7 common golden Retriever behavior problems and how To fix Them
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Golden retrievers are such terrific family dogs.
They’re so smart, handsome, gentle, and friendly, it’s easy to ignore some of their behavior problems.
But, like any dog, they’re not perfect. and they tend to have some behavior problems because of their terrific characteristics.
Most goldens want to be near their people. and they love to be petted and get attention.
And, sometimes, they’ll seek that attention in ways we don’t approve of.
They may jump, get hold of our hand or arm, or engage in some destructive behaviors.
In this article, I’ll deal with some common golden retriever behavior problems.
Many of these are normal pet dog behaviors that can be modified through training and exercise.
Normal pet dog Behaviors Versus Abnormal Behaviors
Dogs naturally dig, bark, express concern in certain situations, mark territory, chase small animals, and jump.
They may steal food. Or want to be with us all the time.
Goldens were bred to be sociable, high-energy dogs. They’re bred to retrieve.
So we shouldn’t be shocked when they become pushy for attention or always have to carry something in their mouths.
My rescued golden Spencer nearly always had to carry something in his mouth. So I made sure there were safe toys for him to happily tote around.
Unfortunately, lots of dogs are given up to shelters because of behaviors that can be modified.
Many people get a young golden and aren’t aware of all that’s involved in teaching him our rules.
Goldens are high-energy hunting dogs who don’t mature until they’re three or four years old.
To have a terrific companion takes a lot of work, patience, and time.
It’s up to us, as pet dog owners, to be aware of our dog’s drives, personality, and needs. and to meet those needs.
This post won’t cover in detail abnormal canine behaviors.
These must be dealt with by behavior specialists who can examine the individual pet dog and figure out the best behavior modification plan.
And it’s always crucial to have your pet dog get a full physical from a vet when taking care of any behavior problem.
These abnormal behaviors include aggression to those around the dog, obsessive-compulsive disorders, shutting down, and severe separation anxiety.
Why behavior problems Develop
There is no one reason why some behavior problems occur.
It’s normally a complex mix of many factors. A dog’s genetic make-up can influence behavior.
If unsocialized, overly shy goldens are bred together, chances are the offspring won’t have the “golden temperament” we’ve come to expect.
Unfortunately, goldens are so popular–the third-popular breed ranked by the American Kennel Club–they are typically poorly bred.
Because of overbreeding or inbreeding, lots of goldens don’t have the stable temperament that a well-bred golden must have.
There are too lots of back-yard and puppy mill dogs who are a lot more likely to not be the examples of what the breed must be.
Other aspects are:
Poor health, illness, or pain
No or improper socialization
No or inadequate physical or mental stimulation
Sudden changes in diet, routine, or placement
Lack of or improper training
Lack of a quiet, comforting environment
Social isolation
Inconsistent rules
Abuse or neglect
So it’s crucial to meet our dog’s physical and mental needs to help stop natural behavior problems from developing.
7 common golden Retriever behavior Problems
Any breed of pet dog can develop the following behavior problems.
But, because of goldens’ natural friendliness and needs, he’s a lot more likely to develop some problems than some other breeds are.
Jumping on People
Golden retrievers normally love everyone and never met a stranger. but it’s this friendliness that can get them into trouble.
Goldens are the greeting committee of the pet dog world.
Many dogs want to jump on people when greeting them. but it’s different if a five-pound Maltese does rather than a 70-pound golden.
The golden can, of course, unintentionally injure someone, knocking them over in his exuberant greeting.
And it’s also hazardous for young children because he’ll just knock them over when he’s excited.
Engaging in Destructive Behavior
In addition to friendliness, goldens were bred to hunt. They have energy to spare. and they were bred to retrieve and have something in their mouths.
So if we don’t meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs, they’ll find their own ways to meet them.
And normally we won’t approve of their actinullnull