Five Tips for a Happy Golden Retriever
By Kent Whitaker author of Big Mo’s Tennis Ball Hunt

One thing my wife Ally and I have noticed about our Golden Retriever Moses is that he considers us part of HIS family! That’s why his book, Big Mo’s Tennis Ball Hunt was such a natural. Here are a few quick tips that help us help Moses maintain a happy lifestyle.

#1 Stick to Training -- Remember that you are dealing with a dog. Golden retrievers are fun-love, caring, tolerant animals, but they are still dogs. When you begin your training, even when learning simple commands such as sit and stay, you must stick to them. Nothing helps training your golden more than making it routine. Always practice safety with your pets around other animals, children and people.

#2 Exercise – Moses favorite exercise routine is jumping up and down on the bed, and he loves to play with is tennis balls. Goldens are large dogs and require a lot of exercise to keep their muscles and bones strong and to control excess weight. I recommend frequent walks, playing in the backyard and a good game of tug of war with some play rope.

#3 Proper Diet and Healthcare – Moses eats a regular diet of ALPO® Chop House Originals Ribeye-Flavored dog food combined with Purina's Fit and Trim. He rarely has people food unless he frees a stray ham sandwich from my son's room. Mo has a problem with his thyroid gland, and this special diet helps prevent him from putting on extra weight. Mo sees his vet several times a year. When you first adopt your new family member, plan a visit to your vet who will advise you on any problems they see and help you set up an annual visit.

#4 Welcome to the Hair Club – Golden retrievers shed. Owning one means your home will have a nice new coating of silky fine dog hair. The best way to control this is frequent grooming and consistent brushing. You'll also want to keep a lint brush handy. We buy them by the case. Keeping your golden groomed and brushed will also keep him comfortable during the hotter months of the year.

#5 Retriever means retrieve! – Golden Retrievers are called "retrievers" for a very good reason. When you adopt a golden of any age, always remember that they love to retrieve things. Every time you come in the door or walk in the backyard, chances are your golden with walk up to you with a mouthful of something... and a wagging tail. It’s a gift. The best advice, if you don’t want it chewed up… pick it up.

There are many things you can do to make your golden retriever healthy and happy. Believe me, any time you spend with your golden during training, play, grooming or just scratching their ears while watching TV, will be golden to you as well as them.

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The preceding tips were presented by Kent Whitaker author of the brand-new children's bookBig Mo’s Tennis Ball Hunt (Great American Publishers - toll-free 1.866.625.9241 - 24 pages - full-color hardcover - $11.95) www.bigmostennisballs.com