Adolescence is a time for patience, not for push.😜

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing sex hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

A few thoughts about breeding versa "rescue/adoption (found on facebook)

For all the people that are against breeding of pure bred dogs and Only for rescuing...Please Read

"My purchase of a well bred purebred dog does not condemn another dog to death.
My purchase of a well bred purebred dog does not result in a rise in the number of shelter dogs.
My desire to have a dog with predictable temperament from a healthy line does not result in another dog not getting adopted at the shelter.
My careful research on the most responsible breeders who meet all requirements is not the problem.
It's not what you should be mad at.
It's not who you should blame.
I am not the one who irresponsibly brought these dogs into this world and left them in a shelter.
Responsible breeders aren't the ones bringing these dogs to animal shelters either.
It's my home, my life and my choice what kind of dog I want to bring in. Maybe I need a working dog, sport dog, show dog or just a companion dog of a certain breed that suits me best.
Whatever reason I choose to support a reputable breeder, it will not send a dog to its death.
A breeder who does health tests, temperament tests and titling of their dogs does not contribute to the number of stray dogs.
The number of stray dogs in the world is a problem, but it's not a problem made worse by reputable breeders or those who buy from them.
Your neighbor who gets a "purebred" dog without papers because they're cheap is contributing to the problem.
Your friend who spontaneously bought a puppy from Petland is contributing to the problem.
The person scrambling to pump out the hottest designer mix ASAP is contributing to the problem.
Your relatives who have to get their dog covered once, "so she can experience what it's like to be a mother" or because "she's such a good/cute/sweet girl" are contributing to the problem.
Your old school mate who bought a working dog with lots of energy without taking the time to research its needs and character who ultimately sees it doesn't fit his lifestyle is the problem.
A reputable breeder offers lifetime support. A serious breeder would never allow their dogs to end up in a shelter from the start.
It's understandable to be angry about the number of homeless dogs in the world, but if you look closer, you'll find that your anger is misplaced."

The lock down of the Country brought us all not only a huge challenge with isolation, fear and uncertainty - we breeders are suddenly flooded with puppy enquiries. 
Before you decide to bring a puppy into your family please ask yourself some questions:
1. Are you willing to commit for the next 12 to 15 years to give a dog a loving and caring home, fulfil all his needs with regards food, walks, vet visits etc.
2. Will you be in the position to maintain the bills that will occur during the life time of your dog, food, equipment, vet costs
3. Who is looking after the half matured puppy once everyone goes (hopefully) back to normal - schools, offices, work place. Will there be somebody at home after the Covid lock down and take care of the youngster?
4. Are you willing to wait for a puppy from a reputable breeder? 

If you can answer all this questions with YES - then - and only then - find a reputable breeder or drop one of the breed clubs an email with your request
AIGRC - All Ireland Golden Retriever Club secretary Jo Glynn  [email protected]

Golden Retriever Society of Ireland secretary Orlagh Murray 
[email protected]

DO NOT BUY A PUPPY ON DONEDEAL OR SIMILAR PAGES and support PUPPY FARMERS
A PUPPY IS FOR LIFETIME NOT ONLY FOR COVID LOCK DOWN ENTERTAINMENT

Hello everybody,
I will try to give a brief history about tbe Golden Retrievers in Ireland ASAP
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