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How to calm down this Gold Retriever pup?



 
 
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  #1  
Old February 13th 04, 08:07 PM
Goldie95856
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Default How to calm down this Gold Retriever pup?

I have a 9-month-old AKC-registered female Golden Retriever whose behavior I
would like to "tone down" a bit.
The dog was obtained primarily as a pet for my child and is kept n my
backyard except during bad or very cold weather, which is not a frequent
occurrence in my Southern California location.
The problem I have is that I feel the dog's "overly enthsiastic" behavior is
inhibiting me from doing things such as just pulling up a chair to read a book
in my backyard.
I really only actually see the dog once or twice a week (sometimes less) and,
when I do greet her she gets so excited that she jumps on me, slobbers on my
arms, mouths my hands etc. to such an extent that I now dread going out to
where she is, knowing what lies in store for me.
Basically, I would like to keep the dog but wish she would be more "cat-like"
and mellow, that is, I wouldn't mind her coming up to me when she sees me but I
would prefer to just pet her and show affection without her getting so excited.
Now, I **KNOW** it's a dog and not a cat, and that I can't really expect a dog
(especially a young one) to be as mellow as a housecat. But I'm wondering
if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying behavior to reduce or
cease?


  #2  
Old February 13th 04, 08:29 PM
dianne marie schoenberg
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Default

Goldie95856 wrote:
But I'm wondering if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying
behavior to reduce or cease?


It will not cease until she starts getting a whole lot more
exercise and attention than she is currently getting.

I suggest the following course of treatment:

1) Bring her into the house, *AT THE VERY LEAST* in the evenings
when the family is home. Full-time would be better.
2) At least one hour of adult one-on-one attention a day (walks
on leash, playing ball, training sessions etc.)
3) Obedience class once a week.

Unfortunately, if she remains in the back yard with adult
contact "only once or twice a week (sometimes less)" she is
only going to get worse, not better.

Dianne
  #3  
Old February 13th 04, 08:29 PM
dianne marie schoenberg
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Posts: n/a
Default

Goldie95856 wrote:
But I'm wondering if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying
behavior to reduce or cease?


It will not cease until she starts getting a whole lot more
exercise and attention than she is currently getting.

I suggest the following course of treatment:

1) Bring her into the house, *AT THE VERY LEAST* in the evenings
when the family is home. Full-time would be better.
2) At least one hour of adult one-on-one attention a day (walks
on leash, playing ball, training sessions etc.)
3) Obedience class once a week.

Unfortunately, if she remains in the back yard with adult
contact "only once or twice a week (sometimes less)" she is
only going to get worse, not better.

Dianne
  #4  
Old February 13th 04, 08:29 PM
dianne marie schoenberg
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Goldie95856 wrote:
But I'm wondering if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying
behavior to reduce or cease?


It will not cease until she starts getting a whole lot more
exercise and attention than she is currently getting.

I suggest the following course of treatment:

1) Bring her into the house, *AT THE VERY LEAST* in the evenings
when the family is home. Full-time would be better.
2) At least one hour of adult one-on-one attention a day (walks
on leash, playing ball, training sessions etc.)
3) Obedience class once a week.

Unfortunately, if she remains in the back yard with adult
contact "only once or twice a week (sometimes less)" she is
only going to get worse, not better.

Dianne
  #5  
Old February 13th 04, 08:29 PM
dianne marie schoenberg
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Goldie95856 wrote:
But I'm wondering if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying
behavior to reduce or cease?


It will not cease until she starts getting a whole lot more
exercise and attention than she is currently getting.

I suggest the following course of treatment:

1) Bring her into the house, *AT THE VERY LEAST* in the evenings
when the family is home. Full-time would be better.
2) At least one hour of adult one-on-one attention a day (walks
on leash, playing ball, training sessions etc.)
3) Obedience class once a week.

Unfortunately, if she remains in the back yard with adult
contact "only once or twice a week (sometimes less)" she is
only going to get worse, not better.

Dianne
  #6  
Old February 13th 04, 09:00 PM
J1Boss
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Posts: n/a
Default

From: (Goldie95856)

I have a 9-month-old AKC-registered female Golden Retriever whose behavior
I
would like to "tone down" a bit.


She's a 9 month old Golden - pretty routinely exhuberant.

The dog was obtained primarily as a pet for my child and is kept n my
backyard except during bad or very cold weather, which is not a frequent
occurrence in my Southern California location.


