From: wade@hobbes.ucsd.edu (Wade Blomgren)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: GOLDEN RETRIEVERS
Date: 11 Jan 1993 22:43:40 GMT
Organization: UC San Diego Academic Computing
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: hobbes.ucsd.edu


In an article, james.cromarty@nitelog.com (James Cromarty)  writes:
[Has a 9 week old female Golden]

|> 1. As far as disciplining a dog. After you tell it "no" and it
|> still persists in doing something wrong. What is the proper<?> way
|> to strike the dog. With a newspaper/hand/?. I am of the view that
|> dog should not be struck with the same hand that pets/praises it.
|> But I am not sure about the newspaper. Any opinions?

I don't see much need for actually striking most dogs (particularly 
Goldens).  Others may disagree but I would say that shaking by the scruff, 
alpha rolling, voice discipline, shaking a "penny can", pressing lip onto 
teeth (for biting), holding the dog upright by the paws (for jumping), and 
perhaps cuffing under the chin (depending on how and when, I would not 
consider this equivalent to striking) would all be more appropriate than 
actually hitting the dog with a rolled up newspaper or a hand (or striking 
with a lead, or kicking the dog etc. etc.)

Note that Goldens typically have a high pain threshold - trying to smack
a dog that barely feels pain doesn't seem like a good idea.  There are
often better ways (some of them listed above) to get the dog's attention
and assert your dominance.

Also, as Cindy pointed out, such a young pup does not need much actual
discipline at this stage - positive reinforcement is much more important.

|> 
|> 2. With a pup, how old should it be before you take it on a 1-2
|> mile run? I understand working up to that just like a human.
|> 

In my opinion, for a Golden, about 18 months.  Maybe 12 months for short 
jogs.  This is probably not what you expected to hear, based on how you
phrased your question, but if you have the dog's interest at heart
these numbers are reasonable.

|> 3. Is there anything special when it comes to goldens. This dog
|> seems to have a good personality and always likes to be near my
|> wife and I. She has a fondness for slippers/shoes. Not chewing but
|> sticking her head in them. The dog must have a foot fetish.

Is there anything special when it comes to Goldens?  Are you kidding?
They are the best dogs in the world!!! :-).  Seriously, they are 
typically very social, pack (family) oriented dogs.   She will always like 
to be near you (touching you if she has her way).  Our current dog, a
2 year old neutered male named Jake, has a sock fetish.  He will
pick up socks whenever he has an opportunity, but will not chew them,
just carry them around (usually bringing them to us).  I imagine he
likes the taste/smell as it reminds him of his humans.

|> 
|> 4. Is it normal for the dog to spend a lot of time sleeping?
|> 
Yes, particularly a puppy.  

|> 5. Someone made the comment that goldens' should have a companion
|> dog because they do not do well alone. Has anyone ever heard that?
|> 

I have heard this - I think it is not always so.  I think it depends on 
the family.  If your dog gets "enough" attention from you, exercise, 
opportunities to socialize with other humans, and other dogs, then a 
second dog is not "necessary".  The question is, how much is enough?  We
are struggling with this a bit since we feel we are right on the edge
of meeting our obligations to Jake, but the anticipated $ (and time)  
expenses of another dog are a bit outside our current budget.  He is
happy, non-destructive, and healthy, but he does need more exercise.

Wade Blomgren
wade@hobbes.ucsd.edu

ps.  There is a mailing list for Golden Retriever enthusiasts which I 
am coordinating - those interested can obtain more information by sending 
mail to "golden-request@hobbes.ucsd.edu"