Rescued a Golden Retriever. Now what???

P

Pester

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 20, 2012
665
227
67
Northern CA
#1
Ya know.....he's one of those guys. He is an almost sponsored bass fisherman but he has no boat. He guides duck hunts but doesn't really make any money at it and no one wants to go with him.

So shit head announces on a local radio show that he has a great bird dog that needs a new home. I dont want another dog but nothing thrives in this guys orbit so I make the call. I go over to look at the dog and it looks pretty timid. I ask him why he is letting go of such a great dog and he says its getting after his chickens. I know the area enough to know he doesnt have any chickens. Shit head.

I kneel down to call the dog over and he creeps forward until he gets past this guy and then bolts over. As I am petting him I realize under all that fur is nothin' but ribs and back bone. Shit head.

Great. Now I have another dog.

After throwing a bunch of groceries at the poor skinny guy, and letting him sort of settle in, he seems to be kind of coming into his own. But man, that dog has a ton of energy. Sweet, kind and kinda goofy. I have an older well mannered black lab and the Golden has really mothered up to him so he is not all alone when we are out.

I think he is just about 1 so what can I expect from here?
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: MarshallDodge, lonegunman762x51, Sniperwannabee and 22 others
#5
Pester said:
Ya know.....he's one of those guys. He is an almost sponsored bass fisherman but he has no boat. He guides duck hunts but doesn't really make any money at it and no one wants to go with him.

So shit head announces on a local radio show that he has a great bird dog that needs a new home. I dont want another dog but nothing thrives in this guys orbit so I make the call. I go over to look at the dog and it looks pretty timid. I ask him why he is letting go of such a great dog and he says its getting after his chickens. I know the area enough to know he doesnt have any chickens. Shit head.

I kneel down to call the dog over and he creeps forward until he gets past this guy and then bolts over. As I am petting him I realize under all that fur is nothin' but ribs and back bone. Shit head.

Great. Now I have another dog.

After throwing a bunch of groceries at the poor skinny guy, and letting him sort of settle in, he seems to be kind of coming into his own. But man, that dog has a ton of energy. Sweet, kind and kinda goofy. I have an older well mannered black lab and the Golden has really mothered up to him so he is not all alone when we are out.

I think he is just about 1 so what can I expect from here?
Click to expand...

Expect them to be all kinds of crazy and get into trouble but be adorable.
After they are about 3 they settle down a lot.

Also keep him all kinds of busy with fun and such.

It only goes with saying that of course have him in the house with you and let him sleep with the other dog in your bedroom with you at night.

I rather hate bastards that don't feed dogs properly and abuse them and such.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UKDslayer, roostercogburn98, oneshot86 and 6 others
#7
A golden? Hair. EVERYWHERE! And, I’m not surprised the dog seemed timid. They say “teach a golden with a feather, a lab with a stick, and a chessy with a club.” There’s truth to that. Kid gloves. Lots of positive reinforcement. Golden don’t respond well to negative feedback.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ankeny, DIBBS, johnnycat and 5 others
#8
They require absolutely full ownership and attention for a dog breed.
They will eat some of the dumbest shit you can imagine including dirty underwear and socks that will kill them including dog toys.
But are one of the most loving dog breeds you could ask for and are a full time job.
I have allways had working dogs throughout my life but they are a different breed alltogether.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Redheeler, UKDslayer, roostercogburn98 and 2 others
#11
Pester said:
Ya know.....he's one of those guys. He is an almost sponsored bass fisherman but he has no boat. He guides duck hunts but doesn't really make any money at it and no one wants to go with him.

So shit head announces on a local radio show that he has a great bird dog that needs a new home. I dont want another dog but nothing thrives in this guys orbit so I make the call. I go over to look at the dog and it looks pretty timid. I ask him why he is letting go of such a great dog and he says its getting after his chickens. I know the area enough to know he doesnt have any chickens. Shit head.

I kneel down to call the dog over and he creeps forward until he gets past this guy and then bolts over. As I am petting him I realize under all that fur is nothin' but ribs and back bone. Shit head.