That means she's LONELY. Of all breeds, Goldens are total people dogs who need
to live with their family. Shame on the person who sold her to you who didn't
explain this.

I really only actually see the dog once or twice a week (sometimes less)
and,
when I do greet her she gets so excited that she jumps on me, slobbers on my
arms, mouths my hands etc. to such an extent that I now dread going out to
where she is, knowing what lies in store for me.


Of COURSE she does. She's living in exile. She's so thrilled to see a human
being she can't contain herself. If she actually lived with you she wouldn't
react this way - she'd be used to your company. Have you done any training
with her? Who plays with her, how much, and when? Who feeds her? She sleeps
outside as well? How old is your child and what does your child do with the
dog?

Basically, I would like to keep the dog but wish she would be more
"cat-like"
and mellow, that is, I wouldn't mind her coming up to me when she sees me but
I
would prefer to just pet her and show affection without her getting so
excited.


She's not a cat, she's a dog. She is also a breed and age that LOVES being
with her people, needs to play, needs to work, needs to interact.

Now, I **KNOW** it's a dog and not a cat, and that I can't really expect a
dog
(especially a young one) to be as mellow as a housecat. But I'm wondering
if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying behavior to reduce or
cease?


When you start treating her like a family member rather than something that is
in the yard and available at your convenience. I realize that sounds harsh,
but imagine having a child and keeping it in a room and only interacting when
YOU felt like it. You'd have a sociopath on your hands, and that's very much
the way your Golden will react to her exile as well. Goldens need their people
more than anything else in the world. They also need training. Unless you're
willing to incorporate this animal into your life, a Golden Retriever Rescue
group in your area can place her for you with someone who can.


Janet Boss
Best Friends Dog Obedience
"Nice Manners for the Family Pet"
Voted "Best of Baltimore 2001" - Baltimore Magazine
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com

  #7  
Old February 13th 04, 09:00 PM
J1Boss
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

From: (Goldie95856)

I have a 9-month-old AKC-registered female Golden Retriever whose behavior
I
would like to "tone down" a bit.


She's a 9 month old Golden - pretty routinely exhuberant.

The dog was obtained primarily as a pet for my child and is kept n my
backyard except during bad or very cold weather, which is not a frequent
occurrence in my Southern California location.


That means she's LONELY. Of all breeds, Goldens are total people dogs who need
to live with their family. Shame on the person who sold her to you who didn't
explain this.

I really only actually see the dog once or twice a week (sometimes less)
and,
when I do greet her she gets so excited that she jumps on me, slobbers on my
arms, mouths my hands etc. to such an extent that I now dread going out to
where she is, knowing what lies in store for me.


Of COURSE she does. She's living in exile. She's so thrilled to see a human
being she can't contain herself. If she actually lived with you she wouldn't
react this way - she'd be used to your company. Have you done any training
with her? Who plays with her, how much, and when? Who feeds her? She sleeps
outside as well? How old is your child and what does your child do with the
dog?

Basically, I would like to keep the dog but wish she would be more
"cat-like"
and mellow, that is, I wouldn't mind her coming up to me when she sees me but
I
would prefer to just pet her and show affection without her getting so
excited.


She's not a cat, she's a dog. She is also a breed and age that LOVES being
with her people, needs to play, needs to work, needs to interact.

Now, I **KNOW** it's a dog and not a cat, and that I can't really expect a
dog
(especially a young one) to be as mellow as a housecat. But I'm wondering
if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying behavior to reduce or
cease?


When you start treating her like a family member rather than something that is
in the yard and available at your convenience. I realize that sounds harsh,
but imagine having a child and keeping it in a room and only interacting when
YOU felt like it. You'd have a sociopath on your hands, and that's very much
the way your Golden will react to her exile as well. Goldens need their people
more than anything else in the world. They also need training. Unless you're
willing to incorporate this animal into your life, a Golden Retriever Rescue
group in your area can place her for you with someone who can.


Janet Boss
Best Friends Dog Obedience
"Nice Manners for the Family Pet"
Voted "Best of Baltimore 2001" - Baltimore Magazine
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com

  #8  
Old February 13th 04, 09:00 PM
J1Boss
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

From: (Goldie95856)

I have a 9-month-old AKC-registered female Golden Retriever whose behavior
I
would like to "tone down" a bit.


