Golden Retrievers For Dummies (2^nd Ed.)

Get the most out of this Golden breed

Man's best friend doesn?t get any better than the Golden Retriever. Originally bred as hunting companions who retrieved birds and hares and delivered them to hand, the breed today is much more than "just a hunting dog." Highly intelligent and eager-to-please, Golden Retrievers have a history as working dogs that makes them easy to train. Attired in a luxurious fur coat and blessed with a gentle and affectionate nature, they are the third most popular breed in the United States and a favorite for families with young children.

Written in a friendly style by Retriever-owner Nona Kilgore Bauer, the 2nd edition of Golden Retrievers For Dummies puts everything you need to know about your furry friend right in your hand. You'll learn how to care for a Golden Retriever from puppyhood to its stately golden years and how to communicate with them better. You'll also learn about grooming and training, as well as how to deal with common ailments and behaviors.

• Select the best puppy for you
• Adopt an older dog
• Dog-proof your home
• Train your Golden Retriever right

Whatever you're looking for from your Golden Retriever, this book will help you get there, making for happiness all around?and many golden years ahead!

Introduction 1

Part 1: Finding Your Soul Mate 5

Chapter 1: Are You Meant for Each Other? 7

Chapter 2: What to Look for in the Breed 17

Chapter 3: Finding a Golden Breeder 27

Chapter 4: Selecting Your Special Puppy 43

Part 2: Welcome Home! 53

Chapter 5: Setting Out the Welcome Mat 55

Chapter 6: Welcoming Your Puppy Home 67

Chapter 7: Crate Training and Housetraining 81

Chapter 8: Canine Communication and Growing Pains 91

Chapter 9: Homeschooling Your Golden Puppy 107

Part 3: Keeping Your Pal Healthy and Happy 123

Chapter 10: Healthy Habits: Nutrition and Exercise 125

Chapter 11: Golden Health Care 101 139

Chapter 12: The Ins and Outs of Bugs and Worms 165

Chapter 13: Golden Grooming Basics 179

Chapter 14: Caring for Your Senior Golden 189

Chapter 15: Hereditary Disease 199

Chapter 16: Problem Behaviors and Aggression 207

Part 4: The Part of Tens 227

Chapter 17: Ten Great Games to Play with Your Puppy 229

Chapter 18: Ten Websites for the Golden Retriever Believer 235

Chapter 19: Ten Things in Your Golden Retriever’s Bag of Tricks 239

Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Help Your Golden Live a Longer and More Golden Life 251

Index 257

Nona Kilgore Bauer has shared her life with Goldens for more than 40 years. Her dogs have won many obedience and other working titles, and Nona is a 15-time Dog Writers Association of America nominee (and winner). She has written over two dozen books on canine subjects, including the previous edition ofGolden Retrievers For Dummies.