Witnessing your golden retriever puppy biting and chewing everything can make you wonder whether this behavior is normal or not. This well-researched article will explore when golden retriever puppies stop biting and what you can do to help curb this behavior.
Golden retriever puppies stop biting at around 7 months of age as they grow all their adult teeth by 6 months and don’t need to soothe their gums anymore. Playfulness, lack of attention or exercise, and inappropriate training or socialization may also cause this behavior to persist.
To help you cope with your puppy’s stressful biting behavior, we’ll share the reasons for their biting, what you can do to overcome this, and more in this article.
Table of Contents
At What Age Do Golden Retriever Puppies Stop Biting?
A part of understanding the golden retriever puppy behavior stages is that they start biting as a playful act from a very young age when they are with their mother and littermates.
During this time, they learn bite inhibition, which means moderating the strength of their bite, from their mother and littermates through continuous feedback.
This is why it’s essential that they don’t leave their mother before 8 weeks of age.
Golden retriever puppies typically stop biting and calm down when they are 7 months old.
RECOMMENDED READING: Golden Retriever 7 Months Old Behavior: A Complete Guide
This is because they lose all their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth at 6 months, so they don’t need to soothe their gums anymore.
In addition to teething, other factors like socialization, training, exercise, boredom, and attention can also impact when they stop biting.
This can be earlier or later than 7 months and varies from puppy to puppy.
Summary: Golden retriever puppies generally stop biting around 7 months old as they complete teething and develop adult teeth. Bite inhibition learned from their mother and littermates also plays a role, alongside factors like socialization, training, exercise, boredom, and attention.
Why Do Golden Retriever Puppies Bite So Much?
No matter how adorable your golden retriever puppy is, their frustrating biting behavior may lead pet parents to ask, “when do golden retrievers calm down?”.
Here are a few reasons you should know that may be leading your puppy to bite a lot.
1. Natural Behavior
Biting is a natural behavior for golden retriever puppies since they were originally bred to retrieve game birds for hunters, so unsurprisingly, it’s their instinct.
RELATED: Do Golden Retrievers Hunt?
Moreover, puppies explore the world around them with their mouths since they don’t have hands like humans.
Don’t forget that, before separation, they used to play with their littermates using their mouth.
When separated from them and brought into a new environment, they may continue to bite to explore and play.
2. Teething
One of the most significant reasons behind puppy biting is teething.
The teething phase is unbearable for them as they have swollen gums due to the adult teeth growing in.
Hence, chewing or biting provides them with comfort and soothes pain.
RELATED: Do Golden Retrievers Chew A Lot?
3. Boredom
Golden retrievers are a high-energy breed requiring much exercise and playtime.
If they don’t get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may become bored and bite out of frustration.
4. Lack of Attention
Your puppy may bite to communicate their needs.
For example, if they are hungry or need to go outside, they may bite you to get your attention.
Since they are naturally affectionate, they may also require reassurance from you that your bond is strong with them.
Recommended Reading: How Do Golden Retrievers Show Affection?
Also Read: Why Do Golden Retrievers Bite Your Arm?
If you don’t play or cuddle with them enough, they may excessively chew and bite to grab your attention.
5. Lack of Training and Socialization
Once your puppy leaves their mother and littermates, it’s your responsibility to socialize them and keep training them properly.
Lack of training means that they won’t know which behaviors are acceptable, and they may keep biting or chewing until or unless corrected or trained.
Furthermore, if they aren’t adequately socialized, they won’t know how to interact with other dogs, people, and different environments, which may lead them to bite out of anxiety or aggressiveness.
RELATED: Anxiety in Golden Retrievers: Symptoms, Causes, & Solutions
Summary: Golden retriever puppies bite due to natural instincts, teething discomfort, boredom, seeking attention, and lack of training and socialization. Biting helps them explore and play, and it can also be a way to communicate needs or express frustration and anxiety.
Techniques to Stop Golden Retriever Puppies from Biting
Rather than asking, “When will my golden retriever stop growing?” so they are mature enough to stop biting, you can instead implement these reliable techniques to cope with biting more effectively and enjoy your time with your little canine.
