Known for their sweet, gentle dispositions, golden retrievers aren’t usually associated with aggressive behavior. But while it’s true, most goldens rarely, if ever, exhibit aggression, there are exceptions – and some say those exceptions are growing in number. The good news is, aggression in this low-aggression labeled breed usually has an explanation. And understanding why a golden retriever dog might bare its teeth or display other threatening conduct is the first step to dealing with the problem.
Reasons for Aggression in Goldens
Aggressive behavior in dogs can take many shapes and forms, but usually owners know when their normally happy golden has turned angry. The dog may growl, snap at another dog or individual, or even bite. Often, however, anger isn’t the emotion the dog is feeling at all.
According to Tom Davis, author of Why Goldens Do That, possessiveness toward the dog's owner may be the reason behind a golden's display of aggression. Since golden retrievers view their owners as members of their pack, they may simply feel threatened by an unfamiliar being invading their space and trying to share their owner. Aggression in golden retrievers may also be a natural response to pain, illness, fear, or insecurity. Goldens that show aggressive behavior routinely may be victims of abuse or neglect, poor breeding practices, or improper training.
Fortunately, golden retrievers have ways of signaling that a potential outburst is imminent. Growling, barking, or unusual hyperactivity often precede an act of violence. When an encounter with another dog is looming, goldens may perk up their ears, stiffen their tails, or raise their hackles, a behavior known as piloerection. Piloerection can actually be a good thing, explains Davis: “the ‘hackled up’ [dog] tries to assert its dominance and convince the ‘challenger’ to back off, thereby avoiding a physical confrontation.”
Handling and Avoiding Golden Retriever Aggression
Once a dog shows signs of aggression, there are a number of things an owner can do to stop the behavior. But first, it’s important to determine the reason for the aggression. If it’s related to pain or an illness, treating the condition should solve the problem. Aggression triggered by the fear of other dogs or unfamiliar situations, on the other hand, may be stopped by diverting the dog’s attention with a toy, treat, sit/stay command, or other incentive.
Many aggressive behaviors can be handled by simply keeping the dog focused on you, the owner, and letting it know that you are the leader. Using a firm voice, eye contact, consistency, and lots of praise for good behavior can help discourage aggressiveness in dogs. Sometimes, all it takes is a stern look from an owner to make a dog retreat. For extreme cases of aggression, a behaviorist may need to be consulted.
Keep in mind that not all aggression is bad. When an older dog growls or snaps at the new puppy, for example, the older dog may just be establishing the pecking order. To reprimand the dog would be a mistake, says Tamar Geller, author of The Loved Dog. By doing so, “you are actually enabling more disputes to come, and it confuses the issue of who belongs where.”
Of course, the best advice for dealing with aggression in dogs is to try to avoid it in the first place. When choosing a golden, learn everything you can about the dog, especially with regard to its temperament. If it’s a puppy you’re selecting, pick one that’s easy-going, agreeable, and receptive to your guidance, advises the Golden Retriever Club of America. And be sure to observe the mother for signs of aggression, which can pass on to her pups. Notes the GRCA, she “should be watchful and patient with her puppies and should be happy to show them to you.”
Whether spaying or neutering a dog can help eliminate aggression is arguable (in fact, the GRCA says it won’t change the basic temperament and disposition of a golden), but most experts agree on this: Because golden retrievers are energetic dogs that need physical activity, exercise is a good way to avoid aggression in the breed. A bored golden may become hyper and exert its pent-up energy in negative ways. An active, fulfilled golden is happier and less likely to lash out. Fortunately, most goldens love all kinds of exercise, whether it be a long walk or run, participating in a dog sport, playing fetch, or taking a swim – every day.
Probably the most important way to avoid aggressive behavior in golden retrievers, though, is through proper training. Learning obedience helps goldens become well-adjusted, well-mannered companions. Obedience and other forms of training provide dogs with structure and rules to live by, as well as mental and physical stimulation and plenty of socialization. What’s especially nice about goldens is that they’re intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them a highly trainable breed. They can learn just about anything, including how not to be aggressive.
Though not common, aggressive behavior in golden retrievers can grow worse if not dealt with at the first sign of trouble. Avoiding aggression altogether, however, is even better. A gentle, obedient golden is, after all, the best kind - and the way the breed was meant to be.
Sources:
Davis, Tom. Why Goldens Do That: A Collection of Curious Golden Retriever Behaviors. Minocqua, WI: Willow Creek Press, 2005.
Geller, Tamar. The Loved Dog: The Playful Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior. New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2007.
Golden Retriever Club of America. “Acquiring a Golden Retriever,” www.grca.org (accessed August 10, 2011).
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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