Socialization and Reaction to the Golden Retriever Surroundings

In the first few weeks, your golden retriever puppy will be especially open to new stimuli. Everything he learns at this period in a peaceful and calm way, he will later be familiar with and won't be afraid of. Consequently, he'll also make a mental note of any negative experiences that he goes through especially under either time pressure or stress or something similar. Golden Retrievers are curious dogs, but very sensitive, and it is very normal if your puppy appears to be somewhat fearful in new situations. How should you react if your dog steps to a side, barks or pulls on his leash when in panic? Well, you shouldn't pet him nor try to calm him, although, yes, it would be a reasonable reaction. However, your puppy will take your soothing words as praise or at least as consent to his fearful attitude. Likewise, don't pay too much attention to the object that is inspiring the fear because you'd be exaggerating its value. If you stand up and explain to the puppy in a soft tone that it is a uniquely beautiful trash can, you will calm his nerves, but for the pup it will still be a terrible monster that is standing in his way. But don't dare him, don't pull on his leash because he's afraid and feels insecure, and if you also get irritated, it will confirm his fears that the situation is threatening. Help your dog in these circumstances keeping calm.

Remember: You are whom he looks up to; his great ideal. If your golden retriever puppy is a little insecure, just remain calm and firm and continue going your way although keeping a reasonable distance. This way you will encourage him to be brave yet at the same time showing him that you are cautious. If you notice that he has successfully overcome his fear, praise him effusively. The next time you pass by that same place, try to get a little closer to the object until the puppy can stand right in front of it. This way, in general terms, you will get over this issue and your dog will have gained valuable life experience.

Encounters with other dogs are not always without problems. It is completely normal for a mature dog to react with anger when he sees a puppy approaching him, and that in the first moment he receives worth an unfriendly and threatening growl. Many puppies react with a lot of barking, which doesn't mean that they have been injured. It simply means that they have acted with submission to the older dog. Let the older dog be and only interrupt if the situation gets violent. If you know that the older dog has already injured other dogs in the neighborhood or that he doesn't tolerate puppies, avoid any contact beforehand. Don't comfort your dog when he seeks for protection because other dogs are approaching. Stay standing and adopt a neutral position. After a short while, you can keep on walking, inviting the puppy to follow you. This way, the golden retriever will know that he too can avoid unpleasant encounters.