We have a 6 month golden retriever puppy and I need some thoughts on this?

Question

the other day she took off running outside, my husband just walked off, but she is just a puppy and still learning, she gets played with a lot, has lots of toys, gets lots of attention, and gets to go outside, she runs around in the house all the day long, when she ran off my husband was over her. I think she was just playing because our 10 year old chases her and races with her in the house, I think she thinks it is a game. How do I get her to not run off anymore? Also, she loves to lay on my bed, and on the couch, which is a no no because she's gonna be a big dog, any suggestions on that one too? And.... when you go to get her to put her up for when we go she thinks it is a game.. with her tail wagging and her jumping from furniture to furniture like a jack rabbit.She cracks me up, but it isn't so funny to my husband.She likes to bark at our child when they are playing, while nibbling on her. No we aren't getting rid of her. :o) She sits & lays on command if she's not playing.

Answer 1

Do take her to training. Somebody who uses Positive Reinforcement can help you. The Positive Reinforcement trainers tend to have a better background in understanding and influencing behavior, as well as training your dog to commands.

Try looking here: www.ccpdt.org for a trainer in your area.

Answer 2

The furniture issue... i thought it was cute at first when my puppy didn't want to get up on the couch. She was a rescue dog and so i thought "oh, poor puppy... doesn't know how comfy a couch is". Hmph. She's part lab, so she sheds SOOO much. It is a hard habit to break!
1. I told her 'No' and make her get down if she gets up on the couch.
2. She has her own bed and knows to go there if i say "Get in your room".
3. When we are not home or not using the couch, we put things on the couch so she CAN'T get up there.
4. You must be persistant and consistant.

As for catching your dog... i have the same problem. Every lab I've ever had has loved to run. My current dog is just a houdini. She can escape and she will fall for any trick once. So I keep her on a runner out back or on a leash if we go out front. She still escapes (kid + dog = loose dog every once in a while). Teach her first in the house to obey "COME". Once she knows the command in the house, then take her outside and tie her up and make her learn to obey the "COME" command outside as well. Reward her well when she listens and don't make the mistake i did one day when i was frustrated and punish her.

PS - with my dog, anytime she gets free i just have to let her run for 20-30 minutes and then i can usually get her to come.

Answer 3

It's great that she sits and downs on command! Retrievers are known to be active dogs, so it's not too surprising that a puppy will bounce around. Does she go on walks with you? Because I think the walks help give dogs variety (new smells, etc.) and wears them out mentally as well as physically. Someone said that running in the yard is kind of like swimming laps-- fun sometimes, and good exercise, but not great scenery.

As for the barking while playing, I would stop the play and ask her to sit. You don't have to be mean about it, just help her understand that barking isn't an acceptable part of play time with humans.

Hope this helps! Enjoy the puppy fun while it lasts-- exasperating but good memories.

Answer 4

Since the sits and lays on command, you at least know that she CAN be obedient. It just seems like she does the stuff she wants to do, and everyone else is out of luck. I would try some obedience training. You need to teach her that she can't run away from you when she doesn't want to do what you've asked. Also, if she's running off, she should never be let outside off a leash, or outside of a fence. Even if she's good most of the time, it only takes one time in the road to be hit by a car, and you don't want that burden on your shoulders. You also need to teach her that she cannot nibble on your daughter. Dogs who nibble haven't learned their bite-inhibition, which is what they can and cannot chew/bite on. Even if it's just little bites and it doesn't hurt, she needs to be firmly corrected every single time she puts her teeth on your daughter or any other human. If this is never firmly taught, dogs often bite as adults, which is never desired. Obedience training would do wonders for your little puppy :)

Answer 5

Ok, these are all training issues. If she only sits and lays(usually the down command) when she's not playing then she is not learning those commands properly. You command...she does it. Each time-without fail. All members of the family need to be on the same page where the dog is concerned. I would suggest training help. Most cities have a kennel club in the area so contact them for info on training classes and enroll soon.

Answer 6

so, i think you guys need to sit and talk about what it's like to have a puppy. your husband needs to understand what it's like! I have raised two puppies, and have since adopted older dogs because it is easier.
she is a normal dog -- just doing what puppies do. especially when playing with your 10 year old. she is not biting your child, if she were, you would definitely know it.
also, dogs often spazz out when they aren't getting consistent feedback, so i would recommend you do a few things:

1) watch cesar milan on nat'l geo cable TV. Some people might tell you otherwise, but i have 3 dogs, and he really is very good. you'll learn all about consistency and how important it is.

2) take the dog to training classes. don't hire a personal trainer at this point. take her to group classes. a lot of the retail chains offer them, and many vets offer them.

3) make sure she is socialized with other dogs. this is the most important thing (i think). they need to be able to run and play and get rough with their own kind! they also learn pack dynamics this way -- and the puppies are always at the bottom of the pack, which will make her respect you more.

Anyway -- i could go on and on, but please do all of these things.

Answer 7

Hi,
I have a Golden Retriever and I love, love, LOVE her to pieces!!!!!!
She runs off too, especially for other dogs and people-she loves to say hi to everyone and she shows her belly-hoping to get some pets.
Yeah, like everyone else says, dog training but you have to be consistent. Otherwise it's going to be money out the window.
Definetly keep her off the furniture. (GREAT idea) I regret not teaching my dogs this when they were puppies. It'll ruin your furniture-your couch anyway. I now have to cover mine in a slip cover all the time.
My personal experience is it's soooo very hard to try and discipline a Golden Retriever. They are sooo funny and soooo loveable-you need a will of steel. She'll make funny sounds and funny faces just to try and make you cave in.
Enjoy her but be strong and firm!!!!

Answer 8

well i had a dog like that 2. if she starts nibbling on ur child, make them stand uup straight like a tree trunk and she'll hopefully stop. when you say lots of toys, that's not a good thing because she has 2 much 2 choose from and think of it this way. maybe say you get ur child like 50 toys, their not going 2 play with them all.
for the couch thing just push her off

hope i helped

good luckkk

Answer 9

I have a golden retriever and he did the same thing.She needs to be trained not to run off.Get some training and focus on the simple stuff like sit,stay,and down.That will help tremendously in the future

Answer 10

you sound like you have a very good dog. those are typical puppy needs. my dog (a german shepherd) used to run off, but we just put him in the kennel, and eventually, he learned that running away is "nine"=no in german. anyway, whenever she goes on the couch, take her right off, or take her to the kennel. it is very effective, and also, when she begins to listen to you, make sure to give her treats for positive reinforcement.


hope this helps :)