Is Your Golden Retriever "Naughty" or Hurting? 5 Behavior Problems to Watch For

Q: Why is my Golden Retriever so mouthy?

Mouthiness is normal for the breed because they're literally bred to carry things in their mouths (soft-mouth retrievers). It usually decreases after teething ends around 6-8 months, but teaching drop it and providing appropriate chew toys helps manage it at any age.

Golden retriever behavior, Golden retriever behavior problem, Golden retriever behavior problem and solution, doghib,

You know what nobody tells you when you bring home that fluffy golden ball of sunshine?

They lie.

Well, not lie exactly. But everyone acts like Golden Retrievers are these perfect, angelic creatures who never put a paw out of line.

And then your Golden eats your couch. Or jumps on Grandma. Or drags you down the street like you’re waterskiing on concrete.

Suddenly, you’re wondering: “Is my dog broken? Am I a terrible owner? Why didn’t anyone warn me about this?”

Here’s the truth: Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they’re NOT perfect. And some of those “naughty” behaviors? They might actually be your dog’s way of telling you something’s wrong.

I’ve spent years working with Golden Retrievers (and their frustrated owners), and I’m going to walk you through the 5 most common behavior problems that make owners pull their hair out. More importantly, I’ll show you how to tell if your dog is just being a typical Golden or if there’s a deeper issue you need to address.

Let’s dive in.

Why Golden Retrievers Seem So “Problem-Free” (Until They’re Not)

Golden Retrievers have this reputation. You know the one.

They’re the “perfect family dog.” The gentle giant. The dog that’s good with kids, friendly with strangers, and basically a four-legged saint.

And look, there’s truth to that. Golden Retrievers are incredibly special dogs with amazing temperaments. But here’s what the dog food commercials don’t show you:

They were bred to work ALL DAY retrieving birds for hunters
They mature slower than other breeds (mentally, they’re puppies until 2-3 years old)
They’re people-obsessed to a fault
They have endless energy that needs an outlet

When you combine those traits with modern life (where most Goldens are couch pets, not working dogs), you get behavior problems.

The good news? Most of these problems are completely fixable once you understand what’s driving them.

The Big Question: Naughty or Hurting?

Before we get into specific problems, you need to understand this critical distinction:

Some behaviors are training issues. Others are pain signals.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

🚩 Signs Your Golden is Hurting (Not Just Being Bad)

Sudden behavior changes (a dog who was calm suddenly becomes destructive)
Aggression or snapping (extremely rare in Goldens unless they’re in pain)
Excessive licking or chewing in one specific area
Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move after exercise
Loss of appetite combined with behavioral issues

If you notice ANY of these signs, stop reading this article and call your vet. Hip dysplasia, elbow problems, and ear infections are common in Golden Retrievers and can cause behavioral changes.

Pro Tip: Keep a dog health tracker to monitor patterns. Sometimes behavior problems spike after certain activities or on specific days.

✅ Signs It’s Just “Normal” Golden Behavior

Consistent patterns (always jumps when excited, not suddenly started)
Happens in predictable situations (pulls on leash during walks, steals food when you’re cooking)
No physical symptoms (eating well, moving normally, no limping)
Young age (under 3 years old, especially 6 months to 2 years)

Okay, now that we’ve covered that critical safety stuff, let’s talk about the 5 behavior problems I see most often.

Problem #1: The “Kangaroo Dog” (Excessive Jumping and Mouthing)

You come home from work. Your Golden loses their mind.

And the next thing you know, you’ve got 70 pounds of pure joy launching at your chest like a furry missile.

Cute? Maybe the first time.

Dangerous? Absolutely, especially if you have kids or elderly visitors.

Why Goldens Jump (and It’s Not What You Think)

Here’s the deal: Your Golden isn’t trying to dominate you. That’s old-school dog training nonsense.

Golden Retrievers jump because:

You’re the best thing in their entire world and they want to get closer to your face (that’s how dogs greet each other)
It worked before (you probably pet them or talked to them when they jumped as a puppy)
They have zero impulse control (remember, mentally they’re toddlers until age 2-3)

The mouthing? That’s the same deal. Golden Retrievers were bred to carry birds in their mouths without crushing them. They’re literally called “soft mouth” retrievers.

But when that “soft mouth” clamps down on your arm or grabs your hand during play, it doesn’t feel very soft.

The Quick Fix

Ignore the behavior you don’t want. Reward the behavior you do.

I know, I know. It sounds too simple. But here’s how to do it:

When your Golden jumps: Turn your back. Cross your arms. Don’t look at them. Don’t talk. Don’t push them down (that’s still attention).
The SECOND all four paws hit the floor: Immediately praise and give a treat from these training treats.
Repeat 100 times (I’m serious, consistency is everything)

For guests, teach your Golden to sit and hold a toy when people arrive. It’s hard to jump when their mouth is full. Learn how to hand-feed your dog safely to build impulse control during high-excitement moments.

The Long-Term Solution

Your Golden needs structured training that teaches self-control.

