8 Things You Should Not Do With Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are the kind of dogs that instantly make you smile. They have soft, shiny coats, warm eyes, and personalities that radiate friendliness. They’re playful, affectionate, and full of energy, like they were born to brighten up any room they walk into. If you’ve ever met one, you know they have this uncanny ability to make everyone feel loved. But as much as they seem like perfect companions, they’re not invincible little fluff balls—they have needs, quirks, and rules you need to understand if you want to live harmoniously with them.
But Here’s the Thing
Just because Golden Retrievers are sweet, cheerful, and lovable doesn’t mean they can handle everything. Treat them like any other high-energy dog, and you’ll end up with chaos, chewed shoes, muddy paw prints all over your floors, and maybe even a minor indoor swimming pool situation after a bath or puddle adventure. They thrive on structure, attention, and interaction, and ignoring these can turn even the calmest Golden into a little whirlwind of mischief.
1. Leave Them Alone With Food (Or Anything Edible, Really)
Golden Retrievers are basically four-legged vacuum cleaners. If it’s edible, they’ll sniff it out. If it’s not edible, they might still try to taste it just to be sure. Leaving them alone with food is asking for trouble. You might think you’re just stepping out for a minute, but when you come back, your countertop could be empty, crumbs everywhere, and your dog sitting proudly in the middle of the mess.
Real-life tip: A loaf of bread left on the counter? Gone in seconds. Treats forgotten on the table? Probably gone before you even blink. Golden Retrievers don’t have bad intentions—they’re just curious, motivated by taste, and absolutely persistent. Keep food out of reach, use dog-proof containers if you can, and remember: it’s a lot easier to prevent problems than to deal with the aftermath of a stomach ache or a chewed-up snack.
2. Skip Daily Exercise
These dogs are built for activity. Golden Retrievers are energetic, athletic, and love moving. If you skip giving them at least an hour of daily exercise, you’re inviting trouble. Without sufficient activity, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves, and unfortunately, that often means chewing your shoes, digging up your yard, or pestering you relentlessly until they get what they want.
Real-life tip: Walking isn’t the only option. Play fetch, swim in a safe area, or even set up backyard games to burn off their energy. A well-exercised Golden is calm, happy, and far less likely to turn your living room into a disaster zone.
3. Ignore Their Love for Water
Golden Retrievers are part water-loving adventurer. Whether it’s a puddle, a pond, a lake, or even a shallow bathtub, they’re going to find it and dive in. This is one of their quirks you just have to accept—and embrace.
Things to watch for:
- Never leave them unsupervised near pools, lakes, or any open water. Their enthusiasm is contagious, but accidents can happen.
- Don’t expect them to stay clean after a walk in the rain—they’ll find mud and roll in it like it’s their personal spa.
Pro tip: Wet dog smell? It’s part of the package. Roll with it and appreciate that your Golden just had the best time ever.
4. Assume They’ll Be Quiet
If you’re expecting a silent dog, a Golden Retriever isn’t the breed for you. They’re talkers, communicators, and can be downright expressive. Barking, whining, groaning, and other noises are just their way of saying: “Hey, notice me!”
What they might be trying to tell you:
- “I’m hungry.”
- “I’m bored, let’s play.”
- “There’s a squirrel outside, and I must alert everyone.”
- “I exist, pay attention to me, please!”
Pro tip: Teaching commands like “quiet” or “enough” is helpful. It won’t stop all their chatter, but it will give you some control while respecting their naturally vocal personality.
5. Forget to Groom Them
Golden Retrievers have gorgeous coats, but they’re not low-maintenance. If you skip brushing and bathing, their fur can get tangled, matted, and start shedding everywhere. And let’s be honest, a tangled Golden coat can quickly look like a walking tumbleweed rolling across your living room.
Real-life tip: Brush your dog at least two to three times a week and bathe them every 4–6 weeks. This keeps their fur soft, clean, and manageable—and saves you from endless hair-covered furniture and floors. Grooming also helps you spot any skin issues or irritations early.
6. Leave Them Alone for Too Long
Golden Retrievers are social butterflies. They thrive on interaction and companionship, and leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to anxiety and destructive behavior.
What can happen:
- Chewed furniture or shoes.
- Dramatic howling that makes it sound like a tragedy is unfolding.
- A “sad dog stare” that makes you feel guilty the instant you walk in the door.
Pro tip: If your day involves being away for more than four or five hours, consider hiring a dog walker, arranging playdates, or using doggy daycare. Your Golden will stay happier, and your belongings will survive longer.
7. Assume They’re Low-Maintenance
Golden Retrievers are amazing, but they require effort. They need daily exercise, regular grooming, mental stimulation, training, and a lot of love. Thinking they’re easy because they’re friendly or gentle is a common mistake.
What people often misunderstand:
- Just because they’re friendly doesn’t mean they’re instantly obedient. Many are stubborn in their ways.
- Being great with kids doesn’t remove the need for supervision or engagement.
Pro tip: Be prepared for the commitment. They’re worth every bit of effort, but they’re not “set it and forget it” dogs. They thrive on interaction, structure, and affection.
8. Underestimate Their Intelligence
Golden Retrievers are clever, and they often figure things out faster than you expect. If you underestimate them, they’ll outsmart you.
What they might do:
- Open doors or cabinets to reach what they want.
- Find hidden treats or snacks.
- Pretend they don’t understand a command just to see if you’ll give up.
Pro tip: Keep their minds active. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games are perfect for a sharp Golden Retriever. A bored Golden is a mischievous Golden, and mental exercise is just as important as physical activity.
FAQs
Are Golden Retrievers good with kids?
Absolutely. They’re gentle, patient, and love being part of a family. Always supervise with very young children to avoid accidental knocks or tumbles.
Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot?
Yes, they shed heavily. Regular brushing and a reliable vacuum are essential parts of living with one.
Can Golden Retrievers live in apartments?
It’s possible, but they need plenty of outdoor exercise and mental stimulation. A yard is ideal, but an active lifestyle can make apartment living work.
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
Typically, they live 10–12 years, though with proper care, some can enjoy even longer, healthy lives.
Conclusion of Things You Should Not Do With Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are loyal, loving, intelligent, and full of energy. They’re not for everyone, but if you’re ready to give them exercise, grooming, attention, and mental stimulation, they’ll reward you with endless love, companionship, and fun moments that make every bit of effort worthwhile. They’ll cheer you up, protect you, and sometimes test your patience—but every Golden Retriever is worth it.
