Best Training Tips for a Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers, originating from the highlands of Scotland, are a popular and much-loved dog breed as they are highly sociable and engaging dogs.

Like every other pet dog, however, they need to be adequately trained. It helps the dog to live a better life indoors and makes it easier for dog owners to care for and support their furry friends.

In this article, we look at why training is essential and provide some of the best training tips for a Golden Retriever.

The Benefits of training a Golden Retriever

There is no doubt that Golden Retrievers are very affectionate dogs but training your dog makes a world of difference. When considering the best training tips for a Golden Retriever, remember the benefits of training your Golden Retriever:

• It helps you bond with your dog on a deeper level
• Outdoor walks are more enjoyable if your dog is trained
• It is safer for your home as training will prevent chewing and destructive behaviour
• A well-trained dog does not fuss about visiting the vet

Start Young

If you have adopted a Golden Retriever puppy, you should start teaching him simple commands as early as 8 weeks. While puppies are mischievous and energetic, starting early will help you lay the groundwork to train your dog further. 

Praise & Reward

Dog treats and verbal encouragements are practical tools to train your dog. You should pat your dog or give him a treat when he obeys your command. Encourage your dog whenever he makes the slightest progress. 

Creating a Training Schedule

Instead of giving arbitrary training, map out a training schedule for your dog. Training is more effective when everything happens like clockwork. 

Golden Retriever puppies should be given short training sessions of 5 minutes because they have a short attention span, and their brains are not developed enough to stand long training sessions.

Training sessions can be stretched out to 15 minutes for adult dogs. You can also use various opportunities like mealtimes for better results. 

House Training a Puppy

When house training a puppy, one of the best training tips for a Golden Retriever is establishing a consistent feeding schedule for your puppy. This way, you will be able to determine when he has to go outside. Along with your morning coffee, taking your puppy outside should be your priority.

Make sure that you take your puppy to the same spot every time because it will recognize its scent and be easier for you to clean.

Crate Training a Puppy

Encourage your dog to enter the crate and point towards it. Give your puppy a treat or a pat when he enters the crate. Sit beside your puppy for a few minutes quietly and leave the room for a while. Repeat this process 3-4 times a day. 

Dog Crates

Collar and Lead Training

You should let your dog get used to a collar before putting on a lead. Give him a treat before and after putting the collar or harness on and let him roam around in the house.

For lead training and outdoor walking, harnesses are recommended as they provide more comfort and stability for your dog, reduce the risk of injury and provide you with more control over your pet. Make sure you have put on the harness and lead on before going outside. Don’t yank or jerk the leash whenever your dog changes his direction.

Dog Collars, Leads and Harnesses

Training Commands: sit, stay, lie down, come back, fetch

Sit and Stay

Teaching your dog to sit or stay will help him stay calm and composed. Take a treat in your hand and move your hand so that your dog is in a natural sitting position and then say ‘sit.’

During the same exercise, point your palm towards the dog and say ‘stay.’ Give him a treat for encouragement.

Lie Down

To teach your dog to lie down, grab a treat in your hand and drag your hand on the floor until the dog is in a lying position. Reward him with a treat and repeat this exercise.

Come Back and Fetch

Start by saying the word ‘come’ and giving your dog a treat. Place the treat away from you and call him by his name. When your puppy has got the hang of it, take the treat in your hand and run away. Give him the treat when he comes to you. Repeat this exercise until your dog becomes a master at it.

You need to choose the favourite item of your dog before teaching him to fetch. Dogs love to chase so that he will run after the item. When he grabs the item, reward him with a treat.

Stopping your Dog Jumping Up

Dogs jump up as a result of excitement or greeting. You can stop your dog from jumping on strangers by placing a few treats on the floor whenever a person comes towards your dog. This way, your dog will learn to keep on all four paws when he greets you or someone else.

Biting & Chewing

Biting can be troublesome once the puppy grows because a dog’s teeth do not belong on your skin. Provide your dog with plenty of chew toys and exercise. Allow your dog to play with other dogs to release excessive energy. 

If your dog has grown a habit of biting you, then give a loud shriek or yap to discourage this behaviour.

Training your Golden Retriever to spend time alone

Start with a pen or a crate and slowly work your way to leaving your golden retriever alone in the house. In the beginning, leave your dog for short periods. You will notice in a few days that he is starting to grow independent. Reward your dog with a treat when you re-enter the room or the house. 

Dog Training Aids

In Conclusion: When considering best training tips for a Golden Retriever

Remember that you need to be consistent with your Golden Retriever’s training. It may take weeks or months, but a trained golden retriever makes the best companion. We hope that our detailed guide on training Golden Retrievers will help your dog become a great family member.

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