It's hard not to love a golden retriever puppy, except when it pees on the floor or bites your shoe. Training your golden retriever from an early age will help form a bond between you and your dog, will help keep your dog (and your belongings) safe, and will make both you and your dog happier. There are certain things that all dog owners want to teach – toilet training and leash training as well as basic commands like "sit" (or "sit") and "come" (or "come"). However, there are a variety of other habits that you can teach your golden retriever puppy using the same basic method.
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Method 1 of 6: Learning the Basic Training Method
Step 1. Know the basic method
There are many different methods for training a dog, but all of the most effective methods boil down to three things: rewarding the behavior you like, not rewarding the behavior you don't like, and staying consistent.
- Rewarding – This step is the easy and fun part. Rewards are not only given when you are actively training them. If your golden retriever pees outside, praise him. If your dog greets another dog in a friendly manner, tell him how well he behaved.
- Not rewarding negative behavior – This step requires a bit of care. If your dog does something you don't like, think about why. Usually this is done because the dog gets a 'reward' from the habit, somehow. You have to constantly get rid of those rewards. For example, if the dog jumps up and down at you when he sees the leash, you shouldn't put the leash on and take him for a walk because that would be rewarding him for his behavior. Instead, turn around or look up until the dog calms down. Then, attach the leash and take him for a walk.
- Be consistent – you and everyone else should respond the same way, no matter what your dog does. For example, if you don't feed him from the table, but your child is busy offering food from his plate to the dog, you will have a hard time. Or, if you sometimes tell your dog to get down while the animal is jumping up and down and sometimes greet him enthusiastically at different occasions, you are giving mixed messages that will confuse your dog.
Step 2. Choose the reward you provide
Whenever you train a dog for a certain habit, you should have a reward at hand. Choose something that golden retrievers really like; the better the rewards, the easier it will be to train your dog. If your dog likes to play, you can try using his favorite toy and playing with him when he barks. However, most people find that rewarding food is the most effective way to teach a dog. The best food gifts are those that your dog likes best and are also easy to carry, easy to divide into, and healthy. Use a variety of snacks so your dog doesn't get bored. Try:
- Mozzarella cheese stick.
- Cooked chicken.
- Meat rolls (available at pet stores).
- Shredded dog biscuits or dog training treats sold in stores.
- Young carrots or frozen peas (for dogs on a diet).
Step 3. Consider using a clicker exercise
With a clicker, you use a sound (the "click" of the clicker tool) to tell your dog when it has done something right. The clicker tool is very effective because it is a unique sound that is consistent, as opposed to your own. However, you can also say "good" or "yes" as a signal if you don't have a clicker.
Fill in your clicker tool first. Keep the gift of food in your hands. If your dog tries to pick it up, just cover your hand. Click and offer the food to the dog. Repeat a few minutes later and again a few minutes later. Continue until your dog immediately arrives when he hears a clicker and expects food
Step 4. Practice one skill at a time and keep practice times short, simple and useful
Effective training should be fun for you and your dog. For maximum results, follow these best practices:
- Keep practice times short. Training sessions shouldn't last more than 15 minutes and are usually even shorter for puppies.
- Practice one part of one skill. For example, if you train him to sit and stay where he is (or "sit and stay"), start by sitting down. Reward all sitting, then add a command while the dog is sitting, then train the dog to sit when ordered. Next train your dog to stay seated. Then practice staying seated as you walk away. And finally, move the training location to a place that is easier to distract, such as in a park. Breaking down the training like this would be much more effective.
- Use simple words, not sentences. You should keep your commands simple and consistent: "sit down" instead of "sit down, Fido" or "sit down" or "sit down please." The more words you use, the more confused your dog will be.
- Don't do it too fast or too long. If your dog is having trouble learning a skill, go back to a skill he already knows. Keep the practice event positive. Don't end up failing. Be sure to stop before the dog gets bored or frustrated.
- Practice in real life. Don't just train your dog during training sessions. Practice "sitting" or "sitting" when going for a walk. Shake hands in the garden. Make training a part of everyday life.
- Be patient! It takes time to train a dog. It's true that training a dog is a never-ending process, but it's worth the payoff. A well-trained dog is a dog that is safe, happy and fun to keep.
Step 5. Decide what you want your dog to learn
All owners want their golden retriever puppies trained to defecate as soon as possible, and most want to learn to use a leash as well. Basic obedience training – sit, still, come here, come down and let go – is also important. Tricks, skills and other desirable habits depend on the tastes of each owner and his dog.