Here’s what works:

Capture calmness: Randomly reward your dog with high-value treats when they’re just… being calm. Lying down quietly? Treat. Sitting calmly while you cook? Treat.
Practice “off” command: Use a leash indoors so you can control the jump before it happens. When they start to jump, say “off” and step on the leash so they physically can’t get airborne. Reward when paws stay down.
Tire them out BEFORE greetings: A properly exercised Golden is a calmer Golden. Try a 20-minute walk before guests arrive.

Key Takeaway: Jumping isn’t disrespect. It’s just enthusiasm that needs redirection. You’re not fighting your dog’s personality; you’re giving them a better way to express it.

Problem #2: The House Destroyer (Destructive Chewing and Food Stealing)

Let me paint you a picture.

You leave for 30 minutes to grab groceries. You come home to find your brand-new running shoes in 47 pieces scattered across the living room.

Or worse: you turn your back for 5 seconds, and that entire rotisserie chicken you just bought? Gone. Your Golden is licking their chops like they just won the lottery.

Sound familiar?

Why Golden Retrievers Turn Into Destruction Machines

There are three main reasons your Golden is eating your house (or your dinner):

Reason 1: Boredom + Energy = Chaos

Golden Retrievers were bred to work for 8-10 hours a day. Your Golden has the same genetics but spends most of their day… waiting for you to come home.

That unused energy has to go somewhere. Usually into your furniture.

Think of it like this: if you locked a 5-year-old kid in a room with no toys and told them to sit still for 8 hours, what would happen? Exactly.

Reason 2: They’re Still Teething (Even When They’re Not)

Puppies tease until about 6-8 months old, but even adult Goldens have a biological need to chew. It relieves stress, keeps their jaws strong, and feels good.

The problem isn’t the chewing. It’s what they’re chewing.

Reason 3: Food Stealing = Easy Reward

Here’s the harsh truth: You taught your Golden to steal food.

Not on purpose, obviously. But every time they snatched something off the counter and got away with it? That was a jackpot. A self-rewarding behavior.

And Goldens are smart. If something works once, they’ll try it 100 more times.

The Quick Fix for Destructive Chewing

Management + Redirection

Puppy-proof your space: If you can’t supervise, use a crate or puppy-proof room. This isn’t punishment; it’s keeping your dog (and your stuff) safe.
Give legal outlets: Provide appropriate chew toys like Nylabones (which are safe when used correctly). Rotate toys weekly so they stay interesting.
Catch them in the act: When you see them chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly redirect to an approved toy. Reward when they chew that instead.
Exercise their brain: Mental stimulation is MORE exhausting than physical exercise. Try brain training games for dogs or mental stimulation activities.

The Quick Fix for Food Stealing

Make counter-surfing impossible:

Don’t leave food on counters (seriously, just don’t)
Use baby gates to block kitchen access when you’re cooking
Teach “leave it” using low-value items first, then work up to chicken

The Long-Term Solution

Your Golden needs:

Adequate exercise: A tired dog is a good dog. Exercise needs vary by age, but most adult Goldens need 60-90 minutes of activity daily.
A feeding routine that prevents scavenging: Feed at consistent times. Consider a variety meal plan that keeps them satisfied longer.
Structured alone-time training: Gradually increase the time your Golden spends calmly alone. Start with 5 minutes and build up.

Pro Tip: Set up a dog camera to see what your Golden does when you’re gone. You might be surprised. Some dogs only chew in the first 15 minutes (anxiety), while others wait until they’re bored (energy outlet).

golden retriever destructive behavior problem

Key Takeaway: Destructive behavior isn’t spite. It’s a symptom of unmet needs (usually exercise, mental stimulation, or appropriate outlets for natural behaviors).

Problem #3: The Sled Dog (Leash Pulling and Poor Recall)

Walking your Golden should be relaxing.

Instead, it feels like you’re being dragged by a furry snowplow. Your shoulder aches. Your arm is about to fall off. And every squirrel, person, or interesting smell turns your “walk” into a wrestling match.

Oh, and forget about letting them off-leash. The second you unclip that leash, your Golden transforms into a guided missile that has selective hearing.

“Come!” you yell.

They look at you like you’re speaking Mandarin, then bolt toward the nearest stranger for pets.

Why Golden Retrievers Pull Like Freight Trains

Golden Retrievers pull on leashes for one simple reason: It works.

When they pull toward something interesting, they get closer to it. That’s called positive reinforcement. You’ve accidentally trained them that pulling = getting what they want.

Plus, remember what I said about working stamina? Your Golden has the lung capacity and endurance of an Olympic athlete. They can pull for MILES without getting tired.

As for recall? Golden Retrievers are friendly, social, and easily distracted. That squirrel is RIGHT THERE. You’re all the way OVER THERE. The squirrel wins.

The Quick Fix for Leash Pulling

The “Stop and Go” Method

When your Golden pulls: Stop walking. Plant your feet. Don’t move forward an inch.
Wait: Eventually, your Golden will look back like “Hey, why’d we stop?” or the leash will loosen even slightly.
Immediately resume walking: The second there’s slack in the leash, start moving again.
Repeat 500 times per walk: I’m not exaggerating. Consistency is everything.

