How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?

As a rule, a Golden Retriever needs to be exercised twice a day. This should ideally be done in the forest or where he can run without a leash. The Golden Retriever needs enough physical and mental exercise. 

Your pet needs daily exercise. In addition, your dog can romp around in the garden or you can go to a fenced exercise area.

Your dog needs to go outside at least twice a day.

Beyond that, you can decide according to your dog whether you go more often and how long your rounds will be.

Walking – When does the dog need to go out?

The question of how often a dog should go out depends crucially on its individual needs. Some dog breeds need a lot of exercise due to their special urge to move, while others are content with smaller rounds. 

When a dog needs to go outside is also very individual. Decisive factors include cleanliness and walk training. 

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The Golden Retriever needs enough exercise to feel comfortable.

As a rule of thumb, however, dogs can last five to six hours before the next business is due. 

This also tells you how often a dog should go out every day. According to this, you should plan at least four to five rounds per day.

Ideally, you should schedule your dog’s walks so that he does not have to go out at night. In this context, it is important that the most urgent walk is in the morning. The walk after getting up must be integrated into the daily schedule. 

As a rule, a routine rhythm is established after a certain time, so that the morning round takes place at 6:00 a.m. every day, for example.

Dogs make themselves known when they have to go out

Normally, every dog makes itself known as soon as it has to go out. However, this only applies to dogs that have already completed their cleanliness training. It is not yet to be expected from puppies. As soon as the intervals between rounds become too long, dogs start whining, possibly barking, are restless and otherwise draw attention to themselves. 

Some dogs may scratch at the door, others may put the leash at their master’s feet. Pay attention to how your dog makes itself known and don’t let it get that far in the first place.

Your dog will be in better health if you react before your dog even contacts you.

If you are going to be away for a long time and your dog has to wait for you at home, find out here how long your dog can be left alone.

Whether young or old – all dogs need to go out. 

Puppies and seniors need more exercise

A puppy stays with the breeder until at least 8 weeks. At least with a good breeder. After that, you can take your dog with you.

Once you have arrived at your new home, the first few weeks are especially important. During this time, you must pay special attention to the walks. Everything needs to be explored, from traffic to the forest.

Experience shows that puppies need more walks than adult dogs. Until they are truly house-trained, it is recommended that you take your fur friend out at least every two hours. 

This way puppies learn that they have to do their business outdoors and not indoors. 

The time between each round can be extended individually over time. In addition to puppies, seniors also need to go outside more often. 

Your dog is getting old and counts as a senior dog if your dog is over 12 years old.

With age, dogs get difficulties to control their urge for a longer period of time. It’s a good idea to cater to your dog’s individual needs.

You could take your dog out more often, but for shorter periods.

If the dog doesn’t get out – what can happen?

If your dog doesn’t get out enough, it will sooner or later do its business indoors. 

However, what is much more decisive and to the dog’s disadvantage – lack of exercise leads to considerable limitations. Dogs that do not get out or only get out too rarely are often overweight, which has an impact on their health. 

Moreover, in such cases dogs tend to behave destructively, for example by destroying things or starting to go berserk. 

Among other things, shoes or furniture can be chewed up. Furthermore, the lack of exercise leads to aggression towards people and other animals in the long run. 

This is how you can keep your dog busy in the flat

Some dogs begin to withdraw because they are not physically and mentally stimulated enough. In this case, the behaviour resembles a typical depression. 

Other dogs, on the other hand, become hyperactive. Finally, the muscles of the affected dog can stiffen, which leads to considerable pain. Further illnesses of the four-legged friend are also possible due to lack of exercise and too few walks. 

For example, bladder or kidney diseases can occur due to continuous stopping.

To prevent this from happening to your four-legged friend, make sure he gets enough exercise!

If you don’t have enough time, you can look for someone who will walk your dog for a small fee.

Typical characteristics of the Golden Retriever breed

  •     Character: intelligent, trusting, sociable
  •     Size 50 – 60 cm
  •     Weight 25 to 35 kg
  •     Colour golden or blond
  •     Life expectancy up to 14 years

The Golden Retriever is a loyal and trusting dog. This congener is not only an ideal family dog, but is also used as a rescue or therapy helper. 

Its friendly nature and quick perception are impressive. The Golden Retriever is also a very sociable animal that gets along well with its conspecifics.

The Golden Retriever will probably never become an attentive watchdog. He simply has too playful a nature for that. With a Golden Retriever you get a gentle companion in your home. 

Because of their resilience and agility, Golden Retrievers are often used as companion animals. Typical of the dog’s character is a high degree of intelligence. 

You will probably not find a Golden Retriever that does not listen to your commands. Obedience is in the dog’s cradle.

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The Golden Retriever is a true family dog and gets along wonderfully with children.

The Golden Retriever is uncomplicated to keep. 

You can even walk your dog with the predominantly cream-coloured coat in uncomfortable weather, which does not bother the Golden Retriever. The coat is very dense, so that cold and water cannot penetrate it completely. 

In any case, this dog breed needs a lot of exercise to satisfy its urge for movement. With a height of 50 to 60 cm, the Golden Retriever is one of the larger dogs. 

As a hunting dog, the Golden Retriever loves to retrieve, so ball and search games are particularly suitable.

Like any other dog, the Golden Retriever needs a species-appropriate diet. In addition to the animal’s weight of 25 to 35 kg, the amount of exercise must also be taken into account when feeding. 

With insufficient exercise, the Golden Retriever tends to become overweight. High veterinary costs can develop from the overweight.

Who is this dog breed suitable for?

Compared to other breeds, the Golden Retriever has a very friendly and adaptable character. 

With a lot of composure and patience, it can handle many a tricky situation. The dog is open-minded towards children and strangers, making it ideal for families. 

The dog is a really popular family dog.

You should train your Golden Retriever consistently so that living together is harmonious. Besides the basic commands, it is important that all members get along with the Retriever and that he listens to everyone.

Because of his “will-to-please” quality, training him will be easy for you. The Golden Retriever needs special attention when it comes to recreational activities. 

As an owner, you should always plan for search games or the popular retrieve training. Mental exercise is a great way to keep your Golden Retriever busy. Not only physical activity, but also mental activity is important to keep your dog happy.

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