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10 Golden Retriever 'Secrets' Only Long-Time Owners Understand

By Leslie Leon Parade Pets

Updated May 23, 2026 5:01 PM

arena photography — Angel Luciano / Unsplash

As one of America's most popular dog breeds, the golden retriever is a well-known dog that can't help but bring a smile to anyone's face. An active dog, the golden retriever isn't a pup that enjoys just lounging around (well, sometimes). In fact, these dogs are known for their knack for getting into trouble because of their high energy levels.

Although there is plenty of information out there about golden retrievers to help you decide whether or not this is the right breed for you, there are some things that you won't know until you've actually had a golden retriever in your home for a while. Like any dog, some special quirks and traits are just impossible to predict until you have this goofy and lovable breed under your own roof.

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While it's hard to pinpoint exactly what kind of personality your golden retriever will have, there are a few ‘secrets' from golden retriever parents that might give you an inside look at what you may expect from this loyal breed.

This isn't the type of information you can find in any informational pamphlet or on a website. These ‘secrets' can only be learned after years of caring for a golden, and they can give potential pet parents a fair warning of what it's really like having this silly breed around.

Golden Retriever "Secrets" Revealed by Long-Time Owners

Here's what golden retriever pet parents think you should know about this beloved breed.

They Can Be Really Needy

Although this can apply to most breeds, golden retriever owners agree that this breed doesn't enjoy being left alone. According to replies to this Reddit post, several owners have gotten used to their ‘shadows,' which follow them from room to room. Get ready to say goodbye to your personal space!

You Will Meet Plenty of Strangers

Because golden retrievers are a widely loved breed, it's not uncommon to see a crowd surrounding any golden in sight. For prospective pet parents, be ready to answer all questions about your golden and get to meet your neighbors and strangers on every walk.

The Shedding Will Never End

While there are plenty of great grooming kits on the market, golden retrievers love to sprinkle their "golden glitter" in every room. Be ready to find fur in any and every crevice of your home.

They Can Never Have Enough Toy Balls

Golden retrievers love a good game of fetch, and we mean they LOVE it. Be ready to buy tennis balls in bulk because they will get lost or torn before the end of the day.

They Have Strong Chompers

Don't let their angelic faces fool you-golden retrievers love a good chomp. Whether it's your ankles, furniture, the floor, or even the wall, these puppies will try to take a bite out of everything. While they are meant to grow out of this phase, you might also have a lifelong chomper.

Goldens Love the Outdoors

It's all fun and games on walks until you come across a giant mud puddle. Not afraid of getting dirty, goldens will find a way to bathe themselves in mud just to finish off with a grass twirl.

They Love a Good Sock

No sock is safe when there is a golden retriever around. Be ready to find pairs missing or having to chase your golden around the living room with your sock hanging from their mouth. While no one knows exactly why, a love of socks is a well-known golden trait.

You Will Need to Be on Bathroom Alert

Until they are properly trained (if ever), golden retrievers have a few signs that it's time to get them outside STAT. Is the tail up? Time to potty. They start sniffing for more than a few seconds? Get them outside. They start wiggling their butt out of nowhere? You only have a few seconds left.

They Love Ice Cubes

You may think they're just another way to cool your drink, but for goldens, it's the ultimate treat. Water and a crunchy snack?! They are all for it.

They Will Love You No Matter What

While the same sentiment can be shared by humans of other dog breeds, all of the golden retriever parents agreed on one thing: they will give you unconditional love forever. Be ready to share your life with a fluffy goofball that loves you more than you can imagine.

How to Care for Senior Golden Retrievers

While the puppy stage involves a lot of training and patience, senior goldens are much more mellow and easygoing. Caring for a senior golden involves taking proactive approaches to their joint issues and health to ensure they remain healthy for years to come.

Once you notice your golden retriever is starting to slow down, it's time to invest in stairs or a ramp that can help alleviate their aching joints. Since they will no longer be able to jump onto furniture or your lap, you'll want to ensure they can still access their favorite spots safely.

In their advanced ages, this breed might start showing a variety of health problems, such as arthritis, vision loss and hearing loss. Ensure you are keeping up with their regular veterinary checks, as these appointments may unveil health problems before they become more serious.

Even as they slow down, you must keep goldens active. While they may no longer be able to walk as far or as fast as they once did, indoor puzzles or shorter strolls can keep them moving. Keeping them active and stimulated will help them feel better and help prevent cognitive decline.

Caring for a golden retriever of any age is hard work and requires plenty of patience. While there is undoubtedly going to be plenty of tough moments in your journey, you can be sure that it will pay off with this adorable breed.

This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 4:44 PM.