A golden retriever can add a golden lining to your golden years! However, sometimes when making big decisions such as getting a new dog can be confusing.
You might be feeling sceptical about choosing a golden retriever. It could be because you heard seniors cannot keep up with a medium-large-sized breed. Or someone advised you that getting a dog in your senior years is an overwhelming responsibility.
If all the advice and tips make you wonder whether getting a golden retriever is a good idea, this article delves into how and why a golden retriever can be the perfect fit for your senior years.
Are Golden Retrievers Good For Seniors? (Quick Answer)
Golden Retrievers are an excellent choice for seniors who wish to stay active and engage in social activities. They are also a fantastic option for seniors who seek a devoted and affectionate companion.
The breed’s intelligence, eagerness to please, gentle disposition, and adaptability to various lifestyles make them well-suited for seniors. It’s crucial to consider factors like the age of the dog and the senior, health conditions, individual personalities, and maintenance needs before deciding.
What Makes Golden Retrievers Good For Seniors?
Here’s why Golden retrievers make a perfect companion for seniors;
Gentle Temperament
Living a stress-free and happy life during your senior years is sweet. Golden retrievers are amazingly gentle and friendly, making them great companions for seniors.
Golden retrievers are also patient and enjoy being around people, making them an incredible fit for seniors. The breed is also slow to anger, complementing seniors who are irritable or easily angered.
Trainable and Intelligent
Golden retrievers are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They can, therefore, learn quickly. Golden retrievers can learn from simply observing.
Their intelligence and trainability makes them a perfect fit for seniors who prefer a well-behaved dog responsive to commands. Their intelligent observation also makes it easier for the dog to fit within your lifestyle.
Great for Exercise
If you decide to get a golden retriever, you must have one or two hours of physical activity. A golden retriever will have you taking walks or playing fetch to keep the dog active.
The gentle exercises for the golden retriever also benefit seniors who want to stay active. The best thing about the golden retriever is that it adapts to your pace when doing physical activities.
Hence, if you prefer gentle walks, your golden retriever will happily slow down or pick up at your own pace.
Perfect Fit for Any Lifestyle
If you are looking for a furry friend who will enjoy your lifestyle as much as you do, you cannot go wrong with a golden retriever. They can quickly adapt to any lifestyle.
Also, you do not need to make considerable adjustments to accommodate a golden retriever.
Endless Companionship
A golden retriever will ride with you into the sunset, making it a great option for seniors need companionship for their mental well-being.
Golden retrievers form strong bonds with their owners, providing companionship and emotional support, which can be especially beneficial for seniors. Their loving nature can provide seniors with a sense of companionship and comfort.
Enjoy Some peace
Golden retrievers are not wild barkers. This means that seniors can enjoy the company without having to endure a lot of barking. While golden retrievers are not entirely quiet, they are relatively calm.
If you have a dog that is consistently barking, check out the video below on how to manage a dog barking.
Emotional Support
Seniors need consistent emotional support. If you are going through an emotional difficulty or a mental health problem such as depression, a golden retriever is a perfect company.
Golden retrievers are intuitive and caring and can provide just what you need to get through a heavy day. Seniors with medical conditions who need emotional support can benefit from the company of a sweet golden retriever.
Factors To Consider When Getting a Golden Retriever
Here are things you can consider when getting a golden retriever:
Finances
You need a budget to own a dog, from grooming to vet visits to pet essentials. Keeping a golden retriever can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the dog’s needs and age. Hence, you must ensure that you can meet these monthly costs.
Otther dog expenses include investing in house cleaning equipment because golden retrievers are heavy shedders. You need a good vacuum cleaner if you have a golden retriever around the house, making this an additional expense you must keep up with.
Space and Exercise
While golden retrievers can quickly adapt to your space, there is the bare minimum you have to provide for them to live comfortably. Golden Retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs. Ensure you have enough room at home to accommodate a dog of this size. Also, consider whether you have a yard or nearby parks for exercise and play.
Before getting a golden retriever, make sure you can commit to providing the necessary exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Health
When getting a golden retriever, you need to consider your health. Ensure that you are capable of providing care for your dog. Also, golden retrievers can live 10-12 years, so it is essential to consider if the dog will outlive you.
Owning a dog is a long-term commitment and requires significant energy. Investing in your health before adding a new responsibility to your life is crucial.
Remember to check the dog’s health before taking it home. Like all breeds, Golden Retrievers are prone to specific health issues, including hip dysplasia and certain heart conditions. Also, regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are crucial for maintaining their well-being.
FAQs
Which Is the Most Difficult Age For Golden Retrievers?
The most challenging age for Golden Retrievers is often during their adolescent stage, roughly 6 to 18 months, where they might exhibit boundary-testing behaviour and heightened energy levels.
What Is the Best Large Breed Dog for Seniors?
Some large breed dogs suitable for older people include the Basset Hound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Greyhound due to their calm nature, moderate exercise needs, and adaptability.
Should Seniors Have Large Dogs?
Seniors can have large dogs as long as they can match the temperament and energy level of the big dog.