Golden Retriever Training To Calm a Protective Golden

Among the dog breeds, golden retrievers are the least expected to be aggressive or protective. Should a special situation call for it a goldie will surely know how to be protective or defensive, but a Goldie that growls at passers by or other dogs on walks may have the signs of an incorrect temperament, and ought not therefore to be part of a breeding project.

These days, more and more owners are having golden retriever rescue dogs for their pets. Of course these dogs come from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. The result is predictably that some goldies act out some behavior that leave owners wondering whether the dog is indeed protective, or worse, aggressive.

Veteran golden owners advise that the typical dog does bark occasionally at guests, but most of the time out of excitement. If the dog can get close enough, it also sniffs closely, but then leaves after a few minutes of satisfying its curiosity. However, the dog that shows protective behavior or threatens body language is a different story.

If you think your own golden is starting to display an abnormal level of protectiveness for you, try the following golden retriever training tips that will help your dog to calm down.

1. Whenever you meet up with friends and the dog is with you, step forward first while also leaning forward, then offer your hand first.

2. When a dog’s protective instinct surfaces, it behaves negatively because it feels vulnerable too. Some dogs acting seemingly in defense are also known to be at their noisiest when people are at home.

Some owners seeking a protection dog in a goldie may choose not to discourage the dog’s barking. This can be reinforced by simply going to the door or the front window whenever the dog is inside and gives voice. Owners can then pet the dog, look out the window while talking to the dog in a calm voice.

3. In golden retriever training, by coddling the dog (e.g. allowing it to bury under your arm, or hugging it all the while speaking in a comforting whisper), you’re encouraging your pet to give in to its fears. Sometimes it IS reasonable to be scared, but a meeting with your own acquaintances or a casual walk outdoors are not good settings for a “spooked” dog.

The dog may also run to you, looking for cover, so to speak. Do not coddle the dog. Do not do anything except to say “It’s alright”, and continue as if there is nothing untoward going on. When the dog sees and senses that you are indeed alright, the dog will also learn to make light of it. Otherwise, the dog will at least be smart enough to observe you first before giving in to its primal reaction.