My 8 year old golden lab makes multiple small poops before being finished. After each poop he walks a few steps then poops another small amount. It takes him 5 or 6 poops before he's finished.

I see no problem with this. At least he is pooping. Would you be worried if he wasn't? Of course, the answer is yes.

He is a senior now, all seniors have a problem with this, humans, cats and dogs. When they cant, then it's a problem.

Pretty normal for all 4 of my dogs. The oldest is 14 years old and the youngest is 6 months old.

Is this something new? Have you changed dog foods recently?

It's probably a neurological deficit. Older pets, especially large dogs, start to have degeneration on the spine and disks. Basically he is losing the feeling in his rear and is dropping poops without noticing. Your dog sounds like this may be a slow progression of degeneration. Hopefully he doesn't become incontinent... My old dog became fecal incontinent... No fun!

If you're worried, you can always take him to the vet for a senior physical exam. They may be able to determine if this is an issue or if its just who he is.

There could be many reasons for this, some of them already discussed. My Chocolate Lab was like this if he wasn't getting enough exercise and would compensate by adding "roughage" to his diet - in the form of chewing a lot of sticks and stuff when I saw he was like that. My 3 year old Golden Retriever tends to do the same. If she's getting lots of exercise, no problem, but if she's had a quiet spell due to weather, etc. she begins the "poop walk".

Also, knowing Goldens... is it possible he has eaten something that is burning his anus or isn't coming through yet? I have seen this a lot in rescue dogs (as well as Retrievers) if they've gotten into the garbage or something and might have a baggie or something in their stool. Dogs with rope toys sometimes do it, too. I saw that type of thing a lot when working as a Vet Assistant.

Another thing may just be that his anal glands might be full or inflamed. I am not a proponent of emptying anal glands as a rule, however you should check them to see if they are full or inflamed. Usually a dog will express these on their own, but older dogs sometimes can't.

Hopefully with all of the ideas from everyone you can find your answer, but if it continues for any length of time or if he has any other symptoms be sure to book a vet consult.

Hope this helps,
Didi