18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Behavior: A Complete Guide

As golden retrievers grow, their behavior evolves, reflecting changes in their physical, mental, and emotional development. At the 18-month mark, owners can observe a unique blend of youthful energy and emerging maturity.

At 18 months old, a golden retriever is transitioning from puppyhood into early adulthood. This stage can bring about new behaviors such as separation anxiety, jumping, or digging, even as some earlier puppy behaviors resurface. Despite challenges, this period is a time of learning and adjustment for both dog and owner.

This article delves into the nuances of 18-month-old golden retriever behavior, offering insights into what owners can expect, common behavior problems, and strategies for addressing these issues.

Table of Contents

What Is 18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Behavior Like?

At 18 months, golden retrievers are in the thick of their adolescence, a period marked by a surge in energy and curiosity.

This stage is characterized by a mix of puppy-like enthusiasm and an increasing inclination towards adult behavior.

Owners might notice their golden retrievers displaying more confidence in their interactions with people and other animals, yet they may also exhibit bouts of stubbornness or selective hearing.

Mental Development

Mentally, these dogs are highly capable and able to learn complex commands and tricks.

However, their cognitive development also means they can get bored easily, necessitating regular mental stimulation.

Socialization remains crucial at this age. An 18-month-old golden retriever should be comfortable in various social situations, showing neither aggression nor fear.

Their natural disposition makes them excellent companions for families, children, and other pets.

Yet, their behavior can still be influenced by their experiences, highlighting the importance of continued positive social exposure.

What to Expect From an 18-Month-Old Golden Retriever?

You can expect a blend of dependable companionship and occasional mischief from an 18-month-old golden retriever.

Your golden retriever will likely follow you around the house, participate in family activities, and show an eagerness to please.

However, their adolescent energy also means they may occasionally test boundaries, displaying behaviors like jumping up, excessive barking, or even digging.

What Behavior Should I Expect From My 18-Month-Old Male Golden Retriever?

Male golden retrievers may begin to show more dominance-related behaviors at this age, such as marking territory more frequently or being assertive around other dogs.

As they approach two years, you’ll likely notice a gradual decrease in hyperactivity and an increase in calmness.

You should encourage respectful behavior through structured training sessions and positive reinforcement.

What Behavior Should I Expect From My 18-Month-Old Female Golden Retriever?

Female golden retrievers might display mood swings or nesting behaviors, especially if they have not been spayed.

Similar to males, they require consistent training and socialization.

Females may also be more prone to developing close bonds with their primary caregivers, showing a slightly more protective instinct compared to their male counterparts.

18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Behavior Problems

Behavioral issues can arise during this period, including:

Excessive Chewing or Biting – Often a sign of boredom.

Separation Anxiety – Manifesting as destructive behavior when left alone.

Aggression – Rare but can occur, usually stemming from fear or inadequate socialization.

Disobedience – Testing boundaries is common as they navigate adolescence.

How to Deal With 18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Behavior Issues?

To address behavior issues in an 18-month-old golden retriever, focus on physical exercise, obedience training, mental stimulation, proper socialization, and establishing a structured routine.

These strategies help manage common problems such as jumping, destructiveness, mouthing, leash pulling, attention-seeking, hyperactivity, and separation anxiety.

Meeting their needs for activity and engagement can prevent or mitigate these issues, ensuring a happier and well-behaved dog.

For specific concerns, such as aggression or severe anxiety, consulting a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist will be your best bet.

How Old Is an 18-Month-old Golden Retriever in Human Years?

To convert a golden retriever’s age to human years, the general guideline is that the first dog year is equivalent to about 15 human years, and each subsequent year counts for roughly four human years.

Therefore, an 18-month-old golden retriever would be approximately equivalent to 17 human years.

What Does an 18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Look Like?

By 18 months, golden retrievers have usually reached their adult size and appearance, displaying the breed’s distinctive, friendly expression, and beautiful, dense golden coat.

Their eyes are kind, with a dark, intelligent gaze, and their ears hang close to their cheeks.

Their body is well-proportioned, showcasing a broad skull, strong neck, and straight back, leading to a thick, powerful tail that’s often in motion.

How Big Is an 18-Month-Old Golden Retriever?

If you want to know how big an 18-month-old golden retriever is, let’s consider their height and weight at this age.

18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Height

Males typically stand about 23 to 24 inches tall at the withers, while females are slightly shorter, ranging from 21.5 to 22.5 inches.

18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Weight

An 18-month-old male golden retriever usually weighs between 65 to 75 pounds. Females, being smaller, generally weigh between 55 to 65 pounds.

These figures can vary based on diet, exercise, and genetics.

Why Is My 18-Month-Old Dog Chewing Everything?

Chewing in 18-month-old golden retrievers can be attributed to residual teething discomfort, boredom, or as a means to explore their environment.

It can also be simply because they find certain items irresistible due to their texture and the scent of their owner on them.

It’s essential to provide appropriate chew toys and engage in activities that fulfill their need for physical activity and mental engagement to mitigate destructive chewing behaviors.

RECOMMENDED READING: Do Golden Retrievers Chew A Lot?

How Much Should an 18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Sleep?

While adult dogs typically need less sleep than puppies, an 18-month-old golden retriever still benefits from around 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day.

This includes nighttime sleep and naps throughout the day. Adequate rest is crucial for their physical and mental well-being, especially given their high energy levels.

Insufficient sleep can lead to irritability, anxiety, and difficulty in learning or retaining training commands.

RECOMMENDED READING: Do Golden Retriever Puppies Sleep a Lot?

How Much Should an 18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Eat?

An 18-month-old golden retriever typically needs about 3 to 3.5 cups of food per day, split into two meals.

This general guideline may vary based on the dog’s size, activity level, and health needs.

It’s essential to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust food portions accordingly to prevent obesity.

Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water, and consult your vet for tailored dietary advice.

How Much Exercise Does an 18-Month-Old Golden Retriever Need?

Given their energy and size, an 18-month-old golden retriever needs substantial daily exercise—typically up to 3 hours.

This can include walks, runs, playtime in a securely fenced area, and mentally stimulating activities like training sessions or puzzle toys.

Adequate exercise is vital for their health and to prevent behavior issues related to excess energy.

Conclusion

Navigating the journey with an 18-month-old golden retriever is an enriching experience. Understanding their physical characteristics, behavior, sleep, diet, and exercise needs is key to ensuring they grow into well-adjusted, healthy adults.

By providing consistent training, adequate exercise, and proper care, owners can look forward to many years of companionship and joy with their golden retrievers. Remember, every dog is an individual, so it’s important to adapt advice to suit your dog’s unique personality and needs.

If you’re curious about the other golden retriever behavior stages, check out these articles next:

What Are Golden Retriever Puppy Behavior Stages?

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