Are Golden Retrievers A Good Option To Bring Into A Home With Kids? What We Know

The iconic golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, even cracking the top three on the AKC's most popular breeds of 2023 list. Beloved for their friendly and fun personalities as well as their adorable appearance, it makes sense why the golden retriever is a highly favored breed. Along with their many other positive traits and qualities, golden retrievers also make for great family pets in homes with kids.

Like all dogs, these intelligent pups benefit from proper training and socialization. With their happy-go-lucky personalities, a golden retriever is sure to make new friends everywhere they go, with people of all ages. If you're considering adding one of these precious pups to your family, read on to learn why golden retrievers are a good option for a home with kids, and for some things to be aware of before making one of these pups a member of your pack.

Golden retrievers' temperaments are great for any household, and especially ones with kids. These large pups may tower over some children, but their gentle demeanor makes them an ideal family pet. Veterinarian Ryan Steen told Daily Paws, regarding the golden retriever that "from a personality perspective, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more loving, outgoing, eager-to-please companion" Steen also told Daily Paws that the golden retriever is the "perfect family dog."

The golden retriever's friendly and outgoing personality means they get along with virtually anyone they come into contact with. This includes humans of all ages, as well as other dogs and pets. Some dog breeds tend to be more hesitant around children, but that won't be a worry with the amiable golden retriever as part of your family.

Just like with any dog you plan to add to your family, golden retrievers are going to need proper training and socialization. When given that, a golden is destined to behave beautifully around children and adults alike. Golden retrievers want nothing more than to please their people, making them very trainable pups. Because of this, you can easily teach them how to act around kids.

Since golden retrievers are naturally gentle and friendly, they should get along with children fairly easily, as long as they are socialized to them from a young age. Golden retrievers respond well to positive reinforcement training, and since these pups are easy to teach, you can even get your kids in on the fun, helping them form a deeper bond with their new pet. If you do plan on having your kids help with training your golden retriever, make sure they are aware not to punish the dog, but rather teach them about rewarding them instead.

If you want a pup who can keep up with the high energy kids in your household, the golden retriever is just what you're looking for. Golden retrievers are considered a very active, high energy breed who love to play. While this might be a downside for pet parents searching for a more laid-back dog, if you and the members of your family are active people at heart, the golden retriever is more than happy to accompany you on all your adventures. While many dogs might start to lose their playful nature as they get older, the golden retriever is one breed who always maintains this sense of playfulness.

Due to their high energy nature, golden retrievers have a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation needs that must be met. These pups thrive in a home with a fenced in yard where they can run around with their kids. Golden retrievers and kids go together well, as not only will these pups help keep your children entertained, but kids can play with them and help ensure sure these pup's exercise needs are being met. Along with some running and playing in the yard, you will likely still need to walk a golden retriever multiple times per day.

Along with their other positive traits, golden retrievers have personalities that perfectly suit a family with children. For one, golden retrievers are highly affectionate dogs, sure to cuddle up and show your family and kids lots of love. Having an affectionate dog is a plus for a household with kids, as it's likely they will want attention from their cherished pooch, and vice versa.

Along with being extremely affectionate, golden retrievers are also very loyal dogs. Because of their loyalty, golden retrievers are set to form deep bonds with the members of their family, including children. If you are looking for a dog who will be a loyal companion to your child and stick by their side, the golden retriever might be just the pup you need.

If there is one downside of having a golden retriever as a family pup, it's that their large size might make them unsuitable for a home with small children. Since golden retrievers are extra playful dogs, there's a chance they could accidentally injure a child much smaller than them if they try and play with them, as is a potential danger with any large breed pup. However, since golden retrievers are considered to be gentle giants and quick learners, with proper training, they can make great pets for kids of all ages.

Obedience training your golden retriever puppy will help them learn proper manners around kids, such as how to greet politely. Socializing your golden retriever to children of all ages can also help them become more comfortable with them, as well as help them practice child-friendly behavior. Although their size may be an issue if not properly trained, golden retrievers tend to be very tolerant of children, which is helpful in a home with younger kids who may not yet know how to properly interact with dogs.