Great. Now I have another dog.

After throwing a bunch of groceries at the poor skinny guy, and letting him sort of settle in, he seems to be kind of coming into his own. But man, that dog has a ton of energy. Sweet, kind and kinda goofy. I have an older well mannered black lab and the Golden has really mothered up to him so he is not all alone when we are out.

I think he is just about 1 so what can I expect from here?
Click to expand...
You love him and take care of him. You will get 10 x more in return👍
 
  • Like
Reactions: Steel+Killer, UKDslayer, oneshot86 and 6 others
#13
If it’s little and red with shorter fur congratulations you just adopted a crackhead.

I say this as I stand in the backyard watching my almost 2 year old field bred golden sprint around the backyard because she hasn’t been walked much the past few weeks with a newborn in the house.

So what do you have to look forward too?

1.) Fur everywhere, accept it because it isn’t going away.
IMG_2248.jpeg


2.) Any crinkle, food or not summons your new light colored shadow who will proceed to guilt you into sharing regardless of how toxic it is to them.
IMG_2229.jpeg
IMG_0146.jpeg


3.) Where there’s food, there is dog. Cooking, dog. Getting water, dog. Opening cabinet, dog. My wife dropped part of an egg out of the frying pan, she ate it as it hit the floor, decided it was too hot, threw it up on the carpet, waited 10 seconds for it to cool then ate it again. If it’s anything like mine it will be very good at catching provolone thrown like a frisbee.
IMG_1524.jpeg

IMG_1443.jpeg

IMG_6930.jpeg

4.) Where there’s water, there is dog. The more inconvenient the better.
IMG_4684.jpeg


5.) They love crippled animals and dead bodies. Seriously, look at how excited she is for the severed foot I’m holding off camera. Her crack cocaine is chasing down a bird that thinks it can get away, she absolutely lives for that shit.
IMG_6178.jpeg
IMG_0791.jpeg


6.) You now have the best snuggle buddy to keep your legs warm.
IMG_9804.jpeg


This is my first time owning a dog and I have to say I really enjoy having Cedar in my life.
 
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: tackdriver, 375fan, MarshallDodge and 27 others
#14
I have primarily allways had German Shephards and they are without equal in regards to family loyalty and protection..
But my buddy now is a Catahoula that is a big ass couch potato and a real bud.
If you have a blanket he wants underneath it with you and thinks everything loves him be a stray cat or a stranger unless you show signs he doesn't like.
At 110 pounds and muscled up like a bull terrier he looks the part but is a lover at heart unless you fuck with his family..
They are a great breed and would recommend to anyone especially people with kids.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UKDslayer
#15
XLR308 said:
I have primarily allways had German Shephards and they are without equal in regards to family loyalty and protection..
But my buddy now is a Catahoula that is a big ass couch potato and a real bud.
If you have a blanket he wants underneath it with you and thinks everything loves him be a stray cat or a stranger unless you show signs he doesn't like.
At 110 pounds and muscled up like a bull terrier he looks the part but is a lover at heart unless you fuck with his family..
They are a great breed and would recommend to anyone especially people with kids.
Click to expand...
CMP70306 said:
If it’s little and red with shorter fur congratulations you just adopted a crackhead.

I say this as I stand in the backyard watching my almost 2 year old field bred golden sprint around the backyard because she hasn’t been walked much the past few weeks with a newborn in the house.

So what do you have to look forward too?

1.) Fur everywhere, accept it because it isn’t going away.
View attachment 8617817

2.) Any crinkle, food or not summons your new light colored shadow who will proceed to guilt you into sharing regardless of how toxic it is to them.
View attachment 8617821View attachment 8617819

3.) Where there’s food, there is dog. Cooking, dog. Getting water, dog. Opening cabinet, dog. My wife dropped part of an egg out of the frying pan, she ate it as it hit the floor, decided it was too hot, threw it up on the carpet, waited 10 seconds for it to cool then ate it again. If it’s anything like mine it will be very good at catching provolone thrown like a frisbee.
View attachment 8617820
View attachment 8617818
View attachment 8617837
4.) Where there’s water, there is dog. The more inconvenient the better.
View attachment 8617816

