Raising a Golden Retriever puppy is the definition of controlled chaos, and this video is proof of that. On one hand, you’re showered with endless affection and floppy-eared cuteness. On the other, you’re dealing with teeth marks on your shoes, shredded paper in the living room, and morning wake-up calls before your alarm has even gone off.
It’s a constant tug-of-war between laughter and frustration, and somehow, the pup always comes out on top. A pet parent recently put this balancing act into perspective in a video. He mapped out the five definitive stages of raising a Golden Retriever puppy.
Owner shows what 5 stages of owning Golden Retriever puppy look like in cute video
If you’ve ever wondered what life with a Golden Retriever puppy really looks like, an owner has spelled it out in a way that’s both accurate and hilarious. Sharing a short Instagram Reel, the dog dad outlined what he calls the “5 stages of owning a Golden,” complete with clips of his pup acting out each moment.
Stage one, he explains, is that they’re “always stuck to you.” The puppy is shown following him everywhere, from the kitchen to the living room, sticking close no matter what task his human is doing. Whether grabbing coffee or moving from one room to another, the little Golden refuses to let him out of sight.
Stage two is the “shark teeth” phase, and it’s one that many new dog parents will recognize instantly. The pup is shown nibbling on anything he can get his paws on. The third stage highlights their notorious role as the “sock thief.” Golden Retrievers, it seems, have a special love for stealing socks. The video shows the puppy proudly parading around with his prize.
Stage four is labeled the “wasn’t me” phase. In the clip, the pup is caught red-handed, tearing paper and leaving behind a mess, only to sit in the corner with wide, innocent-looking eyes as though nothing happened. It’s a classic example of the guilty-yet-cute expression that Golden Retrievers have perfected.
Finally, stage five is the “05:00 feed me now” phase. The video shows the puppy sitting right by his owner’s face at dawn, demanding breakfast with a piercing stare. Finally, as a bonus stage, the pet parent reminds viewers that no matter what phase they’re in, Goldens are “always adorable.”
