| A Permanent Form of ID | | | | puppies love to do, that's chew. And if he tries to |
| Many Golden Retriever owners are now using | | | | chew a chain leash, he may injure his teeth. |
| tattoos and microchips as forms of identification for | | | | Gates |
| their pets. Before you dismiss these as out of hand, | | | | No, Goldie you can't go there or you'll hurt yourself. |
| you may want to discuss the advantages and | | | | Not right now, stay out of the dining room, we're |
| disadvantages with your veterinarian. | | | | eating. |
| A microchip is merely a small transmitter about the | | | | After a while those instructions get old. Not only that, |
| size of a grain of rice. Your veterinarian inserts it | | | | but those words are mostly ignored - or more |
| under your dog's skin in the shoulder area using a | | | | appropriately, not understood. At least your words |
| syringe. The microchip contains a number that is | | | | won't be while your new friend is still a puppy. |
| exclusively for your Golden puppy. It's read using a | | | | Instead of fueling your frustration by trying - and |
| special scanner. | | | | failing - to keep your new puppy out of certain areas |
| Leash | | | | of the house, consider investing in one or more baby |
| Buying a leash can, indeed, be a bewildering | | | | gates. Yes, the tension-fitted type that is typically |
| experience. Leashes come in a dizzying array of | | | | placed in doorways will work. |
| varieties and prices - and different uses as well! | | | | These can be very useful at keeping your new pal |
| Discovering the one (or two - it's always wise to | | | | either confined to a certain area of the home or out |
| own a spare!) can be difficult, at best. | | | | of another (depending on your perspective!). |
| We'll try to take some of the mystery out of it | | | | You can purchase these at nearly any discount, |
| though. When you go on a normal, regular walk with | | | | hardware or even baby store. For the most party |
| your friend, you really don't want a long leash. If you | | | | they fit the need perfectly, but, depending on your |
| keep the leash to only a few feet in length, then | | | | particular needs and budget, your eyes may be |
| you'll be able to quickly bring your friend to your side | | | | drawn to more specialized gates. These can be found |
| if necessary. A shorter leash also keeps the dog | | | | in some pet stores and in many pet specialty |
| from straying too far from his side. | | | | catalogs. These gates may have wider openings, or |
| If you have a large yard, consider purchasing a | | | | actually fasten to the door frame, with the option |
| 30-foot leash with an automatic reel. | | | | and capacity of swinging open. You may decide you |
| Avoid using a chain leash, especially when your | | | | want a taller gate than your standard baby gate too. |
| Golden Retriever is still a puppy. If there's one thing | | | | |