Why Do Golden Retrievers Bite So Much & When Does it Stop?

You don’t have to be a dog expert to know that puppies are notorious for nibbling. Golden Retrievers are notorious for this, and it often lasts so long that people wonder if it ever stops. Consider how sociable and friendly they are by nature. Why is this habit so difficult for them to break? Golden Retrievers follow their basic instinct to bite and carry objects with their mouths, in part because of their history with hunting, chasing, and retrieving game.

Why Do Golden Retrievers Bite?

Golden Retrievers start to explore the world with their mouths and eventually start to enjoy chewing on whatever they can get into their mouth. It can help relieve discomfort associated with teething and normal exploratory behavior, but it is not a behavior most people want to encourage. Puppies also chew and bite more during teething, which usually occurs between 3 and 7 months of age. Providing safe chew toys can help relieve discomfort and reduce the urge to bite hands or household items. Puppies also begin learning bite inhibition, which means controlling the strength of their bite during play. Golden Retrievers are also a retrieving breed, meaning they were historically selected to pick up and carry game in their mouths, which can make puppies especially likely to grab, mouth, and carry objects during play.

This breed is also more inclined to bite or mouth things because they were bred for hunting and retrieving small game. Aside from following their instincts, there could be other reasons that they are nipping at you or your possessions. Some dogs may bite when they are scared, in pain, seeking attention, or in unfamiliar environments. Some chew simply because they’re bored. Biting is a natural reaction in many situations. Still, it must be addressed before it turns into a habit.

When Do Golden Retrievers Stop Biting?

Golden Retriever litters typically stop biting around 8–14 weeks old. By this age, they’ve spent enough time with their mom and siblings to learn that when they bite too hard, they often get bitten or corrected during play. The resulting discomfort helps them learn to control the force of their bite.

The 4 Ways to Stop Golden Retriever Puppy Biting

Thankfully, there are many ways to help teach your Goldens to stop biting.

1. Keep Them Active

Dogs who are mentally and physically stimulated are less likely to have behavioral issues. Exercise them daily. When playing, keep the sessions gentle. It helps to use toys and games that are specifically meant for chewing, like tug-of-war, to teach them when it is and isn’t appropriate to bite. When your puppy tries to bite your hands or clothing, calmly redirect their attention to a toy or chew item. This helps teach the puppy that toys, not people, are appropriate things to bite. However, avoid games that encourage grabbing hands or clothing while they are still learning bite inhibition.

2. Socialize Them

If possible, enroll your dog in obedience classes as soon as possible. Some dogs feel threatened more easily than others, and they may act out around other dogs if not properly trained and socialized. Introduce them to new people and animals gradually and in positive, controlled situations.

3. Positive Reinforcement

The best form of training is with positive reinforcement. Use lots of praise and treats whenever your dog is acting in a way you want them to. You cannot afford to skip this type of training because it is the most effective. Talk to a vet if you are ever unsure about the ins and outs of a positive reinforcement techniques.

4. Avoidance Training

Training is a crucial part of a dog’s development if you want them to have good behavior. Whenever your dog goes to bite you, say no frequently to let the dog know you don’t approve. Walk away from the dogs when this happens to show that their behavior won’t be tolerated or rewarded.

What to Do When a Dog Bites

A dog trying to bite you can be scary.

Final Thoughts

Biting is a normal part of puppyhood, but it isn’t ideal to allow your dog to bite you, or else the habit will continue as they mature. The older they get, the bigger a sign it is that you need to address the problem. If you continue to allow your dogs to bite people, animals, or inappropriate objects, someone could get hurt. Start training your dog early, and you’ll get to experience just how loving these dogs can be.

• Related Read: Do Golden Retrievers Shed? (How Much and How Often?)

Featured Image Credit: Damix, Shutterstock