5.) They love crippled animals and dead bodies. Seriously, look at how excited she is for the severed foot I’m holding off camera. Her crack cocaine is chasing down a bird that thinks it can get away, she absolutely lives for that shit.
View attachment 8617815View attachment 8617832

6.) You now have the best snuggle buddy to keep your legs warm.
View attachment 8617833

This is my first time owning a dog and I have to say I really enjoy having Cedar in my life.
Click to expand...
Your a lucky man and that guy is a lucky dog.
Love him like family and he will do the same. 😍
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: UKDslayer and oneshot86
#19
Pester said:
Ya know.....he's one of those guys. He is an almost sponsored bass fisherman but he has no boat. He guides duck hunts but doesn't really make any money at it and no one wants to go with him.

So shit head announces on a local radio show that he has a great bird dog that needs a new home. I dont want another dog but nothing thrives in this guys orbit so I make the call. I go over to look at the dog and it looks pretty timid. I ask him why he is letting go of such a great dog and he says its getting after his chickens. I know the area enough to know he doesnt have any chickens. Shit head.

I kneel down to call the dog over and he creeps forward until he gets past this guy and then bolts over. As I am petting him I realize under all that fur is nothin' but ribs and back bone. Shit head.

Great. Now I have another dog.

After throwing a bunch of groceries at the poor skinny guy, and letting him sort of settle in, he seems to be kind of coming into his own. But man, that dog has a ton of energy. Sweet, kind and kinda goofy. I have an older well mannered black lab and the Golden has really mothered up to him so he is not all alone when we are out.

I think he is just about 1 so what can I expect from here?
Click to expand...
I'd pay some money and booze to a homeless to beat the fucking hell out that dog abuser just saying........
 
  • Like
Reactions: UKDslayer
#22
Great dogs!
They like attention and companionship. Ours is pretty much my shadow since I am retired, weather permitting, wherever I go, she goes. If she doesn’t get to go, prepare for the cold shoulder for a few minutes when I get home.

Last two hate storms and high winds along with fireworks. Had the vet prescribe trazedone to calm them down. Also she tends to get a hotspot in the spring when I start cutting grass. Get a good brush, they get knots behind the ears when their hair starts getting long.

Forget about sneaking a snack, can be in a dead sleep and hear a bag crinkle from anywhere in the house. Last one was a “grazer”, you could put a portion in her bowl and she would feed throughout the day or evening when she was hungry. Current dog cleans the bowl out immediately and gut is a bottomless pit, never ending appetite, have to keep her portions controlled to keep the weight off.

Intelligent dogs, easy to train has been our experience. Ours knows when it is walk time and lets me know if I am late, unless it is raining, then she knows we are not going. Don’t even need an alarm clock for the most part.

Sons Aussie and our girl.

IMG_4203.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Docsherm, UKDslayer, Big Phish and 1 other person
#24
GOOD FOR YOU!!

They are great dogs

I have two of them. VERY family-oriented. They are people dogs and always want to be near you. They like attention but also give back a lot.

They do cause some mischief at times, but so do other dogs. They do shed but no biggie.

You are fortunate, to say the least. Enjoy!
 
  • Like
Reactions: UKDslayer, Big Phish, Modoc and 1 other person
#25
Ok. I will get some pics and thanks for the feedback. Everything you are all saying is about right from my limited experience. A while back he got in a little trouble for dragging one of my shoes outside. As he ran by with the shoe in his mouth I grabbed him by the collar and yelled at him. He went to his belly and piddled a little. It took a while for him to retrust again.

It was recently shared with me that the previous owner took him out to start his training as a bird dog. His approach was to throw a decoy out and then fire off his shot gun. I guess the dog went after the decoy and when the gun went off he just kept running out into the high desert. The owners answer was along the lines of " I guess he is not going to make a bird dog" and then packed up and went home. 3 days later and 5 miles away someone found him and returned him. That guy is a shit head. What is broken inside someone that they abuse the innocent...... babies, the elderly, critters. I just dont get it.

