Why Do Golden Retrievers Make Good Guide Dogs

The Golden Retriever is the perfect canine choice to be a guide dog. They are intelligent dogs that love to be given responsibilities and duties. The Golden Retriever has the right temperament to work with people as their devotion to any task they are trained for, and his natural work ethic, make them wonderful guide dogs. 

Golden Retrievers are working dogs and were bred to help hunters retrieve birds and small game. They can focus on a task and were bred to bring back targeted game to their master. Their mouths are sensitive, and their build is strong, but they are not too large to be difficult to handle. 

The Golden Retriever has many of the essential qualities needed to be a guide dog. They are muscular and sturdy enough to wear a harness. Golden Retrievers are not too large to be able to get in and out of places like shops and restaurants. Their friendly nature ensures that they are comfortable around people and not aggressive or assertive in crowded situations. The Golden Retriever is calm and composed and ready to serve. 

A guide dog must be intelligent, patient and a hard worker who never tires of serving. The Golden Retriever is easily trained to navigate all sorts of situations. They keep track of obstacles and guide their blind or disabled persons, giving them mobility and a chance of a more normal life. 

Golden Retrievers are very intelligent and can concentrate on the tasks they are given. They are not easily distracted or drawn away from their duties. This devoted and loyal dog is really suited to a life of service and support. Their memory for routes and love of working makes them great guide dogs. Nothing is too much trouble for the loving Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever’s intelligence and training allows them to make decisions in unsafe situations and will not cross the road if it is not clear, even if his owner is wanting to get going to the other side. 

The Golden Retriever is an active dog, but not overly energetic. The tasks they are given to train them to be guide dogs suit their personality and desire to serve. Golden Retrievers are not dominant or submissive by nature and that makes them sound guide dogs. 

They are reliable and dependable too. A guide dog needs to be able to remain focused on their duties and not distracted by loud noises or disruptive behavior around them. They are dutiful companions and a very capable working dogs. 

Golden Retrievers love to carry things in their mouths and they are soft and gentle in the process. They are perfect 'people pleasers' and enjoy being part of the family, but are very aware of their duties and the person they serve. Their friendly nature makes them ideal as therapy dogs too. They will always greet everyone with a kindly expression and a wagging tail. Guide dogs must remain calm in every situation. The Golden Retriever is a very calm and friendly dog that does not overreact, but keeps his special ‘seeing eyes’ on every situation.  

Society is aware of the value of the ‘seeing eye’ guide dog and as a result, guide dogs are allowed into any establishment with their owners. They can get onto public transport and in and out of shops. Crossing roads and navigating difficult terrain if necessary is part of their duties and they love to be involved in family life. 

Golden Retrievers are tireless workers and patient too. They are always on the alert for perceived danger and ready to warn their owners of something that could be problematic. Their gentle nature needs a soft touch and kind attitude towards their training, but they love to please whoever they meet. 

Golden Retrievers, however, are not great guard dogs, and their bark is usually a welcome greeting as they wait at the door to meet a visitor. Golden Retrievers enjoy agility classes and thrive on obedience training. They are very eager to learn and will never tire of trying to do their best. 

There is no doubt that the Golden Retriever is valued for their intelligence and tireless work as a guide dog. The Golden Retriever is the most sought-after breed to be trained as a guide dog. 

Even celebrities who do not need guide dog services have chosen the Golden Retriever as a pet. Their friendly nature and reliable qualities make them everyone’s favorite. Stars like Oprah Winfrey and Jackie Chan have Golden Retrievers at their side.

Betty White, a longtime animal advocate, had taken her involvement with Golden Retrievers to another level, having served as a donor, trustee, committee chair, president and spokesperson for the Morris Animal Foundation that is currently conducting the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Began in 2012, the study tracks the health of 3,000+ Goldens over their lifetime to collect invaluable research in the battle against canine cancer.

The Golden Retriever is a devoted companion dog and ready, willing and able in all kinds of situations. They are the helping paw and guide dog to many needy people. Their placid nature is evident always. A bandana, bearing the words: "Keep calm and carry on guiding" would be most appropriate for the faithful Golden Retriever.