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There are several possible explanations for this behavioral change. Typically this behavior occurs due to sexual hormone influences, dominance behavior, anxiety, and sometimes as a sort of obsessive/compulsive disorder.


You didn't mention if the Golden in question is fixed or not. Also how long has this behavior been present. Was there something that may of changed in the environment when this behavior originated. If the dog is 6 and this behavior is just starting and no environment variable can be identified, it may be medical.

One thing that gave me a red flag though was that you hid his stuffed toys! Please give them back to him immediately. Without them you can be causing him stress and anxiety! Especially in a Golden who usually bears gifts of toys when greeting their owners or guests!

There are some reports of hypothyroidism causing behavioral changes of this
nature and corticosteroids (such as prednisone) sometimes inducing
behavioral changes in dogs. Is the dog on any kind of medication at all? If so for what?

Have your vet check the dog for medical conditions. If the testosterone levels are normal, hypothyroidism is probably not present.

If no medical reason can be found then this would have to be treated as a
behavioral problem. It would be really helpful to have the advice of a
behaviorist in this case, because this can happen as a result of displaced aggression, dominance behavior, stress and probably other reasons. Sorting through these is easier with the help of an expert.

I hope that this helps some. If you can shed any other light on the subject it may help!