We owned a Golden (Jasper) for 16 years before we got Dylan from GRIN.  We pretty much figured we knew Goldens...foolish us.  

Night 1: Dylan counter surfed a half package of hot dog buns and about a pint of bacon grease...thank goodness for the hot dog buns.  We were "never crate a dog" people...until Dylan kept leaving me "presents" in my basement workshop when we were gone for the day.  His foster's said he loved his crate...they lied LOL.  Getting that dog into his crate was like getting toothpaste back into the tube.  After about 3 months, we had that issue delt with and his crate is just waiting for our first foster...after the cat dies. The cat is Harlette and 16 years old and frankly Harlette and Dylan don't like each other very much (at all).  Mostly they ignore each other but ocassionally she will hiss him up and he tries to herd her out of the family room.

We have a half acre lot and opted for an Invisible Fence for containment.  Worked like a champ.  I think he was already Invisible Fence trained.  He responed to his name, he knew his basic commands and the word "No" just melted him. At first, when he wanted into the house he would jump on the front storm door.  Twice he knocked the storm insert out of the door.  After ONE "tongue lashing" that behavior stopped....period. Smart dog.

He finished number one in his obedience class and was in agility training...until my wife broke her ankle.  The surgeon has released her and they should be back in training soon.

Dylan's only issue has been his weight.  We got him at 67 lbs.  Due to our desire to smother him with love (and food), he ballooned to 91 lbs.  We now have him on Nutro Lamb and Rice suplemented with canned pumpkin and garlic powder.  Today he is down to 83 lbs and has a "waist".

To jump ahead...After only a few months, Dylan is a GRIN fund raiser and a Home Visitor. Oh, did I forget to mention he is a super lover and attention hound. Bill and Denice Osborne And Dylan