Typical Golden Retriever Puppy Traits
By Carol Matthews | September 23, 2008
As cute as puppies are, the Golden Retriever puppy is probably the cutest. They have a lot of energy and liveliness, and they are fun to watch and play with. It is tempting to allow them to jump into your lap, or to climb on the furniture. It is important to remember, though, that puppies don't stay small forever. The behavior that is cute when they weigh only a few pounds won't be so cute when they are sixty-five pounds or more. Also, the habits you allow them to develop while they are young become engrained. It is harder for a dog to change bad habits, and much easier to teach them appropriate behaviors from the start.
The best time to determine boundaries with your puppy is before you even bring it into your house. Will you have any rooms be off limits to the Golden Retriever puppy? Is it allowed to jump into laps or climb on the furniture? It is important to identify early on which things you will allow and disallow, and then be consistent with your puppy so that he isn't confused.
Golden Retriever puppies tend to nip and chew as they play, as they are getting in their adult teeth and mouthing things feels good. Using a firm voice and removing your hands can discourage it, though. Instead, give your puppy a rope toy or another interesting chew toy. Be sure to praise your puppy when he chews on an appropriate toy. It can also be helpful to not let your puppy out of your sight when he is out of his crate, since they often chew out of curiosity.
Puppies also tend to bark and growl as they play. This is best to curtail from the start. Don't bark or growl at your Golden Retriever puppy while you are playing, as that will encourage the behavior. Along the same lines, some Golden Retrievers smile or talk with a growly sound when they are excited and happy. While it isn't dangerous, it can be confusing to visitors.
Also, you want to train them to not growl and bark as they play. While you know that it is just playful, a visitor to your home could be frightened or misunderstand that smile or talking that your dog does. It is wiser to train them to not make those sorts of noises. One of the most effective ways to keep them from growling or barking is to not growl or bark at them while playing with them.
Golden Retriever puppies need to be obedience trained in order to be pleasant to be around as they grow. They need to learn to not nip and chew, to not growl at people when they play with them, and to not growl or intimidate when a person touches their food bowl or their toys.
They also need to learn to let people touch their food bowl and toys, as a puppy that growls for every little thing is annoying to be around. It may be cute when still a puppy, but this behavior will get old fast as they grow and be harder to get rid of.
The obedience classes are also for the owner's benefit - so you can learn how best to treat your dog, both when they obey and when they don't.
Topics: Pets |
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