How to deal with an Aggressive Golden retriever puppy?
Even though the majority of owners do not consider aggressive golden retrievers to be an issue, it can be, depending on how the dog was raised. If you adopt a dog or puppy who has been abused from an early age, you should correct any aggressive dog behavior as soon as possible.
Due to their popularity and their pleasant, confident attitude, Golden Retrievers have drawn the attention of many dishonest breeders. Due to negligent breeding, Golden Retrievers suffer several behavioural and health issues. The good news is that most aggressions are reversible.
Unjustified Golden Retriever aggression is one issue that has developed as a result of irresponsible breeding. Golden retrievers have a natural tendency toward violence, but it was never a bad idea. When hunting, defending themselves from other animals, or defending resources like food, a bed, or a mate, Golden Retrievers has shown violence.
Aggression in golden retrievers can be classified in several ways. Common categories include dog aggression, food aggression, violence toward strangers, and aggression toward family members. Let’s now analyze the ways to overcome this.
Also Read: Which Dog Is Calmer Golden Retriever Or Labrador?
Why Do Golden Retrievers Become Aggressive?
Some Golden Retriever dogs can exhibit aggressive behavior as early as five or six weeks of age! Many dogs are still being nursed at this point and haven’t even left the breeder. This is why buying your golden retriever from a trusted breeder is crucial. To find out if the parents of your dog have any behavioral problems, you should also take the time to meet them.
Aggression in golden retrievers can occur for a number of reasons, but it usually results from a variety of environmental and genetic causes.
Here are a few points:
- Inappropriate socializing: A badly socialized golden retriever will frequently be scared or nervous in a variety of circumstances. It makes sense that way. You would be afraid too if you had grown up in a safe environment with no contact with the outside world. Unfortunately, when dogs are afraid, they sometimes behave aggressively.
- Abuse history: A dog may react aggressively to some people in certain situations if they have been physically or mentally abused. This makes sense as well. If you had frequently been beaten, you surely would have reacted if you had been beaten repeatedly!
- Irresponsible breeding: Unfortunately, a lot of breeders today only care about making money. They don’t bother to worry about the bloodlines of their dogs, which can be a problem if the father the golden retriever was a very aggressive breed.
- Mental illnesses: Sometimes a dog’s brain may have a chemical imbalance that makes them violent. It might only occur in specific circumstances or it might occur at random.
Also Read: How Do You Know If A Golden Retriever Is Happy?
What Does Golden Retriever Aggression Look Like?
Dogs can be aggressive in a number of ways.
Although they clearly cannot speak, they may communicate their feelings to us through their body language.
Following are some indicators that a dog is acting aggressively-
- freezing or stiffening
- large eyes
- curled lips or a tense mouth
- crooked nose
- showing teeth
- Barking
- Growling
- air bursting
- Lunging
- Biting
Most of the time, an aggressive dog will show a combination of these signs. If your dog exhibits any of these signals, you should use caution in case your dog decides to bite.
Also Read: Do Golden Retriever Run Away?
How Often Do Golden Retrievers Get Aggressive?
A dog may become aggressive in a variety of situations. Some dogs only exhibit aggression in a particular circumstance, while others may do so in a variety of circumstances.
The ASPCA lists the following as possible causes:
- Protecting their home
- Safeguarding their food or belongings
- Guarding their family members when they’re scared, hurt, or overstimulated, as well as while they’re competing for a mate.
Food Aggression in Golden Retrievers
One of the most common situations, when golden retrievers might get aggressive, is when they are given food. This can involve giving them their regular meal or even a toy that has food components, like a leather chew or pig’s ears. There are several remedies for this, such as teaching a dog to quit acting out, or simply handling it well and decreasing the risks involved.
How to Stop Golden Retriever Aggression
Preventing aggression in golden retrievers before it starts is the best approach to take.
Here are three methods to attempt to reduce:
1. Make your dog social
When they see a threat, dogs frequently get violent. However, if your dog is used to living in a variety of environments and being around people and animals, they won’t likely feel risk in the same way as a dog that has never left their home.
2. Select a skilled breeder
It is important to find a reliable breeder who only produces well-mannered golden retrievers because genetics definitely play a role in whether or not these dogs can be aggressive.
Although it’s not a guarantee, breeding two non-aggressive dogs increase the chance of producing pleasant children. Additionally, breeders are the first to socialize your puppy, and responsible breeders will be aware and concerned about it.
3. Avoid using punishment.
Dogs frequently fail to understand your intentions when you discipline them. They may learn to become fearful and/or aggressive towards you and/or other people when they have been physically or verbally punished, but they do understand that the punishment is coming from you.
How to Handle an Aggressive Golden Retriever?
Get assistance from a specialist if your golden retriever is aggressive. Given that goldens are big dogs with large teeth, having an aggressive golden could be deadly. A specialist can help you determine the risks associated with your dog’s aggressive behavior as well as its causes and solutions.
It’s not a good idea to post in Facebook groups (or even read blogs like this) if you’re getting advice from someone who isn’t qualified to deal with a risky condition, and it might even make the situation worse. Additionally, dogs can be aggressive for a variety of reasons, so it’s crucial to select someone who is aware of your particular dog and situation.
Also Read: Do Golden Retrievers Choose A Favourite Person?
Final Words
Although it is rare, golden retrievers are prone to aggression. Always avoid using harsh punishments against your dog, pick a reliable breeder, and groom them appropriately if you want to reduce aggression in them. Get professional help if your golden retriever is already aggressive. They’ll be able to contribute to the investigation into the issue as well as the identification of a solution.
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