Critter Details

Meet DJ! A spirited three-year-old Golden Retriever currently in Berlin, CT, whose essence is a golden swirl of boundless energy and heartfelt expressions. With his sun-kissed coat and 67 pounds of joyful motion, DJ is the kind of pup who seems to wear his heart on his paw. Whether he's chasing his beloved ball, galloping after bird shadows, or leaping after falling leaves, DJ turns every moment outside into a celebration of life! DJ is the definition of expressive, he’ll greet you with whimpers of joy when you walk in the door and flop dramatically with a groan when he’s feeling overlooked. He even has a bedtime routine that involves resting his chin on the coffee table and locking eyes until someone gets the message: time to wind down! His playful side shines when he's outdoors or hanging out with other dogs, and he’s a favorite at doggy daycare for his friendly and social nature. He knows a great list of commands (sit, stay, come, down, paw, high five) and is both crate- and house-trained. DJ also does well when left alone for short periods and usually just naps until you return. Now, let’s talk about something important: DJ’s resource guarding. This behavior likely stems from growing up in a large litter where he had to compete for meals. While he’s made impressive progress through hand-feeding, training, and structure, he can still feel uneasy in situations where food or new toys are involved. If he senses that something valuable might be taken from him, he may communicate discomfort with a low growl or by showing his teeth. These moments are infrequent and haven’t led to harm, but they are important cues that DJ uses to express stress. His new family should be comfortable reading those signals and giving him space when needed. With consistency, patience, and continued use of positive reinforcement, DJ is learning that he’s safe and supported. DJ’s anxiety is currently well-managed with medication, and he thrives in a calm, child-free home where routines are predictable and caregivers are experienced. With the right guidance, he’ll continue blossoming into a loyal, goofy, and deeply affectionate companion! Could DJ be the golden-hearted sidekick your home has been missing? Contact us at adopt@joyfulpets.com today! Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.Please complete our adoption application to arrange a meeting with this wonderful pet. Your consideration and eagerness to adopt truly make a difference. We're excited to assist you in this journey!