How do I get my 5 yr old Golden Retriever to not growl at almost everybody? Even my own son who's 8?

Question

We picked the Golden because of its reputation with families with children and its such a beautiful dog. Now I regret that decision. He growls at all strangers and at neighbors and at my own son. I don't know why he is so afraid of certain people. Frustrated over here with my dog. And I'm starting not to like my own dog. I feel bad. Any advice out there???

Answer 1

Shes not afraid. Growling is normally a sign of hostility it does not always mean they are afraid. The worst thing you can do it pet her and reward her for growling
You wont like 2 hear this but she needs more discipline and sense of boundaries. You need to train her to sit on command, to wait for her food and NEVER step over a dog instead make it move out of your way. Also dont pet her constantly as this makes dogs think that you are subserviant to rather than it being the other way around. Only pet her when she had earned it and STOP giving in to her every demand. Dogs are VERY heirarchical in nature and EXPECT orders from above. If they dont get them then they assume that they themselves are the "leaders of the pack" and will boss you around accordingly and will show aggression. What your dog is showing is normal behaviour for a dog that thinks it is the pack leader - dont forget that they do not think the same as us and think in term of pack heirarchy - they are decended from wolves remember and need to know where they stand with you aggression is a sign that will ONLY be displayed in the face of either extreme fear or as more likely with your case a lack of training and discipline. Look it up on the net type in "dog psychology" vets and dog trainers will tell you the same
Also dpnt hesitate to roll a newspaper and hit her on the nose when she growls around your eight year old this is not acceptible and rather worrying all it needs is some clear boundaries dogs naturally nip at eachother to establish their dominance and heirarchy dont feel bad about acting like a dog as that is how she will think-like a dog -so think in their terms rather than ours your dog will not suffer

Answer 2

If this is a new behavior than I'd have him at the vets to make sure nothing is wrong with your guy. If this has been going on since he was a pup than you have failed him by not socializing him well enough so that he is not fearful of everything.
He needs a trainer or a behaviorist to come into your home and assess whats going on with your Golden.
Not all Golden's are alike and that's why is it so important to get one from a very good breeder who knows what their doing and breeds not only for the look but for the health and temperament too.
Call in a trainer and or a behaviorist for some help.

Good luck!

Answer 3

umm, well let him sniff the person and say "no it's ok"
and try to stop him or you could grab his mouth and hold it shut and say "No Growl!"
but reputation isn't always right. no matter what dog u get it can be nice or mean. not all goldens are nice, and not all pit bulls are mean. i happen to own a pit bull mix and shes the sweetest dog i have ever had!

well any way if those don't work maby ask your vet. i don't know if he can help.
well Good Luck!

Answer 4

Hello,
Our first Golden was five years old when he came to us. The SPCA would have put him to sleep because he growled at everyone that he saw. The rescuer decided to give him a chance because he didn't react negatively to poking and prodding meant to irritate him. It turns out that he was "talking" to people! He was not at all aggressive, he was just communicating, greeting us all. Have you had him since puppy-hood? And have you talked with your vet about this?
Connie

Answer 5

Call a trainer or behaviorist for a consultation - if he has aggression issues, it's not something to deal with yourself.

Does he "warm up" to people at all? Was he a rescue? Sometimes the rescues come from bad situations. If he's still fairly new in your family, give him some time to adjust.

Good luck!

Answer 6

train train train. it can be dangerous to have a dog like this especially around children. the best thing to do is enroll in an obedience class and maybe check out some private lessons. but you need to correct him every single time he does it. never ever miss an opportunity to correct him. something loud and force full like "shame on you!" because no is so over used and may have lost some of its power. correct him with a sharp jerk on his collar and make eye contact with him to insure he understands. the most important thing to to make sure you are very consistent with your training.

Answer 7

How long have you owned this dog?????
If he is new to your family you will defiantly need some help from a reputable trainer. ASAP This is not normal behavior.
If you have owned him his whole life and he has just started these behaviors then you need to see your VET-ASAP, something is seriously wrong!

Answer 8

How can you expect your dog to display good behavior if you do not know how to teach it? Dogs have to be taught, they do not know good behavior from bad behavior, do they? You need to enroll into a good obedience class and learn about dog behavior, how to teach your dog and how to correct bad behavior. You are starting to not like your dog because of something that is your fault!

Answer 9

I had the same problem to. When i was younger my dog always growled at my brother and my parents didn't like it. So we took her to obedience school and it worked. Try a local obedience school that has a good rep. to take your dog to.

Answer 10

will my moms son has a dog he's bulldog/labdor hes 6months old. will the dog takes somthing like a class where u meet other ppl and the vte helps the dog the vet said if he dosen't take the class he will be meqan and can kill...Or u can telll the vet

I hope it helps