Tommy is a rescue pup too actually but I got him when he was six months old. I don't know really what his former home was except that he was basically living chained up outside.. but I do know to this day he cringes if you hold an object up in front of him .

Also when we got him we had him neutered right away but he immediately developed bad swelling and some bleeding and the vet discovered he had strychnine (sp?) in his system, common ingredient in rat poison..

We don't know if it was deliberate or not, but for MONTHS we had a problem with him and submissive urination.

Now the only time he submissive urinates is if a stranger kinda suddenly bends over him or reaches for him.

Good luck with your new boy. I think goldens are one of the most loving, cuddly dogs I've known, and I certainly can't see one biting a child.