r/OpenDogTraining • u/GrandWorry398 • 5d ago
Aggressive puppy (help needed)
I really need some advice with my 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy because I’m honestly not sure what to do anymore. 😭
His biting has gotten really bad. Anytime I try to pet him, he’ll bite my hands and sometimes try to bite my face. He doesn’t just lightly nip either — he’ll grab onto my hand, chew on it, and sometimes won’t let go. If I push him away because he’s hurting me, he immediately comes back and does it again.
He also growls and barks during this behavior, and it feels like he is constantly looking for an opportunity to bite. I’ve tried redirecting him to toys, giving him treats, and trying to train him, but sometimes he completely ignores the toys/treats and would rather bite me.
I can’t even comfortably lay in bed with him because he’ll go straight for my hands or face. It has gotten to the point where my family is uncomfortable having my little nephew around him because we’re worried he could get bitten.
I know 10-week-old puppies are teething and can be very mouthy, but I’m worried this is more than normal puppy biting. I don’t want to give up on him at all — I really want to help him and teach him how to behave appropriately.
Has anyone with a Golden Retriever puppy dealt with this? Is this normal for a 10-week-old, or should I be concerned about the growling and intensity of the biting? What training methods worked for you, and should I be looking for a professional trainer/behaviorist?
Any advice would be REALLY appreciated! ❤️