VanGoghlden Retrievers

10/17/2026

This is one of the many things we love to do every week. This is our Ben on his weekly visit to American House Jenison.

07/31/2025

The latest study was done in a grooming environment:

"Grooming procedures are often stressful for dogs due to exposure to loud noises, unfamiliar individuals, and the absence of their owners. This study aimed to assess whether classical music could reduce stress-related behaviours in dogs during grooming. Fifteen companion dogs of various breeds, aged 2 to 8 years, were observed during three grooming sessions: a control session without music, and two experimental sessions featuring classical piano compositions–Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Chopin’s Nocturne. Music was played at 75 dB to mask ambient salon noise. Stress-related behaviours were rated on a 5-point scale during bathing, drying, clipping, and nail trimming. Results showed that all dogs, but especially males, exhibited significantly calmer behaviour in the music conditions. Female dogs showed similar trends, though differences were not statistically significant between stages. These findings suggest that classical music is a simple, effective, non-invasive enrichment method that can enhance dog welfare in grooming environments."

06/21/2025

Let's talk about this photo. It's cute, except it's not. I see a dog who cannot get up without telling the child to get off. How do you think a dog is going to do that?

The 7 Golden Toddler Dog Rules:
#1: If a dog walks away from you, you DO NOT FOLLOW.
#2: Always leave room for the dog to walk away from you.
---that right there is 90+% of dog bites eliminated---
#3: We do not climb on the dog.
#4: We do not grab or pull on the dog.
#5: We do not hit or throw anything at the dog.
#6: We do not touch the dog's food.
#7: We do not go into the dog's kennel.

I promise these are not overly difficult concepts for littles, nor will they rob a kid of their bond with the family dog. It will deepen that bond, while keeping everyone safe.

"Oh, it looks like Moose is walking away from you. She is saying she wants a break. Let's play with this instead!"

"It's Moose's dinner time! Let's give her space to enjoy her yummies."

"That is Moose's room(kennel) and only she is allowed to go in there."

"If Moose wanted a break, could she walk away from you right now? No she really couldn't. Let's move away from the play house. You can keep playing but now she can leave when she wants a break."

In conclusion, ***parent your child or your dog will do it for you, and you will not like how they do it.***

10/10/2024

Please consider him!

Attention Senior Golden Retriever Lovers 🥰 Dalton was surrendered by his owners as they couldn't afford to care for him any longer. A new baby came into their family with lots of expenses and they made the decision that Dalton would be better cared for in another family.

Dalton is pretty perfect. He gets along very well with other dogs and kids. He is 10 years old and weighs 68 pounds. He is your typical, sweet Velcro golden retriever who just wants to be a part of your family. Dalton is housebroken and he is crate trained.

We are looking for a wonderful family who would like to help Dalton and make him part of their family. He is ready to be adopted so please apply to take Dalton home now. If you are interested in learning more, please read "How to Adopt" at www.gr-rescue.org and follow the directions from there.

10/09/2024

If you are in the path of Milton, please write your pet's name and your phone number with a permanent marker on their belly. In the event you get separated or get lost during the storm, this could be the only thing that reunites you. Collars fall off, and chips can't be searched without the internet.

07/04/2024

One of the many reasons we don't recommend dog parks.

04/10/2024

Someone had a bath and decided my bed was the best place to finish the drying process. He may have pulled the old man card and I may have allowed him to get out of some of the blower time..... I'm a sucker. www.vangoghldens.com