Golden Puppy Incessant Barking

I have a 5 month old beautiful golden retriever puppy named Sampson :pawprint: . He's got the normal quirks for a puppy: He play bites way too much, he's very active, he needs to be the center of attention at all times, etc. He is true to the breed in that he is VERY friendly to all people and animals, which I love. What I don't love is his recent habit of barking CONSTANTLY. I read somewhere that goldens aren't barkers and if they do they want something. I'm giving him LOADS of attention and plenty of exercise. At puppy class, he's always talking. At home, same deal. And it's not an aggressive-I'm-going-to-eat-your-face bark... it's a c'mon-dad-i-really-want-something bark. I'm not sure what else to do. Should I ignore him in hopes that he will realize that he can't always get what he wants? Or should I cater to him and spoil him rotten? Is the barking my doing or will he "grow out of it?" Either way, I hope it's not here to stay. It's quite frustrating. As always, any help is most appreciated.

have you taught any "settle down" commands? If not, I'd take this opportunity to teach QUIET, ENOUGH, SETTLE, or whatever you choose to call it. When Sampson is barking, give the QUIET command, and as soon as he STOPS barking, treat and/or praise! teach him only one bark is needed, and being quiet will get him things like treats & your attention.

I do not think you should give in and spoil him rotten, although I admit, sometimes it's easy to do just that. He will probably grow out of it. He may have just now "found his voice" and is learning what it can be used to get. Instead of giving in for the barking, give a little extra attention when he stops.

Great advice Jessi. I would also try ignoring him when he barks like that. Turn your back on him, don't look at him, and IGNORE him. He will eventually learn that the unwanted barking will get him nothing. Treat him as soon as he is quiet.

Hi Sintaks, your Golden puppy Sampson is beautiful and is also doing something normal for his age, and to help him to not over voice his opinions is to use a simple word or prase "Quiet" is a good word or "that's enough". Just like jessi76 suggested, and always use the same word and action so when Sampson does the right thing you can give him a big kiss and a hug, telling him he's a good boy to not bark. Also Mehealani770 has a good point that works well also when Sampson is not responding to your comand. I have 3 Goldens and a Chocolate Lab and they all did the over barking stage at the same age Sampson is, so hang in there and enjoy Sampsons puppyhood they grow up so fast, into beautiful loving companions.

Our home has a Retriever doorbell :love: , when someone knocks on our front door my Retrievers say "hello" and my phrase to them is "Quiet Please" and then all is quiet again, till the next visitor. Hahaha! :O)

All great advice. We've been trying the quiet command, but sometimes inadvertently raise our voices, like QUIET!!!! It's tough to have a sweet, loving voice when he's in your mug. We'll try to add patience and tons of rewards to the mix. Thanks everyone!