How to Stop a Golden Retriever Growling Aggressively

Just like their human owners, dogs like golden retrievers have a vocabulary of their own, of which growling is probably the most aggressive form of expression.  This is, of course, aside from the actual attacks made by dogs on other dogs and on humans, which is another story altogether.

When your dog starts growling excessively, you are well advised to take the matter seriously.  You want to avoid situations when said growling escalates into more dangerous situations especially when you have children and elderly people in the house.  You have many options in this regard, all of which should be considered one after the other, or better yet, as parts of a whole approach to stop your golden retriever from growling excessively, inappropriately and dangerously so.

Consult a Veterinarian

For the most part, growling in dogs is an expression of either physical pain or emotional threats.  Thus, your first step is to determine which of these two instances your golden retriever falls into and then take the appropriate action.

You have to observe your pet.  If he is growling even when there appears to be no threats present, say, someone taking his food away or intimidating him in any way, then your next step is to consult a veterinarian.  This way, any medical problems that can lead to aggressive behavior like growling, biting and barking can be ruled out, if possible.  Your dog may be feeling unwell and, hence, will express extreme displeasure at even the slightest threat to its already tenuous sense of well-being.

If medical problems are, indeed, the cause of the aggressive behavior, then you and your veterinarian should take appropriate action.  More often than not, your golden retriever will stop growling once whatever is ailing your pet been successfully treated.

Consult a Behavioral Specialist or a Dog Trainer

Now, there are two instances when you should consult a dog behavioral specialist or a dog trainer.  First, when your pet still continues to growl even after the medical ailment has been successfully treated and, second, when medical problems have been ruled out in the first place.  Usually, these professionals will provide aggression and obedience training for your golden retriever.  The ultimate aim is to stop the aggressive behavior by addressing the causes that may be behind it.

You and other family members should actively participate with the aggression training at some point.  After all, you will be the ones with whom your golden retriever should follow commands about stopping aggressive behavior particularly the growling part.

Your consultations with a dog trainer or a dog behavioral specialist will also yield practical advice related to how to stop your golden retriever from growling.  The most important of these tips include:

* Never punish your dog for something that he may well have the right to do in the face of perceived threats to his well-being.
* Always establish your leadership of the pack that, in this case, means asserting your authority by telling your dog “No” in a firm voice.
* Do not disturb your dog while he is eating as this can threatening in his point of view.

It can be easy to stop your golden retriever from growling.  The important thing is that you are willing to take appropriate action.