Everyone loves a puppy. They’re cute, they’re cuddly and they have really sharp little teeth…wait a minute!

 Yep, puppies also have a whole other side to them that humans forget when they go all gushy over a puppy. They go through a period of peeing in the house, digging, jumping on everyone, chewing things, up, waking you up at all hours of the night and did I mention boundless energy?

Puppies need a lot of work to make them good dogs. You own it to yourself and the pup to do the work so you both can lead a happy life. The first 18 months of their life is crucial for them to learn how to live with your pack in a proper manner. If you have the time and energy, this can be a very rewarding experience and you will have a loving, well adjusted dog later on.

So if you think you want a puppy, ask yourself if you are ready to spend a lot of time to raise and train it properly. If you do, it will change your life for the better. Trust me I know, just ask my humans!

If you are thinking of getting a Golden Retriever to join your family, you should really read the Golden Retriever Club of America’s Top 10 Reasons NOT to get a Golden Retriever list. This list is a reality check on life with a Golden and if nothing on this list bothers you, you are a true Golden lover!

And even if you don’t have the time for a puppy, there are many GReat older Goldens that need a good home. The best thing is many of us come with the benefit of already being house and obedience trained and if we’re seniors a little slower pace of life is just fine for us.