Helping with a Golden Heart

Many different breeds of dogs can become incredible service dogs, excelling at their specially trained tasks. We’ve certainly seen with Sandy, for example, that a standard poodle is phenomenal at making strides in the training process to become a hearing dog. Amongst the vast variety of breeds available to help people, one breed that is commonly associated with service is the golden retriever. With a loving and gentle personality, intelligence, and loyalty to their owner, it is easy to see how well they fit into this role of helping others.

This breed that many know and love today developed from crossing wavy-haired retrievers and tweed water spaniels in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, also known as Lord Tweedmouth. Characterized by their golden fur, they are part of the sporting group of dogs. Used originally for their hunting abilities to retrieve waterfowl,  their unique characteristic of a soft mouth allows them to retrieve game without damaging it.

With the abundance of fluffy golden fur, golden retrievers do require regular grooming, and shed throughout the year, heavily during the spring and fall. Brushing and regular bathing can help to keep their coat healthy, with the added benefit of preventing a few fur balls from collecting on the floor. As with most floppy-eared dogs, golden retrievers are susceptible to ear infections, so regular ear cleanings are also recommended. Food is a beloved commodity for this breed as well, making it important to ensure they receive the appropriate amount of food and the treats are limited to maintain a healthy weight. 

Service dogs, including those who help the deaf and hard-of-hearing, typically require intelligence, good temperaments, trainability, and reliability. They must be able to stay focused and remain calm so they can maintain attentiveness to the needs of their owner. Golden retrievers have an easy-going and sociable disposition, making it easier to maintain their focus, rather than being aroused by large groups of people and animals. With their eagerness to please, intelligence, and tendency to be food motivated, they make wonderful trainees for many types of skills and tasks. While training takes time, practice, and patience with any dog, these lovable canines can learn skills quickly, and often put their whole golden hearts into their work. 

The golden retriever is also an active breed of dog and happiest when close to its owner. As a service dog, these traits likely contribute to their great fit in this role. Going out and about works well with these dogs, whether it is a car trip, walking around the block, or heading into a store. Having a sociable nature makes outings easier, and works well for those who like to lead, or return to, an active lifestyle. 

These caring, loving animals not only serve as pets and work as service dogs, but also as emotional support animals, providing comfort through their calm demeanor. They can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression simply by being present with those experiencing these issues. A disability, impairment, or trauma, can often affect one’s mental health, making the emotional support of a golden retriever service dog an additional benefit. While typically considered a large breed dog, typically weighing between 55 and 75 pounds, they still have the ability to maintain a gentleness in all they do. 

These incredible dogs certainly bring their good nature, devotion, intelligence, and companionship to their important role as service dogs. Knowing a friend is nearby to help, particularly one that will help navigate difficult situations, improving your confidence and security, always makes a difference.