
I know a lovely golden now 15 years old.
She was in a home where she was kept outside as once the owner realised that they shed hair she wouldn't allow her in the house.
My friend got her at a year old.
She wasn't well socialised and had some issues.
She was food aggressive and would lash out if anyone came near the cupboard that had her food in.
She also hated other dogs, and would attack any that sniffed her, and was very suspicious of men and would snap if they tried to touch her.
My Friend soon made it clear that she would have none of the guarding, she was banned from the kitchen if she tried to guard, and over time when she realised that no-one would steal her food she calmed down about it. With bones she used to guard them, but a bit of trust and discipline (she would be called away from her prize given a treat and Bone taken away, and returned later and the process repeated). Once she was relaxed about her bones then you could say Ruby give it here, and she would oblige.
As for other dogs she feel in love with my first home bred Elkhound pup, so we started visiting her house with pup, and then took Mum too. She went for my adult a few times, but my girl didn't react (it was all bluff on Golden's part) and she was praised when she was good with her, and scolded slightly if she tried to bully.
I started taking her out for walks with mine. She built up her canine social skills and quite soon realised she didn't need to over react to other dogs. she was a confident bitch so they didn't bother her much. She loved to play and was a Peter Pan. Each of my pups outgrew her emotionally and she would play with the current youngest like a pup.
A couple of years ago she damaged a cruciate ligament after turning sharply when playing with a young Springer Spaniel.
She is now a lovely 15 year old who goes for the odd toddle around the block as she limps on that leg, but can run around her own garden at speed and still does.
She has always had a strong character and I am the only one who can cut her nails. I still take all my pups to see her, but have to watch she doesn't get too silly trying to play.
My Friend had a two year old granddaughter living with her at the time the one year old golden arrived, and a few years later another child was born into the household, she was always excellent with them.
The Goldens I have met have needed a lot of patience when young as they are exuberant clowns and easily distracted in their training, usually just over enthusiastic, but you do need to be firm in a kind way.