Yes, your first “training walk” might take 45 minutes to go 50 feet. That’s normal. You’re teaching your dog that pulling = going nowhere, and a loose leash = we move forward.

Pro Tip: Bring high-value treats and reward your Golden every few steps when the leash is loose. This speeds up learning significantly.

The Quick Fix for Poor Recall

Never call your dog for something they don’t like.

If the only time you say “come” is when it’s time to leave the dog park or take a bath, your Golden will learn that “come” = fun ends.

Instead:

Call them, reward with a treat, then let them go play again (practice this 10 times per park visit)
Make yourself MORE interesting than the distraction (carry special treats, run away from them, act excited)
Start training recall in boring places (your living room) before trying it at the park

The Long-Term Solution

Invest in actual training.

Look, I get it. Professional dog training is expensive. But here’s the thing: so is replacing your shoulder when you blow it out from being dragged for 2 years.

If professional training isn’t in the budget, consider an affordable dog training course you can do at home.

Your Golden needs to learn:

Loose-leash walking (walking at your side without pulling)
Reliable recall (coming when called, even with distractions)
“Leave it” command (ignoring squirrels, food on the ground, etc.)

These aren’t “tricks.” These are life skills that keep your dog safe.

golden retriever pulling on the leash problem

Key Takeaway: Leash pulling and poor recall are management issues, not personality flaws. Your Golden isn’t stubborn; they’re untrained. There’s a difference.

Problem #4: The Velcro Dog (Separation Anxiety)

Here’s a scenario that breaks my heart every time.

You adopt a Golden Retriever. Everything is amazing. Your dog is loving, loyal, and always wants to be near you.

Then you go to take a shower. And your dog loses their mind.

Or you leave for work. And you come home to destroyed blinds, scratched doors, or worse… a puddle (even though your dog is house-trained).

Your neighbors complain about barking. You feel guilty. Your dog is clearly miserable.

This isn’t “bad behavior.” This is separation anxiety, and it’s different from the other problems we’ve talked about.

Why Golden Retrievers Struggle With Being Alone

Golden Retrievers were bred to work alongside humans all day, every day. They’re hardwired for constant companionship.

When you leave, it’s not just “Oh, they’ll be back.”

For a dog with separation anxiety, it’s genuine panic. It’s “My person is GONE and they might NEVER COME BACK and I’m ALONE and this is TERRIFYING.”

Signs of true separation anxiety include:

Destructive behavior only when you’re gone
Excessive drooling, panting, or pacing before you leave
Following you from room to room (can’t even go to the bathroom alone)
Potty accidents despite being fully house-trained
Destructive behavior focused on exit points (doors, windows)

The Quick Fix (Spoiler: There Isn’t One)

Here’s the hard truth: Separation anxiety can’t be “fixed” quickly.

But you CAN help your dog feel safer right now:

Make departures boring: Don’t make a big fuss when you leave. No long goodbyes, no “I’ll be back soon, baby!” Just leave.
Create a safe space: Use a crate or small room where your dog feels secure. Add an unwashed shirt that smells like you.
Background noise: Leave on TV or radio. Some dogs do better with dog-specific music or white noise.
Consider calming supplements: Talk to your vet about dog-safe supplements that can take the edge off anxiety.
Tire them out: A well-exercised Golden is more likely to sleep while you’re gone.

The Long-Term Solution

golden retriever separation anxiety problem

Desensitization training (and possibly professional help):

You need to teach your Golden that:

You leaving isn’t scary
You ALWAYS come back
Being alone is safe and sometimes even rewarding

Here’s how:

Week 1-2: Practice “fake departures”

Pick up your keys, then sit back down
Put on your shoes, then take them off
Touch the doorknob, then go watch TV
Repeat until your dog barely notices these “leaving” cues

Week 3-4: Short absences

Leave for 30 seconds. Come back. No big greeting.
Leave for 1 minute. Come back.
Gradually increase to 5 minutes, then 10, then 15.

Week 5+: Real departures

Start leaving for actual errands, but keep them short at first
Always return before your dog hits full panic mode

When to Get Professional Help:

If your Golden is:

Injuring themselves trying to escape
Having panic attacks (excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea)
Not improving after 4-6 weeks of training

…it’s time to talk to a veterinary behaviorist. Sometimes medication combined with training is the kindest option.

Key Takeaway: Separation anxiety is a fear-based disorder, not a training problem. Punishment makes it worse. Patience, consistency, and gradual desensitization make it better.

Problem #5: The Chaos Tornado (Overexcitement and Hyperactivity)

Your Golden has two modes:

Asleep
FULL-THROTTLE-TURBO-INSANITY

There’s no in-between.

They spin in circles. They zoom around the house like they’re possessed. They can’t sit still for 5 seconds. They lose their minds over EVERYTHING: the doorbell, other dogs, leaves blowing in the wind…

And everyone keeps telling you, “They’ll calm down when they get older.”

But your Golden is 3 years old. And still acting like they mainlined espresso.