Every dog has a talent. It is up to you how you foster and use it. Some people want a companion to go to the lake with, hike with, relax at home with. Other people want a Golden to go share with the community as a therapy dog in a nursing or hospital, or other public settings like comfort dogs at airports or reading dogs in schools. Some people need a working service Golden and we have had families with a wide scope of needs achieve that with their dog with their trainers. Field work was the primary purpose this breed was created for so Goldens can be great hunting buddies or competitive field dogs. There are so many activities the main American Kennel Club now sponsors, so there are sports you can get involved in like fly ball, lure coursing, dock diving, barn hunts and scent work, obedience and rally, and conformation. AKC also has certificate titles including their Canine Good Citizen dog and Star puppy, Achiever Dog or puppy, and therapy certification. However, the most popular Therapy certification is the Therapy Dog International or TDI test which can be tested for after your dog is a year old. There are many other smaller kennel clubs in the States as well. I will briefly give you a starting point on some of these topics below.