Do It Yourself Training for a Golden Retriever Pup

Golden retrievers are intelligent dogs. They love to please their humans and are easy to train. They make friendly family dogs and the American Kennel Club ranks them as the second most common dog in the U.S. Golden retrievers respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. These techniques allow you to teach your dog how you want it to behave instead of telling it what you don't want. You should start training your golden retriever puppy the moment you bring it home.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Enforce house rules immediately. Decide what your golden retriever puppy is allowed to do and what it is not allowed to do. If you don't want it drinking from the toilet, for example, don't allow it access to the toilet from day one.

    • 2

      Purchase treats for your puppy. Buy healthy, all-natural snack at the pet store. Make your own treats if you like. Golden retrievers love pieces of cheese or hot dog.

    • 3

      Give your puppy a command. Use the treats to lure it into the proper position. For example, if you are teaching your dog to lie down, hold the treat in your hand and move it toward the floor. Your golden retriever will try to follow the treat.

    • 4

      Reward your puppy with the treat the instant it obeys your command. Your golden retriever doesn't know what you are asking it to do at first, so reward it simply for moving in the right direction. This helps golden retrievers build a connection with your words and that action.

    • 5

      Praise your puppy for doing the right thing. Golden retrievers enjoy pleasing their owners. Your happy, upbeat attitude will encourage it to continue trying. Praise makes training fun for the dog and serves as an additional reward.

    • 6

      Slowly phase out the use of treats. Your golden retriever will start to master the commands you are teaching. Withhold treats for longer and longer periods until your puppy responds without them. Don't stop using praise, however. Golden retrievers love praise and rewarding your puppy with praise will help strengthen the bond between you.