I need to head out for a few days to do my parents taxes and when I get back I will post pics. And by the way.....I have gone through 4 shear pins on the snow blower because he takes his toys out into the snow. Like you say..... he is lovable. Quirky but lovable.

Thanks to all of you for the heads up!
 
  • Like
Reactions: UKDslayer and Dawhit
#26
roostercogburn98 said:
You’ll get some of the best unconditional love and affection ever. I had the pleasure of mine for almost 14 years, she died in her sleep laying on her little bed. View attachment 8617931
Click to expand...
This picture is amazing. My sweet girl just turned 14 and every day is a gift. My other pups only lived until 10, and I am so thankful for every day with my sweet girl! She managed somehow to get up on the couch and enjoy her blanket!
IMG_7933.jpeg
IMG_7933.jpeg
 
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: sandhiller, Docsherm and roostercogburn98
#27
As it has already been said here, just give it time. You won't regret it. My current dog is a rescue from the Dallas animal shelter and she's been through it; my first dog ever was a Golden and there's a reason (many) they are loved so much.
Your dog is gonna be a little bit more sensitive to any form of reprimand. I've gotten to the point we're all I have to do is say "naughty" and she gets it; but she was a biter when I first got her- different scenario than a stolen shoe; and that required different tactics in training. Sometimes dogs will take things just because they have your scent, or because they think that you will chase them when they have it.
Make sure it knows and has access to toys it can chew, maybe splurge on some Costco bully sticks. As I recall my first Golden, very treat/food driven in contrast on my current dog who is 100% prey drive.
The animal needs to know you won't treat it the way it's prior owner did and that's gonna take time. Animals do profile certain guys, at least my rescue did! Even if it's not a puppy, you really need to treat it as such for now.

Edit: by the way, get a good vacuum and keep some tape in the car so you can clean yourself up or if you have to be presentable or furless.
 
Last edited:
#28
Pester said:
Ok. I will get some pics and thanks for the feedback. Everything you are all saying is about right from my limited experience. A while back he got in a little trouble for dragging one of my shoes outside. As he ran by with the shoe in his mouth I grabbed him by the collar and yelled at him. He went to his belly and piddled a little. It took a while for him to retrust again.

It was recently shared with me that the previous owner took him out to start his training as a bird dog. His approach was to throw a decoy out and then fire off his shot gun. I guess the dog went after the decoy and when the gun went off he just kept running out into the high desert. The owners answer was along the lines of " I guess he is not going to make a bird dog" and then packed up and went home. 3 days later and 5 miles away someone found him and returned him. That guy is a shit head. What is broken inside someone that they abuse the innocent...... babies, the elderly, critters. I just dont get it.

I need to head out for a few days to do my parents taxes and when I get back I will post pics. And by the way.....I have gone through 4 shear pins on the snow blower because he takes his toys out into the snow. Like you say..... he is lovable. Quirky but lovable.

Thanks to all of you for the heads up!
Click to expand...

Yeah when I started that training it was with her eating food in the house while I clapped my hands at 8 weeks old. Then moved up to smacking something then pots and pans plus other loud noises for months before I ever considered shooting a gun near her.

When I did start with guns I started working my way up having my brother shoot a .22 at 50 yards while I played fetch with her before slowly working up to larger guns getting closer. Now I can bark a 12 gauge over her head and she doesn’t even flinch though I only do it while hunting as to not damage her hearing any more than necessary.

IMG_6425.jpeg


And they are definitely quirky but that’s what makes them so loveable.
IMG_7171.jpeg
IMG_7003.jpeg
IMG_7015.jpeg
 
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: sandhiller, Jperk0278, Dawhit and 4 others
#34
eastexsteve said:
I had one that would absolutely flip out during a thunderstorm.
Click to expand...
our first golden didn't even notice t-storms til about age 3 or 4 where we had a vicious storm while visiting the outer banks. after that yeah he totally freaked out during storms, half the time running behind our tv and stereo with cords and components flying everywhere, totally inconsolable.
 
