Golden Retriever Troubles?

Question

Our Golden Retriever Pup (6 months) is havin some issues with biting my kids. She will not only bother them when they are sitting but laying down or even just waking from room to room. I have tried almost everything that I can think of doing without causing anymore damage to the kids. She also does this with our kitten. Anyone have any suggestions of what I could do?

Answer 1

The BEST thing to do is contact a dog trainer and start obidence lessons.

Google "nothing in life is free" method of training. Your dog sees herself as higher up in the pecking order than your kids.
-your kids are NOT to give her ANY attention unless they ask her to do something first... "Sit" or "down" etc... then they can pet her. you should follow this too, as it will help reinforce your place as "leader". After your dog dose as you ask, you can pet her. After that, and at all other times IGNORE her. It seems harsh, but your dog will get used to it, and it should help with her dominace issues. you'll prolly only need to be strict about it for around three weeks, then you can give her more attention, but watch that she dosen't go right back where she was!
Do not let the dog on the furniture, do not let your dog on the bed! these things make her think she's "on your level" Don't feed her until after the family has eaten, so the kids get breakfast, then the dog get's breakfast; the same thing gose for dinner.
Once again, it's best to talk to a trainer. A dog as big as a golden could easily hurt someone unintentionally.
Good luck!
~J~

Answer 2

It is going through a phase. Hitting the dog will only make it worse. The effective options for correction are:

1. With your hand gently shake the puppy's jowls, while growling the word "no".

2. Place your hand over the top of the dog's muzzle, wrap your hands around and down and gently press the dog's lips against its teeth. As it tries to bit down, it will learn that biting causes discomfort or pain depending on how hard the dog tries to bite.

These actions are tried and successful methods to communicate with the puppy about biting. Most dogs go through a biting phase during their rebellious adolescent period, much like children, and if treated with firmness and not hurt will grow out of it. If the dog is hit or hurt, the biting can become permanent. The same is with humans, children who are abuse grow up to be violent and abusive adults.