She's a 9 month old Golden - pretty routinely exhuberant.

The dog was obtained primarily as a pet for my child and is kept n my
backyard except during bad or very cold weather, which is not a frequent
occurrence in my Southern California location.


That means she's LONELY. Of all breeds, Goldens are total people dogs who need
to live with their family. Shame on the person who sold her to you who didn't
explain this.

I really only actually see the dog once or twice a week (sometimes less)
and,
when I do greet her she gets so excited that she jumps on me, slobbers on my
arms, mouths my hands etc. to such an extent that I now dread going out to
where she is, knowing what lies in store for me.


Of COURSE she does. She's living in exile. She's so thrilled to see a human
being she can't contain herself. If she actually lived with you she wouldn't
react this way - she'd be used to your company. Have you done any training
with her? Who plays with her, how much, and when? Who feeds her? She sleeps
outside as well? How old is your child and what does your child do with the
dog?

Basically, I would like to keep the dog but wish she would be more
"cat-like"
and mellow, that is, I wouldn't mind her coming up to me when she sees me but
I
would prefer to just pet her and show affection without her getting so
excited.


She's not a cat, she's a dog. She is also a breed and age that LOVES being
with her people, needs to play, needs to work, needs to interact.

Now, I **KNOW** it's a dog and not a cat, and that I can't really expect a
dog
(especially a young one) to be as mellow as a housecat. But I'm wondering
if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying behavior to reduce or
cease?


When you start treating her like a family member rather than something that is
in the yard and available at your convenience. I realize that sounds harsh,
but imagine having a child and keeping it in a room and only interacting when
YOU felt like it. You'd have a sociopath on your hands, and that's very much
the way your Golden will react to her exile as well. Goldens need their people
more than anything else in the world. They also need training. Unless you're
willing to incorporate this animal into your life, a Golden Retriever Rescue
group in your area can place her for you with someone who can.


Janet Boss
Best Friends Dog Obedience
"Nice Manners for the Family Pet"
Voted "Best of Baltimore 2001" - Baltimore Magazine
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com

  #9  
Old February 13th 04, 09:00 PM
J1Boss
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

From: (Goldie95856)

I have a 9-month-old AKC-registered female Golden Retriever whose behavior
I
would like to "tone down" a bit.


She's a 9 month old Golden - pretty routinely exhuberant.

The dog was obtained primarily as a pet for my child and is kept n my
backyard except during bad or very cold weather, which is not a frequent
occurrence in my Southern California location.


That means she's LONELY. Of all breeds, Goldens are total people dogs who need
to live with their family. Shame on the person who sold her to you who didn't
explain this.

I really only actually see the dog once or twice a week (sometimes less)
and,
when I do greet her she gets so excited that she jumps on me, slobbers on my
arms, mouths my hands etc. to such an extent that I now dread going out to
where she is, knowing what lies in store for me.


Of COURSE she does. She's living in exile. She's so thrilled to see a human
being she can't contain herself. If she actually lived with you she wouldn't
react this way - she'd be used to your company. Have you done any training
with her? Who plays with her, how much, and when? Who feeds her? She sleeps
outside as well? How old is your child and what does your child do with the
dog?

Basically, I would like to keep the dog but wish she would be more
"cat-like"
and mellow, that is, I wouldn't mind her coming up to me when she sees me but
I
would prefer to just pet her and show affection without her getting so
excited.


She's not a cat, she's a dog. She is also a breed and age that LOVES being
with her people, needs to play, needs to work, needs to interact.

Now, I **KNOW** it's a dog and not a cat, and that I can't really expect a
dog
(especially a young one) to be as mellow as a housecat. But I'm wondering
if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying behavior to reduce or
cease?


When you start treating her like a family member rather than something that is
in the yard and available at your convenience. I realize that sounds harsh,
but imagine having a child and keeping it in a room and only interacting when
YOU felt like it. You'd have a sociopath on your hands, and that's very much
the way your Golden will react to her exile as well. Goldens need their people
more than anything else in the world. They also need training. Unless you're
willing to incorporate this animal into your life, a Golden Retriever Rescue
group in your area can place her for you with someone who can.


Janet Boss
Best Friends Dog Obedience
"Nice Manners for the Family Pet"
Voted "Best of Baltimore 2001" - Baltimore Magazine
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com

  #10  
Old February 13th 04, 09:17 PM
external usenet poster
 
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Default

On 13 Feb 2004 19:07:38 GMT Goldie95856 whittled these words:
I have a 9-month-old AKC-registered female Golden Retriever whose behavior I
would like to "tone down" a bit.


