If you notice your golden retriever puppy is a little too laid back for your liking, or if they seem to have lost interest in everything around them, it might be time to take a look at why they're acting this way. 1. Your Golden Retriever Puppy Might Not Be Growing As Fast As They Used To Puppies grow quickly during the first few months of life, but after that growth slows down. This is normal for any dog, but it's especially true for golden retrievers, who require a lot of physical activity. "They are fast breeders," says Dr. Karen Wahlstrom, a veterinarian with the American Kennel Club. "In the first six months, they will double their bodyweight." This means your puppy is probably going through puberty right now, which can cause some behavioral issues. That's why it's important to keep an eye on how much they eat and drink, and how active they are. Your golden retriever puppy should also be running around outside with you, and playing fetch, instead of lying around all day. If you see that they aren't doing this, it could be a sign that they're bored. 2. Your Golden Retriever Puppy May Have Been Overfed Overfeeding your puppy is definitely one of the worst things you can do, as it can cause obesity and even more serious health problems later on. "It's easy to overfeed a puppy," says Wahlstrom. "When puppies get older, you think 'Oh my gosh, he's eating all the time,' but he's actually losing weight." So when you notice your golden retriever puppy has been gaining weight lately, it's very possible they've been overfed. It's something you'll want to avoid at all costs. 3. Your Golden Retriever Puppy May Be Getting Sick Often Golden retrievers are prone to many illnesses, including respiratory issues. That's why it's important to be aware of your puppy's behavior, as well as how often they are sneezing and coughing. If they're constantly sniffling and sneezing, you should contact your vet immediately. This is a sign that they have allergies, and it's best to find out why before anything worse happens. 4. Your Golden Retriever Puppy Might Be Shy And/Or Depressed As mentioned above, dogs go through puberty at such a young age, and this can cause changes in their personalities. If your puppy seems scared of new situations and people, it could be because they're experiencing anxiety. That's why it's important to spend as much time as you can with them, so they feel comfortable around others. Also, if they seem depressed, talk to your vet about what's causing it. Depression is usually caused by another medical condition, which needs to be treated accordingly.