Is There an Aggressive Golden Retriever?

Given its “hug me” expression and reputation as one of the perfect family pets, it’s difficult to imagine an aggressive Golden Retriever.

The fact remains, however, that, without the proper care, training and environment, the Golden is as capable of aggressive behavior as any dog, and, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), canine aggression, in the form of dog bites, is a serious problem.

Reportedly, more than 4 million persons are bitten by dogs every year. Almost 400,000 of them require emergency room treatment.

Are Golden Retrievers Guilty?

How many of those dog-bite cases can be pinned on aggressive Golden Retrievers? Because of the variables involved in assessing them, precise bite-to-breed statistics are difficult to nail, but one such effort was made by The Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society at the University of Pennsylvania.

Using a questionnaire distributed among a variety of sources and covering some 30 breeds, the study concluded that Golden Retrievers were the least aggressive toward both humans and other dogs. That study does not entirely clear the breed of an occasional aggressive dog.

According to Jacqui Neilson, DVM, DACVB, of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, OR, the aggressive Golden Retriever is most likely found in dominance-related situations.

Finding the Pack Leader

Dominance is an inherent trait in all dogs. It developed when they ran in packs and before they became domesticated. The “dominant” dog was the pack leader and all others were submissive to him.

Today, the “pack” is most likely a family of mom, dad and the kids, but dominance is still vital to the dog. When the owner fails to take the dominant role, there is no clear understanding of the pack/family leadership, and a normally docile Golden Retriever can adopt the role and suddenly become an aggressive Golden Retriever.

The beginning of dominance-related aggression is most often near two years of age, but it can start much earlier.

Aggressive TriggersBecause it perceives itself as dominant, there are a number of triggers that will set off the aggressive Golden Retriever. It might react aggressively to protect its food or a favorite toy. It might react to grooming, being disciplined or even being disturbed when sleeping.

Most acts of the aggressive Golden Retriever are toward family members rather than strangers, and even a change within the family structure — such as a new baby – can trigger one

Taming the Aggressive GoldenWhile its reputation is that of a mellow dog, the Golden is not a calm dog by nature. It’s a working dog bred to be in the field, under the gun and quite active.

Not only does it need a firm owner who will establish him or herself as the dominant leader, the Golden needs both mental and physical exercise on a regular basis. Goldens love to chase. They are quick learners and teaching them to chase and retrieve objects such as tennis balls is the kind of exercise they need.

Swimming, whether in the family pool or a nearby pond or river, is great exercise for this breed. Socializing with other dogs and humans is important and can begin with pups as young as eight weeks. It’s unlikely to find an aggressive Golden Retriever when those steps are taken by a firm and caring owner.