How to Use Obedience Training With Your Golden Retriever

There are few things cuter than a Golden Retriever puppy, but that adorable fur ball that you brought home from the breeder will quickly become a fifty-pound chewing machine if you are not ready and willing to whip that pup into shape. Not literally of course. This eager to please dog will respond best to plenty of praise and positive reinforcement when it comes to effective Golden Retriever obedience training. The best way to train this type of dog is to begin the first day you bring it home, by teaching and reinforcing the rules of the house immediately.

This means that if you don’t want your full grown dog hopping up on your bed or sofa, don’t let your small puppy up there now. Not once, not ever. This way, your dog learns in no uncertain terms what the expectations are, so he can learn to live within the boundaries that you set for him. Beyond this basic step, there are additional obedience training tips that will help you and your Golden Retriever to live harmoniously.

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.

Your Golden Retriever should only be kept in his crate for short periods of time, and he should be taken outdoors immediately when he is released. Take him to the same spot in the yard and wait until he goes to the bathroom. Then you can praise him and bring him indoors. Repeat this process after meals and naps, or when you see your pup begin to sniff around on the carpet, and you will be able to prevent most accidents from occurring in the house.

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 obedience training classes at many pet stores, community centers or through your veterinarian’s office. Don’t be surprised if your pup loves his schooling, since it is yet another way for him to get out and socialize!

To choose a training program for your dog, look for smaller class sizes and an emphasis on food rewards and praise. Since Golden Retrievers are eager to please their masters, this is generally the best approach to Golden Retriever obedience training. Avoid programs that emphasize punishment or intimidation as a method of training.

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:

About the author: Carol Matthews is an avid lover of the Golden Retriever and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Golden Retriever. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Golden Retriever Obedience Training plus a whole lot more.