This is an extremely social dog, and it will be very unhappy if left alone outside while its family is together in the house. Look for signs like the dog dragging its bottom along the floor. Be prepared to enjoy a good 10 to 14 years with your dog, as this is the average life expectancy of a golden retriever. Purchase a hand vacuum if you plan to keep your golden indoors. Its hair will stick to everything.
Golden retrievers love the water.
Keep a towel handy when you go near the ocean or a lake. Regular brushing will prevent matting, which can quickly become a nuisance. Note that this breed sheds a lot. The main reason people give up their goldens is because they shed too much. The second reason is that they got bigger than expected.