Young gundogs are often a bit 'mouthy'

How are you responding to her when she does bite and nip? My Lab was VERY mouthy when I adopted him, it was constant. I found that consistency was key: every single time your dog puts his teeth in anyone's skin, you should say a firm 'no' OR yelp AND turn your back, or walk away for a few minutes.

You all have to be on the same page with this; it's no good one of you doing it if the rest of the family don't.

Also: I agree with you about being careful how much exercise your puppy gets. Goldens, like Labs, are very prone to hip dysplasia, so follow your vet's advice on this. However - there is no limit to how much MENTAL stimulation your pup can have!

Look online and you'll find lots of fun training games and exercises. Not only will it tire your pup out, and thus keep her calmer, but you'll also find it will increase the bond between you

Best of luck and remember, six months is still very young


RE FOOD:

Might definitely be an idea to try something else, especially if you noticed a difference when she was on something else. My Lab had constant itchy ears until I put him on a wet food (Wainwrights trays).

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Too much choice maybe? Rotate them by putting most away in a box then swap out for a fresh toy when one loses it play appeal.

Has mixed with other dogs at a young age to learn that biting is wrong?

Thanks again for all the comments. She has been socialised as much as possible. Puppy class once a week, meeting lots of different dogs in the parks and has a couple of play mates that she has a good roll around with. Both older and I think teach her a bit of respect.

She can be the perfect dog sometimes she sits well, lays down, waits for her treats and her dinner (even if we leave the room breifly) until we give the go ahead. Her recall is ok but runners and cyclists are quite appealing to her. I don't think we have found the right 'high reward' treat for her yet to get a response sometimes. have tried chicken, liver, sausage, ham, cheese etc but nothing that she is massively over excited about.

The posts are full of good ideas that we will try, some things we were doing, some not but it is good to hear that we are going in the right direction (kind of). The main thing it seems is consistency. We will try the 2/3 walks a day and an indoor lead (we have numerous stair gates around the house for containment) for those times when she is really out of control. Also I think trying her on a natural dog food without the additives is a must. Matt

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