A golden retriever puppy is a beautiful family pet because of their intelligence and friendly disposition. However, they are not without their quirks. One is biting and nipping. When this occurs, you should grab their muzzle and squeeze while saying NO BITE. This will teach them that nipping and biting does not get them attention.
1. They’re a Social Animal
Golden Retrievers are social animals and thrive when regularly interacting with their humans, other dogs, children, and even cats. They’re natural pack animals, so be sure to socialize them early in life to prevent any future behavior issues from developing. You’ll also notice that they’re highly bonded with their owners. Often, they’ll be excited to see their owners when they return home from work or school and will likely run up to them and want to snuggle. Some Golden Retriever puppies may whine or cry to express anxiety, such as when traveling in a car, if they’re scared of thunder or fireworks, or if they are ill.
If you suspect your puppy suffers from extreme anxiety, consult your vet for help. They may also paw at people, which looks like they are digging without claws, to request attention. However, it is essential to respect other pets’ boundaries and to ensure that interactions are supervised so you can intervene quickly if signs of aggression appear. This is also why it’s a good idea to introduce your dog to other animals slowly, allowing them to sniff each other from a distance before introducing them more closely.
2. They’re Very Chewy
Much chewing in Golden Retrievers is due to teething discomfort, but they will also bite, lick and chew anything in sight. If you notice them putting everything in their mouth, providing plenty of chew toys and redirecting their attention to something more appropriate can help reduce this behavior. Licking and nibbling you and other dogs may also be a sign of play dominance, but you should take immediate action if they aggressively do this. Dogs constantly barking or whining can indicate a problem such as separation anxiety, and the best course of action is to work with a professional trainer to treat it.
However, if you can see that they want more playtime or attention from you, stop giving them attention until they are quiet for 5 seconds, then offer them a toy to chew on instead. Regular exercise is another excellent way to keep your pup healthy and happy, reducing unwanted behaviors such as excessive chewing, barking, or aggression. Exercise will also provide an opportunity for socialization, helping them to feel confident and comfortable around other people and pets.
3. They Lack Boundaries
Golden retriever puppies don’t have a lot of knowledge of right and wrong. That’s why it is so important to positively reinforce the good behaviors and firmly reprimand the bad ones. Ignoring bad behavior will only confuse your dog, and it can also teach them that it’s okay to do it again. If your puppy bites or chews something they’re not supposed to, it’s imperative to tell them “no!” and kindly remove them from the situation. Do not swat, hit, shake them, use a shock collar, or force an alpha roll on them, as this will only cause confusion, fear, anxiety, and distrust.
If your puppy licks themselves, people, or other dogs excessively, it’s essential to know that they may be experiencing separation anxiety. This can be treated by using counterconditioning and desensitizing techniques. A veterinarian or animal behaviorist can also give them medication. If you have questions about your puppy’s separation anxiety, immediately talk to a vet or animal behaviorist.
4. They’re Extremely Active
Puppies have a lot of energy and love to be active. They want to chase a ball, shake their favorite rope toy, and explore everything around them. They also love to go on walks and romp in the backyard. If you don’t provide plenty of healthy activities, they will find other ways to entertain themselves, such as digging or nuisance barking. Dogs roll on their back for several reasons – to show affection, seek attention (like when longing for a tummy rub), mark their territory, groom themselves, change their body smell, display confidence or contentment, and regulate their body temperature.
Demand barking usually indicates that your Golden Retriever wants more playtime or attention. If they start to whine, ensure all of their needs are met, and then remove yourself from the situation and give them a chew toy to keep them occupied. If their whining continues, consult a professional animal trainer. They can teach you to stop this behavior with counterconditioning and desensitizing techniques.
5. They’re Not Picky
Golden Retrievers do not discriminate when it comes to food and toys. If they see something that looks like an edible treat, they will go after it. Teaching your puppy what is acceptable and what is not is essential.
Golden retrievers love to lick other dogs as part of normal canine social behavior and to communicate with them. They may lick them to show affection, groom them, play with them, bond with them, or because they are drawn to the other dog’s pheromones. They will also sniff other dogs and animals to learn more about them.
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For example, they might smell for prey or predator scents and to mark their territory. They bark to alert you of danger when they are excited or playing, during training sessions, if they feel bored, if they want attention from you or other pets, if they are stressed or anxious, or when they are in pain or experiencing discomfort. They often bark at night when they are trying to sleep. If you can identify the underlying cause of your dog’s barking, you can help them stop.
