There are all kinds of rants and chants recently about golden retrievers, as they have become one of the most popular breeds. Naturally, there would be all kinds of meetings for owners, experts, enthusiasts, and even aspiring ones. If you’re already thinking of Google, be prepared to get a lot of websites and forums thrown at you (as if you didn’t know).
I agree and advise you that if you are owned by a golden retriever, it is good that you get in touch with your counterparts. Don’t just sit back and think that your golden retriever angel just came down from the skies and is extremely unique. I can’t promise you that you won’t occasionally bump into those who are rightly fooling around.
Forums tend to focus on key topics like; there would be a forum dedicated to the training of puppies, another to the health of dogs, or even better about the general care of your pet. So where should you start if you are looking for ‘network’, as is?
The internet is a good place to start, but remember that all online rules still apply. Emphasize only association websites that have an easily verifiable physical address. Find a forum or group closest to you, your town or city. There are no virtual forums.
Many of the forums require you to register (mostly free) to access more information. Okay, you can do it. But if they ask for more personal details like credit card information, then you should be a bit skeptical.
Also, make sure you are in control of the communication they may send you; otherwise, they could easily be drowning your mailbox before you know it.
Your local vets should give you some ideas or contacts. They are likely to be stakeholders or members of these forums. Please keep vets very close as you may need to check some tips (like shooting your dog!) And information that you collect on these forums.
Be aware that some experiences or occurrences are unique and rare, and some breeds may be crossbreeds and therefore different from your golden retriever. Dog clubs should also have lists of affiliated groups and forums, which they should be happy to share.
Some will really cost money to sign up, so check to see that you are getting value for money. Some fees can be a scam considering the returns on the money you are investing. For example, you wouldn’t want to pay money to find out that your dog came from England in the 19th century and that there are American and English varieties of the same, right?
Essentially, these forums should be able to expose you to the world of golden retrievers, whether you already own one or intend to get one.
