Betsy's text describes quite precisely the nature of our two Golden Retrievers and her advise will ensure that your Golden develops physically and psychologically healthy and you will too--so long as you follow the "rules". Without a thorough understanding of my dog's not only family oriented but, generally, people oriented nature that requires plenty of games and exercise (outside), Schroeder would have continued being very eager to take me anywhere by my shirt, and he probably would have succeeded before he was full grown. So, I consider myself lucky that I outran him to the bookstore beforehand and picked up Betsy's book. We now have a healthy, happy home with two Goldens. Yes, I can now resume graduate school knowing that my "kids" are happy at home without ball and bottle in my hand for several hours per day.

In sum, I recommend this book as a must read for those considering a Golden family member. Again, these dogs are extremely active, loving and family oriented and need to be treated with this understanding. If this type of companion is in your reality, even training becomes a joy. Otherwise, try another one of her books--you can't miss with Betsy but you could avoid your seemingly empirical perception of a pretty face quickly changed if your golden son rises without you.

PS. I would like to hear from Betsy concerning my "essential" goats.


Lacking in many areas...   April 24, 2001
 11 out of 17 found this review helpful

Not a bad book, gives some decent advice on care. But it leaves out information on a lot of things. It doesn't even mention that there are differences between hunting and showing lines, and actually makes no mention of hunting except to say that Goldens were once used for hunting. With hunting being such a big part of the Golden Retriever's history (not to mention modern life), it should've gotten a bigger mention. Also, the training section was very simplistic.


This book has everything   May 7, 2000
 73 out of 73 found this review helpful

This is a wonderful reference for prospective or current owners of a Golden Retriever, but especially for someone who has a new Golden puppy. I bought this book as soon as we had decided on a Golden when the litter was 4 weeks of age so I could do a lot of reading before the puppy came home. The author is "right on" when it comes to the breed. She accurately describes all of its best traits as well as its shortcomings regarding food allergies, skin allergies, etc. She tells you exactly what to look for in a new puppy and what to avoid. There are no surprises about the breed once you have read this book. It covers all aspects regarding feeding, grooming, bonding, training, living with an older dog - everything you will encounter over the years with your dog. If you have any doubts, check this book out at your local library or bookstore . . .