As cute as puppies are, the Golden Retriever puppy is probably the cutest. They have a lot of energy and liveliness, and they are fun to watch and play with. It is tempting to allow them to jump into your lap, or to climb on the furniture. It is important to remember, though, that puppies don't stay small forever. The behavior that is cute when they weigh only a few pounds won't be so cute when they are sixty-five pounds or more. Also, the habits you allow them to develop while they are young become engrained. It is harder for a dog to change bad habits, and much easier to teach them appropriate behaviors from the start.

Before you even allow your puppy in your home is the ideal time to decide on the limits you will place on your puppy's behavior. Will you allow it to bark whenever it wants to? Will you let it climb up on people's laps, or on the furniture? Just like housebreaking, there are important things to do in order to socialize your puppy, so that it will be a good companion as it grows older.

Golden Retriever puppies tend to nip and chew as they play, as they are getting in their adult teeth and mouthing things feels good. Using a firm voice and removing your hands can discourage it, though. Instead, give your puppy a rope toy or another interesting chew toy. Be sure to praise your puppy when he chews on an appropriate toy. It can also be helpful to not let your puppy out of your sight when he is out of his crate, since they often chew out of curiosity.

Puppies also tend to bark and growl as they play. This is best to curtail from the start. Don't bark or growl at your Golden Retriever puppy while you are playing, as that will encourage the behavior. Along the same lines, some Golden Retrievers smile or talk with a growly sound when they are excited and happy. While it isn't dangerous, it can be confusing to visitors.

It is also important for your Golden Retriever puppy to not begin to be possessive of its food bowl or toys. You should be able to take away toys or food without the puppy growling at you.

Golden Retriever puppies can be a lot of fun to be with and play with, but it is important that they be trained appropriately. Specifically, puppies should be trained to respect people by not growling and barking at them unduly, and to not nip and chew on fingers. They can be taught instead to chew on toys.

They also need to learn to let people touch their food bowl and toys, as a puppy that growls for every little thing is annoying to be around. It may be cute when still a puppy, but this behavior will get old fast as they grow and be harder to get rid of.

Using positive reinforcement is the best way to instill good behavior in your dog, for example, using praise and food. Negative behavior, on the part of the owner, is much less effective. These methods would include yelling, intimidating and getting mad at your dog. Your dog wants to please you and is happiest when you are happy with him.