Help settle a debate

[SS MAYFLOAT]

The Mrs and I seem to be at a roadblock on getting a puppy. We have settled on getting a Golden Retriever.

I think a male is easier to train and she thinks that a female will be easier to train. So what do you think?

 

[MrsBoatinOkie]

Re: Help settle a debate

I googled to see what "experts" had to say and was very suprised to read on more than one site that the males are more submissive and affectionate then the females.

Always nice to learn something new!

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Help settle a debate

actually i have both and they are the same ,depends more on the parents and if a older dog is around to help which has always been my trick.but labs and shepards are smart . though labs like to chew so have plenty of rawhides.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Help settle a debate

I wish there had been a "does not matter" selection. Therefore I did not vote.
Sorry.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Help settle a debate

Training aside, I still only want a female. You don't have to avoid the red rocket when they roll over for you to pet their belly.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Help settle a debate

Females for one are very intellegant and on the same side are very moody especially when they get older but for the sake of argument Labs are great dogs and very loyale and loving very mild manored both sexes. But keep in mind the female is subseptable to the unexspected pregnancy of the nieghbors mut!!!!. If your house is like mine your probably gonna lose your choice to the admiral's but it really doesn't matter dogs are great and are the best pets by far. I don't know what I'm gonna do when my doxy(chuck) passes he's gonna be 6 next month.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Help settle a debate

I really dont think it maters. A male or a female will have you trained in no time.

 

[Tig]

Re: Help settle a debate

I think the dog's personality and the the owners dedication make sex of the dog is insignificant. But I'm no expert.
I've never met a golden that wasn't a complete sweet heart.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Help settle a debate

I voted female puppy because those are the dogs I've had the best "personality" luck with. In hindsight though, the absolutely best trained dog I've ever had was a male Brittany Spaniel. The dog was psycho (mostly at the end, 8 - 9 yrs old) but was almost military in obedience, though almost exclusively to me.
"Personality" wise I've seen the best luck with females, all spayed.
With a Golden Retriever, your chances of a clunker are pretty low, especially if you have been around it's parents and they are good.
Now this last part is just me thinking out loud, but I personally would stay away from show dog stock. (No offense intended to Show folks.)
Good luck, I bet you have a blast.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Help settle a debate

Train for what?

Hunting?

Tricks?

Manner's and Canine good citizen as a therapy animal?

Service dog?

Breeding stock?

Michael Vick fight training

Makes no difference of M or F but the training techniques and training goals are the decisive factors.

So in the interest of keeping the peace.... you are both right. Golden's are beautiful HIGH ENERGY dogs with great personalities

Train early and be consistent!

I did not vote either ........ I guess I am remiss in my iboats good member duties

 

[gstanton]

Re: Help settle a debate

I voted female... my last 6 dogs have all been female and the current is a 2 yr. old golden. She is a real sweetheart, and will chase/retrieve balls/sticks FOREVER! Totally loyal and lovable to the whole family - but mostly me.

On the other hand, I've never had a male, so there!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Help settle a debate

I really dont think it maters. A male or a female will have you trained in no time.

Excellent point !!!

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Help settle a debate

Male....Retrivers are gentle by nature...And a male will be protective of your wife... Just as most males...being attentive at her every word...most females i know like that quality...Umm dont let her read this post....

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Help settle a debate

Mostly the training will consist of fetching and retrieving grandkids Of course the normal tricks of shaking hands, sit, lay, watch em, stay, speak, roll, and some others. Wife would like to have it trained to be a service dog as well to take to the hospital with her on some days.

Male or female, they will be fixed. I don't mind raising a pup, but can't deal with a litter. Getting a bit old and too busy. Hopefully the dog will love the water. After getting our dog Keeper which is half Lab and Newfie, thought for sure with those web feet it would love the water. Wrong! He loves being on the boat, but won't go near the water or even walk on wet pavement. Go figure that one out. I measured his chest the outer day at 48" and weighs 140 pounds. I'm hoping maybe a pup will make him a bit more active to loose some weight. Thanks for the input, and yes TG the Mrs will read the post

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Help settle a debate

ditto ,on the show dogs or the full papered pedigree type as inbreediding and bad breeders, a liitle mutt in them makes the best dog and healthy. I foster dogs and there are plenty of used trained labs who want a family. If you cant foster kids foster a dog you will enjoy having a different dog every month or two and they love not being in a cage or worse , The one sheperd we saved was two hours away from the big one. She has turned into a great dog with lots of personality,

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Help settle a debate

I have had the worse time with female puppies. All of them were tough to housebreak, and to obedience train.

My males have been a breeze.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Help settle a debate

I have had males and females. As of for training both are the same. What I found is females seem to have better a temperament.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Help settle a debate

and if a older dog is around to help which has always been my trick.

In my experience this is more important than male/female.

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Help settle a debate

I'm a little gun-shy with males as they sometimes "mark" there area.

 

[Tig]

Re: Help settle a debate

I'm a little gun-shy with males as they sometimes "mark" their area.

^^The biggest factor in my wife preferring a female dog.
Come winter time the boys will add their colour to every snow bank in sight. The girls just melt a hole in the yard somewhere out of the way.
In summer any vertical object is fair game for the boys and gardening just isn't the same with them around.