Golden Retriever puppies require training due to their boundless energy, playful nature, and need for mental stimulation, though this can be a difficult task! Our team of professional dog trainers in Chicago and the surrounding areas understands what it takes to turn your puppy into the ideal family pet.

Stacy McGowan and her family brought their Golden Retriever to us because she was causing them a lot of grief. Stacy says after completing the Sit Means Sit board and training program:

“Kerry is incredible with dogs and their owners. She’s straightforward, positive, and adaptable. We were frustrated with our “spirited” golden retriever before our board and train, but she is now so pleasant and enjoyable to be around. This training is effective. Thank you so much, Kerry! “

How did we pull it off? Check out our top 5 golden retriever puppy training tips!

Learn how to socialize your puppy properly before you begin training. One of the most important steps in raising a friendly and social dog is socialization. Puppies have a “socialization period” that lasts until they are three months old, during which you want to make sure they have a positive experience with everything they will encounter as adults.

Take your puppy to socialization classes, such as the Sit Means Sit group classes (only after they’ve been properly vaccinated!). A group class provides a safe environment in which you can practice socialization and seek assistance as needed. We hold our group classes in different public places, so it’s easy for your puppy to get used to places like parks and stores.

If golden retrievers could talk, they would tell their owners that they eat to live rather than live to eat. Find treats that will motivate them and use them to reinforce their good behavior.

If you’re using a lot of treats during a training session, reduce the amount of kibble you feed in the evenings or mornings! You don’t want your dog to become overweight, so more snacks mean more calories throughout the day.

It may be cute to ask your dog for a high-five, but if your Golden Retriever refuses to obey basic commands like “sit” or “stay,” you may become frustrated. Starting around the age of 8–10 months, Golden Retrievers can exhibit typical adolescent behaviors such as testing boundaries, not listening, and rambunctiousness.

It’s critical to focus on standard commands during this time, such as:

An expert trainer may be able to help you with additional commands that are specific to your family’s needs and lifestyle.

You should start training a Golden Retriever puppy as soon as you bring it into your home. Because this breed is known for being very smart, they will learn quickly if you train them in the same way over and over again.

It’s difficult to know where to start. As a result, we strongly advise working with professional trainers.

Your dog will pick up on your frustrations. To get the best results from your training, stay positive, take breaks when you need them, and stay persistent.