Are you concerned that your puppy is biting you or maybe growling/barking and acting "aggressive"? Have you lost a personal item (or likely more than a couple)  due to your puppies chewing habits? The good news is that this is typically a matter of training, sometimes just a matter of time when it comes to teething, and your puppy can be taught more appropriate behavior! 

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Some things you need to know first to understand why puppies can be mouthy;

1. Puppies are genetically programmed to explore the world through their mouths; If you have ever encountered a puppy, then you know first hand that EVERTHING regularly ends up in their mouths; grass, leaves, sticks, their leash, your hands, fingers, your hair, clothing, shoes, etc. the list really could go on and on. This completely normal and part of their genetic makeup to explore their surrounding in this manner. It is up to us to teach them what they can and cannot put in their mouths and keep them from putting anything harmful in their mouths. 

2. Puppies and dogs play with each other via their mouths; Normal play between puppies and dogs includes biting each other, chewing on each other's legs, limbs, and other body parts, wrestling, and rough housing. This can also include growling and barking at one another. Truthfully sometimes this play can look very aggressive and rough and it is completely normal and ultimately, they should be allowed to play this way with each other. Puppies and dogs that have not been taught any different, will look to interact and play with their human companions in this same manner because they do not know any different.  It is up to us to teach them proper play with humans and give them appropriate items to play with.

3. Everything is fair game to be a toy, they don't know any different; Puppies are not born knowing what is and what is not an appropriate item to play with or chew on. We as humans decide that items such as our shoes, clothing, hands, baseboards, etc. are not items we want chewed on or played with and they must be taught differently. Make sure you offer plenty of items that your puppy can play with and chew on. 

4. Teething; Puppies go through a fairly long teething stage until around 6-7 months of age and this can be very uncomfortable for them. In their first 6 months, they get in their puppy teeth, lose their puppy teeth, and get in their adult teeth. The desire to chew on items in order to relieve some of the discomfort is intensified during this stage. Make sure to offer plenty of appropriate chewing items for them during this time. 

5. Retrievers like to have things in their mouths; As a retrieving breed, golden retrievers are literally bred to carry, "retrieve", things in their mouths and this natural instinct can start at a very young age. At a young age they don't know what and how to appropriately have things in their mouths and it is up to you to guide them. 

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Tips to curb mouthing; 

1. Make sure you puppy has plenty of appropriate items that they are allowed to chew on and play with; Puppies need to be able to play and chew, so make sure they have access to appropriate items. 

2. Prioritize developing a relationship with your puppy and focus on obedience every day, all day; Training is something that really never ends. It is ongoing and should be happening all throughout your day, not just during specific times set aside. By prioritizing training, you will develop a strong relationship with your puppy and you will learn to communicate and work together well thus them understanding better what you are trying to teach them.

3. Always supervise them in your home and outside; Especially in the first few weeks of brining your puppy home, supervise them at all times both inside and outside. It is easy to get distracted or busy and take your eyes off of them but the moment you do, I can guarantee you they are going to get themselves into trouble and eat something they aren't supposed to and chew on something they aren't supposed to. It is impossible to correct or change a behavior if you are not there to physically do it. Utilize a crate if necessary when you are unable to supervise. 

4. Provide plenty of play time AND nap time; Giving your puppy plenty of both mental and physical stimulation is important to help them let out some of their energy. On that same note, setting time to rest and nap is just as important for a young growing puppy. Not only is this going to get them into the routine of settling down but puppies need naps to stay happy and not become overstimulated. Similar to human children, a tired puppy can be a grumpy puppy that is not fun to live with. 

5. Have a plan to avoid the unwanted behavior and take away the opportunity altogether/redirect; Whether your puppy is chewing on items they are not supposed to such as shoes or your furniture or being mouthy with your hands, fingers, and clothing, the key is to be ready for it to happen and take the appropriate steps to stop it before it even happens, or redirect their attention if you weren't able to avoid it altogether. ​

   • Put items that you don't want chewed up and out of reach, cover all cords with cord covers, and be mindful when you drop items on the floor.

   • When the puppy begins the unwanted behavior give a loud, stern "no". It needs to be loud and it needs to be stern in order to catch their attention and have them know that you are serious. It may even startle them a bit if they weren't paying attention to you and that is okay.

   • If you were interacting with your puppy when they began mouthing, never offer excited high pitched squealing and never run away (children). This is likely to get your puppy even more excited and cause them to chase and become overstimulated, worsening the behavior.  

   • After giving them the stern no, take a toy, treats, or chew item and redirect their attention to that. The key is to make sure that you make whatever it is that you're using to redirect more interesting to them, otherwise they will just continue on with the unwanted behavior. If they aren't redirecting, you are not making it interesting enough. Use an excited tone of voice, kissing and clicking noise with your mouth, and/or drag the toy or chew item around to engage their desire to chase. Or use a treat and redirect into an obedience command such as "sit", "down", etc. 

6. Avoid any type of play that will trigger mouthy behavior and play away from your body; You may feel the desire to play rough with your puppy but it is so important to never engage in this type of play. Never wrestle with them or grab their mouth/other body parts expecting a reaction. Practice play that is noncontact, meaning using toys and other items to play with your puppy and leave the contact to loving gestures such as petting. ​Also, when using toys to play, try to play as far away from your body as possible so you don't get caught in the crossfire. Teaching your puppy to fetch is a fantastic form of play that is fun for both you and your puppy. 

7. Teach your children how to play appropriately and handle your puppy; Fast, jerky movements encourage mouthing and nipping in dogs. Children tend to move that way. They can inadvertently also be rough with dogs, another activity that riles up a mouthy puppy, so it is important to have this talk with your children and be mindful in their behavior around the puppy. 

8. Stay consistent; You cannot allow the behavior in one moment and expect them to understand not to do it in another. If the behavior is unwanted then you have to consistently correct, redirect, and avoid it from happening every time. 

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True aggression, especially in Golden Retrievers, can happen of course because they are still animals but it is not typical. It is usually derived from fear or insecurity from one experience or another. If you feel that you are experiencing true aggression, please contact a dog behaviorist and/or trainer as soon as possible. 

 

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