Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy: Connor’s First Year Journey

If you’ve ever brought home a golden retriever puppy, you know it’s a little bit like falling in love, getting hit by a tornado, and adopting a marshmallow—all at the same time. 💛 This is the story of Connor, our golden retriever boy who wiggled into our hearts at just 6 weeks old and spent the next 12 months teaching us about patience, joy, fur tumbleweeds, and unconditional love.

6 Weeks Old – Welcome Home, Baby Connor

The first few days were an adorable blur. Connor followed me everywhere, cried softly in his crate at night, and would occasionally fall asleep mid-play. Potty training started immediately, and so did crate training. Let’s just say I quickly remembered that raising a golden retriever puppy is a full-time job with no breaks and very little privacy. But that early connection laid the foundation for everything. He learned his name quickly (and also learned to ignore it just as fast when a shoelace looked more fun). At this age, he was a curious little duckling, glued to my heels and constantly trying to nap on his older sister Tiffany.

7 to 10 Weeks – Teething Trouble & Tiny Triumphs

Connor's personality started peeking through around this time. He was endlessly curious, slightly clumsy, and extremely attached. His teething kicked in with full force: furniture legs, charging cords, my dignity, nothing was safe. This was also when we began basic obedience training. We worked on commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it,” introduced the leash (which he saw as a personal enemy), and started socializing him in low-stress environments. Every day brought something new and usually a mess to clean up.

10 to 16 Weeks – Smart, Stubborn, and Super Cute

This was the "tiny genius" phase, when his mind started syncing with his body, but only at his convenience. Connor excelled in short training sessions, especially when treats were involved. He started walking on a leash with less resistance, and meeting new people became his favorite activity. We visited pet stores, parks, and even drive-thrus. Connor enjoyed every chance to make new friends and soak up attention. By this point, his golden retriever charm was in full swing.

4 to 6 Months – Feathers, Fluff, and Full-On Puppy Mode

By this point, Connor had started to look like a true golden. His baby fluff turned into silky fur, his tail grew long and feathery, and he developed that classic golden retriever smile. Nonetheless, he was still a total goofball, obsessed with water, belly rubs, and sticks that were twice his size. His energy levels rose, making structure more important. We adopted a routine, balancing training with playtime and plenty of enrichment to keep his intelligent mind stimulated.

7 to 9 Months – Golden Teenager Phase

Ah yes, the golden retriever “teenager” stage—where they look grown, but act like toddlers with caffeine. Connor became more confident, slightly rebellious, and 100% hilarious. His recall was hit or miss, and his attitude said, “I know what you’re asking, but I choose chaos.” We stayed consistent with training and reinforced boundaries (even when he rolled his eyes—figuratively, of course). Despite the teenage antics, he was incredibly loving, and our bond only deepened during this phase.

10 to 12 Months – Growing Into Greatness

As Connor neared his first birthday, everything began to fall into place. His training became more dependable, his energy levels were easier to manage, and his personality became more stable. While he still had his playful puppy moments (those zoomies are here to stay), he started to exude a calm confidence. He could go on longer walks, enjoy new environments without getting overstimulated, and enter a room with an air of, “Yes, I am the main character.” And truthfully? He was.

We celebrated his first birthday complete with pupcakes, toys, and, naturally, a ridiculous number of photos. Watching him transform from a 6-week-old fluffball into a majestic, affectionate young dog was nothing short of magical.

What Connor Taught Me in Year One

Raising a golden retriever puppy—especially from just 6 weeks old—taught me about love, patience, and the power of showing up every day. Connor taught me that consistency creates confidence, that boundaries are a form of care, and that you should always, always take the photo. Because one day you look up and the tiny puppy who once slept in your hoodie is now a full-grown golden beauty who knows he’s part of something big.

What Was the Most Surprising Part of Your Puppy’s First Year?

• The teething stage... nothing was safe.
• The zoomies. Every. Single. Day.
• How fast they grow! One day a potato, the next—horse.
• Their smarts (and selective memory).

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