1. Redirect Their Attention
Whenever your golden retriever puppy starts biting, redirect their attention by taking them outside for a while or offering them a dog-safe chew toy.
Instead of targeting your hands or furniture, a chew toy will serve as a substitute.
Ensure your puppy has plenty of favorite chewable toys available at all times.
Puppies love to explore their environment with their mouths, so it is essential to offer a variety of textures and shapes to keep them interested.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise your puppy when they stop biting and reward them with a treat or praise like “good dog”.
This positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for shaping behavior, and your puppy will quickly learn that good behavior is rewarded.
3. Play Appropriately
When dogs get over-excited, they usually become too mouthy since they use their mouth to communicate.
Avoid engaging in rough play with your puppy because this can make them over-excited and cause them to bite more.
Plays that don’t require any contact with you will prevent them from biting you.
Playing fetch can keep their mouth busy while they do what they love, i.e., retrieving things.
You can also play tug-of-war with the help of a rope toy, so they can stop tugging your clothes and redirect their attention to the play.
Don’t be too rough while playing this game, as you don’t want to damage their teeth, especially when teething.
4. Ignore Biting
Avoid reacting or giving them attention if your puppy bites you.
This will teach them that biting does not get them what they want, and they will soon learn to stop.
Don’t yell or punish them at all costs.
You should stay calm and move away from the situation with a firm “no”.
If you give a response, they may think of it as a form of play or that biting behavior helps them get your attention, which may lead to continuous biting.
5. Provide Exercise
Puppies have a lot of energy and need an outlet for that energy.
Ensure your puppy gets plenty of physical and mental activities to burn off excess energy and reduce biting and other destructive behaviors.
Adequately exercise your puppy, as over-exercising them can overtire them and even damage their growing joints.
According to The Kennel Club, a good rule of thumb is to exercise your puppy for 5 minutes according to their age in months (up to twice a day).
For example, a 6-month-old puppy should exercise (walk) for 30 minutes up to twice a day (5 minutes x 6 months).
Remember that along with physical exercise, you must also mentally stimulate them with brain games or toys.
6. Use Taste Deterrents
Dogs have a stronger sense of smell than humans and dislike anything that tastes bitter.
You can use it to your advantage and spray it on items you don’t want them to chew and to discourage biting.
These sprays are usually safe for dogs, but it’s better to confirm they are dog-safe before buying just to stay on the safe side.
Keep in mind that this technique may not work for every puppy, and they may even develop a taste for it as they grow into an adult dog.
7. Provide Socialization
Well-socialized puppies are less likely to develop unwanted behaviors.
Socializing your puppy with other dogs, new environments, and people in a controlled manner can reduce anxiety and prevent biting behavior.
You can take your little canine to the park to play with other dogs or enroll them in professional socialization classes.
The more experience they have with dogs, people, and different environments, the more they will learn acceptable behaviors and become a well-behaved pup.
Owners usually bring their puppy home at 8 weeks of age, and their socialization period lasts between 12 to 14 weeks, so the responsibility of socialization transfers from the breeder to you.
Remember, during their socialization period, they may go through their 1st fear period, and what seemed normal to them may start making them feel anxious.
This is a normal developmental part, and you shouldn’t worry about it.
However, make sure you don’t force them to socialize as you don’t want to scare them for life.
They must be comfortable, too, and you should stay closer to them during this period and reward them with treats for any socialization experience they have.
8. Give Them Enough Time and Attention
If you don’t give your pup enough time and attention, they may feel unloved and insecure, which may cause them to behave inappropriately.
As a general guideline, the AKC recommends giving at least 2 hours of dedicated social time to your dog throughout the day.
You can play with them, pet them, feed them, take them for walks, and even talk to them.
9. Be Consistent
Consistency is vital in stopping biting behavior in golden retriever puppies.
No matter how many times you may want to give up, you should remain consistent with these techniques.
Your little canine companion will learn good behavior gradually but with consistency.
While doing so, you should ensure everyone in the household is on the same page regarding controlling biting behavior.
