Golden Retrievers are lovable, well-mannered, smart dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained and always patient and gentle with children. Charming, devoted, and self-assured, they are a popular family dog. Energetic and loving, Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be very rewarding. They excel in competitions and are friendly with everyone, including other dogs; the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signalling with their bark when strangers approach. This breed needs to be around people who display leadership to be happy. Daily mental and physical exercise is a must with a Golden because if left to their own devices they can get into mischief. Golden Retrievers do extremely well as assistance and search and rescue dogs because of their remarkable intelligence. Goldens have many talents including hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, performing tricks and also love to swim.