Table of Contents

K9 Expert Education 4 By Susan Chaney, Editor, Dog Fancy magazine Fourteen Karat 6 The Golden Retriever has the temperament of a wonderful family companion, service dog and lifelong best friend. It's no wonder Golds are such a good investment! The Retriever Report 20 Our simple two-page guide gives you all the necessary information about the Golden Retriever -- in 300 words or less! Of Golden Times 22 The Golden Retriever has a long and fascinating history, beginning in England and striking it rich in America. Finding Gold 34 Find out how to choose a reputable breeder and pick a healthy puppy, or maybe you'd like to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Either way, there are plenty of Goldens out there waiting for homes. Home Essentials 48 You need to puppy-proof, or Golden-proof, your house, as well as make sure that you have all the things he requires to be comfortable, such as bedding, toys and lots more. Successful Housetraining 64 Your first job is getting your Golden Retriever to do the doo where you want him to. Using a crate -- aka a modern-day den -- will expedite the process. Vet Visits and Everyday Care 76 Selecting a veterinarian means doing some research and planning your Golden's first visit. Also, learn what to do when everyday bumps and bruises come about. On the Topic of Health 88 Learn how to deal with external and internal parasites, skin problems, and common medical and behavioral issues. Retrieving Dinner 100 With proper knowledge and know-how, you can feed your Golden Retriever a sound diet so he won't end up a pudgy pooch. Grooming Goldilocks 112 From nail clipping instruction to brushing and bathing basics, we'll have your Golden Retriever looking like Fort Knox. Time to Train 126 Every retriever needs to learn the basics of sit, down, stay and come, and additional training advice will make your dog obey without hassle. Changing Bad Behavior 140 A well-behaved Golden isn't born that way. When problems arise, prompt training will turn bad habits into appropriate behavior. Teach your dog that there are better ways to get attention, and you'll save yourself a lot of headaches. Golden Games 154 The high energy of the Golden demands exercise and attention, and his athletic and strong body makes him perfect for dog sports, from agility to dock jumping. Resources 166 Index 174

About the Author

Written By: The experts from Dog Fancy(R) magazine, the world's most widely read dog magazine for almost 40 years, brings you the ultimate series of dog breed books. With the collaborative minds of Dog Fancy(R) Editors resulting in the creation of this exceptional line of up-to-date, interactive and information-packed books that will set the standard for all breed books.