My Brit was a good dog....that said she was not a 'great' dog. Never lost a bird while I had her.
When she died I got a Border Collie x Aussie...the quintessential Montana cow dog, though working cows was the least of her duties. I was immediately spoiled by the intelligence of the herding breeds.....I loved my Brit, but she rode the short bus to school.
It took six months to effectively teach her right from left, it took six sessions to teach the cow dog....
Goldens are very bright dogs, you are probably spoiled too
