6 Ways to Train a Golden Retriever Puppy

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

It's hard not to love a golden retriever puppy. Unless he's peeing on the floor or eating your shoes. Training your golden retriever from a young age will help build a strong bond between you and your furry friend, help keep your dog (and your belongings) safe, and make both of you happier. You will be able to teach him several things - to go to the toilet outside the house, to get used to the leash and the simple commands like "Sit" and "Come". However, there are dozens of other commands you can teach your golden retriever using the same basic methods.

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Learn the Basic Training Method

Step 1. Learn the basic method

There are many different types of dog training, but the most effective ones are based on three elements: rewarding desired behaviors; do not reward unwanted behaviors; maintain a consistent training line.

• Rewards: This is the fun and easy part. Rewards are not reserved for active training only. If your puppy urinates outside the house, praise him. If he greets another dog in a friendly way, tell him he is great.
• Don't reward negative attitudes - in this case you will need to be more vigilant. If the dog does something you don't like, think about his motives: he usually acts because he receives some kind of reward. You will need to remove this reward. For example, if he jumps on you excitedly when he sees the leash, you shouldn't put it on and take him for a walk, because you would reward his behavior. Instead, turn around or look at the sky until it calms down. Only then put him on the leash and carry him around.
• Be consistent: You and all other people who have contact with the dog should have the same reactions to the dog's behaviors. If you never feed him off the dinner table, but your child gives the dog half of his plate, it creates a problem. Or if you tell the dog to stay down when he jumps, but in other cases you hug and praise him, you will send the animal ambiguous signals that will confuse him.

Step 2. Choose your reward

When you train your dog to behave in a specific way, you need to have a ready reward. Choose something the dog really loves; the better the reward, the easier the training will be. If your dog loves to play, you can try using his favorite toy and playing with him when he barks. In almost all cases, however, food rewards will be the most effective way to train a dog. The best treats are your dog's favorite treats that are easy to carry, break into pieces and are healthy. Use different treats so your dog doesn't get bored. Trial:

• Cheese sticks;
• Cooked chicken;
• Meatloaf for dogs;
• Broken dog biscuits or store-bought treats;
• Frozen baby carrots or peas (for dogs on a diet).

Step 3. Consider

In clicker training, make a sound to let the dog know that he has done something right. The clicker is very effective, because it is a unique and constant sound, different from your voice. You can, however, also say "good" or "yes" as a signal, if you don't have a clicker.

First, load the clicker. Hold a prize in your hand. If the dog tries to catch it, close your hand. Use the clicker and offer the treat to the dog. Repeat a few minutes later. Then do it again. Continue until the dog comes right up to you when he hears the clicker, expecting a reward

Step 4. Teach him one command at a time, in short, simple and rewarding sessions

The most effective training should be fun for you and the dog. To get the most out of your sessions, follow these tips:

• Schedule short sessions. Training sessions should not exceed 15 minutes and should be even shorter for a puppy.
• Teach him a part of leadership. For example, if you want to train your dog to sit and sit still, start with the sit command. Reward him every time he sits, then add a command when the dog sits, finally teach him to sit on command. At this point, move on to train him to remain seated; then to remain seated when you leave; finally, try training sessions in a distracting environment, such as a park. Splitting the training in this way will make it more effective.
• Use simple words and not sentences. Your commands must be simple and consistent, they must never change: "sit down" instead of "sit down, Fido" or "stay down" or "sit down please". The more words you use, the more you will confuse the dog.
• Don't go too fast and don't extend your training too long. If the dog is having trouble with a command, go back to something he knows. Keep the training positive. Don't end in failure. Make sure you stop before the dog is bored or frustrated.
• Practice in real life. Do not train your dog only during exercises. Try saying "sit" or "stop" when you take him out. Get your paw in the park. Make training a part of daily life.
• Be patient! It takes time to train a dog; in fact, it is a process that never ends. But it's worth it. A well-trained dog is a confident and happy dog.

Step 5. Decide what to teach the dog

All owners of a golden retriever puppy want to teach him to go to the toilet as soon as possible and almost everyone will want to get used to using a leash. Basic obedience training - sit, still, come, down, let go - is also key. The other desired tricks, skills and behaviors depend on the owner's personal preferences.

• Golden retrievers love to fetch and this is a great way to get them to exercise, so it's a good skill to teach. Alternatively, you could teach the pet to pull objects in your hand or to pick up a Frisbee.
• Games like "talk" and "paw" are fun, but not necessary.
• If you travel with your dog frequently, you will need to make sure he is trained to stay in a crate or crate.
• Depending on your dog's temperament, you may need to train him not to beg and jump on you when you return home, or not to show aggression towards other dogs (although this isn't typically a problem for golden retrievers).

Method 2 of 6: Train the Pup to Obedience

Step 1. Decide what to teach the puppy

Obedience training involves teaching your dog to react in specific ways to your verbal commands or hand gestures. Basic commands like "sit", "come", "spring" and "stop" are important to help you manage your dog and ensure its safety, but there are many other commands you can teach, such as "paw", "roll" "," jump "or" talk. Most of these skills are taught with the same basic methods of rewards - to catch or to bait - of which you'll see an example later with the "sit" command.

Step 2. Use the bait method to teach the "sit" command

Make sure you split the training described here into several short sessions over several days.

• With a treat in hand, have the puppy sniff his fist, then raise your hand above and behind his head. When his eyes follow you and his head rotates upward, the golden puppy will automatically sit down. As soon as he does, say "yes" or use the clicker and give the dog the treat. Do this until you can get him to sit down easily.
• Now try the same process, but with no prize in hand. Tell him "sit" and move your hand back. Give him the treat as soon as he sits down.
• When the puppy has learned to sit following the empty hand, move away and use the same hand motion at a distance as you say "sit".
• Finally, tell him "sit" without moving your hand and give the dog the reward when he sits down.

Step 3. Use the capture method to teach the "sit" command

Get rewards for the dog. Ignore the puppy, but watch him carefully. As soon as he sits down, give him "sit down" and throw him a treat. He will try everything to receive another award. Wait for him to sit down again, then tell him "sit" and throw a reward. The dog will quickly learn to connect the action of sitting, the word "sit" and the prizes.

Method 3 of 6: Teaching the Puppy to Go Needs Outside the Home

Step 1. Learn when to train your golden retriever puppy to go toilet outside

Start doing this as soon as you bring it home. After the trip, take your puppy to the chosen point of need and let him sniff the area. If he urinates or defecates, reward him. Bring him to that area regularly (every 20 minutes if possible) and when he goes to the toilet, give him a lot of praise.

• The times when a dog goes to the toilet most often are immediately after eating and 20 minutes after eating. Take him out at both times to increase the likelihood that he will need to go to the set point.
• In this first phase you will have to pay attention to lucky coincidences and reward them. Don't worry if your pet doesn't "understand" in the beginning, but never punish him for going to the house.

Step 2. Be positive and consistent

Punishing your dog for urinating or defecating in the house will only scare him and make learning more difficult. Consistency is the best training method.

Step 3. Feed the puppy at regular intervals

Avoid giving him food between meals. Getting him to eat at regular intervals will also lead him to go to the toilet on a regular basis.

Step 4. Take your puppy out at the same time often

A constant schedule is the best way to avoid accidents. Many puppies should be taken out every hour, after meals and after naps. You should always take a puppy out as soon as you wake up, right before bed and before you confine or leave him alone.

• A puppy, during the day, can usually hold urine for the same number of hours as he is age in months.
• Puppies can hold urine for longer at night. A 4 month old puppy should be able to make it through the night.

Step 5. Keep an eye on the puppy to prevent accidents

You don't want your dog to get into the habit of going to the house, so whenever he is confined to a confined space, watch him carefully. Fast walking, moaning, walking in circles, sniffing, and leaving the room are signs that you need to urinate or defecate. Get him out as quickly as possible.

Step 6. Confine your golden retriever puppy when you can't watch him

Use a cage or small room with the door closed, or locked by a baby gate. As your puppy grows, you can gradually increase the size of the area, eventually allowing him to use more rooms. Especially when you first increase the size of the space, it is a good idea to do so right after the golden goes out of business.

Step 7. Reward your puppy for urinating or defecating outside the house

When you are training the pet, you should always go out with him. Take him to the same spot each time, so that the smell entices him to go to the toilet. Reward him with praise, prizes, or games.

Step 8. Stay calm if you discover the puppy going to the house

You shouldn't scare him and absolutely avoid rubbing his face on the dirty floor. Clap your hands hard to get his attention; usually it will be enough to stop it. Then quickly run outside, encouraging the dog to follow you. If your dog stops urinating or defecating outdoors, give him a reward. If he has nothing else to expel, don't worry.

Method 4 of 6: Train the Puppy to Use a Leash

Step 1. Decide how well your dog should be trained

It takes discipline, consistency and time to teach your dog to walk alongside you, never pulling on the leash or starting to run after a cat. On the other hand, if you don't mind that the dog walks in front of you, as long as you don't pull the leash too much, you can achieve the desired result with a harness that does not pull or stops the head, without resorting to any type of training. Understanding what you want to achieve - in agreement with all the people who have to walk the dog - is the most important thing.

Step 2. Get the right tools

You will need a 1, 2-1.8 meter fixed length leash. Extendable and extra long leashes make training more difficult. As a collar, use a regular, a slide, a halter collar, or a harness that does not pull.

• DO NOT use a choke collar except in the presence of a professional trainer.
• DO NOT use a spiked collar except in the presence of a professional trainer.

Step 3. Turn every walk into a training session

Consistency is key, so as long as your dog can't walk without pulling, every walk will be a training session. Make them short and fun. Taking a long walk with an untrained dog will only make both of you lose patience.

Step 4. Exercise your dog before leash training sessions

This is important for two reasons: as long as your puppy is not trained, the walks will be too short to be considered sufficient physical activity, and energetic dogs have a tendency to pull on the leash. Play fetch or pull things, or let your dog play with others at the park before training sessions.

Step 5. Have rewards on hand

You will need a lot of them to train your dog. For walks, soft foods such as cheese, cooked sausages, dried meat or chicken are the most suitable, because the dog can eat them without stopping.

Step 6. Walk quickly

Moving fast makes walking more interesting for the dog, who will stop less often. It will also be easier to teach the dog not to pull if you take a natural step for the animal.

Step 7. Choose a method that suits you

There are four main methods of teaching a dog not to pull on the leash. Some are better suited to certain dogs than others. If you choose one method and don't notice any progress after a few weeks, try another one.

• Stop and go: when your dog reaches the end of the leash, stop, wait until the leash is no longer taut, then call the dog to you and ask him to sit down; when he does, say "Yes" and give him a treat. Do this EVERY TIME the dog reaches the end of the leash. Give your dog treats even when he looks at you or when he walks close to you. You want me to associate walking next to you with treats, and pulling the leash with an interruption in the walk. If he pulls to smell something, stop as usual, but instead of giving him a treat when he's seated, let him explore the scent he had previously smelled.
• Go out and reward: Fill your left hand with treats, hold it in front of your golden retriever's nose, tell him "let's walk" and start walking; Give him a treat every few seconds, but if he rolls, stop and call him towards you, then reward him. Don't go too far - these walks require a lot of treats and movements towards the dog. After a week, stop using the baits. You say "let's walk" and walk with your left hand held normally. Give the dog a treat every two steps. On the following walks, gradually increase the number of steps between the rewards: 2, 5, 10, 20. Eventually, you should be able to walk with the dog by your side and only occasionally give him treats.
• Direction change method: This choice is useful for dogs who have problems with the first two methods. When the dog approaches the end of the leash, you say "softly"; if he slows down, say "yes" and reward him, but if he continues to reach the end of the leash, turn sharply and head to the opposite side, letting the leash pull the dog's neck. Praise him as he hurries to join you and when he does, turn around again and resume walking in the original direction. Do this every time the dog pulls. When your dog walks next to you or beside you, treat him regularly.

• This method should work in no time. If your dog doesn't stop pulling after several sessions, stop.

  Do not use this method with a choke or spiked collar, as this could injure the dog

• Correction with the collar: this option is reserved for dogs that have problems with the first two methods. When the dog approaches the end of the leash, say "softly"; if he slows down, say "yes" and reward him, but if he keeps getting to the end, pull hard. It can take several hits to slow the dog down. Make sure you reward him regularly when he walks beside you without pulling on the leash.

  • Pulling too hard can injure a dog's neck or throat.
  • This method should work in a few days. If not, you'll have to stop and try something else.

  Method 5 of 6: Cage Training

  

  Step 1. Use a crate to keep your puppy and belongings safe when you are at home or on the road

  There are many reasons for training your dog to stay in a cage. Use the cage for:

  • Keep the puppy safe when you can't watch him
  • Keep your belongings safe when you can't look at it;
  • When the puppy is home alone;
  • Give the puppy a place to calm down;
  • The travels;
  • Keep the puppy away from children or other dogs;
  • Facilitate puppy training.

  

  Step 2. Learn the reasons for not using the cage

  Never use the cage to punish the dog. When the dog is no longer a puppy and you can trust him not to destroy the house, do not keep the dog in the cage when you are away. Save use for special moments - for example when you have guests - and for travel. In most cases, the dog should enter the cage voluntarily.

  

  Step 3. Choose a cage

  You can choose whichever you prefer, although many people prefer iron cages, which are the strongest and most comfortable for dogs (they are also often used in kennels). The most important aspect is to choose the right size cage. If it is too small, the dog will not be comfortable. If it is too big, the dog will consider it a bed.

  • To save money, buy a crate that you can use even when the dog is grown up and insert a divider to make it the appropriate size for a puppy.
  • The dog should be able to stand up straight in the cage without hitting his head, turn around comfortably and lie on his side with his paws extended.
  • For a typical adult golden, a 105cm cage should suffice. Purchase a divider if the cage is for a puppy.

  

  Step 4. Make the cage safe and comfortable

  The dog should like the cage. This should be a comfortable place for him to relax, to the point where he decides to spend time there. Make sure you:

  • Put the cage in a room where you spend a lot of time, so that the puppy does not feel abandoned;
  • Keep it at a comfortable temperature, away from direct sunlight, fireplaces and radiators;
  • Put soft blankets inside;
  • Put some toys to bite inside, to give the dog a pastime;
  • Cover the cage with a towel or blanket. This will make it more like a den for the animal.

  

  Step 5. Teach the dog to associate the cage with good things

  Before training your dog to use the cage, you will need to teach him that it is a magical and wonderful place where he can find all the things he loves. If you do it right, cage training will be much easier.

  • Set up the cage without the dog seeing you, open the door and put food around the entrance, just inside and at the back. Put some new toys inside as well.
  • Let the dog explore the cage on his own. Don't give him attention. Don't say anything if you go inside. Let your dog get used to his pace.
  • Every hour or so, put more food in the cage when the dog is not looking. Soon, he will enter the cage on his own to forage for food. Be sure to calculate this food in the dog's diet.
  • Also start feeding him in the cage. In the beginning, place the bowl just inside the cage, so that the dog only has to enter with his head. If it works, after two or three times move the bowl to the center, then to the bottom.

  

  Step 6. Train your dog to enter the cage to receive rewards

  Show the dog a treat and throw him in the cage. When entering, use the command of your choice, for example "Cage". Once inside, praise him and give him another reward. Step away and wait for it to leave the cage. When it does, it uses the exit command - "Out!". Praise him but don't give him a reward; the prizes must be associated with the magic cage.

  • Repeat 10 times, pause for a few minutes, then repeat 10 more times. Always use command words.
  • Repeat the entire ritual several times a day, until the dog can easily enter the cage to recover the rewards. This part of the training shouldn't take long.

  

  Step 7. Teach the dog to enter the cage on command

  After throwing a reward inside a couple of times to prepare the dog, use the command without giving the pet a treat. If he comes in, give him a lot of praise and give him a treat or two. Praise him even when he goes out.

  • Repeat 10 times, pause, then repeat 10 more.
  • Repeat this training several times a day for two to three days, until the dog enters or leaves the cage on command.
  • If golden's puppy is having trouble with this step, go back to the previous one.

  

  Step 8. Close the door

  Ask the puppy to enter the cage and sit down. Slowly close the door. If you have to slam it before the dog escapes, it is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise him and give him a treat, then open it and let him out.

  • Practice in sets of 10 reps, then a break and another set of 10.
  • Gradually increase the time inside the cage before letting him out. Do 10 second training sessions, then 30, 45 and finally one minute.

  

  Step 9. Get further away

  When your dog can safely stay in the cage for a minute, you will need to start walking away when he is inside.

  • In the first session, step back a few meters before returning. Move to different places in the room and keep watching the dog.
  • Then, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy.
  • Add moments where you briefly leave the room and come back.
  • Finally, leave the room.

  

  Step 10. Leave the room

  In the beginning, go out for just five minutes. Gradually increase the time away up to 30 minutes.

  • If your dog gets too anxious when you are away, come back and let him out. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you leave the dog alone.
  • Always remove your puppy's leash and collar before placing him in the cage, as he may choke.

  

  Step 11. Leave the dog in the cage when you are not at home

  When your dog can be safely caged for 30 minutes, you will need to start caging him when you go out. If the pet is a puppy, you cannot be absent for too long, because a puppy cannot stay for more than 3 hours without urinating. Even if you have an adult dog, you shouldn't leave it in a cage during the day for more than 4 hours. He will need to be able to get up and stretch his legs.

  • Exercise your dog and give him something to chew or a toy before you leave.
  • Vary the time you put your dog in the cage. Do this sometimes ten minutes before you go. Five more. In other cases, just before going out the door. Don't let him associate the cage with your absence.
  • Don't give too much importance to the fact that you are leaving. Praise the dog when he enters the cage, then go.

  

  Step 12. Have the dog sleep in the cage at night

  Now that the puppy is comfortable in the cage, he can sleep there at night, but make sure you can hear him. Puppies often need to urinate in the middle of the night.

  

  Step 13. Be patient

  Each dog is unique. Some golden can be trained in a week or less. More shy dogs or those with negative previous experiences can take many weeks. Don't push the dog too fast. Make sure she is comfortable with each step before moving on to the next.

  Method 6 of 6: Teach the Puppy to Play Fetch

  

  Step 1. Start with good habits

  Golden retrievers love to play fetch, and this is a great activity for them to train. You probably won't need help getting him chasing a ball or toy. Make sure you get him to learn good habits right away, he'll have to figure out how to get the toy back and leave it near you.

  

  Step 2. Use two toys to teach the dog to bring them back

  Throw one and when the dog picks it up, show the other and throw it somewhere else. As he chases him, pick up the first toy.

  • Do this until he gets used to picking up the item and running towards you.
  • Eventually, you will be able to call the dog without showing the second toy. If he comes, tell him "drop" and show the second toy.
  • When the dog drops the items on command, you can avoid using the second toy.

  

  Step 3. Attach a string to the toy if using two toys doesn't work

  When the dog picks it up, shake the thread and run away to encourage the pet to follow you.

  • If he follows you, give him a reward.
  • If the dog still doesn't come to you, bring him closer with the wire. Praise him and give him a reward when he is near you.
  • Don't throw the toy right away every time. Let the dog chew it for a while before getting it back. Don't make him think he'll lose the item every time he brings it back to you.
  • After a few weeks, the dog should stop trying to escape with the toy.

  

  Step 4. Use the rewards to get the dog to drop the item

  Say "Spring" and hold a treat right in front of the dog's nose. Even the most stubborn dogs will leave the toy with this method.

  • If the dog still doesn't leave the toy, try irresistible food, such as bacon or cheese.
  • Eventually you will no longer have to use the treat, but still give one to the dog from time to time.

  

  Step 5. Step away to teach the dog to leave the object near you

  Just before the dog leaves the object, say "Bring it" and walk away. When he reaches the spot where you are, say "Spring" and approach him to pick up the toy. It may take a few weeks for your dog to learn how to bring the toy back to you.

  

  Step 6. Use "Sit" and "Stop" to teach the dog not to pick up the toy when you want to pick it up

  Tell him to sit down and stop when he drops the toy. If the dog tries to pick it up when you bend over, immediately say "No" or "Ah, ah" and stand up. Eventually, the dog will understand that if he wants to continue playing, he will have to sit and stand still while you pick up the toy.