Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Train?

Golden Retrievers are one of the world’s most beloved breeds of dog, and it is easy to see why. They have warm, loving temperaments, are loyal to the whole family, and are especially good with children.

Golden Retrievers are smart. Golden Retrievers’ high intelligence means that they learn quickly. Compared with other breeds, Golden Retrievers are considered one of the most intelligent breeds and trainable dogs. Golden Retrievers are eager to please and enthusiastically respond to training.

When Should You Start Training Your Golden Retriever?

Puppies start learning from birth. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder begins handling and socialization right away. When you bring your Golden Retriever puppy home (typically) at eight weeks, your at-home puppy training begins immediately; potty training then training will progress to crate training, walking on a leash, and so on.
Many experienced dog trainers generally find Golden Retrievers easy to train. However, keep in mind that all dogs have distinct and unique personalities. Training a Golden Retriever dog requires patience and finding the perfect balance of firmness and love.

Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Train?

Many experienced dog owners will agree that Golden Retrievers are easy to train, and this is down to these four factors:

1. Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent animals, scoring in the top five of the experts’ lists of dog intelligence.
2. Golden Retrievers are fiercely loyal, and just love to make their owners happy.
3. Golden Retrievers respond well to positive reinforcement and they just love treats, so they learn quickly for the rewards.
4. A lot comes down to experience with the breed (from Golden Retriever breeders, dog trainers, and parents): they have been trained well for years. One reason why Golden Retrievers are easy to train because the process has been refined over generations.

There are many ways to train your intelligent Golden Retriever who is suited to all of these types of dog training.

What Are The Biggest Worries And Concerns When Training A Golden Retriever?

1. Golden Retrievers Can Be Mischievous
Golden retriever pups have a real mischievous side, so it is important to stay on top of their behavior. Golden retrievers are so intelligent but can become easily bored; especially if there is not enough mental stimulation. Typically a Golden Retriever needs up to two hours of exercise every day, and which includes mental exercises.

2. Golden Retrievers Have A Short Attention Span
Rather than long training sessions once a week, your Golden Retriever will respond much better to daily short training sessions; 10 minutes at a time. It is important to provide a variety of activities to burn off that Golden Retriever energy.

3. Golden Retrievers Are Social Dogs
Along with the one-to-one training, your Golden Retriever must also be socialized well, with people and animals outside of the immediate family. A puppy kindergarten class is an amazing way to start socialization while making training fun.

How To Start Training Your Golden Retriever?

Training your Golden Retriever at-home should be your top priority. Keep in mind that a young Golden Retriever has short attention spans. Patience and having a positive attitude are keys to successful training and developing a fun relationship with your dog.

What is the first thing you should train your Golden Retriever?

1. To acclimate your Golden Retriever puppy at home, potty training is vital.
2. Crate Training is helpful with your at-home training. Your Golden Retriever puppy must seek the crate as a safe comfortable place.
3. Teaching your puppy basic dog commands: Sit, Stay, Down, Come are essential in helping your dog to adapt his/her behavior to any social situation and make your dog live happily.

1.

Potty Training

To acclimate your Golden Retriever puppy at home, potty training is vital.

a) Learn The Puppy Potty Signs
Be prepared to let your puppy out when you notice:
– a sudden change of behavior
– scratching or pawing or barking at the door
– sniffing around
– pacing and circling
– making whining noise

b) Create A Regular Routine To Take Your Puppy Out
Take your young puppy out often (typically every hour) to avoid accidents at home.

c) Establish A Potty Spot
Use a verbal potty command such as “go potty” which means “let’s go to your potty area.

d) Praise Your Puppy: Praising your Golden Retriever puppy will encourage more good behaviors and help strengthen your bond.

2.

Crate Training Your Dog

Many people do not prefer crate training and consider it cruel. Yes, not all dogs learn to enjoy being in a crate; and a makes this method ineffective; especially if there are dog behavior issues like severe separation anxiety. Keep in mind to never force your dog into the crate, ever. However, when crate training is handled correctly, and your dog responds well, this method can be essential to your at-home dog training. A crate must be a safe place for your Golden Retriever puppy to feel comfortable and safe.

3.

Start Teaching Your Puppy Basic Dog Commands: Sit, Stay, Down, Come

a) How To Teach Your Puppy To SIT
Training your puppy how to sit is a very important basic dog command to learn. Using a lure method (a treat or toy), your dog will learn the desired dog command.
To teach your dog to sit, stand in front of your dog and hold a tasty treat by your dog’s nose. Keeping the treat close to your dog’s nose, slowly lift your hand from your dog’s nose towards his/her forehead. As your dog raises his/her head to follow the treat, his/her bottom will go on the floor. As soon as your dog sits, praise and give him/her the treat. When your dog will sit easily for the lure, it is time to add the verbal cue of the “sit” command.

b) How To Teach Your Puppy To Stay
Using the verbal cue and hand signal for the stay command, the goal is for your puppy to remain sitting.
Ask your puppy to sit. Place your hand out, with your palm facing forward and in front of the dog’s face while saying ‘stay. Keep your hand out and keep saying ‘stay’ while taking one or several steps back. After 3-5 seconds, go back to your puppy and then reward him/her for staying sitted. Once your puppy mastered the stay command, increase the number of steps and seconds. As soon as your puppy lie down, praise and give him/her the treat. When your puppy will lie down easily for the lure, it is time to add the verbal cue of the “down” command.

c) How To Teach Your Puppy To Down
Your goal to teach your puppy the down position is to lie down on his stomach or be in a relaxed disposition.
Ask your puppy to sit. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and move your hand slowly to the ground. Your puppy will follow your hand and eventually will lie down.

d) How To Teach Your Puppy To Come
The (recall) come command is crucial for your puppy to learn. Start indoors, hold a toy or treat and call your dog’s name and the word come. Praise your puppy as he/she is coming to you, then reward with the toy or treat. Lots of fun ways to teach your puppy the come command. We will discuss more in a later post.

While your Golden Retriever puppy progresses with these basic dog commands, start teaching leash walking and heel training. We will discuss this dog obedience training in a later post.

Repetition is key to mastering any dog command.
Be consistent, patient, practice, and praise your dog for good behavior.

How Long Does It Take To Train Your Golden Retriever?

Training takes time, lots of patience, and a lifetime commitment. There are always new things to learn. Incorporate dog obedience into your daily routine and explore other dog sport activities. Continuously stimulating your Golden Retriever helps with his/her energy level and enriches your relationship.

Are You Ready To Easily Train Your Golden Retriever?

Not only are Golden Retrievers are intelligent and easy to train, but their temperaments mean they make wonderful companions. By putting in time and effort and giving your Golden Retriever the attention and exercise they deserve, the training will pay off.