs, then you must add these essential supplies:
1. The Perfect De-Shedding Tool
One of the biggest problems you will encounter as the owner of a Golden retriever is hair. I remember my first pup. I even had hair on my kitchen table. The hair seems to travel at record speeds.
I found a tool that seemed to help tremendously. While there are many things on the market that promise to help with shedding, none of them stand up to the Sleekez. It was originally made for horses, but it works great on dogs and cats too.
The best thing is your pup will probably look forward to daily grooming. Be prepared and have a trash bag on hand, because it will take a load of hair off. Use it daily and your hair woes will dissipate.
2. A Top-Notch Vacuum Is Essential
Speaking of pet hair, your couch will become a magnet for any loose strands. To keep your home remotely clean from fur, you need the best vacuum cleaner for pet care.
Now, just because a vacuum cost a great deal of money doesn’t mean that it’s the best tool. I’ve been through and burnt up many sweepers my day, and the one that I seem to like the best is the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser.
First, it’s not going to break the bank. Second, it’s going to get the hair pet dander. It comes with many tools that can make cleaning up after your golden easy.
The reason why you need to get a pet vacuum rather than a traditional one is the mechanics.
For instance, this Bissel has a tangle-free roller. Try rolling a typical vacuum over a pile of hair and see what happens. Not only does it come with a five-year warranty but the bag free style, and HEPA filter improve your air quality. It’s under $250 too, which makes it totally affordable.
For a thorough understanding of the best vacuums for pet hair out there, we used this review from HonestProductReviews. It was very helpful in our holistic research process.
3. The Clean Station for Food/Water
One of the biggest pet peeves I have with my golden is the mess they always make at the food and water bowls. They seem to slap water all over the place, and I find kibbles all through the house.
The key is to raise the water dishes up a bit so that they don’t dunk their chin hair into the bowl. Remember these dogs are going to drink a lot of water due to their large size. I absolutely love the Paws & Pals 3-In-1 Pet Water Fountain.
With this swirling bowl, there is always an ample amount of sparkling water for my pups. The food container holds about four cups of food and about one liter can be kept in the water container. Reviews show that pets are encouraged to drink more because it lights up and has that mixing action, which attracts a Golden Retriever. It’s a lifesaver at my house and makes it easier to keep everything clean.
4. Keeping Pups Out of The Trash
One major problem I had with my larger dogs is they love to dig in the trash. While my little Pomeranian couldn’t reach my big can, the goldens had no issues. I have been through many trash cans trying to find the one that works best.
I finally settled on the Simplehuman Kitchen Trash Can with Locking Lid. I like this one because it’s affordable and it works. My dogs have outsmarted just about every can on the market.
However, the Simplyhuman keeps our refuse all neat in one space. It’s a little thing that can be a big annoyance when you clean up garbage 24/7 from mischievous dogs.
5. Pig Ears, Chew Bones, and Toys, Oh My!
Just a little thing that I learned along the way is that puppies love to chew. They really don’t get out of the chewing phase until they are well past two years old.
My oldest golden, Daisey, still loves a good bedroom slipper, and she is eight years old. So you must stay one step ahead of the dog by keeping plenty of things for them to occupy their time.
Remember, these dogs love to hunt, so hunting through your bedroom for something to chew on is an everyday task.
I keep a large basket of toys in my Livingroom for them to play with at their leisure. It includes pig ears, chew bones, and several squeaky toys. Sure, they drag them all through the house, and I pick them up daily, but it keeps them out of my stuff.
Having a puppy is much like having a toddler, they must have a clearly defined set of toys. Teach them what is off limits and what they can use for play. If you’re lucky, dogs like my Daisey, will even help clean up.
6. Puppy Pads Versus Crate Training
Some people swear by puppy pads and others by crate training. I prefer the best heavy duty dog crate for many reasons.
Puppy pads are a hard habit to break. Once you remove the pad from your dog and demand they go outside, they often retreat to other “carpeted” areas to replace the missing pad.
With crate training, dogs love tight spaces and an area that feels like theirs. They can use the crate while you’re at work or at night.
There are many instances in their life when they need to be confined to a small space. Don’t worry, they will love their cage.
Every dog owner needs a good enclosure. When you’re mopping the floors or there is company that is not dog-friendly, you have a lovely space for them. Plus, during the potty-training phase, most dogs won’t use the restroom where they sleep. It's a win-win for both owner and pet.
# Life with Your Dog
Golden retrievers have warmed their way into the hearts of people across the world. This large breed dog is perfect for families or even the handicapped. While they may have a few nuances due to size and their shedding hair, there is nothing that cannot be overcome with a few essential tools and some determination.
Retrievers really are one of the best dogs out there, and there is no reason why even the pickiest family cannot live harmoniously with them.
Bella Medhurst V
An Australian Registered Veterinary Surgeon and Practitioner, Bella Medhurst V earned her Bachelor of Animal Science at Adelaide University before going on to study Veterinary Medicine at Melbourne University, from which she graduated in 2017.She has collaborated on honours and PhD projects, and she is working to complete a publication for the Veterinary and Agricultural Faculty of the University of Melbourne.Email: [email protected]