Summary: To reduce biting in golden retriever puppies, use techniques like redirecting attention with chew toys, positive reinforcement, appropriate play, ignoring the behavior, providing adequate exercise, using taste deterrents, socializing with other dogs and people, giving enough attention, and being consistent with training methods.
Do All Golden Retriever Puppies Bite?
It is essential to understand that all puppies, regardless of breed, will bite as a regular part of their development.
Puppies explore their world through their mouth, just like human babies use their hands.
It is a natural behavior for them, and it helps them to learn about their environment and engage in social play.
That being said, some golden retriever puppies may be more prone to biting than the others.
This can be due to various reasons, including environment and training.
Some puppies may have a higher energy level, while others may be more laid back.
A puppy’s upbringing and socialization experiences can also affect their behavior.
Summary: All puppies, including golden retrievers, naturally bite as part of their development, using their mouths to explore the world. Individual biting tendencies vary based on energy levels, environment, upbringing, and socialization experiences.
What Can Owners Do to Prevent Excessive Biting?
It’s essential to provide adequate levels of physical exercise and mental stimulation to your biting golden retriever puppy.
This can include playing fetch, going for walks, and providing interactive toys.
Socializing and safely exposing your puppy to new experiences, dogs, and people is also essential.
When your golden retriever puppy bites, it’s essential to respond consistently and gently.
You can redirect their biting to a chew toy and avoid using physical punishment or harsh language at all costs.
Don’t forget to give them enough attention and time, as you don’t want them to feel neglected or unloved.
While golden retriever puppies may bite a lot, it’s a natural behavior that can be managed with proper training and socialization.
Your puppy will learn to appropriately channel their energy and playfulness with patience and consistency.
Summary: To prevent excessive biting in golden retriever puppies, provide ample exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, consistent responses to biting, redirection to chew toys, and avoid harsh punishment. Adequate attention and affection are also crucial for their well-being.
What is the Most Challenging Age for a Golden Retriever Puppy?
Raising a golden retriever puppy can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with challenges.
While every stage of a golden retriever’s life has unique difficulties, many owners agree that the worst age for golden retrievers is between 6 and 18 months old.
During this time, golden retriever puppies are going through a phase called adolescence, similar to the teenage years in humans.
RECOMMENDED READING: Golden Retriever 6 Months Old Behavior: A Complete Guide
They are full of energy, curiosity, and a desire to explore their surroundings.
However, they are also prone to testing boundaries, challenging authority, and engaging in destructive behaviors like excessive biting and chewing.
One of the biggest challenges during this stage is keeping your golden retriever puppy mentally and physically stimulated.
They need plenty of exercise and playtime to burn off their energy, and they also benefit from training and socialization to help them learn appropriate behaviors.
Another challenge is dealing with behavioral issues such as chewing, digging, and jumping.
Golden retriever puppies may also become more stubborn and difficult to train during this stage, which can be frustrating for owners.
Recommended Reading: Do Golden Retrievers Jump Fences?
Also read: Do Golden Retrievers Dig?
Being patient and consistent with your golden retriever puppy during this stage is essential.
Set clear boundaries and rules, and reinforce positive behaviors with plenty of praise and rewards.
Constant training and socialization can help your puppy develop into a well-behaved adult.
Summary: The most challenging age for golden retriever puppies is between 6 and 18 months, marked by adolescence, high energy, boundary testing, and potential destructive behaviors. Consistent training, exercise, and socialization are crucial during this phase.
How Does Chewing Help Puppies?
Although biting or chewing isn’t viewed as something positive, it can have several benefits for puppies. Here are some of the advantages of chewing.
Teething Relief
Puppies, like human babies, go through a teething stage when their new teeth come in.
Chewing and biting on objects, including their toys or even their owner’s hands or clothing, can help relieve the discomfort of teething.
Biting and mouthing can help to alleviate the pain and soothe their sore gums.
Development of Jaw Muscles
Biting and mouthing are natural behaviors that provide puppies with a physical workout for their mouth, teeth, and especially jaws.
