Masons compulsive grooming

Question
My 7 year old Golden Retriever is having trouble adjusting to my new girlfriend. For most of his life, we were alone. Now that I have someone, he is having trouble adjusting and compulsively and noiseyly licks and grooms himself all night, forceing us to lock him out of the bedroom. Otherwise, he likes her very much. She is making great efforts to bond with the dog, but he still has trouble adjusting to this change in our lives...

Answer
Dogs do not obtain compulsive grooming behaviors overnight.  This being so, I suggest you do some investigative work regarding this new behavior; examine the dog (very carefully and thoroughly) for parasites (fleas, including flea dirt normally found at the rear end); think about the dog's diet -- have you introduced any new food? and observe the dog's daily ambulatory habits -- do you see any sign (no matter how small) of pain (resulting from orthopedic problems)?  Also, examine your own inadvertent reactions to this grooming, as (despite the fact that you eject him from the bedroom) you might have inadvertently rewarded it (by giving him attention...verbal...physical hands on, etc.)  Make this your homework assignment over the next few days and do serious investigative work.  You will also want to bring this sudden behavior to the attention of the veterinarian, as sudden, compulsive grooming can be a sign of pain (not only orthopedic).  If the dog IS suddenly developing a behavior such as this, it is certainly an attention getting behavior and quite an odd one (not one that is normally acquired.)  I tend to think that his "compulsive" licking is more the result of something physical and that you, albeit unconsciously, may be (and I don't blame you) projecting your own "guilt" at this intrusion onto your dog.  Let's hope that's the case, because that's an easy "fix".  If YOU accept her (and you obviously do, congratulations at your wonderful relationship), so will your dog.  Please follow up with veterinary results AND the results of your own investigative work.