An important element of training golden retrievers used with pups has to address the matter of chewing. Golden retriever puppies are notorious for chewing who, left unsupervised, will chew all the way right through your home.

Not surprising really, as a pup makes use of its jaws to investigate its environment. A sport shoe or your favourite suede boots, a plastic toy or an iPhone, a piece of rag or a classy suit; they are not picky and they will mouth if they become bored or during teething or as a result of feeling lonely.

Puppy golden retrievers, like toddlers, are always exploring. They can be viewed as intrinsically inquisitive. So you should keep any property well out of reach. That includes anything you do not wish to go into the puppy’s mouth – books, newspapers, cell phones, garments, iPod, foodstuffs (in particular chocolate which is poison to canines) – and much more.

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