How to Stop a Mouthing Golden Retriever Puppy

Golden retrievers can be mouthy if not properly trained.

Golden retrievers are one of the most recognizable of all dog breeds. Characterized by a long, flowing, golden coat and gentle disposition, goldens have also become one of the most popular family companion breeds. Golden retriever puppies are especially cute, although they can develop bad habits such as mouthing and biting if not properly trained. A mouthing golden retriever puppy should be stopped as soon as possible to prevent injuries as the puppy grows up.

Instructions

1. Leave your puppy with her litter until she is at least eight weeks old. Puppies learn a good deal of their bite inhibitions between the ages of four and eight weeks, and removing a puppy before this time can cause severe learning problems. Large breeds such as the golden retriever mature slower than other breeds and need that time with their litter mates for proper development.

2. Play with your puppy to give him ample exercise. Puppies often bite out of boredom or frustration, and a puppy that has had plenty of exercise is less likely to bite. Goldens are an active breed, and puppies often require two or three hours of daily exercise to allow them to burn off excess energy.

3. Give your puppy a sturdy chew toy when she begins to bite inappropriate items. Golden retrievers were originally bred as sporting retrievers and will mouth objects out of instinct. When your puppy chews on an unacceptable item, tell her, "No bite," in a firm voice and replace the item with her chew toy. Repeat this process each time she picks up the wrong item and she will learn to chew on her own toys.

4. Walk away from your puppy when he bites you during playtime. Puppies in a litter bite each other as they play, and your puppy may bite you, his new litter mate, during play. As soon as he puts his mouth on you, say loudly, "Ouch," and walk away. Return in a couple of minutes and play with him again, but walk away each time he bites you. He will quickly learn that biting stops playtime, and he will cease the bad behavior.

Tips & Warnings

• Be consistent with your puppy to prevent excessive mouthing. If you are inconsistent, he will be confused and may bite out of frustration.

• Never hit your puppy when she bites you. You can hurt her and make her fearful of you if you strike her.

References

• Canis Major: No Bite
• Lucy The Wonder Dog: How to Stop Puppy Biting
• Golden Retriever Club of America: Raising Healthy Golden Puppies