Training a Golden Retriever 101: Tips, Tricks and More 

Golden Retrievers are easily one of the most popular dog breeds, and for good reason. They’re gorgeous, smart, lovable, friendly, eager to please, and they usually keep barking to a minimum. But like all dogs, they can form some undesirable habits if they are not properly trained. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about training a golden retriever to be the perfect companion!

Benefits of Training a Golden Retriever  

Training a golden retriever will greatly benefit both you and your canine family member. It will strengthen the bond between you and your golden, while also establishing proper and safe behavior. Regular training will also keep your golden retriever mentally stimulated, making them feel more fulfilled and far less likely to engage in destructive behavior out of boredom.  

They’re not called golden retrievers for nothing; they were initially bred to do just that — retrieve. This instinct makes them naturally very mouthy dogs. They are known for having soft mouths, meaning they are adept at picking up and retrieving objects without damaging them. They often won’t apply much pressure when playfully biting — due to their soft mouths — but failing to train them out of this behavior will likely encourage them to bite as they get older, bigger, and stronger. Goldens bite the most when they’re teething, and although they are beyond adorable during this stage, their teeth feel like needles. Training a golden retriever to only bite toys and designated items is the best way to avoid a potential biting incident and minimize damage to your furniture, shoes, and most importantly, your fingers! 

Training a golden retriever leads to a happier dog and, in turn, a happier owner. With proper training, your golden retriever will have the confidence to happily move about the world in a well-behaved manner.  

What to Know About Training a Golden Retriever 

“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a common phrase, but it’s not necessarily true. Dogs can learn new behavior at any age, but it can be difficult to break certain behavioral patterns during adulthood. In most cases, it’s ideal to start training a golden retriever during their puppy stage. Puppies are rambunctious and full of energy, making some training exercises more difficult than others, but teaching good behavior at a young age is easier than phasing out established habits when they’re older.

Much like doodles, golden retrievers are very eager to please, especially when a reward system is in place. Positive reinforcement is the best approach for training a golden retriever, as they are highly motivated by treats and loving attention. Focus on using treats, toys, and petting to praise good behavior, rather than punishing them when they act out. Over time, your golden will associate good behavior with love and rewards, making them more likely to repeat that behavior.  

Potty training should start right when you bring your golden retriever home. We recommend consistently bringing your golden to a designated spot outside to relieve themselves, then using positive reinforcement to let them know that is the proper place to go. Patience is key when potty training, and it’s important to refrain from harsh discipline if/when your golden retriever slips up.  

Of course, it’s important to eventually get your golden accustomed to other pooches, people, and unpredictable environments. However, it’s best to begin training a golden retriever in a safe environment with minimal distractions, like your backyard. Avoid highly populated areas — especially dog parks — until your golden retriever has adjusted to its new circumstances and basic training.  

Once your golden has gotten a feel for its new life and understands rudimentary training, it’s time to start socializing the little one. Getting your golden used to unfamiliar dogs, people, and environments as a puppy will ensure that they don’t get anxious or frightened when encountering new situations later.

Golden retrievers love games and playful activities, so make training fun! This will help you retain their attention and build their excitement to learn more. They will be much more receptive to training if it is engaging and entertaining, rather than strictly disciplinary. 

Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Train? 

If you’re considering getting a golden retriever, you’re probably wondering: “Are golden retrievers easy to train?” Training any dog requires time and patience, but golden retrievers are generally one of the easier breeds to train. Goldens are smart, eager to please, and responsive to positive reinforcement methods. With proper reinforcement techniques, regular socialization, and plenty of exercise, you should have no problem training a golden retriever to be a loyal, well-behaved best friend. 

How to Train a Golden Retriever Puppy 

Training a golden retriever puppy takes time and effort. We provided some useful tips for making the process easier, but some fundamental requirements need to be met when learning how to train a golden retriever puppy. 

Standard Equipment 

Before you start training a golden retriever, you’ll need a few basic items. A collar, or harness, a proper leash, and training treats are essential for starting off. Of course, you can incorporate more tools into your training regimen, if needed. 

Start With the Basics  

When training your golden, start small. Get them used to basic commands like “sit”, “lie down”, “come”, and “stay”, using positive reinforcement. When they perform a command, give them a treat and affection in a friendly tone of voice. As they get more proficient with these commands, you can start practicing these behaviors in various situations. For example, getting your dog to sit and stay when company comes over, or when encountering another dog on a walk. 

Be Consistent  

You can’t expect golden retrievers to complete a training exercise once or twice and have it mastered. Like people, they need practice and repetition to learn new behavior. Try your best to fit training into your and your dog’s daily routine. 

Hire a professional  

Training a golden retriever requires time, patience, and consistency, and the truth is, not everyone has the time in their schedule to make this commitment to their furry friend, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the joy of having a golden retriever in your home. If you think that everyday life would get in the way of training a golden retriever, hire a professional. We’re professional dog trainers for a reason!  

Why You Should Hire BlackPaw Dog Training to Train Your Golden Retriever  

At BlackPaw Dog Training, we love dogs beyond words, but we also love people. We want owners everywhere to have the best possible relationship with their four-legged companions. The BlackPaw team is dedicated to implementing the most fruitful training regimen for your golden. It’s what we’re passionate about!  

BlackPaw Dog Training offers tried and true board and training programs, where we train your dog in a safe and controlled environment. These programs have helped countless dogs of all breeds overcome behavioral issues and become the best furry friends anyone could ask for! Our training options include Total Behavior Reboot, Puppy Head Start, Perfect Pooch, and Online Courses. Choose which one best suits you and your puppy’s needs, and contact us to schedule a consultation.  

We’re here for you and your Golden Retriever!  

Reach out to BlackPaw Dog Training today! We will make it our mission to instill good habits in your golden retriever using only the kindest and most effective methods based on the latest canine behavior research. Allow us to mold your golden retriever into the loving, well-behaved best friend you’re looking for! Contact us today.