Biting and chewing on toys or bones can help develop a puppy’s jaw muscles and promote overall strength.
Exploration and Play
Puppies explore their world through their mouths, and biting and chewing on various objects is a natural part of their play and exploration process.
Through biting and mouthing, they learn about different textures, tastes, and sensations and how to interact with their environment.
Training and Discipline
When a puppy bites too hard or inappropriately, it presents training and discipline opportunities.
Owners can promote good behavior and prevent future issues by teaching the puppy bite inhibition and appropriate ways to interact with humans and other animals.
Summary: Chewing helps puppies by providing relief during teething, developing their jaw muscles, aiding in exploration and play, and offering opportunities for training in bite inhibition and appropriate interaction with humans and other animals.
Why Should I Stop My Golden Retriever Puppy from Biting?
Failing to implement the strategies to stop your puppy from biting can lead to several problems for you, your canine, and others.
1. Damaging Property
Puppies are known to chew on things when teething, which can damage property. When puppies bite, they can cause damage to furniture, shoes, and other items in the house.
RELATED: Why Do Golden Retrievers Love Socks?
Puppies are notorious for chewing on anything they can get their teeth into, leading to damaged property and costly repairs.
2. Injury to Humans
Do golden retrievers bite hurt? Puppies have sharp teeth, and when they bite, they can cause injury to humans.
You may also ask, “Do golden retrievers bite their owners?”. If they aren’t well-trained, exercised, socialized, or given appropriate attention, they may even attack you.
RECOMMENDED READING: Do Golden Retrievers Attack Humans?
This is especially true for children who cannot defend themselves against a biting puppy.
While puppies may not intend to hurt you, they can cause discomfort, especially when they bite hard on the skin.
3. Aggression
Puppies who are allowed to bite without correction may develop aggressive tendencies.
This can make them difficult to handle and dangerous for people who come into contact with them.
Aggression issues can lead to hazardous situations for the puppy and the owner.
4. Socialization Issues
Puppies who fail to learn appropriate socialization skills may not understand how to interact with other dogs or humans in a non-threatening way, adversely affecting their socialization.
5. Difficulty in Training
Puppies allowed to bite may be more challenging to train.
They may not respond to commands or may have difficulty learning new behaviors.
Difficult training is frustrating for the owner and the puppy, making it harder to develop a positive relationship.
6. Legal Issues
In some cases, puppy bites can lead to legal problems.
Owners may be held liable for injuries and damages caused by their pets.
It can also result in financial penalties, making it essential to address the problem before it escalates.
7. Strained Relationships
Biting can strain the relationship between a puppy and their owner.
If the puppy is constantly biting, the owner may become frustrated and not want to spend time with the puppy.
Excessive biting causes a breakdown in the relationship, making it harder for the owner to train and care for the puppy.
Summary: Failing to stop a golden retriever puppy from biting can lead to property damage, human injury, development of aggression, socialization issues, training difficulties, potential legal problems, and strained relationships between the puppy and their owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will golden retriever puppy grow out of biting?
Your golden retriever puppy should grow out of biting by 7 months of age as they will have all their adult teeth grown in and learned appropriate and acceptable behaviors. However, you should still keep reinforcing positive behaviors.
2. Why is my 1-year-old golden retriever biting?
Remember that a 1-year-old golden retriever is still a puppy. If they are still biting at the same intensity and frequency as a younger pup, regardless of implementing all the strategies like exercising and training, you should seek help from a professional behaviorist.
3. Are golden retrievers known to bite?
All dogs can bite. Although golden retrievers are known for their friendly nature, they may have a more tendency to bite since they were bred to retrieve game birds with their soft mouths without damaging them.
Conclusion
Generally, golden retriever puppies stop biting by 7 months as they grow in all their adult teeth by this age and don’t need to soothe their gums. However, it’s essential for you to keep reinforcing positive behaviors.
You should keep giving them appropriate attention, mentally and physically exercise them, and train and socialize them well so they become a well-behaved and healthy adult dog.
If your golden retriever puppy is showing other aggressive behaviors, we highly recommend checking out this article next: