Would You Believe Me If I Told You I Am Very Cautious Around Golden Retrievers?

[@girlwiththedogs2]

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[@GlozeaD]

I feel like the reason why golden retrievers are responsible for a lot of bite incidents is because too many people have heard that they are non aggressive and very easygoing dogs and don't actually put the effort in to socializing and training them properly. Also could be that since they are thought as great family dogs, some people think that they can be left unsupervised with young children that just don't understand what you can do with dogs.

[@GlozeaD]

ofc poor breeding is a big part of the reason too

[@ShinyUmbreon106]

There’s plenty of people out there who don’t understand any breed can be aggressive they believe goldens and labs aren’t capable of it cause they are so well known to be great

[@Libbathegreat]

Agreed, also they are a popular choice for a first family dog but parents often aren't aware that they need to teach their young children to respect a dog's space, not pull on their ears, etc. Eventually even the most patient dog in the world will nip if they're being maltreated.

[@GeeTheeStallion]

I agree. Goldens and labs are big jumpers. They get way too excited and owners think it's cute, but they are usually pretty big dogs with sharp claws and a lot of strength.

[@Snipsey01]

@@ShinyUmbreon106 I hate that mentality people have. It's like saying a counselor or therapist can never be mad. So weird

[@geekmastermind]

Golden around ponds/lakes: OH BOY, WATER! WATER WATER WATER! Golden in the bath: OH NOES! I DIE!

[@wolfrevenant1489]

The thing I’ve noticed with golden retrievers is that because they are typically very sociable, friendly and happy to greet people, people assume they are going to be sweet and gentle in every situation, which isn’t true. I’ve noticed they can be prone to some resource guarding and like this golden retriever, be quick to resort to aggression if something happens they don’t appreciate. They are lovely friendly dogs but that doesn’t mean all of them are going to be sweet angels when you put them in other situations.

[@caseycronan9217]

Just like us! Friendly, but not always in stressful situations.

[@Iflie]

You should have a shampoo called "muddy pondwater" , i bet these kinds of dogs would love it, haha

[@llchapman1234]

And 'Dog Derrier' cologne spray 😂

[@Iflie]

@@llchapman1234 Yeah or "dead fish on the beach" They'd be the most popular dog at the dogpark afterwards (and not anywhere else haha)

[@CrayolaCoffeeBean]

😂😂

[@Marie45610]

Peanutbutter

[@jennypratt5345]

Too mild. Green and stinking pond water is the only sort worthy of swimming in... mud is for babies!! But when they are really smelly the "horse trough" is the first port of call... the bath comes after that.

[@alisonorigel573]

My golden is great for grooming! He sees the nail clipper and he gives you his paw. He pulls me into the salon!!❤️

[@16MedicRN]

There's going to be a hundred comments like this 😂

[@lisaanglim9588]

Mine sees the clippers and tries to bail from the couch where I coached him so I can trim his nails.

[@joyLoveC]

Aww…. that’s so cute giving you his paw 🐾

[@alisonorigel573]

@@lisaanglim9588 mine does that when he sees the bottle of ear cleaner 😅

[@btsm.4668]

Rofl…

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

You are so right. Socialize your pup frequently and early to LOTS of new noises, sights, sounds and people. 🐕

[@Celaeno725]

For this being his first ever groom he took the blow dryer like a champ! But I know how you feel about goldens - i think a lot of people think that because golden retrievers are perceived as such gentle family dogs that people forget they're still dogs (dogs with amazing temperaments but dogs nonetheless).

[@MerriSpaulding]

I wish more dog owners understood the importance of exposing dogs as puppies to lots of different situations and stimuli in a positive and calm way. Some dogs are more nervous by nature, but owners can really help build their confidence and tolerance.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

Somebody did an awfully good job of socializing my dog, and I benefit from it. He's a rescue, so I don't know who.

[@vb7794]

Classic golden, give them a cold puddle they'll jump into it, but a nice hot shower? TERRIFYING XD

[@MrBubblygoodness]

Goldens are such popular dogs that unfortunately makes them easy targets for backyard breeders. This not only lead to bad temperament and reactivity, but also early hip problems. They are the most wonderful dogs, but I've also seen extremely aggressive ones.

[@sgram09]

Any dog, any time. You are such a professional.

[@debrajensen7440]

I agree with everything you said about aggression in dogs. I'm 68 & have a 9 yr old Staffy that I adopted when she was 2 yrs old. She is a nervous dog! She hates the vet's office & has to be muzzled for anyone other than me or my husband to examine her. She loves strangers & is not aggressive with humans but other dogs is another thing. Some dogs She has liked BUT I have encountered aggressive labs & Goldens which shocked me! They will bark their heads off as we walk by but my dog just looks at them like they're crazy. Love your channel!! Thank you for teaching me more than just grooming. I own the equigroomer & my cat loves it as much as the dog! ❤❤❤

[@barbarawiddowson635]

I remember striking up a conversation with a guy whilst waiting for my friends to arrive. It turned out he bred golden labs and in the course of the conversation he mentioned he had a dog he didn't breed from as he didn't trust her. I was shocked as I'd always thought of them as kind and loving which he agreed with but said you can get one who's nervous or their temperament is a bit off. It's something I've always kept in mind. Of course socializing helps prevent most problems later on. Thank you Vanessa.

[@gzkarr3730]

13:45 The look of, "I'm so ashamed! Treated like a common criminal!"

[@rebeccalongoria631]

My dog was 1/2 lab and who knows what else. She was the best kids dog ever, she was such a mother hen with them .if they were doing something in the backyard that they weren't supposed to she would have different barks to alert me. She never showed any aggression and loved to play with my kids in the backyard. When we had to put her down due to her extreme pain of cancer it was losing a family member. RIP Peanut butter you was one in a million 😢

[@jennifermarcum2231]

My nieghbors had a golden retriever growing up. That dog bit everybody. The mailman, grocer, the lady down the street, the lady up the street, people at the park.....

[@inmydarkesthour2278]

Not funny but how you wrote it is lol...hopefully not blood bites though

[@melanieannplans2666]

Thank you so much for bringing to light the fact that not *all* family dogs are going to be the happy-go-lucky dogs people may see on TV and on social media. I have seen a Golden Retriever attack a friend at a campground because it was trained to be a guard dog; I've also had a Golden Retriever/Collie mix who loved absolutely every body. I've also *never* had a negative experience with a Pittie, except for a wrily puppy. You were absolutely wonderful with Louie, Vanessa! It was obvious by the end of the groom that he was most trusting of you.

[@IgnatSolovey]

A friendly and sociable pit-bull is dangerous in another way. I have a colleague who has such pittie. Gábór (the dog's name, Hungarian for whatever reason) loves absolutely all people, all other dogs and maybe even some cats, an easygoing guy (like his owner)... but he's still a pit-bull, 20 kilos of very well trained muscles. With a respective potential (and kinetic energy). So when this happy camper runs head over paws to greet you, it's about the same as a 40 lbs iron cannonball aimed for your knee caps or belly from a rifled gun...

[@kelly-bq2rq]

I had a Golden named Sam. Sweetest dog ever. Lived on 30 acres far from a dirt road. Sam never wandered off so when I went to work sometimes he would stay outside. One day I received a phone call from the power company. Apparently Sam cornered the meter reader and would not let him move. Sam growling and barking at him. Finally he let him leave after about 30 minutes. I was like my dog? Sam? The gentlest dog ever?! On one hand I thought Good Boy! But on the other hand I am glad the meter guy was ok. They asked me to make sure Sam was in the house next time and would give me a notice when they would be there.

[@Katwrangler12]

Our German Shorthair pointer did the same thing!

[@ferretyluv]

And then there’s the golden that was so friendly he made friends with a robber and just let him take the jet ski.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

We had an eighty pound german shepherd mix. Our local power company sent around a gentleman who was substituting for the normal meter reader. He entered the backyard, our German Shepherd said. Oh no, you don't and he too cornered. The meter reader in the yard about four feet inside the gate. I approached them, both told our dog to calm down and he sat down on his butt, but kept growling. The meter reader dude says i'm gonna die.Aren't I? I said no, just don't move without me being with you. So I escorted him to the meter reader.He read the thing and our dog was just there with us.He's growling. To top it off, the meter reader, had to go further down our street, about a half mile checking all the other houses about every other house has a dog outside. I told him this he said, I think i'm gonna go to another neighborhood and let the regular guy come back here tomorrow. 😂

[@tunguska8170]

I once had to deal with a Labrador whose owner convinced me that the dog was not aggressive. Everything was calm until, of course, the clawing happened. Someone must have been watching, because while I always clip the back paws first, so I might have once decided that I exceptionally needed to start with the front ones, in the case of this labrador, starting with the back ones saved my face from a serious bite.... It took literally just a few centimeters for me to probably have a scar for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, he reacted badly to the muzzle - he threw himself in all directions. When I informed the owner that the dog almost disfigured my face, she just said that she forgot to mention the claws. I, of course, didn't believe it, because if it wasn't his first visit, previous groomers would surely have informed that the dog was reacting with aggression and real biting. Because no groomer will accept such a dog no matter the amount when lives are at stake. The owner was not even shocked when I told her about the situation, so she was prepared for possible problems. Since then, I have it in my terms and conditions that the owner is to confess outright if the dog reacts to something with aggression, or else he will pay dearly for the treatment.

[@cathryng3849]

"I don't think that you got the memo that you are a golden retriever"

[@kecollyer]

You’ve said before that animals are unpredictable - that 100% goes for Golden Retrievers too, despite their reputation as big, soft babies.

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

We have a Golden Retriever who lives next door, and she's impossible. They got her as a puppy for their daughter, and the daughter is scared of the dog (she jumps up, and I think that it's just overwhelming to the daughter, who is autistic). So anytime the daughter is out of her room, the dog gets thrown into her crate. The dog escaped one time, came into my yard, and when I tried to help the owner round her up, she growled and lunged. P

[@juliocastaneda5940]

This was a nice job despite his 1st visit, and grats on getting your 2nd channel to 1 mil subscribers 🎉

[@ECole-le7we]

Expert and compassionate grooming as always

[@PamJacksom-xq5rx]

Louie was nervous, but hung in there, beautiful boy!

[@missykay25]

This is definitely something I learned and was surprised by when I got my golden retriever; they are nervous boys. We did all the socializing as he was growing up since we were training him to be a service dog. In the early stages he was so unbelievably nervous about everything. He did eventually gain confidence as we worked with him, but it was tough. We did have to resort to grooming him ourselves, though, because no matter what we did, he was too nervous to go to any groomers. That being said, we've also learned the hard way about nails. We once, just once, cut his nails too short as a puppy because we didn't realize how easy it was to do so on puppy nails, and you are so right about them holding a grudge. He's never growled or showed aggression, but anytime we try to clip/dremel his nails, he WILL be yanking his paw away from us. He has thankfully gotten better about this the more at-home grooming sessions he's had with no clipping the quick, but he is never a happy camper when it comes to nail time

[@Scarybutnicetm]

Goldens are the only type of dog I'm nervous around. As a kid walking home from school, a golden rushed out of a garage and started trying to bite me. It got my backpack, and then once I ran away far enough, it went back to the house. I was fine, but 20 years later, I'm extra cautious around them.

[@dishmurphy6539]

I’d love to see you follow one of these nervous dogs from their 1st groom to see how they become more comfortable with the process ✌️💚

[@LeannaRuthJensen]

I have also seen how not caving to bad behavior helps my dogs calm down and just let me get on with it. Louie seems to have had a good experience.

[@michelledml3162]

He is so jumpy and has that scar on his face...I wonder if his human rescued him from an abusive situation.

[@CatherineHurley-wk8ef]

Yes, I was also wondering about that scar - and hoping it was from surgery.

[@sadmac356]

Yeah I thought that was a tear stain at first, but if that's a scar…I wonder if his human rescued him and that's related to why he's so jumpy, especially around his head

[@DelaneyMurphy-cv8zu]

Golden Retrievers are absolutely beautiful! ❤️

[@dannsherstone1037]

I had a rescued greyhound. When they race greyhounds they trim the nails back past the quick; they don't care that this is painful and the nails bleed. I had to take her to the vet for nail trims. She didn't get mean about nail trims; she screamed in absolute terror.

[@glendagai]

This is so sad. What we do to animals.

[@b0nsaibabe]

Oh my goodness, poor baby.

[@ladyjustice1474]

Sweet Lou is definitely very nervous. Poor boy doesn't understand the grooming is to help him feel better over all. He is a sweet pup.

[@pysvtfa4]

You aren’t kidding they never forget when a quick gets cut. When I took my puppy for her vaccination series, the tech insisted on trimming her nails EACH TIME. Of course she got one too short. By the time my girl was 2 she was unbelievably strong. Each attempt at a nail trim became a “you and what army?” situation. We eventually had to anesthetize her and grind them off completely, followed by a course of antibiotics. We did that maybe three times and her doctor said no more because it wasn’t a healthy solution. She had virtually no hip joints so walking her on hard surfaces to wear them down wasn’t an option-we walked and played on grass or trails. She was 10 before we could clip her nails. I know the vet tech was just trying to get her used to having her feet handled, but however well intended, she created a horrible situation. Her last vet was a Ruth whisperer and he could sit on the floor next to her and take out stitches and clip her nails and she blew him kisses the whole time 😂

[@wurzelaus9]

Poor Louis, He looks rather skinny, hope He will be less anxious for his next groom. Your reading of the dog is spot on! Please show us that you provide them with a bowl of water ❤❤❤

[@Taysel9821]

He’s not skinny, he is just not overweight like 99% of Goldens are.

[@verdeverde2763]

He’s so fluffy

[@ademers03]

Ive done my dog's nail too short once..... ;-; and she's a shiba inu. You can imagine the DRAMA that ensues each time i have to trim her nails.

[@b0nsaibabe]

To be fair that’s super painful, you literally hit a nerve

[@StormyDawn]

Goldens are HEAVILY over-bred as well. Especially here in my state. They aren't breeding correctly

[@voutsider190]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@LadyValette]

Yes. We had a golden retriever that was very overprotective of my step brother. Even turning on the light in the room to get him up for school was something you had to be careful about. I knew a Rottweiler that would nip my ankles playfully that I was never afraid of but the golden retriever I was.

[@verdeverde2763]

Louie is sooo cute

[@maryfreyre3170]

Yes! I was an ER nurse and had been around golden retriever for years. I had a sweet older las a patient, whose sister’s rescue golden nearly bit her face off when she bent down to pet another dog. Sad for both the lady and the old golden retriever She said she think she may have startled the dog.

[@berthagreen1620]

You won him over. Good job as always.

[@woodkirk_37]

Awh Louie you did well . Next time will be easier ❤❤

[@heatherwhaley7623]

I had two Golden Retriever Redbone Hound mixes one time. The male was the meanest dog around smaller animals, as well as a great big chicken. I took precautions, used a muzzle when required. He lived a good long life, but you just couldn't trust him around smaller dogs. The female version was the sweetest girl but she was the alpha of the two. Never an issue with her.

[@Becky-pw2kr]

My Gracie looks just like Louie, she’s 1 1/2 and also hates her nails trimmed, but is getting better. She doesn’t bite but will show me her teeth and put her mouth over my hand, I tell her no, show her the clippers, but I don’t stop the trim. It’s a tale of too strong wills. ❤

[@hjordinl1936]

Love goldens ❤

[@GotWag]

Goldens are the most wonderful dogs. I've had 5 over the years (my first I worked as a human remains detection/SAR dog) and there's just nothing like them. I've only had one who liked a bath; the others, who would immerse themselves in the nastiest mud puddle in a heartbeat or lay in the grass in a downpour, acted like bath time was torture time. However.... ANY dog can be aggressive, ANY dog certainly can bite if they are afraid, stressed, poorly socialized, have little or no training, etc. Socialization & exposing them to every sight & sound imaginable is key, as is training the human how to train the dog.

[@jessica232]

I wonder if he appreciated you being firm throughout the groom because he definitely seemed a lot more relaxed in the last few shots.

[@emilytolman46]

Beautiful dog!!!❤

[@CatbotsAttack]

I think it's funny how dogs will be the first ones to jump into dirty puddles and pools, but hate getting a bath 😂

[@bonniepwtf]

I was married to a Louie, he was difficult too. 😂

[@Rachael121]

This made me chuckle 😆😆😆

[@bonniepwtf]

@Rachael121 😆

[@marisar8261]

Best comment

[@SusieWebster-wo5vo]

LOL!! 😊

[@angiehaddington6462]

😆😆😆

[@andreahall6007]

Amazing job love and patience Vanessa ❤️ 💕 💖

[@susanshattuck4911]

I had a female golden retriever and she was wonderful! Very obedient and gentle. I have to agree that this is unusual behavior for a golden. I think Mr Louis is just a young pup! I’m sure he will chill as he gets older.

[@belikereepicheep]

Some of the most aggressive dogs I've ever seen were Golden Retrievers. No I'm not kidding. Edit: Not saying THIS DOG is aggressive, he just was nervous. But I've seen a lot of golden's with temperament issues or aggression, very strange. Must be over-breeding or something.

[@kathygreer2097]

💯

[@Pugggle]

​@@kathygreer2097what a lot of owners don't really get is that most dog aggression comes from fear and nervousness. Aggression doesn't always mean a nasty dog, in most cases it means the dog is nervous / fearful and past its threshold

[@crazyleyland5106]

The same happened with Labradors in Britain in the 70s and 80s

[@WakingMoon83]

Good boy, Louie!

[@NicoAndStephenScherrCrowkiller]

Sweetie, something I found with our old girl who was sadly badly abused before we adopted her, is that if we play classical music in the background and talk to her like you do with your beautiful gentle and kind voice it helps to keep her calm. And she's huge. A German Mastif boar hound an Tabetin Mountain Dhephard sheep dog mix. But you are fabulous with these special guys like this. Blessings ❤.

[@Salix1505]

I absolutely believe you’re cautious around them. In my 13 years of walking my dogs in my little suburban neighborhood the dogs we’ve been charged at, and almost attacked by are Labrador and Golden Retrievers. I’ve talked with a few of these owners and some of the things I’ve found that could be reasons for this is: they don’t understand genetics. There are huge differences between show line dogs, working line dogs, and backyard bred dogs. Most of the people I’ve talked to wanted the calm show line temperament, but ended up getting a backyard bred dog off Craigslist. They also put these dogs up on a pedestal. Meaning, they’re considered the perfect family dog and that’s the expectation from day one. What the owners don’t understand is they can be the perfect family dog if you put in the work of proper socialization and training, and the owners I’ve talked to didn’t do either. Their dogs spend almost all of their time in the house and backyard, and social animals kept in confinement with nothing to do usually don’t turn out well adjusted.

[@becketthutchinson9208]

My dog has been attacked 4 times in his life and 3 dogs were Goldens. I read a study about what dogs are more likely to bite and Golden's and doodles are up there. I think because people get these dogs assuming they are just great family pets (which they can be!) and don't do the socialization and training needed to be the best dogs they can be. I've never met an aggressive pitbull, but I get nervous with unknown Golden's. My dog is now wary of Golden's, and makes sense! Last one took his toy and when h was walking behind the golden it turned around and bit his neck leaving a puncture wound. And the dog was jumping up at me and kept hitting me in the face with paws. Owners did nothing. Was a HUGE golden and I'm seeing so many more big ones these days. They have potential to be amazing dogs...but many people don't put in the effort that is needed for all dogs to be happy and well adjusted.

[@averynelson1186]

Exactly

[@averynelson1186]

People will hear "great family dogs" and assume that means "easy" or "no work." These are animals that still need to be socialized, trained, exercised. There are NO breeds, no pets period, that don't require research and effort.

[@jonok42]

Goldens and Goldendoodles are very strongly attached to their people, so they need people who can lead them or they are nervous. Most dogs need this, but "velcro" dogs need it more. I have a miniature Goldendoodle, and she's a great dog, but she can be reactive and fearful with big overzealous dogs. She would bite them, and I know it, so I try to keep them back. People with larger breed dogs are the worst about controlling their dogs, and they think they know how to have them off leash. Makes it very scary when they come running toward my dog.

[@janettrauger2338]

Same experience for my dog, attacked by 3 different Goldens. He was very soft and would not ever defend himself. He became very distrustful of every Golden he met. My friend's Golden was a rescue and they told her at the time of adoption he was not good with other males. She adopted anyway and he in fact had a significant problem with other male dogs. Not every dog is bred the same and backyard breeders are probably not breeding for the great temperament.

[@marley7659]

My sister’s golden has always had a problem with jumping up to people’s eyes. He likes being eye level with people. We have tried training him in a professional setting and taking dog training tips. Not very effective for him.

[@amywakefield1828]

think this just shows no matter what breed all dogs as puppies need to socialize even the ones that are very friendly

[@ruthbraden-l6h]

LOVE suggestion Muddy Pond Water.. They really stink after ickky pond swims!

[@16MedicRN]

Nope, not those murderous hands! You tricked me with the treat at first, but no more!

[@KathyBGood]

oh, this video will be my reward after I clean today!

[@alessa9041]

Thank you for bringing awareness to this Vanessa! My golden retriever, Rusty is turning 3 in November. He is my first dog and I unknowingly got him from a backyard breeder (didn’t know what those even were at the time) and was uneducated on what “socialization” actually meant. Mine was a resource guarder ever since he was a baby puppy, which makes me think he was the runt of the litter (he’s so small). I didn’t know what resource guarding was or how the severity was and let him play with other dogs. At 6 months old, he attacked another puppy and it needed stitches. Ever since then, he’s been to 2 board and trains (both about a month long each) and we tried to socialize the correct way after being taught by a trainer but the damage was already done. He’s extremely dog aggressive and will lunge/growl/bite at any dog in sight. He’s better with humans but not so great. He absolutely hates men but can warm up to women with a lot of distance and time. I’ve tried his entire life to get him back to being a “normal” dog but unfortunately he probably will never be. It’s hard to take him on walks because people think he’s extremely friendly. I have to avoid the people altogether because it’s hard to explain that you have a fearful, aggressive dog when he looks so happy and excited to see a person. The issue is that once they get too close, he might allow a pet or two in before changing his mind and biting the person almost without warning. Aside from strangers and dogs, he’s always been sweet as a pea to my boyfriend and I. On the grooming side of things, he’s been turned down by every professional groomer so I groom him myself. He likes the bath if he’s feeling itchy, hates the blow dryer (we go for a long walk to dry him), and dislikes but will tolerate nails. He hates getting his teeth brushed, loves getting his ears cleaned and loves getting his grinch feet trimmed!

[@Mijah1016]

I have watched a shocking video on YT where two golden retrievers mauled another dog to death. While these dogs are often viewed as social and friendly, it's crucial to recognize that, like all breeds, they require proper socialization and training. Without this, their behavior can become unpredictable.

[@sikejae]

I feel like there’s a huge misconception that goldens are the “standard sweet dog” when in reality they’re just like every other dog, teach them the right things! it’s all about how you raise a dog that results in how they act.

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

I don’t think I’ve EVER seen a dog’s tail tucked so far between it’s legs. What a bundle of nerves! Poor thing.

[@lettherebelight.]

Louis the love! Great groom as always! Just love you!

[@ginaheller333]

I believe you! I had the sweetest chocolate lab, and a vet tech hit the quick, once! After that, only the vet could take care of her nails without knocking her out first.

[@lisaanglim9588]

I really like how you brush the paws in the opposite way the hair grows to get the foot to look better. My dog has grinch feet and if I try that next time I trim his feet.

[@4551ore]

Pro tip from a trainer and groomer myself: cut back on the "its okays" and other reassurance. The only time most dogs hear those words is when something "bad" is happening that they don't like, so they come to associate those words = bad things happening and it can make their stress WORSE. Verbal reassurance isn't going to help most dogs who are already in a state of high arousal/stress, and they can pick up the stress in your tone too. You see it in cases of reactive dogs too, the owner has said its okay so much that its almost like a trigger phrase that kickstarts their reactivity because they learned that "it's okay" means there's something to worry about nearby.

[@VisionaryGardener]

Vanessa IS a pro.

[@qwmx]

I wondered about that a couple of times. If patting them when they're scared makes them associate with bad, voicing it might do the same, though I wonder what would be the better way to make things tolerable for the dog.

[@doberchic]

When you get a dog from a breeder of GOOD ethic the dog is NOT FREAKING OUT WHEN HAVING NAILS WORKED ON! THE END. A good breeder has been working night and day acclimating puppies to all sorts of situations, having nails worked on is part of the process !!!

[@DonnaMSchmid]

The over-breeding of Golden Retrievers in the past 40-50 years has dramatically changed them. Unless you go to a top-notch show breeder, you will likely end up with a dog like this one: thin-coated, highly nervous and reactive, and oftentimes aggressive. I've had Goldens for over 40 years, and at least 35 years ago my vet started telling me that he was seeing atypical behaviors (such as nervousness and aggression) in Goldens coming into his office. At that time, it was hard to believe about such a wonderfully laid-back and friendly breed... But now, sadly, that seems to be the norm!

[@paulwest3905]

Just like humans, if you rely on stereotypes odds are you are going to get a surprise- maybe not a good one either. ANY dog can be suspect and unless you know them prepare for the worst. As someone else said, it might only be one trigger but that is all it might take. You're a trooper V!

[@iamkah4789]

Very valid reasoning. My own Golden was a rescue from a very bad abusive situation. She used to be aggressive towards people and kids but as she gets older, she more avoids people. Forced Proximity to strangers will result in lip curls, growls and snapping.

[@jenifermorrell1918]

I'm curious if this nail thing holds true for Labs, too. I got too close to the quick once and he has never forgotten. It's challenging.

[@Pink_Llama]

I haven't even watched the video and I say 'YES' to your title! Not all retrievers are sweet, it all depends on the dogs personality and how well they've been socialized.

[@timthetoolpool]

My golden sheds 365 days a year.

[@ShadowSkyX]

What do you mean? They shed only twice a year! First time only last the first six months and the second time lasts the last six months! 😂

[@elainelear4982]

Gorgeous coat colors.

[@glosteiger2517]

My dogs favorite part is the dryer. She loves it.

[@ninakaiser2930]

Oh Boy, such a scaredy dog! Obviously his paws were the Golden timer coming to an end 😅

[@rediband]

I knew it! Those things really are 'happy demons'.

[@carolynallisee2463]

Yes, I think I would, and here's why. The Golden Retriever is the Hippo of the dog world, along with the Labrador. The general perception is that both dog breeds are amiable, a little goofy, perhaps, and totally trustworthy. Hippos are also seen as being gentle giants, being herbivores, and those large rotund bodies don't look capable of rapid motion. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hippos can be lightning fast, and they are vicious with it. More people die each year from hippo attacks than they do any other animal in Africa... often because the unfortunate casualty misjudged the situation they were in. Now, I am not saying Golden Retrievers and Labradors are vicious, far from it. But their apparently laid back nature and the common perception of them might encourage people to take liberties with them that they wouldn't do with other breeds, as well as the fact that some dogs in the breed will have shorter fuses than others, and will snap far quicker. Plus, being laid back, they may not give much, if any warning, before attacking. So yes, I don't blame you for being cautious. As they say, its the quiet ones that are the most dangerous!

[@carolineindacityphx]

It is always interesting how the dog takes the treat at the end, not at the beginning. I would guess it is a sign of trust?

[@natasagajic1061]

I would have never believed that golden retrievers could be aggressive... until one recently lunged to bite my hand. I was walking with my friend and there was a lady with a golden retriever on a leash, talking excitedly with her friend. The dog seemed very stressed out and was barking angrily. My friend and I decided to walk single file next to the dog since the sidewalk was not that wide, in hope that giving the dog a bit more space would help de-stress the dog a little. As my friend was passing, the dog stopped barking and calmly let my friend pass. But then I was passing by, I looked at the dog and smiled (because one always needs to silently greet every puppy!), happy that the dog seemed calmer now. But then he lunged for me. It seemed out of nowhere to me. He was obviously going for my hand, but luckily, since he was leashed, the owner managed to pull him back before he managed to bite. He did leave some somewhat nasty (luckily nothing too bad) scratch marks on my thigh. His owner didn't care whatsoever. Not only she didn't apologize, she didn't even look at me, just continued chatting with her friend... And I was left there standing, without any clue of what I have done to trigger him 😳 To make things worse, it was a service dog. I have never seen or heard of an aggressive service dog.

[@algernon_2023]

1. Never look a strange dog in the eyes. 2. Smiling to a dog can be perceived as an aggressive baring of teeth. 3. That wasn't a service dog. It was a poorly trained pet with a fake service vest.

[@PredictableEnigma]

A service dog barking and the owner ignoring it? Not even a service dog in training would be ignored by its handler so that vest was a lie.

[@natasagajic1061]

@@algernon_2023 I'll definitely concede the first point, since no creature, human or otherwise, does things without some kind of motivation, and I must have triggered it somehow 😅 because it let my friend pass without any fuss at all. And me looking at it was the only difference (well, that and my friend being much taller and much stronger that me). I don't think the second point stands because it was a closed mouth smile. I don't really smile at animals with my teeth showing because, as you have said, it might be taken as an act of aggression. I also take care not to make any sudden movements or present strong bursts of excitement due to the same reason. And of course, I cannot speak on the third point, but it was obviously not a well trained dog, but worse than that, the owner didn't care whether her dog injured someone or not.

[@kristashayne7957]

I worked at an animal shelter and the top two dogs I always had to have my guard up with were German shepherds and golden retrievers. I still love them but I’m always cautious with them

[@amygilmore5806]

Yes I do believe you. When I work at PetSmart the only time I almost saw a dog fight was between two intact golden retrievers.

[@AichanKitsune]

It sounds like a lot of these Goldens aren't getting what they need from their owners. Retrievers are puppies for up to 3 years, and will require at least an hour of active exercise a day. This tends to temper their energetic anxious behavior and keep their nails relatively in line.

[@PoecileCinctus]

As someone working with dogs (and other animals, too): it's often not the "scary" breeds I'm worried about. There are problematic owners and problematic dogs in every breed, but generally the truly troubled "scary" dogs tend to meet an early demise... and the owners of "scary" breeds tend to, in most cases, train and socialize their dogs, because they literally have to in order to be able to live with the dog. AND the owners of them tend to be honest about their troubles (for the most part). No, it's often the family pet breeds that have me worried. Since they are cute/fluffy/small/adorable and they can get away with stuff, they can become nightmares if the owners aren't consistent and kind with the training. Think chihuahuas, toy breeds, shelties, corgis, the "small white ones", retrievers, small spaniels etc. As I said, there are always exceptions and some dogs are just harder to train or socialize. The golden retriever in this video seems very scared, so good job on dealing with him calmly and friendly.

[@danh.owdoyoudo]

The tail between the legs made me sad. You had quite the challenge

[@AdultWereWolfPackLeader]

*salutes to Girl With The Dogs 2*

[@davidp2888]

Never met a Golden I didn't like.

[@janahumphries3490]

A little spicy 😂

[@DonnaleeC.]

Oh boy 🫠🫠

[@Keiji555]

I'm a former paper boy, and the only dog that scared the living daylights out of me was a large retriever. As nice as the owners were, I knew they disciplined the dog with the paper. I really do not like that idea. I know my dogs are trained with the squirt bottle, and even the lab fears it. He has no problem jumping in the lake, or getting dirty, but for the bath, he gets pre-bath jitters. But once in the bath, he is perfectly calm, and enjoys the scrub down. And he's perfect with the groomers. The miniature poodle isn't as keen on the topic of baths, but she's still a puppy.

[@lindabloom6666]

I volunteered for many years at a local Golden Retriever Rescue. In my area of PA there are many "puppy mills", mostly run by Amish farmers, where the dogs are bred in the hundreds and then ignored. When they get to be 6 or 7 and the litters start to get smaller, see breeders give the moms to the rescues rather than kill them. This dog looks exactly like a puppy mill dog that is beginning to be socialized by being at the rescue for 2 to three weeks - head shy, tail tucked, a preoccupied, sometimes blank look in the eyes. I have adopted 3 of these dogs and it usually takes three to six months before they start to relax. And they do bite, usually as a last resort during an overwhelming experience.

[@donnaroberts9062]

My 3 Goldie boys were very gentle souls that loved to be groomed🙂

[@Safiyyah-n4d]

i would have thought that an xl bully with canine distemper would act like that

[@Safiyyah-n4d]

so goldies are not sweet angels then ig

[@Narangarath]

What a treat to see a golden retriever at a healthy weight!

[@Nynaeve....]

My vet told me goldens have one of the highest biting percentages. They are great dogs but people take them lightly. Also not all goldens are the same. My female wqnted to be everyone's friend. Dogs and humans alike. My male treated his family and those accpetes into the home as the best of friends but outaide the home he was wary and unfriendly of all dogs and humans he didnt know despite socializing.

[@PredictableEnigma]

I'm never weary of the "scary" looking breeds, but I am always weary of the really popular cute breeds because I know they attract owners that want an "easy pet" and don't teach thier dog the skills they need to be well-adjusted.

[@landy-gyebnar]

I watched this vid with my cornish rex cat who has allergies and has to be bathed regularly. I just bathed her about an hour before watching the vid and she was completely amazed to see another animal being bathed. :)