- Golden retrievers love to play catch and throw and this game is a great way to get them to exercise. Therefore, this skill needs to be learned. Instead, however, you may want to teach your dog a game of tug of war or catching a Frisbee.
- Tricks like "talk" and "shake" are fun, but not mandatory
- If you travel or carry him around a lot, you'll want to make sure he's trained to fit into the cage.
- You may have to train your dog not to beg, jump at you when you get home, or not to show aggression towards other dogs (although the latter is usually not a problem with golden retrievers, depending on your dog's temperament).
Method 2 of 6: Training Your Puppy's Obedience
Step 1. Decide what you will teach the puppy
Obedience training consists of teaching your dog to do things in response to verbal commands or hand signals from you. Basic commands like “sit”, “come here”, “let go” and “shut up” are important to help you control your dog and ensure his safety. However, there are many other commands you can teach such as "shake", "roll over", "jump" or "talk". Most of these skills are taught by a basic method based on equal reward – capture and coax (otherwise known as capturing and offline methods) – which will be demonstrated here with the “sit down” command.
Step 2. Use the offline (coax) method to teach sitting
Make sure you divide the exercises described here into short sessions that run over several days.
- With the treat in hand, extend your hand forward so the puppy can smell it, then lift your hand up and move it backwards over his head. As his eyes follow you and his head up, your golden puppy will automatically sit up. As soon as the dog sits down, say "yes" or sound a clicker and give the treat. Do this until the dog can be persuaded to sit up easily.
- Now try the same thing, but without food in your hands. Say "sit down" and move your hands toward the back of his head. Give food as soon as the dog sits down.
- When your golden retriever has mastered sitting on your empty hands, step back and use the same hand motion from a distance saying "sit."
- Finally, say "sit" without moving your hands and reward your dog for obeying the command.
Step 3. Use the capture method to teach him to sit
Take some food. Ignore your puppy, but pay close attention to the animal. As soon as the puppy sits down, say "sit down" and toss him some food. Your pet will probably try different things to get some more food. Wait for the dog to sit back down, then say "sit" and throw the food at him. Your dog will quickly learn to associate sitting, the word "sit" and reward.
Method 3 of 6: Train Puppies to Pee
Step 1. Know when to train your golden retriever
Begin potty training as soon as you bring the puppy home. After the trip home, take the puppy outside to a toilet of your choice and let him sniff around. If the puppy pees or poops, reward him. Bring the puppy to this litter area regularly (every 20 minutes if possible) and when the animal is there, shower your pet with praise.
- The times when the puppy is most likely to poop is immediately after eating and 20 minutes after eating. Get him out at both times, this will increase your chances of getting the dog to go to the toilet.
- This early stage is all about having fun and rewarding your pet. Don't worry if your dog doesn't get it right from the start, but never punish him for urinating in the house.
Step 2. Be positive and consistent
Punishing a dog for urinating or defecating in the house will only frighten him and make it difficult for him to learn. Consistency is the best way to train a dog.
Step 3. Feed your dog on a regular schedule
Eliminate food intake between large meals. Regular feeding will result in regular bowel times in your dog as well.
Step 4. Take your dog outside on a regular schedule
A consistent schedule is the best way to avoid going to the bathroom at home. Very young puppies should be taken outside every hour, and also immediately after feeding and nap times. All puppies should be taken out first thing in the morning, right before you go to bed, and before the dog is caged or left alone.
- A puppy can usually hold urine for the same number of hours as its age in a matter of months during the day.
- Puppies can hold their urine longer at night. A 4 month old puppy can usually hold urine overnight.
Step 5. Watch your puppy closely to avoid things that are not desirable
You certainly don't want your puppy to have a habit of urinating in the house. Therefore, whenever a dog is not being caged, pay close attention to its behavior. Walking back and forth, whining, circling, sniffing and leaving the room are all signs that your puppy needs to pee or have a bowel movement. Get him out of the house ASAP.
Step 6. Cage the golden retriever puppy when you can't keep an eye on him
Use a cage or small room with the door closed or blocked by a baby safety fence. As the puppy gets older, you can gradually increase the size of the space, eventually letting it use up some space. Introducing the dog to a room right after it has gone outside is a good idea, especially when increasing the size of the space for the first time.
Step 7. Reward your puppy when it pees or defecates outdoors
During potty training, you should always go outside with your puppy. Take the animal to the same place each time so the smell will encourage him to go to the bathroom. Reward him with praise, treats, or play with him if the dog goes outside.
Step 8. Remain calm if you catch your puppy pooping in the house
You can scare the puppy, but you really shouldn't rub his face in his poop just to deter him. Clap your hands loudly to surprise him; this step will usually make it stop. Then, quickly run outside with him, this move encourages the dog to follow you. If your golden retriever finishes peeing or pooping outdoors, reward him. If there is no more dirt removed, don't worry about it.
Method 4 of 6: Training a Puppy on a Leash
Step 1. Set a training target
It takes discipline, consistency and time to train a dog to walk by your side, never tug on the leash, or run away to chase the squirrel. However, if that's your goal, you can do it. On the other hand, you may find it okay if your dog walks ahead of you, as long as the animal doesn't pull on the leash too hard. In these cases, anti-tensile harnesses or dumbbells can help you without the need for extra training. The key is knowing what you're going for – and thinking the same as other people walking their dogs.
Step 2. Buy the right equipment
Ada requires a fixed-length harness measuring 120 to 180 cm. Extendable ropes and very long ropes will make this training even more difficult. For collars use leashes with regular buckles or hooks, slip leashes, head halters, or anti-tensile harnesses.
- Don't use a choke collar unless you're training with a professional trainer.
- Never use a pinch or prong collar unless you are training with a professional trainer.
Step 3. Turn all walks into practice sessions
Consistency is key, so until your dog can walk without pulling on the leash, all walks – whoever takes them for a walk – are training sessions. Keep this activity short and fun. Going for long walks with an untrained dog will only frustrate both you and your dog.
Step 4. Get your dog to exercise before a training session on a leash
This step is important for two reasons: 1) until your puppy is trained, your walks will be too short to really get him to exercise; and 2) dogs with a lot of force are more likely to pull on the leash. Play catch or tug of war, or let your dog play with other dogs in the park before a training session on the leash.
Step 5. Bring snacks to reward
You will need plenty of food to train your dog. For walks, soft foods like cheese, cooked sausage, beef jerky or chicken are best because they can be eaten quickly while your dog is walking.
Step 6. Walk briskly
Moving fast makes you seem more attractive to your dog and is less likely to stop many times if he moves fast. Also, it will be easier to train your dog not to pull if you move at a pace that is a little more like his natural pace.
Step 7. Choose your method
There are four main ways to teach your dog not to pull on the leash. Some methods are more successful for some dogs than others. If you choose one method and don't seem to be making any progress after a few weeks, choose another method.
- Stop and leave – when your dog reaches the end of the leash, stop. Wait for the dog to loosen the leash, then call the animal over and ask your dog to sit down. If your pet complies, say "yes" and give him a treat. Do this every time your dog reaches the end of the leash. Also, give your dog regular treats whenever he looks at you or walks closer to you. You have to get him to connect walking near you with food and pull the rope by stopping walking. If the dog pulls on your leash to smell something, stop as usual. However, instead of feeding him after the dog sits down, let him explore the smells he will smell in return.
- Coax and reward – fill your left hand with the treat, hold it in front of your golden retriever's nose, say "let's go," and start walking. Feed him every few seconds. If your dog pulls on the leash, stop and call him back to you, then reward him. Don't go too far – these walks require a lot of food and bending over. After a week, stop persuading him. Say "let's go" and walk with your normal left hand position as usual. Feed every two steps. On subsequent walks, increase the number of steps between each meal to: 2, 5, 10, 20. Eventually, you'll be able to walk your dog just by giving him occasional treats.
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Change of direction – this option is especially for dogs who struggle with the first two methods. When your dog is almost at the end of the leash, say "slow down." If your dog slows down, say "yes" and reward him with food. If the dog continues to walk to the end of the leash, turn suddenly and walk in the opposite direction, letting the leash guide your dog. Compliment when the dog rushes after you, and when the dog reaches you, turn around and continue walking in the right direction. Do this every time your dog pulls on the leash. When your dog walks near or beside you, treat him as usual.
- This method usually works quickly. If the habit of pulling the rope doesn't go away after a few sessions, stop the exercise.
- Do not use this method with a dumbbell head or pinch collar, as this may injure your dog.
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Leash correction – This option is especially for dogs who have trouble following the first two methods. When your dog is almost at the end of the leash, say "slow down." If the dog slows down, say "yes" and reward him with food. If the dog continues to walk to the end of the leash, tug on the leash suddenly. It may take a few jolts to get your dog to slow down. Don't forget to reward your dog regularly when he walks near you on a loose leash.
- Be aware that pulling too hard can hurt your dog's neck or throat.
- This method can usually reduce the dog's habit of pulling on the leash within a few days. If it doesn't go away, you should stop and try another method.
Method 5 of 6: Cage Practice
Step 1. Use a crate to keep your puppy and belongings safe at home and while traveling
There are many reasons to train your dog in a kennel. Use your cage:
- To keep your puppy safe when you can't keep an eye on him.
- To keep your belongings safe when you can't keep an eye on your puppy.
- When your puppy is home alone.
- To give your pup space to cool off.
- When traveling.
- To keep your puppy away from other children or dogs.
- To assist in bowel exercises and other habitual exercises.
Step 2. Avoid abusing the function of the cage
Never use a crate to punish your dog. Once the puppy has grown up and can be trusted not to damage the household, don't lock it in the crate when you're away. Save the cage for special times – such as when guests are in the house and when traveling. Most of the time, your dog should be in his crate.
Step 3. Choose a cage
The type of crate you use depends on personal taste, although many people find wire cages the most durable and comfortable long-term solution for dogs (and are also used in most kennels or dog shelters where you might leave your dog). The most important thing is that you buy a cage of the right size. If it's too small, your dog won't feel comfortable. If it's too big, the crate will provide the cave-like space that dogs love.
- To save money, buy a crate to use while the dog is growing, and use a screen to adjust the size to fit the dog as a child.
- Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting his head against the crate ceiling, should be able to turn around comfortably and be able to lie on his side with his legs outstretched.
- For a typical adult golden retriever, a 42-inch crate is usually sufficient. In addition, also buy a bulkhead if buying a cage for a puppy.
Step 4. Make the cage safe and comfortable
Your dog must love the crate. It should provide a comfortable space for him to relax in, so comfortable that the dog will choose to spend time there. Do not forget to:
- Place the crate in a room where you spend most of your time so your puppy doesn't feel left out.
- Keep the cage at a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight, and away from fireplaces and radiators.
- Put a soft bed in it.
- Put a chew toy inside to give your dog some activity.
- Cover your wire cage with a towel or cage cover. This cover will give your dog that cave-like atmosphere even more.
Step 5. Teach your dog to associate the crate with nice things
Before training with the crate, you need to teach your dog that the crate is just the magic that produces the things he likes. If you do it right, cage training will go a lot easier.
- Set the crate out of sight for your dog, hold the door open and place food around the entrance, inside just after the entrance and at the back of the crate. Throw in some new dog toys too.
- Let your dog explore the crate on his own. Don't make him look at the cage. Say nothing until the dog gets into it. Let him do it at his own pace.
- Every hour or so put more food in the crate when your dog is not looking. In the near future, the dog will go into the crate on its own to check if there is food there. (Be sure to cut these foods out of your dog's daily diet.)
- Also, start feeding your dog in the crate as well. The first time, place the bowl inside right after the entrance so that your dog only has to put his head in. After two or three successful feedings like this, move the bowl to the center of the cage, then to the very back of the cage.
Step 6. Train your dog into the crate to get a snack
Show your dog a treat and throw it in the crate. While the animal is inside, use the command of your choice such as "Cage". When your dog comes in, praise and give the animal another snack. Move away and wait for the dog to leave the crate. When the animal does so, use the signal word to exit – "Get out!" Praise but don't give your dog food; You must create a food gift associated with the magical cage.
- Do this step 10 times, rest a few minutes and do 10 more times. Always use your cue word.
- Repeat this entire ritual several times a day until your dog can enter the crate happy to catch a snack. This part of the exercise usually doesn't take long.
Step 7. Teach your dog to enter the crate on command
After tossing in a snack or two as a warm-up step for your dog, use your command word without food. If the dog comes in, give the animal lots of praise and a small treat or two. Also, praise your dog when he leaves the crate.
- Do this 10 times, then rest for a while, and do 10 more times.
- Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog enters and leaves the crate at your command.
- If your golden retriever has difficulty with this step, return to the previous step.
Step 8. Close the cage door
Ask your puppy to come into the crate and sit down. Close the cage door slowly. If you have to rush to slam the crate door shut before your dog escapes, the animal isn't ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give a snack, then open the door and let your dog go.
- Practice this set ten times, give yourself a break, then continue for another 10 sets.
- Gradually increase the amount of time the dog has to sit in the crate before you let the dog out. Conduct training sessions while your dog waits for 10 seconds, then 30, 45 and one minute.
Step 9. Step away
When your dog can stay comfortably in the crate for a minute, you should move away while the animal is in the crate.
- In the first session, stay only a few meters away when your dog is in the crate before returning. Move to different areas of the room and keep eyeing your dog.
- Next, try a training session with you moving around the room without noticing your puppy.
- Add a few moments when you're out of the room in no time and back in.
- Finally, leave the room.
Step 10. Leave the room
First, be away for only five minutes. Gradually extend the time you go up to 30 minutes.
- If your dog becomes very agitated while you are away, come back and let the animal out. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you leave it.
- Always remove your dog's leash and leashes before putting him in the crate as these can choke him.
Step 11. Put your dog in the crate when you leave
When your dog can stay comfortably in his crate for 30 minutes, it's time to start putting him in the crate when you're away. For puppies, this step can only be done for shorter travel times, as puppies can only hold their urine for a maximum of three hours. Even when your dog is older, you shouldn't lock him up during the day for more than four hours. Your dog should be able to stand up and spread his legs apart.
- Get your dog to exercise and give your pet a toy before you leave.
- Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it in 10 minutes before you leave. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you go out. Don't let your dog think that the crate is a sign that he's about to leave.
- Don't make a fuss when you're leaving. Praise your dog for getting into his crate, then walk away.
Step 12. Make your dog sleep in his crate all night
Now that your puppy is comfortable in its crate, it can sleep there all night, but make sure you can hear it. Puppies often have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Step 13. Be patient
Every dog is unique when it comes to crate training. A number of golden retrievers can be trained in a week or less. Dogs who are more shy or who have had unpleasant experiences can take up to several weeks. Don't push your dog too fast. Make sure your pet is comfortable with each step before moving on to the next.
Method 6 of 6: Teaching Your Puppy the Game of Throw and Catch
Step 1. Start with good habits
Golden retrievers love to play catch and throw and this game is a great way to get him to exercise. You may not need help getting your puppy to chase a ball or a toy. But don't forget to instill good habits early on to make sure your dog learns how to take his toys back and place them near you.
Step 2. Use two toys to teach your dog to bring the toys back
Throw the first toy and when your dog picks it up, point to the other one and toss it in a different direction. While the dog is chasing him, take the first toy.
- Do this until the dog gets used to the catch and then runs towards you.
- In the end, you can call the dog without showing the second toy. If your dog comes back to you, say "let go" and show him the second toy.
- When your dog is willing to release the toy on command, you don't need to use a second toy.
Step 3. Tie a string to the toy if using two toys doesn't work
When your dog picks up the toy, shake the leash and run to encourage him to follow you.
- If the dog follows you, reward him with a small treat.
- If your dog is still running away, lure the animal back with the leash. Praise and reward when your pet is near.
- Do not always throw the toy right away. Let your dog chew it for a while after returning to you. You don't want the dog to think that it will lose its toys every time it comes back.
- After a few weeks, your dog will stop trying to run away with his toys.
Step 4. Use small treats to get your dog to take off his toys
Say "let go" and immediately place the snack in front of your dog's nose. This step will encourage even the most stubborn of dogs to let go of their toys.
- If your dog still won't let go of the toy, try rewarding a more tempting treat like a piece of bacon or cheese.
- Eventually you won't need snacks, but you will still need to feed them occasionally.
Step 5. Walk away to teach your dog to drop the toy closer to you
Just before your dog drops the toy, say "bring it here" and move away. When the dog reaches where you are standing, say "let go" and walk back toward him to pick up the toy. It may take a few weeks before your dog learns to bring the toy to you.
Step 6. Use "sit" and "still" to prevent your dog from picking up the toy when you reach for it
Instruct your dog to sit down and stay still when the animal drops the toy. If your dog tries to pick it up when you bend down, immediately say "no" or "ah, ah" and stand up. Eventually, your dog will understand that if he wants to continue playing he needs to sit back and relax while you pick up his toys.
