11 Week Old Golden Retriever Growling at 4 Year Old Daughter

Hi there,

We just adopted a Golden puppy, and for the most part, he is sweet and has been very trainable. He can already "go potty" and "sit" and "lay down" and we are also working through the mouthing phase, teaching him not to put his teeth on us (or our clothing), which he has responded to relatively well.

My question is that twice in the last few days, I have caught him growling at my four-year-old daughter for apparently no particular reason. Both times she was standing up, holding her hands in the air. I'm not sure if he thought she was playing with him or what. His teeth weren't bared, but I do NOT want him thinking he is her boss. The first time I was caught off guard and just told him "no!" The second time I said "no!" and then put him on his back, in the submissive position.

I had her feed him this morning, and I'm working on implementing tips such as making him sit for his food and attention. Do you have any other suggestions? We met both parents, and they are sweet, typical Goldens. We previously had a fabulous 10-year-old Golden who was incredibly sweet and submissive, and I want to make sure I am putting his little guy on the right track.

Thanks for your help....



Hi
You have an adorable little boy there!

It sounds as though you are doing all the right things here, and you've done a great job of setting the ground rules and getting him off on the right foot.

It's difficult for me to say why he was growling at your daughter, but it was most likely because he considers her to be a 'sibling' rather than a 'superior' and I think you've recognized that as you are encouraging her to take a more active role in his care. This will help. Be sure to continue this on a regular basis, and let her help train him and make his 'sit' for his food and so on - obviously with your supervision.

Right now this little guy is just finding his way and exploring his new situation. It sounds as though he's very smart, and eager to learn, so I doubt you'll have any problems with him picking up the rules and learning what behavior is acceptable.

Obviously, it wouldn't be wise to leave your daughter alone with your puppy until the relationship between them is firmly established - this is a general rule whenever you have a puppy or dog and a young child. Puppies can play quite rough together, and even by accident children can get hurt if a pup decides to 'play' with them like a litter-mate.

I'd recommend also enrolling your pup in a Puppy Class at a local dog obedience school. It should be an enjoyable experience for both of you and help strengthen the bond between you.

Just keep doing what you're doing and be loving, patient and firm with your pup and I think he will do just great. Best of luck.