[nolefan]

I've noticed that it almost exclusively happens at home.[/B] When we're out trying to socialize him he is all licks and affection to both us and strangers that want to say hi...

Congratulations, you have a very typical Golden puppy. However, this doesn't mean that it's acceptable. He is in the phase where this should have been nipped in the bud. (no pun intended )

The fact that you've noticed it's almost always happening at home tells you that you need to be doing more to engage him and more to be the one in charge. He's playing and he's bored, it doesn't happen when he's out and about seeing and learning new things and being distracted by the world around him.

Have a big stuffed toy handy at all times so you can play tug with him and let him have an outlet for his teething. Keep treats handy at all times so you can turn any outburts into a 'redirection' - have him 'sit' or give a command he knows and reward the good behavior with a treat. (no treats for biting) Have him drag a leash in the house, cut off short, to use to control him if the biting is frequent. Do not allow him to intimidate you with the teeth. He has to learn he can't put teeth on people.

At home, keep track of his schedule. Have a set schedule of sleep or time in the crate with a frozen stuffed kong or a 'pickle pocket' (look for them on amazon, excellent toy) or a raw beef shank so that he has an appropriate chewing outlet. Then alternate time between playing games with him or spending time training. The time to teach him a formal retrieve is now. Jackie Mertens Dvd 'sound beginnings' is a terrific start or you can look up bill hillman videos on youtube. This is the best thing you can do to be able to get him adequate exercise as he grows into a teenage puppy. You can also look up DIY agility equipment and make a wobble board, buy a heavy duty children's play tunnel, get a baby pool and buy some bubbles to play outside. Take him out on a long line and practice recalls (puppy ping pong where he bounces back and forth between to family members).

If you're not signed up for obedience classes, it's time. This is a 1-2 year investment in the quality of life you'll have with your Golden. Worth every bit of time and money invested. Do you have a way to meet people with nice young dogs who could be potential puppy play dates? Obedience clubs can be a great resource for this. Ask around to neighbors and friends. One or two, supervised, puppy play dates, about 20 minutes at a time, can really take the edge off of an energetic puppy who likes to rough house.

Lastly, Take a hard look at your schedule. Be honest with yourself, how many hours is puppy spending crated while you sleep, cook dinner, commute to work, work, run errands, etc. If you have a typical schedule with responsibilities, by the time you fulfill them you will have zero time for yourself if you're raising the puppy properly. A half hour to have a glass of wine and watch a show on netflix and that's it. THe rest of the time is spent engaging him. Again, big investment of time. But it should pay off with better behavior.