Exhuberant beahvior is normal for a Golden Retriever puppy. It is even
fairly normal for an adult, although maturity will tone it down somewhat.
It sounds like the person selling you the dog did not do a very good
job of explaining what to expect.

The dog was obtained primarily as a pet for my child and is kept n my
backyard except during bad or very cold weather, which is not a frequent
occurrence in my Southern California location.


Well, this is going to be part of the problem. It takes a lot of
practice to learn good social behavior. The puppy will not have had
anything close to enough opportunity to practice when kept in this
manner. The problem is not weather related. It is that dogs are highly
social and they are designed to live in packs. Their mental development
depends upon forming pack relationships and extensive pack interaction.
This development is impaired when the dog spends most of its time apart
from the human members of the family.

The problem I have is that I feel the dog's "overly enthsiastic"
behavior is inhibiting me from doing things such as just pulling up a
chair to read a book in my backyard.


The dog needs several things. First, and most important it needs to
spend a lot more time in direct contact with all family members. Second
it needs a structured environment, pretty much the same way you raise a
polite child. By now the dog should have had quite a bit of obedience
training. To provide that structured environment you put that obedience
training into effect. Ask the dog do to something in order to get
something. Third, the dog needs more in the way of mental and physical
stimulation. A Golden Retriever should be getting off the property
everyday so that it develops the skills to cope with the new and
different, and so it gets both mental and physical stimulation. Total
ground covered for a walk would be 15 - 45 minutes at a brisk pace. A
walk, won't be enough, but adding 15 minutes of fetch will be a big help.

I really only actually see the dog once or twice a week (sometimes
less) and, when I do greet her she gets so excited that she jumps on
me, slobbers on my arms, mouths my hands etc. to such an extent that I
now dread going out to where she is, knowing what lies in store for me.


Seems natural enough to me. If you are only seeing the dog once or twice
a week who is spending the 3-4 hours a day with her that she needs? The
reason dogs make good companions is because they have very strong social
needs. Anything less than 3-4 hours a day of interaction is going to
make for not only an unhappy dog, but one very likely to have serious
behavior problems. It isn't normal nor natural for a dog to spend a
signficant amount of time alone.

Basically, I would like to keep the dog but wish she would be more
"cat-like" and mellow, that is, I wouldn't mind her coming up to me
when she sees me but I would prefer to just pet her and show affection
without her getting so excited.


Your wishes for the dog are not realistic. They aren't fair to either
you or the dog. If you wanted something fairly calm and independent then
you selected the wrong breed for sure, and the wrong species most likely.

One of the things you will need to consider is the effect of all this on
your child. YOU may be having problems with the dog, but how does your
child feel about it? Do you just give up when things don't go as
expected? Or when you make a mistake do you take a deep breath and meet
the challenge of making things right? No matter what decision you make
your child will learn something from it. Exactly how you handle it will
influence what your child learns. And most of us can tell you from
experience that the lesson, whatever it is, will be profound and long
lasting. I strongly suggest you have a chat with a child professional
such as a child psychologist to get some perspective on this.

Now, I **KNOW** it's a dog and not a cat, and that I can't really expect a dog
(especially a young one) to be as mellow as a housecat. But I'm wondering
if/when I can expect this overly-excited and annoying behavior to reduce or
cease?


There is a lot you can to do make the dog's behavior more acceptable, but
that means a lot of change. Your story is all too common. Your
experience is why we kill millions of dogs every year. It is common for
people to acquire puppies without having a realistic understanding of
what is involved. Many people will research the right brand of toaster
more carefully than they will consider the right living animal. You can
buckle down and provide this dog its social and physical needs, and end
up with a wonderful companion. Or you can contact Golden Retreiver
rescue and try to place the dog. What will not work is continuing along
the same lines. The dog is not going to change until and unless its
needs are met, that means becoming part of the family, getting daily
exercise WITH family members, getting some structure etc.

The lack of care and concern from the person who placed the dog with you
is why I so much focus on responsible breeding. It wasn't fair to either
of you, and not fair to your child either. A responsible breeder would
have made sure you had more realistic expectations, and would have been
there for guidence and advice.

Diane Blackman
http://www.dog-play.com/

 




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