The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed and is described in the standard as "kindly, friendly and confident".  They are not "one man dogs" and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them.  Their trusting, gentle disposition therefore makes them a poor guard dog.  Any form of unprovoked aggression or hostility towards either people, dogs or other animals, whether in the show ring or community, is completely unacceptable in a Golden Retriever and is not in keeping with the character of the breed and as such is considered a serious fault. Nor should a Golden Retriever be unduly timid or nervous.  The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, with an exceptional eagerness to please.

The purpose of the Our Best Friends series is to provide a helpful and comprehensive introduction to pet ownership. Each book contains the basic information a prospective pet owner needs in order to choose the right pet for his or her situation and to care for that pet throughout the pet's lifetime. Training, socialization, proper nutrition, potential medical issues, and the legal responsibilities of pet ownership are throughly explained and discussed, and an abundance of expert tips and suggestions are offered. The books in the Our Best Friends series provide everything the reader needs to know about how to have a happy, well-adjusted, and well-behaved pet.

These books can help you keep your pets healthy, disease-free, and happy by providing detailed instructions in the following areas:

* finding a pet that is right for you, either from a breeder or a shelter

* understanding the costs involved in owing a pet, as well as your legal responsibilities

* keeping your pet safe, both at home and outside the home

* selecting the right veterinarian to ensure your pet's health

* providing proper nutrition during each phase of your pet's life

* housetraining your pet and teaching him basic commands; properly grooming and exercising your pet

* becoming involved in activities that require advanced training, such as participating in shows, competing in sports, or working as service animals.

REVIEW

"The Our Best Friends series continues to be an ideal resource for those kids (or even adults) looking for a cradle-to-grave primer on responsible pet ownership. With page lengths exceeding 100, these [books] offer far more than the customary cursory enticements and warnings usually aimed at first-time animal caregivers, with in-depth information on health issues and extensive explanations of the various types of species…With back matter including a list of relevant organizations, further reading, Web sites, and an index, this is required (if sobering) reading for the serious pet owner." – Booklist