#35
just my .02 but if your life has room,give him a "job" ie something to do that he can dominate at. a golden? some serious retrieving work. they were meant to work. prob no neg correction as sounds like he was mistreated some. with my rottt it was bite work and obstacle courses.
hard to explain but if you train them in a way that you don't let them make mistakes,then you don't have to correct them.
when i was working with Schutzhund guys,any mistake was always blamed on the handler as is correct.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lariat
#38
UKDslayer, Thanks for the input and I am with you. I have noticed that its a bit of an odd balance trying to find the point where he is paying attention to what is being asked and not asking in such a way that he gets cratered. So.....for now its just getting him to trust with only small amounts of pressure.

Seeing everyones pictures and reading the comments confirms that some of that behavior is a breed thing. I need to get pics posted.

We got about a foot of new snow and I looked out the window and there he was, on his back all splayed out with a toy in his mouth on the picnic table and sound asleep. It did not even register with him that snow was pilling up on his belly. Seems like when I am not laughing at his antics I just have to shake my head at them. Lately he has taken to getting on the couch. Next thing you know he is working his way so we are hip to hip and shoulder to shoulder. I know......he just wants attention but when he leaves its like the vacuum cleaner exploded on me.

Its probably petty of me but I sort of want to get this dog lined out and let the old owner see how good he is. I hate that dogs get treated that way. Shit head.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Numedal, UKDslayer, Jscb1b and 2 others
#39
Pester said:
Its probably petty of me but I sort of want to get this dog lined out and let the old owner see how good he is. I hate that dogs get treated that way. Shit head.
Click to expand...

Crating should be done for house training purposes. As far as taking things, dogs really understand facial expressions and tone that don't have to be over harsh. A frown, a "naughty", and ignoring them for a little while maybe all the punishment that's needed. Get a clicker and good treats like a freeze dried liver- oh wait it's a golden every food is a treat -and try training with food reward.

Avoid the old owner. It is a probably already stereotyping you if you are a white male and that may be why it's taking so long for him to warm up. My dog just turned 11 this past week and I still have to muzzle her if she's going to be near any black guys. You taking her back to the old owner which is create fear and mistrust and set your relationship back somewhat. Having the great dog he's going to turn into is gonna be the best revenge!
 
  • Like
Reactions: W54/XM-388 and oneshot86
#40
fair point about the old owner. I just dont have any respect for someone like that. Shit head.

I think he will be a good dog. The last 3 I rescued were all sort of low energy black labs so this one is kind of not like they were.

He is however the only dog that I have ever had that will, seemingly, actively watch internet videos of other Golden Retrievers. He will watch those for 15 min straight. Hilarious. 😂
 
  • Like
Reactions: UKDslayer
#42
UKDslayer said:
Crating should be done for house training purposes. As far as taking things, dogs really understand facial expressions and tone that don't have to be over harsh. A frown, a "naughty", and ignoring them for a little while maybe all the punishment that's needed. Get a clicker and good treats like a freeze dried liver- oh wait it's a golden every food is a treat -and try training with food reward.

Avoid the old owner. It is a probably already stereotyping you if you are a white male and that may be why it's taking so long for him to warm up. My dog just turned 11 this past week and I still have to muzzle her if she's going to be near any black guys. You taking her back to the old owner which is create fear and mistrust and set your relationship back somewhat. Having the great dog he's going to turn into is gonna be the best revenge!
Click to expand...
Nice
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Kemper
I get no respect, I'm telling ya
Replies
35
Views
956
Ronws
Ronws
LuckyDuck
More excitement from my back'yard'.
Replies
14
Views
639
748rpilot
7
AmmoFort
I've suspected for a while that my buddy is the reason we lose touch not me.
Replies
52
Views
2K
Holliday
Holliday
D
Boomers
Replies
40
Views
1K
MO Fugga
MO Fugga
lonegunman762x51
007, Daniel Craig
Replies
49
Views
2K
Ichi
Ichi
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts