Lessons In Golden Retriever Obedience Training

by Carol Matthews

Few folks can resist that adorable ball of fluff known as the Golden Retriever puppy. But before you bring one of those fur balls home from the breeder, it is helpful to get some basic information regarding Golden Retriever obedience training. Training your pup will begin the first day that you bring him home, and will continue for many weeks and even months as your puppy learns the rules of the house and that you are quite serious about enforcing them.

This means that you need to have an idea of what the rules of the house will be from day one. Do you want your adult Golden Retriever lolling about on your bed or taking up the majority of your couch? If the answer is no, then now is the time to teach that pup that the bed and couch are off limits. The good news is that these dogs are quite easy to please, so once he learns the house rules, he should be inclined to follow them - at least most of the time.

One of the first types of Golden Retriever obedience training that you will work on with your pup is housebreaking. The best method for housebreaking most puppies is crate training. Purchase a crate that is big enough for your pup to turn around and stand up in, but not so big that he would be tempted to go to the bathroom inside. Since this little pup is going to grow into a big pup rather quickly, you can purchase a larger crate that includes a dividing wall that can expand and eventually be removed as your Golden Retriever grows.

When your puppy is not in his crate, you need to keep a close eye on the signs that he might need to go outside. This might include sniffing the ground, whining or going to the back door. Take him out right away if you see any of these signals and praise him when he does his business successfully. It is also good to take him out after meals and naps, when he is most likely to need to potty.

Housebreaking is just the first step of Golden Retriever obedience training. Once your puppy has mastered where to go potty, it is time to move on to other types training. The best way to do this is by enrolling you and your dog in a formal obedience training course.

You can find these classes at pet stores, community centers and from your veterinarian’s office. A formal training class will ensure that your dog learns correct behavior through proper methods that will ensure success.

If you have been through the formal training programs with other pups, you can train your Golden Retriever at home. It is very important that you work with him for at least a few minutes every day on the basic commands to ensure that your dog gets a good grasp of what is expected and how to behave.

With clear consistent training and loads of praise and positive reinforcement, your Golden will be a delight for you and your family for many years to come.

About the Author:

Carol Matthews is an avid lover of the Golden Retriever and has a popular website where you’ll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Golden Retriever. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Golden Retriever Obedience Training plus a whole lot more.

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